Snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta is a bucketlist-worthy adventure!
My Puerto Vallarta trip definitely ranks up there with one of my favorite family trips.
Our adventures were endless and we had a fabulous time, and snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta was amazing!
What I’ve learned from an immense amount of travel on my own and as a travel writer, is that your destination travel is only as good as the guides you are with.
A Luxury Yacht Adventure: Snorkeling Los Arcos & More
If sailing on a luxury yacht, with a very small group of people (less than 30 people) accompanied with all-you-can-drink beverages, fantastic food, and tons of water activities lights your fire, I have found your adventure.
For the rest of you, go look at those large booze cruises, because this is not your gig!
On this snorkeling experience, we will also visit the lovely and secluded coves of Cabo Corrientes and see whales (seasonal but it happened!)
Passport travel to Puerto Vallarta is open and waiting for you, so book that flight, pack that luggage, and let’s fiesta and indulge in Los Arroc Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta!
Los Arcos Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta: Need to Know
Chances are if you are reading my article you want to know who we sailed with?
If you guessed we did snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta with the number 1 safest outfitter, you are right!
The proper name of our tour was: A Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour.
Fun in the sun is about to happen as well as underwater exploration, sun, and sealife.
FYI: About My Snorkeling Experience At Los Arcos In Puerto Vallarta
I do not work for this Puerto Vallarta Outfitter, in fact, all I know about them is that we booked tours with them and they were handled professionally.
We were not compensated for this tour, nor was it suggested by anyone, we sought them out on our own!
What I want you to know is that if you are craving the chance to take part in snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta you want the safest outfitter and they are it! all mixed in.
The Luxury Yacht & Los Arcos Snorkeling Experience
What this is not is a party boat, but you can have your own party and drink as much as you like.
Just remember you have to still keep your head on if you are snorkeling so while liquid courage may feel great it may not allow you to make the best decisions while in the water!
For those that take part in snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, with this outfitter, you will experience a caring staff with tons of knowledge about the area.
Plus, the outfitter has towels for you to use, as well as paddleboards and CLEAN snorkeling equipment.
Do tote your camera, as there are so many wonderful photo opportunities, but also just sit back and enjoy the scenery too!
Why You Will Love Snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta?
In front of us is Los Arcos. In case you do not know why it is so famous, it is the sight of where Night of The Iguana starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was filmed.
Also, of course, the scenery and the sun.
I mean, look at what is in front of the yacht, lovely landscape and blue skies.
The Luxury Yacht is that…luxurious, the front seats are soft pillows or you can sit on the steps.
In fact, the yacht is kept very sterile.
Food and Beverages
My husband and I wanted to keep our wits about ourselves after all we had three children to tend to, we were in open water, and getting in that water, we did not drink anything more than water on the way to Los Arcos.
However, on the sail back, we definitely did our share of adult beverages!
Munching with this fantastic trio of shrimp, guac, and nachos!
Yes, this cruise included all-you-can-drink beverages as well as a snack and a fresh twist on lunch which you will see as you read on.
Small-Group = More Personalized Service
What I love is when you are not in large crowds and you kind of get to know the staff.
We learned just enough to know how dedicated they are to their jobs and their tourism.
In fact, our staff really chatted with us and worked with each of us to make the most of our snorkeling experience.
Additionally, we also got to know some of the people we were snorkeling with.
It’s good to know we all worry about sharks and love to see whales so that was a large part of our discussion, LOL!
Our Guide + The Overview Before Snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta
Our group consisted of about a total of 17 and the director of the snorkeling and cove fun was Cory.
He is a master of what he does, not only does he explain everything step by step he does not push you if you are not comfortable doing something.
I personally hate getting into the Ocean, guess what, after his explanation, I was in as much as everyone else snorkeling!
As a special bonus, Cory told us if there were sharks he would see them first, lol!
Maybe he would swim faster and get out first, LOL!?
