Los Arcos 5 islands Snorkeling Cliff Jumping and Hidden Beach

Los Arcos is the star here: you’ll swim near Puerto Vallarta’s famous stone arches, pass through sea caves, and look for fish in a protected marine area. The optional cliff jump adds a real jolt of fun, with lower and higher launch points for different comfort levels.

I like the generous time in the water, and I like the friendly local feel of guides such as Alfonso and Diego, who are often praised for keeping people safe while explaining the marine life. The $49 price also covers transportation, equipment, drinks, and small snacks.

The main catch is pace and water conditions. This is a short group outing, not a private charter, and some departures have felt rushed or crowded. Snorkeling visibility can also turn murky, and fins or life jackets may not be handled exactly the same way on every departure.

Key points to know before you book

• Cliff jumping comes early, with optional jumps from roughly 15 feet to more than 20 feet, depending on the launch point.
• Los Arcos offers the best water time, including snorkeling, sea caves, fish viewing, and a close look at the arches.
• The beach stop is small and simple, better for a short swim than for walking, sunbathing, or exploring.
• Pickup begins at a Pemex station in Zona Romántica, not at the cruise pier, and the ride south takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
• The crew provides water, soda, beer, and snacks, but the snack may be no more than a granola-bar-style item.
• Water visibility and group pace vary, so this suits active people who can handle boat boarding, swimming, and uneven rocks.

Why Los Arcos makes this short tour worthwhile

Puerto Vallarta has many boat outings, but Los Arcos gives you several kinds of fun in one compact morning. You get a fast ride along the coast, a cliff-jumping option, time in the water, a trip through rock arches and caves, and a small beach stop.

I like that the tour does not spend the whole morning on a boat with only a photo stop. You actually enter the water and get a chance to see fish close to the reef. The boat ride through the arches is also worth your attention, even if you never put on a mask.

At $49 per person, the outing offers good value if you want a half-day activity without paying for a full-day charter. Transportation, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, beer, and snacks are included. You are paying for a busy, active package rather than a slow private cruise.

That distinction matters. If you want complete control over the schedule, a quiet boat, or a long stretch at one snorkeling site, this is not the right format. If you want several coastal highlights at a modest price, it makes more sense.

From Zona Romántica to Mismaloya beach

The meeting point is the Pemex gas station at Carr. Costera a Barra de Navidad 380 in Zona Romántica. A vehicle collects you there and takes you south along the coastal highway toward Mismaloya. The drive is listed at about 15 minutes, though actual accounts put the transfer closer to 20 or 30 minutes depending on the starting point and traffic.

You should plan this part carefully. The tour does not include pickup at the cruise ship terminal. If you are arriving by ship, the meeting point is well away from the port, and one account estimated roughly 45 minutes each way from the pier, with about $100 extra for a round-trip taxi. Use Puerto Vallarta local time, not ship time, when planning your arrival.

Mismaloya is more than a place to board. It has small shops, restaurants, and bars, and the beach gives you a first look at the coast south of town. Some departures use the Mismaloya area or nearby Boca de Tomatlán for boat boarding, so read the instructions you receive and ask where the vehicle will meet you on the return.

The boarding can be a little rustic. You may remove your shoes, store them at the local tour office, and board from the beach through breaking waves. That is part of the local character, but it is not ideal if you need steady footing or dislike getting wet before the boat ride begins.

Once aboard, the guide explains the area and the story of Mismaloya. The old abandoned movie set associated with The Night of the Iguana provides an unusual backdrop for the first activity. The cliff jump here is optional, and you can stay on the boat if the rocks or water do not look right for you.

The cliff jump is fun, but not a casual hop

The jumping portion is designed to get your heart going before the snorkeling. The advertised lower jump is around 15 feet, while some launch points reach about 7.5 meters, or more than 24 feet. Other accounts describe a jump of roughly five meters. The exact height depends on the spot used that day.

Do not treat the jump as a simple step off a dock. At least one route requires you to climb slippery rock on your hands and knees before reaching the launch point. Guides have pointed out safer handholds and footholds, but you still need basic comfort with rock scrambling and open water.

You can watch from the boat, swim below the rocks, or skip the activity entirely. That flexibility is useful for a mixed group. One person can make the jump while another enjoys the scenery.

I would not encourage you to jump just because other people do. The water can be wavy, and one account noted that only a few people could jump during rough conditions. Ask about the current conditions, and tell the crew if you need a life jacket or extra support. A person who is not a strong swimmer should not assume the jumping portion will be adapted automatically.

The tour normally puts the jump first, before drinks are served. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but the early start can feel abrupt. Guides who run a tight schedule may move the group along quickly, especially when several people are waiting.

Snorkeling at Los Arcos and through the caves

After the jumping, the boat heads toward Los Arcos de Mismaloya. These tall rock formations rise from the sea and create one of Puerto Vallarta’s best-known marine settings. The boat passes near the arches and caves, giving you views that you cannot get from the coastal road.

The main reward is the water time. You may see schools of small reef fish, angelfish, pufferfish, parrotfish, sergeant majors, cornetfish, goatfish, Moorish idols, sea horses, and surgeonfish. Eagle rays and sea turtles have also been seen, though no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

There is not much coral reef in some areas, so expect rocky underwater scenery rather than a classic coral garden. The water can be clear and full of fish, or murky with limited visibility. Wind, waves, currents, season, and boat traffic all affect the view. Los Arcos is popular, and several boats may gather around the same water.

