
Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 1,357 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos worth booking?
Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos is a 3.5-hour experience in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from $48 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 1,357 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (1,357)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $48 per person
In a small group of maximum 12 people we discover the 5 Isles of the protected national park 'Los Arcos'. The experienced guide will explain about the animals, plants and history of the area. We will even enter in some caves! After that we will go to the best snorkel spot in the bay and observe the fish from nearby! Ready for an immersive and personalized adventure in a cordial atmosphere?
What you get
About this experience
In a small group of maximum 12 people we discover the 5 Isles of the protected national park 'Los Arcos'. The experienced guide will explain about the animals, plants and history of the area. We will even enter in some caves! After that we will go to the best snorkel spot in the bay and observe the fish from nearby! Ready for an immersive and personalized adventure in a cordial atmosphere?
What's included
Included
- Bus fee
- Life vest
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Permits for National Park
- Boat ride
Not included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Puerto Vallarta
Meet on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store and the buses. NOT in the tour shop next to the bus stop! (different company!) Wait for the guide, don't go on the bus on your own. Staying south of Vallarta and want to meet directly in Mismaloya? Message me! Cruise ship: LOCAL time ≠ boat time
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store and the buses. NOT in the tour shop next to the bus stop! (different company!) Wait for the guide, don't go on the bus on your own. Staying south of Vallarta and want to meet directly in Mismaloya? Message me! Cruise ship: LOCAL time ≠ boat time
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Vallartanaturetrips
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- min age: 5 years, max age: 70 years
- Staying south of vallarta and want to go directly to Mismaloya? let me know!
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,357 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
1,357 verified traveler reviews for Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was such a great...
It was such a great experience! Highly recommend if you’re in Puerto Vallarta! Sebastian was a great guide.
via Viator
Our guide, Andres, made...
Our guide, Andres, made everything run smoothly and led a fantastic adventure! An easy bus ride, an informative boat tour of the islands and then a refreshing dip in the ocean to snorkel with the beautiful fish! The beach restaurant afterwards was great as well! Very good value!
via Viator
Long bus ride, beautiful fish in warm water
Guillermo was a great guide, and though the tour had to be cut slightly short because of a rainstorm, we enjoyed the snorkeling tour. On the downside it is a fairly long bus ride on a crowded city bus from the pickup point to Mismaloya Beach where the actual snorkeling tour begins. The facilities for changing and the restroom accommodations were minimal but effective. Because the warm water had so many types of colorful fish when we were snorkeling, overall the tour was worthwhile.
via Viator
Outstanding tour for a visiting tourist
This is a great tour! Sebastian and Juan Carlos were our guides and did a wonderful job meeting us, guiding us from start to finish, and most of all making sure we had a great time! We will look for them for future tours. Thank you!
via Viator
5 islands and wavy ocean
Overall, the experience was about what we expected. Our guide, Sebastian, was friendly and pleasant. We met him at a bus stop, took about a 20-minute bus ride, walked to the boat, and then took a boat trip to the islands. The islands were beautiful, and we enjoyed hearing some of the local stories and taking photos. The snorkeling, however, was a bit disappointing. The water was quite wavy, visibility wasn’t great, and we didn’t see many fish. Also, there were problems with the shower and we didn’t have a chance to wash off salty water. Overall, it was a nice experience to see the islands on a beautiful day, but the snorkeling was not a highlight and showers were not functional.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback and spending the day with Sebastian! We are glad you enjoyed the islands views. Weather factors across Mexico late this August temporarily caused unusually rough water and reduced visibility, but our marine life is usually thriving and vibrant. We also regret the issue with the showers. We appreciate your helpful note and hope you enjoyed your time in Vallarta!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 475
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Vallartanaturetrips, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2.
See everything Vallartanaturetrips runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puerto Vallarta.
How much does Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos cost?
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Prices start at $48 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puerto Vallarta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Puerto Vallarta is not rushed.
Is Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 1,357 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Puerto Vallarta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?
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Around 475 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Puerto Vallarta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Puerto Vallarta and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Puerto Vallarta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
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On Outty we rank every Puerto Vallarta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours, Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours, Signature Taco Tour in PV with Vallarta Eats. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Puerto Vallarta?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?
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Included: Bus fee; Life vest; Use of snorkeling equipment; Permits for National Park; and Boat ride. Not included: In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?
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Meet on the sidewalk in front of the OXXO store and the buses. NOT in the tour shop next to the bus stop! (different company!) Wait for the guide, don't go on the bus on your own. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos?
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Across 1,357 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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