Los Arcos de Mismaloya
Los Arcos de Mismaloya
4.5
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Best nearby
Restaurants
30 within 3 miles
Attractions
91 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
959 reviews
Excellent
561
Very good
262
Average
103
Poor
20
Terrible
13
Rfinnclarke
16 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.
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.
4under12
6 contributions
Mar 2020
On our way back from an excursion, our captain stopped to let us see this natural wonder up close. It's a beautiful piece of nature. Lots of snorkeling there too, and we were able to just look over the side of the boat and see a lot of colorful fish.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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.
Jack L
2 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.
2skidivers
Silverthorne, CO368 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.
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.
Mxpaolo
Wolverton, UK192 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We spent an hour is so at Los Arcos snorkelling.
A perfect spot with plenty of coloured varieties of fish and easily seen in the clear water
If you time your visit it won’t be too crowded and you can even swim through the cave but watch the sharp rock edges
At the left of the rocks the currents can be stronger but with a good guide they will keep you informed. The water is not too cold and it’s a great adventure
Tip if you take a piece of bread the fish go crazy and swim up close and all around you to make the experience even more exciting
The Blue footed boobies nest on 1 rock only and can only be seen at Los Arcos, Marietas islands or in the Galápagos Islands
Define take worth a visit and if you are lucky you will see dolphins also like we did or whales!
A perfect spot with plenty of coloured varieties of fish and easily seen in the clear water
If you time your visit it won’t be too crowded and you can even swim through the cave but watch the sharp rock edges
At the left of the rocks the currents can be stronger but with a good guide they will keep you informed. The water is not too cold and it’s a great adventure
Tip if you take a piece of bread the fish go crazy and swim up close and all around you to make the experience even more exciting
The Blue footed boobies nest on 1 rock only and can only be seen at Los Arcos, Marietas islands or in the Galápagos Islands
Define take worth a visit and if you are lucky you will see dolphins also like we did or whales!
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hansi
Gold Canyon, AZ1,426 contributions
Mar 2020
Los Arcos looks very different from different angles. It is not easy for the casual traveller to find “the perfect view point” because of terrain, many private properties which one can’t access and simply, no place to stop anywhere near by. But there is a small roadside stand which affirms a good view of Los Arcos, see my attached photo. Alexandro is not only friendly but he will sell you a hat, a TShirt or a souvenir but... he also has some good, cold Cervezza and ice cream. The view is free but one needs to squeeze in a bit.
Written April 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freely Adventure
Edmonton, Canada166 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the closest place to do snorkelling in the PV area. We've been a handful of times each time we did snorkelling. There are beautiful colourful fish to see and lots of them.
We usually rent a boat at the Pier for 4-6 hours and stop to do some snorkelling. Past experiences were amazing, lots of time to relax and snorkel. our most recent visit (Jan 2020) was very busy. There was about 15-20 other boats, they have a squared off area to do snorkelling in (which I disliked a lot) and it felt very touristy for me. I wasn't able to relax and enjoy like previous experiences.
However, the boat day was amazing as usual.
Most boats on the pier will be equipped with snorkelling equipment, we bring our own.
We usually rent a boat at the Pier for 4-6 hours and stop to do some snorkelling. Past experiences were amazing, lots of time to relax and snorkel. our most recent visit (Jan 2020) was very busy. There was about 15-20 other boats, they have a squared off area to do snorkelling in (which I disliked a lot) and it felt very touristy for me. I wasn't able to relax and enjoy like previous experiences.
However, the boat day was amazing as usual.
Most boats on the pier will be equipped with snorkelling equipment, we bring our own.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bears
burlington, ontario Canada57 contributions
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.
Baopham316
Wichita, KS325 contributions
i highly recommend jack sparrow tours. just ask for him on mismaloya , everyone knows him.
glin930
Rego Park, NY22 contributions
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.
Ingrid
Tacoma, WA15 contributions
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.
Which tour did you take for this excursion? Which company?
Dale S.
Morristown, TN13 contributions
I went to the site with PV Ocean Tours (Marc and Alun), they are located very close to Los Arcos.
19Anonyme
L'Ancienne Lorette, Quebec, Canada3 contributions
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!
Arturo Ramirez
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico110 contributions
El viaje lo hice por mi cuenta, no con alguna agencia de viajes, solo viaje a Puerto Vallarta Jal. Y ahí en "playa de los muertos" hay varias oficinas que te ofrecen barcos de renta que te llevan hasta Los Arcos
Kevin H
Council Bluffs, IA51 contributions
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?
bbethgood
La Verne, CA7 contributions
I would recommend buying a boat tour.
Evan A
1 contribution
How do you get down to the beach near los arcos marine park
rogeria l
Brisbane, Australia724 contributions
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.
1nnocentsabroad
Driftwood, TX49 contributions
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.
Wyldecamp
Aurora, CO2,217 contributions
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.
jorgealva97
116 contributions
Hola buenas tardes, me podrías decir cuánto te costo el bus a playa las gemelas y horarios de las lanchas para ir a los arcos y tiempo de duración, gracias
YoSoyChep3
Mexico City, Mexico16 contributions
Hola, el costo depende de los servicios que contrates, en promedio te gastas $1,000.- que incluyen el traslado en barco desde la marina, la comida, bebidas con barra libre en la embarcación el paseo a los arcos donde puedes bajar a snorkelear unos minutos, la visita a la playa de las Animas y un paseo a caballo a las cascadas, el recorrido te lleva prácticamente todo el día, la salida es alrededor de las 9:00 am y el regreso entre 5 y 6:00 pm
Saludos
Los Arcos de Mismaloya (Puerto Vallarta) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Los Arcos de Mismaloya
- We recommend booking Los Arcos de Mismaloya tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 57 Los Arcos de Mismaloya tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Los Arcos de Mismaloya:
- Small Group Snorkeling in Los Arcos, Puerto Vallarta (From $80.00)
- Luxury Yacht & Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta (From $139.00)
- Ocean Pacific Snorkeling (From $44.78)
- Arcos - Animas - Quimixto. By Grupo Naviero de la Bahìa (Bahia Alegre) (From $55.00)
- Private Tour: El Eden ATV Adventure from Puerto Vallarta (From $123.92)
- Hotels near Los Arcos de Mismaloya:
- (0.34 mi) Ocean Front, Fully Staffed Villa in Secure Gated Community.
- (0.87 mi) Barceló Puerto Vallarta
- (1.93 mi) Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
- (1.97 mi) Hotel Mousai
- (2.66 mi) Villa Lala Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Los Arcos de Mismaloya:
- (0.96 mi) El Jacalito
- (1.04 mi) La Choza My Tony
- (1.95 mi) Karuma Gourmet Grill
- (0.43 mi) Oscar's Beach Side Eatery
- (5.26 mi) Residences Sky Bar