Overview + Light Training Before Snorkeling
Cory, told us everything about the area, the water and set our expectations about snorkeling.
Here are the fish we could expect to see today, this helped my husband quickly identify what he was seeing in the camera and shoot photos fast.
Could we identify what fish we saw in the water? Sure after we came out we did see a few of those fish on the chart.
It is awe-inspiring below the water and truly on a sunny day, you can see a good distance down.
Cory spent more time under than we did!
More Information You Might Want to Know
My children were the ‘youngest’ on this cruise it seemed to be adults 25+ but the children were welcome and treated like queens and kings.
There were no rules for how old or young you could be on this trip.
Additionally, you were not forced to get off the ship.
You could not get in the water at all if that is your preference, simply do what you want to enjoy.
No rushing, no pushing, no one was over drinking either. I totally preferred this environment.
Los Arcos Ahead
Again, this area is famed for Los Arcos as I have referenced above.
The photos you can capture are incredible.
Nature at its best and below Los Arcos is an entire universe of sea life you want to see.
We have been on a lot of tours but this was pretty fantastic from nature to sea life.
I will be the first to admit I often am ‘offish’ about these kinds of trips, but it was so relaxing.
Our destiny awaits, as we are headed to the arches where we are going to snorkel!
Fun Snorkeling Ahead Or Is It Scary?
Reality: the more brilliant the sun the better the snorkeling. While there were other boats snorkeling in Los Arcos, Puerto Vallarta, they did not interfere with our time. Plenty of people come to this destination and I can tell you why it’s gorgeous.
When you look at this formation it’s eerie and pretty all at the same time.
Do note that there is both still water and harder water, plus undercurrents, so it’s kind of wicked calmness as it was explained to us!
How Close Will We Get
Well, we are all over there, and I had someone take our photo. The Captain is very helpful!
Do not fear if you have not snorkeled before, the staff is helpful.
Their only objective is to give you fun and a great holiday.
Ask questions, spit on your mask, and enjoy the water.
No wetsuits, just in case you were wondering.
Snorkeling Los Arcos, Let’s Look Below The Water!
Our guide, spent a lot of time down under, pointing things out for all of us to see.
Really, he was unbelievably fearless of the environment. He knew exactly where to dive and what to look for.
We simply swam along above and every once in a while large schools of fish came out of nowhere.
Cory would point and show and we would watch and photo. What a great setup right?
If you hear people say they can not see anything they are just used to the Caribbean water.
You can see so many fish, and you can see down to about 15 feet without an issue and without diving down, but this is really dependant on the sun shining.
Puerto Vallarta’s Secret Beach – Playa Colomitos: extended adventures
This secret beach knocked my socks off, the water was warm, the color was incredible and the clarity was amazing.
The stingray thing is what I am going to address right now and why you might want beach shoes!
In addition to fish and great snorkeling, there were multiple stingrays at the bottom in this cove, like a covered bottom of stingrays.
Cory went around with my husband and son and showed them these creatures.
I kind of was leery of them because of what happened to Crocodile Hunter, but the photo ops were just crazy good.
So maybe a Jackass move, but I went ahead and hopped on in and same to shore!
Challenging Ourselves & Heading To the Beach at the Cove of Colimis (Playa Colomitos)
When Cory was not in the water, he was getting us in the water on Paddleboards and we were all cheering each other on, as all of us tried it out!
Once off the paddle boards we swam to the beach and rested and then swam back to the boat! It was so much fun.
Yes I did paddleboard, yes my kids did and we all had a great time.
You can paddleboard or swim to the beach. You only live once! This destination is amazing.
Lunchtime After Snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta & Paddle Boarding
Honestly exhausted from paddle boarding, snorkeling, and tons of swimming we happily set sail back to the marina.
On the way back we dined on this delicious tray for 2 along with plenty of margaritas and cervezas.
Fresh Mozzarella, pasta salad, fruits, sushi, and raw veggies, perfect for this vegetarian!
