Private Los Arcos Snorkel and Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta

Discover the Private Los Arcos Snorkel and Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta

For travelers seeking a personalized experience of Puerto Vallarta’s stunning coastline, the Private Los Arcos Snorkel and Beach Tour offers an engaging half-day adventure. Priced at $168 per person, this tour lasts approximately 4 hours and is operated exclusively for your group, ensuring a relaxed and flexible pace. It departs from Los Muertos Beach Pier, a central location in the Zona Romántica, making it highly accessible.

This tour shines with its focus on exploring Los Arcos National Marine Park, known for its dramatic rock formations and rich marine biodiversity. It includes complimentary snorkeling gear, a cooler for drinks, and a private boat ride. The experience is ideal for those who want to avoid crowded tours, enjoy ample time in the water, and have the option to customize their day. The tour’s positive reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, excellent snorkeling, and delicious lunch options.

Key Points

• Private tour experience with only your group participating
• 4-hour duration starting from Los Muertos Beach Pier in Puerto Vallarta
• Includes snorkeling gear, cooler, and a scenic boat ride
• Highlights include Los Arcos marine park, caves, tunnels, and Las Ánimas beach
• Optional whale watching and historical commentary from guides
• Food and drinks at Las Ánimas are not included but can be brought onboard

Convenience Begins at Los Muertos Beach Pier

The tour starts at Francisca Rodríguez 121, Zona Romántica, where guests are picked up and transferred to a private boat. The meeting point is close to public transportation, making it easy to access. After departure, the boat heads south along Puerto Vallarta’s coast, offering stunning views of Los Muertos Beach and the vibrant cityscape.

This setup allows for a seamless start and a relaxed transition onto the water. The private nature of the tour means guests have the flexibility to spend more or less time at each stop, making the experience adaptable to personal preferences. This is especially appreciated by those who enjoy a more intimate and tailored outing.

Exploring Los Arcos Marine Park: Underwater Caves and Reefs

The main highlight of this tour is the visit to Los Arcos National Marine Park, renowned for its impressive rock formations and vibrant marine life. The tour provides complimentary snorkeling gear so everyone can explore caves, tunnels, and reefs teeming with tropical fish and other sea creatures.

Snorkelers should expect to encounter diverse marine species and enjoy the clarity of the water, although some reviews note that water conditions can vary. Guides are known for their friendly and knowledgeable approach, explaining the area’s features and helping novices navigate underwater tunnels and caves. This stop is perfect for both first-time snorkelers and experienced water lovers.

Off the Beaten Path at Las Ánimas Beach

After exploring Los Arcos, the boat heads to Las Ánimas, a secluded beach accessible only by foot or boat. Travelers appreciate its quiet, untouched ambiance, perfect for soaking up the sun. Here, guests can relax, wade in the calm waters, or enjoy a tasty lunch at a local beach restaurant.

While food and drinks are not included in the tour price, guests are welcome to bring beverages and snacks aboard, making the day customizable. The beach’s remote location means fewer crowds, providing a peaceful setting for downtime, beachcombing, or a quick swim.

Additional Experiences: Whale Watching and Local Towns

One of the more exciting aspects of this tour is the possibility of spotting whales, especially during the season when they are in Banderas Bay. Guides sometimes take the opportunity to scan the water for these majestic creatures, adding a memorable wildlife encounter to the day.

Beyond marine life, the tour offers optional insights into local towns and the area’s history, enriching the experience beyond just snorkeling and beach time. Guides are praised for their interesting commentary, making the journey informative as well as scenic.

Logistics and Group Flexibility

This is a private tour, meaning you only share the boat and activities with your group. It is suitable for most travelers, including families and small groups, with most participants able to join. The tour allows guests to bring beverages and snacks, enhancing comfort during the ride.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is designed to accommodate those with varying physical abilities, provided they can participate in water activities.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Included in the $168 price are snorkeling equipment and an ice chest for your drinks. Since lunch and beverages are not included, travelers should plan to bring sunscreen, swimsuits, towels, and Mexican Pesos for additional expenses, such as meals or souvenirs.

The tour recommends bringing sunscreen, swimsuits, and towels for comfort. Guests are also encouraged to arrive prepared with their own beverages if desired, especially since the boat ride and beach time can be prolonged.

The Experience with Guides and Crew

Reviewers consistently praise guides like Chema, Alexis, Gemma, and Jonathan for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience. They are lauded for their ability to share local history, assist with snorkeling, and make each guest feel comfortable.

The boat captains are noted for their skillful navigation and spotting wildlife, like turtles and whales, which adds an extra layer of interest to the trip. The personal, private nature of the tour allows guides to tailor the experience, making it a relaxed and personalized outing.

Timing, Pacing, and Personalization

While the tour lasts around 4 hours, guests have the freedom to spend more or less time at each stop, thanks to the private setup. This flexible pacing is especially favored by those who prefer a leisurely exploration or want to maximize their beach and snorkeling time.

The tour departs early enough to avoid crowds at popular spots but also offers a more intimate experience without the noise and congestion of larger group tours. It is well-suited for travelers who value personalized service, flexibility, and quiet beaches.

Limitations and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some mention murky water conditions during snorkeling, which affected visibility. Water temperature and clarity can vary, so snorkelers should have realistic expectations. Lunch is not included, so planning ahead with beverages or snacks is advisable.

The weather-dependent nature of the activity means cancellations could happen if weather conditions are poor. The provider offers full refunds or rescheduling options if this occurs, ensuring peace of mind.

Why Choose the Private Los Arcos Snorkel and Beach Tour?

This tour offers a personalized, flexible, and scenic way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s coastline. The combination of marine park exploration, secluded beach time, and optional wildlife sightings makes it stand out. The high review scores reflect consistent satisfaction with the guides, boat crew, and overall experience.

Ideal for small groups or families wanting a customized outing with plenty of snorkeling and beach relaxation, this tour balances adventure with comfort. The absence of large crowds and the opportunity to bring your own snacks further enhance its appeal.

In summary, the Private Los Arcos Snorkel and Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta delivers a well-rounded, engaging, and personalized day on the water — perfect for those looking to enjoy the coast at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting from Los Muertos Beach Pier.

What is included in the price?
The price covers snorkeling gear, the boat ride, and an ice chest for drinks. Lunch and additional beverages are not included.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring beverages and snacks onboard to enjoy during the trip.

What are the main stops?
The tour visits Los Arcos National Marine Park for snorkeling and underwater exploration, then moves to Las Ánimas beach for relaxation and lunch.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, as guides are friendly and accommodating. Most participants can partake in water activities.

Are whales visible during the tour?
There is a possibility of whale sightings, especially during migration seasons, as guides often scan for whales during the trip.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and Mexican Pesos for extra expenses. The tour also recommends bringing beverages if desired.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience, with only your group participating, allowing for maximum flexibility and personalization.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

How do I book?
The tour is usually booked 20 days in advance, and reservations can be made through the provider’s platform, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.