Los Arcos de Mismaloya
Los Arcos de Mismaloya
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
977 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
268
Average
104
Poor
22
Terrible
14
J_Ctravel22
Granbury, TX349 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed snorkeling at the arches and liked that they had a roped off area for snorkeling. We took bread and it was fun to feed the fish which were plentiful in the snorkeling area. We also saw a spotted ray on our way back to the boat. We rented a boated for the day for 4 at $100 per person and enjoyed all of our stops.
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tre T
3 contributions
Mar 2023
While the islands are large (and beautiful) there's only really one place where you can snorkel and see anything. That said there were a lot of fish there, some bright and tropical. The coral looks like it's taken a beating over the years and isn't exactly vibrant. The visibility was about 20 feet and among all the fish we were able to see a manta ray.
To get to the islands the only really way that I could see was via a private boat rental from Mismaloya Beach. We were quoted $2500 pesos for three of us but I was able to find Enrique (hefty fellow walking the beach with a sign and without a few teeth) who sold it to me for $1800 for three of us for two hours. He said $380 pesos per person for an hour. I'd say if you're planning on just snorkeling that's plenty.
We brought our snorkels but he did lend us life jackets and some dish soap for our goggles.
To get to the islands the only really way that I could see was via a private boat rental from Mismaloya Beach. We were quoted $2500 pesos for three of us but I was able to find Enrique (hefty fellow walking the beach with a sign and without a few teeth) who sold it to me for $1800 for three of us for two hours. He said $380 pesos per person for an hour. I'd say if you're planning on just snorkeling that's plenty.
We brought our snorkels but he did lend us life jackets and some dish soap for our goggles.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew T
Winnipeg, Canada8 contributions
Jan 2023
A fishing village with a number of commercial activities such as fishing expeditions and kayak rentals to name a few. After arriving by bus we walked down a slow sloping road to the marina. While standing in the sand and taking everything in we were immediately greeted by a young man who explained he was with one of the numerous outdoor restaurants. He explained that if we had something to eat at his restaurant we could also use his restroom and lie on their beach loungers free of charge, otherwise we would end up having to pay for these amenities (?). Whatever. He took us to his restaurant. My wife ended up having a taco which came with rice (she said it was okay) while I had a burger and fries (yes, I know, not very adventurous. The burger was actually really good while the fries tasted like they had been prepared, oh, in about 1997). There were numerous homeless dogs walking around begging for food. At one point we looked down and right beside us was a very timid tiny dog. He got a few scraps from us. When lunch was finished we then used the loungers for awhile.
The village is in a small bay with the beach being only around 300 yards long. On the northeast side of the bay there are numerous condos and mansions built onto the hill while on the southwest side there is a path to what looks to be on old fort or something like it. This includes an old pier which has mostly rusted away. A sign indicates the 1964 movie Night of the Iguana as well as the 1976 movie The Scarlett Buccaneer were each filmed there. Standing on the remains of the pier we saw a number of different types of fish in the water swim past us.
Overall, a very pretty place, but...
Here's the nitpicky stuff: 1) the buskers on the beach are ridiculous. They're almost lined up to wave their wares in your face; 2) judging by what I could see of restaurants/cantinas, I'm sure there were no regular visits by health inspectors; 3) the restroom I was allowed to use because I ate that the restaurant - basically an outhouse - a wooden shack with a door that barely closed and a toilet that didn't flush or seem to even have any plumbing hooked up to it; 4) we were scared to sit in the loungers because they looked like you would fall right through them.
The village is in a small bay with the beach being only around 300 yards long. On the northeast side of the bay there are numerous condos and mansions built onto the hill while on the southwest side there is a path to what looks to be on old fort or something like it. This includes an old pier which has mostly rusted away. A sign indicates the 1964 movie Night of the Iguana as well as the 1976 movie The Scarlett Buccaneer were each filmed there. Standing on the remains of the pier we saw a number of different types of fish in the water swim past us.
Overall, a very pretty place, but...
Here's the nitpicky stuff: 1) the buskers on the beach are ridiculous. They're almost lined up to wave their wares in your face; 2) judging by what I could see of restaurants/cantinas, I'm sure there were no regular visits by health inspectors; 3) the restroom I was allowed to use because I ate that the restaurant - basically an outhouse - a wooden shack with a door that barely closed and a toilet that didn't flush or seem to even have any plumbing hooked up to it; 4) we were scared to sit in the loungers because they looked like you would fall right through them.