Culinary bliss with simple foods and great tastes. I loved the fresh mozzarella and the fuit.
The Jicama was not my favorite if we are being honest here.
Oh, these look so good, I want to get right back on that tour and swim and eat again!
Puerto Vallarta is open and ready for me, and I’ve got my passport ready, do you?
El Capitan For Our Snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta Experience
What To Know About Snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta
We were in Los Arcos, the water was a bit ‘rough’ moving us from the boat rapidly.
For a frame of reference, our vacation to Puerto Vallarta was in January, but the water in Puerto Vallarta is often rough.
It’s not just a January thing, go to YouTube and see others talk about this!
What Happened That Made Me Knew We Chose Right!
Our Captain positioned the boat so that if we floated away, we would float to him and his staff, because he knows the water and how it works in this highly sought-after snorkeling area.
In comparison: another venue we had looked at online set their people in the water, did not provide snorkels, flippers, or facemasks, and were left to float endlessly.
Our Captain (photo’d above) saw their passengers in distress and rescued them.
That’s right, a full rescue.
Chaos Settled By A Professional Outfitter
Our captain allowed them to rest and then got them back to their boat.
During all of this, the other Outfitter’s Captain did not even note he had lost those passengers. and was clueless that they were in distress from the rough water.
So a very simple message to you for those who choose to choose snorkeling Los Arcosin Puerta Vallarta as an activity: seek out our guides!
How Do We Get to Go To Snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta?
Book your tour online with the tour operator.
We chose to leave the Maritime Terminal, which was about 10 minutes from our hotel by the Malecon.
Our cab fits the 5 of us and it cost us $7 to get there. There are different-sized cabs FYI!
Additionally, you need about $1.25 a person to enter the marina before you check in with this outfitter.
What Should You Bring With You?
This is a 4-hour excursion, and you’ll need a few simple things, don’t haul a lot!
- Shoes, but you won’t be wearing them on the yacht, they put them all in one bag and give them back at the end.
- An underwater camera/video for fish sightings and yes you will see fish if the sunshine down!
- Maybe sunscreen but put it on before you get on the yacht, they don’t want you spraying the cushions you sit on.
- Cash because you’ll need to tip them and you’ll need money to get back to your hotel.
- Sunglasses
- Hat (but hold on to that hat when you are sailing unless it’s like the one I shared in the link!)
- Cover shirt for too much sun or when you get to the taxi area again!
- Water Shoes for the beach area
Snorkeling Los Arcos In Puerto Vallarta with a side of possible Whale Sightings
From the month of December to the beginning of March you might get lucky enough to see whales and we did.
Don’t pay for those other tours and then go snorkeling, do this first and you might not have to take a whale tour!
The Captain cut the motor and allowed the whale to move around, it was crazy great!
But your fingers do have to be speedy because when these gentle giants surface it is quick.
In fact, I missed a few chances because I was so excited and giddy to see the action.
Our Overall Snorkeling Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta Experience
Our trip began just a little off schedule.
Once aboard, the Captain explained something had happened, but that they would more than make sure we had enough time everywhere.
The group we were with was relaxed, no idiots binge drinking, just everyone wanting to have fun.
Do note that this trip costs a bit more than those booze cruise and snorkel adventures.
Never fear, there are bathrooms on board, welcoming staff, and delicious food and beverages.
Also, note that you are not forced to get into the water! If you prefer to just sit and watch from the deck you can.
Things To Note About This Experience
The day started at about 9:30 and we were back in about 2:30.
Do make sure you get to the Marina on time so you get on your adventure.
All cab drivers know where to go when you tell them the Marina.
Unlike most tours, this one provided all the equipment including towels which made it so much easier on us.
The tour albeit more pricy as I mentioned is also very affordable with respect to some other tours we have done when traveling to other places.
We had a fabulous time with the staff, and the adventure, and we would do it again.
It’s a great day on the water and below. ~ Dana XO