Los Arcos National Marine Park
A federally protected cluster of granite islets 8 km south of Vallarta — deep clear water, healthy reef, and the densest fish population of any accessible snorkel spot near the city. Half-day trip from Mismaloya beach by public panga or organized snorkel tour.
The granite islets and the snorkel reef south of Vallarta
Los Arcos National Marine Park is a small protected reserve about 8 km south of Puerto Vallarta — a cluster of granite islets rising 25 meters out of Banderas Bay, with deep clear water around them, a healthy reef ecosystem, and the densest fish population of any easily-accessible Vallarta snorkel spot. The park has been federally protected since 1984 and is the most popular snorkel destination from the city.
For Krystal Puerto Vallarta guests, Los Arcos is a 30-minute boat ride south or a 20-minute drive to the closest land access (Mismaloya, where the boats depart). It’s a half-day excursion; the smart play is to combine it with a stop at Mismaloya beach or a Yelapa boat continuation.
Why Los Arcos is the snorkel spot
Los Arcos sits on a deep-water shelf — the bay drops to 200+ feet within 50 meters of the islets. This concentrates fish populations and makes it accessible to both snorkelers (working the shallow reef on the islets’ sides, 10-30 feet of water) and scuba divers (working the wall down to 60-80 feet).
Common sightings: parrotfish (multiple species), sergeant majors, blue tang, butterflyfish, snapper, the occasional ray, and the resident green sea turtle population. Larger fish appear seasonally — schools of jacks, the rare wahoo, and during whale season (December-April) you can sometimes hear humpback song through the water as you snorkel.
Visibility runs 30-50 feet on most days, occasionally to 80 feet in winter. The water temperature is 70-75°F in winter, 80-85°F in summer.
How to get there
Public boat from Mismaloya beach — the cheapest option. $15-25 round trip. Pangas leave Mismaloya beach roughly hourly from 9 AM to 4 PM (last return around 4:30 PM). Open-air boats, 10-25 passengers, 15-minute crossing. The smaller pangas are private boat owners; bigger boats are organized tour operators.
Snorkel tour with gear ($55-90 per person) — bundles the boat ride, snorkel gear, the snorkel itself (90-120 min in water), and a basic snack/drink. Departure from Mismaloya or Marina Vallarta. Best option if you don’t have your own gear.
Glass-bottom boat / cruise tour ($75-130 per person) — bundles Los Arcos with stops at Quimixto waterfall, lunch on a beach, and a sail back. 5-6 hour day. Best for visitors who want a structured day on the water with other activities.
Scuba dive tour ($100-160 per certified diver) — 2-tank dive at Los Arcos and a second nearby site (typically Majahuitas or Las Animas). Includes gear, lunch, dive master. Multiple Vallarta dive shops run this trip.
Self-drive + DIY snorkel — drive to Mismaloya, walk to the beach, hire a panga directly from the local operators. Cheapest but requires you to bring or rent your own gear (Mismaloya village has rentals at $8-15 for the day).
What to know about Mismaloya
Mismaloya is the gateway village to Los Arcos — a small cove 12 km south of Vallarta on Highway 200. The beach itself is the location of the 1964 movie The Night of the Iguana, the John Huston film starring Richard Burton that put Vallarta on the international tourism map. The film’s set still exists as ruins on the southern headland — a short walk along a path delivers you there for free, with views back across the cove.
Mismaloya beach itself is small but pleasant — calmer water than open Pacific, a working fishing village vibe, and a few palapa restaurants serving fresh fish. Worth combining with the Los Arcos snorkel if you have time.
When to go
Morning (8-10 AM): Calmest water, best visibility, fewest boats. Recommended for snorkeling.
Mid-day (10 AM-2 PM): Peak crowding. 5-15 boats may be anchored at Los Arcos at the same time. Visibility drops slightly from boat traffic. Snorkel zone gets busy.
Afternoon (2-4 PM): Slight improvement as the morning tour boats leave. Light is good for underwater photos. Last public panga back from Mismaloya around 4:30 PM.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen — apply before getting in the water
- Underwater camera or GoPro — visibility is good enough for phone-in-pouch shots
- Snorkel gear if you have your own (more comfortable than rentals)
- Water shoes — Mismaloya beach has rocks at the entry
- Cash — pangas and beach vendors are cash-only
- Towel + dry bag — boat decks are wet
Skip jewelry (loss risk during the in-water time), large valuables (no lockers anywhere), and bananas (Mexican fishing tradition — don’t bring them on a boat).
How to get to Mismaloya from your resort
- From Krystal Puerto Vallarta: 20 minutes south on Highway 200. Taxi $12-18 each way. Bus along Federal 200 (~25 pesos) is cheaper but slower.
- By tour: Most Los Arcos operators include resort pickup. Confirm with concierge at booking.
- Drive yourself: Highway 200 south, well-marked, parking at Mismaloya beach is informal but available ($3-5 for the day).
Morning is the only smart time for Los Arcos
By 10:30 AM, 5-15 tour boats are anchored at Los Arcos. Visibility drops as boat propellers stir the bottom, the snorkel zone fills, and the experience changes from "natural marine reserve" to "crowded tourist site." Morning panga (8-9 AM departure) gets you to the islets when the water is clearest, the boats are fewest, and the fish are most active. Afternoon is the second-best window — most morning boats have left by 2 PM, leaving a quieter window before the final return panga at 4:30. Mid-day from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM is the worst time. Plan around it.
What you'll see
Stay closest at Krystal Puerto Vallarta
Krystal Puerto Vallarta is the closest Vacation Club Promo property for this excursion. Promotional packages from $435 for 5–7 nights. Resort concierge handles tour booking and pickup directly from the lobby.
View Krystal Puerto VallartaThe resort is a 20-minute drive north of Mismaloya — most Los Arcos operators pick up at the lobby for a 7:30 AM start.