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian M
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico18 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Giving 3 rating because I have nothing to compare the conditions and view to.
Jacobo was a great guide. I was the only person on the boat and he gave a hood history of the area and the sites. Knowing facts and details always makes the trip more interesting. He was very safe and knowledgeable about the conditions.
I was surrounded by at least 10 different species of fish. Large schools swam below me and next to me. There was 1 rock underwater that had sea urchins, huge barnacles and plant life.
Being that the waves were crashing against the rock, the water was filled with tiny particles. It was not as clear as the pictures you see online of underwater snorkeling/scuba diving but it was clear enough to see the fish well. As I swam through the water I could here the particles. It sounded like someone pouring marbles, it was very cool.
Jacobo was a great guide. I was the only person on the boat and he gave a hood history of the area and the sites. Knowing facts and details always makes the trip more interesting. He was very safe and knowledgeable about the conditions.
I was surrounded by at least 10 different species of fish. Large schools swam below me and next to me. There was 1 rock underwater that had sea urchins, huge barnacles and plant life.
Being that the waves were crashing against the rock, the water was filled with tiny particles. It was not as clear as the pictures you see online of underwater snorkeling/scuba diving but it was clear enough to see the fish well. As I swam through the water I could here the particles. It sounded like someone pouring marbles, it was very cool.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoPlaces23796585402
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Couples
We took a tour with Beach Boys. The tour included a canm aran ride breakfast, lunch, a stop at Los Acro and a final stop at Los Animals beach.
Los Acro was absolutely Disgusting!!!! The water was extremely murky you could barely see any fish. They took us through the cave this was suppose to be the best place to see the fish but under the cave was just garbage. Actual garbage, all you saw was garbage at the bottom and you had to swim and move garbage out of the way to make it through. I went to move a jug of milk out of the way and got stung by a jellyfish.
I would recommend skipping this place altogether.
For something that is supposed to be Eco and protected they should probably think of going in with a net every now and then to scoop out the garbage. Sad really on how polluted the ocean is.
Los Acro was absolutely Disgusting!!!! The water was extremely murky you could barely see any fish. They took us through the cave this was suppose to be the best place to see the fish but under the cave was just garbage. Actual garbage, all you saw was garbage at the bottom and you had to swim and move garbage out of the way to make it through. I went to move a jug of milk out of the way and got stung by a jellyfish.
I would recommend skipping this place altogether.
For something that is supposed to be Eco and protected they should probably think of going in with a net every now and then to scoop out the garbage. Sad really on how polluted the ocean is.
Written April 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack L
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We hired a fishing boat and crew from the marina for 6 hours to take us sight seeing, whale watching, snorkeling fishing, lunch at Los Animas beach. Lovely day. The snorkeling and swimming through the tunnels was challenging due to waves. We got pushed around a lot. Compared to, say, the reef near Puerto Morelos, Los Arcos had considerably fewer species to observe and the water was much deeper with less visibility, and colder.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rfinnclarke
14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Los Arcos hotel is not the most glamorous or up to date but once you’ve settled in, it becomes like home. There is a certain well worn charm in the decor and bathrooms It is in the heart of the romantic zone, an area filled with shops, restaurants and old colonial buildings mixed with new and modern condos. The hotel has a very special beach that while somewhat crowded, never feels cramped. The staff is attentive and anticipate your needs and wants. While the hotel offers inclusive packages, we’ve opted out and enjoy being to find and dine among the many great nearby restaurants. This is a great place for a family to stay inexpensively or for a couple to find a romantic get away. There is always a wonderful mix of straight and gay couples who vacation here, it’s just that friendly . We’ve stayed here for the past 10 years and it always draws us back for another visit.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2skidivers
Silverthorne, CO350 contributions
Oct 2021
Los Arcos are a group of small Islands in the next Bay North of Mismaloya. Boats from all over Puerto Vallarta come here for snorkeling and diving. There is only a tiny amount of coral but the rocky bottom is home to many different kinds of fish and eels and even octopus. We were diving from a small boat but saw the big boats with hundred's of snorkelers - too many for us to even think about coming in one of those groups. Water temperature was comfortable but visibility was not very good.