The equipment is supplied, but the setup deserves attention. Accounts differ on whether fins were provided, and some people found the masks and snorkels basic or one-size-fits-all. Ask about fins before entering the water, and check that your mask seals properly. If you are new to snorkeling, request a clear demonstration and stay close to the guide.

Some departures require life jackets while swimming. That can make you feel safer, but it also limits how freely you can move. If you are a confident swimmer, ask what the current safety rule is before the boat leaves. If you are not a strong swimmer, the flotation device is a benefit, even if it makes snorkeling less comfortable.

The group may spread out in the water, and the boat can be difficult to spot if you swim far away. Keep track of the boat, your guide, and your companion. A bright hat or other visible marker can help you find the correct boat, but the safest choice is to stay with the group and follow the crew’s instructions.

The small beach stop is scenic, not a full beach day

The final stop is a beach reachable by boat. The sand is golden, the water is turquoise, and the rocky edge may offer another short swim with fish in the shallows. It gives you a chance to dry off, drink something, and let the pace settle.

The name hidden beach may raise expectations that this stop will be empty and secluded. In practice, it is a small landing area near private property, and several boats may arrive at the same time. There may be little room to walk, limited shade, and nowhere to spend a long afternoon.

I would treat this as a 20 to 30-minute pause, not the main event. If you prefer more snorkeling, the beach stop may feel like time taken away from the reef. If you want a break after swimming and rock climbing, it is a welcome change.

The stop can still produce small discoveries. One guide showed people hermit crabs along the shore, and another person found sea glass. Those details give the beach a more local feel, but you should not book this tour mainly for beach lounging.

After the stop, the boat returns to the harbor area, and the vehicle takes you back to the original meeting point. Allow time for the return transfer before making another appointment or planning a cruise departure.

Guides, group size, and the feel of the outing

The provider is Mismaloya Xtreme, a local operator with a crew that has included Alfonso, Diego, Arnold, Maximo, Efrain, Chito, Panchito, and Max. Names and assignments can change, but the strongest experiences tend to depend heavily on the guide running your boat.

Alfonso is often described as direct, funny, attentive, and generous with drinks. Diego has been praised for explaining the activities and helping manage the group. Maximo has been noted for clear English, while Arnold has led family-friendly outings. These details matter because the tour moves quickly and your guide controls both safety and the mood.

The group limit is listed at up to 99 people, though individual boats may be smaller. You should still expect a shared outing, not a private trip. A large or mixed-ability group can slow the cliff jumping and snorkeling, while a fast-moving guide can make beginners feel hurried.

The crew has also been praised for safety talks, helping with seasickness tablets, pointing out safer rock routes, and keeping people moving so they get more time in the water. At the same time, some departures have felt rushed, commanding, or short on snorkeling instructions. Your best approach is to speak up early and clearly if you need help with equipment, flotation, or boarding.

What is included for $49

The price covers more than the boat ride:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Private transportation to and from the meeting point
• Bottled water
• Soda
• Beer
• Small snacks

The refreshments are a practical bonus after swimming in the sun. Do not expect a meal. The snack may be a granola bar or something similar, so eat beforehand if you need a substantial breakfast.

WiFi is not included, and phone service should not be your only way to keep track of your group. Bring a waterproof way to carry essentials, but keep valuables to a minimum since the day includes beach boarding and wet transfers.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta boat trip

I would choose this tour if you want an active half-day with several stops and do not mind a little roughness around the edges. It is a good match for couples, friends, and families with older children who can swim, climb carefully, and follow instructions.

The outing has worked well for families with a 13-year-old, and one account found it suitable for people above that age. Still, age alone is not the key test. You need to be comfortable boarding a boat from a beach, moving over slippery rock, and swimming in open water.

I would think twice if you are an older person with balance problems, a very young child, a weak swimmer, or anyone who needs a calm and highly structured water activity. The boarding waves, rocky jump route, boat movement, and group pace can create real stress.

I would also skip it if your main goal is crystal-clear water. Los Arcos can be excellent, but nature controls visibility, and the site can be crowded with other boats. For a quiet beach day or a private snorkeling session, spend more on a private boat instead.

Should you book Los Arcos 5 Islands?

Book it if value and variety matter most. For $49, you get transport, a local boat outing, optional cliff jumping, snorkeling near Los Arcos, a cave ride, refreshments, and a beach stop in about three hours. The best guides add a friendly, practical touch, and the fish viewing can be surprisingly good.

Book with realistic expectations. The hidden beach is small, the group may be large, fins may not always be available, and the water may be murky. Confirm the meeting point, arrive on Puerto Vallarta time, ask about safety equipment, and tell the crew if you need slower instruction.

If you want a lively, affordable introduction to the coast south of Puerto Vallarta, this is a sensible choice. If you want long snorkeling sessions, polished logistics, or a truly secluded beach, choose a different format.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is the Pemex gas station at Carr. Costera a Barra de Navidad 380 in Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta.

Does the tour pick up at the cruise port?

No. The stated meeting point is in Zona Romántica, not at the cruise ship terminal.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours, including transportation and the boat activities.

What activities are included?

You can take an optional cliff jump, snorkel near Los Arcos, pass through arches and caves, and stop at a small beach accessible by boat.

Is cliff jumping required?

No. You may watch from the boat, swim, or skip the jump.

How high are the cliff jumps?

The tour describes a jump of about 15 feet and higher options. Some departures have used launch points above 20 feet.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. Fins and equipment fit may vary, so ask the crew what is available before entering the water.

Are drinks and food included?

Bottled water, soda, beer, and small snacks are included. WiFi is not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum listed group size is 99 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded, while weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.