Half-Day Snorkeling Tour

Discover the Half-Day Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Vallarta

The Half-Day Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers an engaging 4-hour experience designed for water lovers and adventure seekers. Priced at $99 per person, this tour is highly popular, often booked 33 days in advance, and boasts an impressive 5.0-star rating from 160 reviews. With 94% of participants recommending the tour, it clearly delivers on its promise of fun, scenery, and marine exploration.

This tour starts at 9:00 am and includes a scenic sail along the coast, with sights of Puerto Vallarta city and the Sierra Madre mountains. It features a visit to Los Arcos de Mismaloya, where snorkeling reveals the vibrant marine life among natural tunnels and arches. Equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding is provided, making it suitable both for beginners and seasoned water enthusiasts. The tour also includes delicious snacks, a full lunch, and unlimited alcoholic beverages from the international bar — all in a friendly, lively atmosphere.

While the tour offers numerous highlights, it’s important to note that port fees and transportation to the meeting point are not included. The experience is best suited for those looking to explore marine life, enjoy water sports, and indulge in great food, all within a well-paced 4-hour window.

Key Points

• Price: $99 per person, including snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours, starting at 9:00 am
• Location: Puerto Vallarta, with a scenic sail along the coast
• Main stop: Los Arcos de Mismaloya — natural rock formations and marine tunnels
• Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and optional fun dives
• Food & drinks: Fresh fruit, ceviche, paninis, green salad, and unlimited alcohol

Scenic Coastal Sailing in Puerto Vallarta

The tour begins with a beautiful shoreline cruise along Puerto Vallarta’s coast, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Sierra Madre mountains. This sailing segment provides a relaxing intro to the day, setting the scene for the upcoming underwater adventure. The guides emphasize the natural beauty of the coastline, making it a perfect photo opportunity before reaching the snorkeling site.

This coastal cruise is also an opportunity to appreciate the region’s landscape and observe the bay from the water, creating a peaceful atmosphere before the more active portions of the tour. The boat is spacious and clean, ensuring a comfortable environment for all participants.

Exploring Los Arcos de Mismaloya’s Natural Wonders

The highlight of the tour is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a renowned natural formation of towering rock arches and tunnels. Here, snorkelers are treated to a 30-minute adventure among crystal-clear waters, where the marine life is abundant. The naturally created tunnels within each arch provide an exciting setting for underwater exploration.

The area is well-known for its mysterious tunnels and the chance to observe a variety of marine creatures. The guides are attentive and knowledgeable, offering commentary that enhances understanding of the local ecosystem. Equipment is provided for snorkelers, kayakers, and paddleboarders, ensuring that everyone can participate comfortably.

Water Sports and Equipment for All Levels

This tour caters to a wide range of water activity preferences. Besides snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding are available, with equipment supplied free of charge. These activities allow guests to enjoy the bay at their own pace, whether seeking a gentle paddle or a more energetic experience.

The availability of equipment makes this tour a flexible adventure, suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends. The crew is experienced and friendly, offering help and guidance to those new to water sports or looking for a bit of extra confidence.

Delicious Food and Refreshing Beverages

Post-snorkeling, the tour offers a full lunch featuring freshly chopped fruit, fish ceviche, ham and cheese paninis, and green salad. This hearty meal keeps energy levels high for the rest of the day.

The international bar provides unlimited alcoholic beverages, including beer, cocktails, and soft drinks, making it easy to relax and share stories of the underwater sights. The food and drinks consistently earn praise for their quality, as reflected in reviews that highlight the tasty ceviche, delicious paninis, and the lively bar service.

The Crew’s Attentiveness and Expertise

Multiple reviews emphasize the friendly and attentive nature of the crew. Descriptions mention staff members like Panda, Jorge V, Dany, Lina, Paco, Izzi, Nicho, and Alex, who go above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable experience.

Guide commentary is lively and informative, adding context to the sights and enhancing the overall enjoyment. The crew’s professionalism and warmth contribute significantly to the tour’s high satisfaction ratings.

Additional Activities and Optional Extras

Beyond snorkeling, guests can choose to kayak, paddleboard, or even participate in fun dives from the boat’s second level. Several reviews mention the opportunity for scuba diving and whale watching, which, while not officially part of the core tour, are highlighted as additional options in the region.

An optional horseback riding adventure at Quimixto, available for an extra fee, is also noted by some reviewers as a memorable addition to the day. The tour offers a variety of water-based activities that cater to different interests.

Meeting Points, Timing, and Practical Tips

The tour departs daily at 9:00 am, with guests advised to arrive early at the designated meeting point. The activity ends back at the original meeting point, providing a convenient schedule for travelers.

The tour is accessible for most travelers; children must be accompanied by an adult, and service animals are allowed. Travelers should inform the provider of any dietary requirements, with vegetarian options available if requested at booking.

It’s worth noting that port fees and transportation to the meeting point are not included, so guests should plan accordingly. The booking process typically involves confirming the reservation and providing details about dietary preferences and special needs.

Safety, Cancellation, and Refund Policies

The tour offers free cancellation, allowing guests to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, participants can reschedule or receive a full refund.

While the majority of reviews describe a safe and enjoyable experience, one review highlights concerns about strong currents during snorkeling, underscoring the importance of following guide instructions and exercising caution in the water.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This half-day snorkeling tour combines scenic sailing, marine exploration, water sports, and great food, making it a well-rounded option for those short on time but eager to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s coastal beauty. The value for money is notable, with the tour including snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and activities all for $99.

The positive reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable crew, stunning scenery, and delicious food, which contribute to its high overall rating. The tour’s flexibility and variety appeal to families, couples, and groups, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.

While some may find snorkeling conditions variable depending on water currents, the overall experience remains highly recommended for those seeking a lively, fun-filled day in Puerto Vallarta’s bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour.

How long is the snorkeling stop at Los Arcos?
Snorkeling at Los Arcos lasts around 30 minutes, giving enough time to explore the tunnels and marine life.

What food is included on the tour?
Guests enjoy fruit, ceviche, paninis, and green salad. Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Are water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding available?
Yes, equipment for kayaking and paddleboarding is included and available during the tour.

Can children participate?
Children must be accompanied by an adult and most travelers of all ages can participate comfortably.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, the tour features an open bar with unlimited beer, cocktails, and soft drinks.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled, guests are offered a different date or a full refund.

Are port fees included?
No, port fees are not included in the price and are the responsibility of your.

How early should I arrive?
Guests should aim to check in before 9:00 am; arrival around 8:45 am is recommended.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The snorkeling at Los Arcos and the scenic coastal sail are the most praised aspects, along with excellent crew service and delicious food.