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chiller55
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico9 contributions
Oct 2020
We went on the tour called Las Animas. It included a snorkeling trip to Los Arcos and it was the most fun watching the colorful fish swim right next to you and to feel the current move you through the cave. The water was so good and the water was crystal clear which made this adventure well worth the trip. I just loved it.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tatyana M
8 contributions
Jun 2020
The arches and the scenary was beautiful, but water was dirty from the boat oil and debrees.. maybe it was just that day. Snorkeling was not easy, I'd not recommend swimming under the arch as waves get in there and it's difficult to get out :) but still fun.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm traveling with a 6 year old and 3.5 year old. Maybe a dumb question but is it safe for them to try snorkeling by the Arcos? They will have their own face snorkels, my husband and I are strong swimmers and will be in the water with them.
Written June 5, 2023
Did you end up going? And get any answers? Traveling with similar aged kids next week.
Written September 28, 2024
If I hire a boat from Mismaloya beach to snorkel at Los Arcos, does the boat operator need a licence to legally even allow use to snorkell. I know there's new rules with preserving all the wildlife now that I thought maybe the rules have changed too for the boat operator.
Any suggestions who to hire?
Thanks for your help.
Written February 16, 2020
i highly recommend jack sparrow tours. just ask for him on mismaloya , everyone knows him.
Written February 20, 2020
My wife & I will be at Puerto Vallarta via Princess Cruise in Nov from 8am to 5pm. We like to visit Los Arcos either on our own or join a group tour. What is the best way we can get there from cruise port if we want to DIY? Can we take a taxi to a nearby bay and hire a boat to get there? Or is there any special tour you will recommend? We are not too much a swimming person but we don't mind spend time on boat or beach.
Written September 24, 2019
You can Uber from the Marina to Mismaloya and there you can rent a panga to take you to Los Arcos. Or uber to playa los muertos and then you can rent a panga to take you to los arcos (more time on the water) this way. We took a public bus from Playa los Muertos to Mismaloya, there we rented a panga for $45 for two of us to snorkel and tour los arcos. Ask for Lobo, everyone knows him, his panga (boat) was nice and very clean, he was super nice to us and We had a Really good experience and a blast. Bring pesos for the Restaurants in Mismaloya for a cold beer or if you want to eat something.
Written September 28, 2019
You can get a nice day trip including beverages, alcoholic beverages lunch and snorkeling gear for around $60 us. Try Vallarta adventures. Hope this helps!
Written March 8, 2019
Which tour did you take for this excursion? Which company?
Written February 15, 2019
I went to the site with PV Ocean Tours (Marc and Alun), they are located very close to Los Arcos.
Written April 29, 2019
Quelle est l'excursion que vous avez faite? Achetée où? C'est juste de voir les arches qui nous intéressent, pas tellement le snorkling.Merci!
Written April 1, 2018
El viaje lo hice por mi cuenta, no con alguna agencia de viajes, solo viaje a Puerto Vallarta Jal. Y ahĂ en "playa de los muertos" hay varias oficinas que te ofrecen barcos de renta que te llevan hasta Los Arcos
Written April 13, 2018
Hope to do a kayak/snorkeling trip from our hotel to Los Arcos. Being inexperienced/very little experience and older/retired I am most concerned about actually snorkeling and getting back into the kayak for the return trip. Not too concerned about being in the kayak but getting into it while at Los Arcos. Any opinions?
Written September 11, 2017
I would recommend buying a boat tour.
Written September 22, 2017
There is a path down to the beach close to the local bus stop and plenty of people offering any service you might like including a boat and snorkelling gear to get out to Los Arcos.
Written June 5, 2017
Hello. If we have only one day to snorkel or explore a place by boat, would you recommend Los Arcos or the Marietas Islands?
Thanks.
Written February 23, 2017
Marietas Islands would be my recommendation over Los Arcos. It is unique and very cool. Research the tour companies for that trip and pick one that has smaller group sizes and goes early before all the crowds come. They limit the amount of visitors now to the islands so book early.
Written February 23, 2017
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