Los Arcos National Marine Park

The Basics

Los Arcos is reachable only by boat, and most visitors arrive as part of a Puerto Vallarta day cruise that includes relaxing at sea and snorkeling in the caves of Los Arcos. The marine life is stupendously varied, from clown and puffer fish to rays and sea turtles. Sightseeing cruises typically also visit other must-see Puerto Vallarta attractions, such as the malecon (waterfront promenade), Romantic Zone, and Mismaloya Beach. There are also small-group snorkeling tours and popular South Shore private sightseeing cruises. Puerto Vallarta city highlights tours let you view Los Arcos from the shore and include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Los Arcos is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers, and first-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta.

• Bring sunblock and a hat or sunglasses, as there’s little shade out on the bay. Also wear comfortable clothing, and tote a bathing suit, towel, and change of clothes.

• Snorkeling gear is provided on most Puerto Vallarta boat tours; bring your own if visiting independently.

How to Get There

Los Arcos lies off the coast of Mismaloya, in the south of Banderas Bay. The easiest way to reach Los Arcos is on a snorkeling or sightseeing tour. Cruise boats head out to Los Arcos from the Puerto Vallarta malecon and Marine Terminal.

When to Get There

Los Arcos Marine Park is lovely year-round. Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during Puerto Vallarta’s high season (winter). Spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Wet weather is likely from July through September.

Mismaloya Beach

A small sandy beach on a picturesque jungle-fringed cove, Mismaloya sits just south of Puerto Vallarta along the coast of Banderas Bay. In 1964, John Huston’s movie The Night of the Iguana put this now-famous beach town on the map. A popular day trip from Puerto Vallarta, it offers several seafood restaurants, thatched-roof palapas, and one large resort.

Ways to explore

Los Arcos National Marine Park is easier to get to than the more restricted Marietas Islands, but it offers many of the same activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and taking in the arch-shaped islets that give the park its name. Most tours that include a visit to Los Arcos will take the whole day, but it is also possible to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in Mismaloya and travel out to the islets yourself due to their proximity to the beach.

Accessibility

The islets themselves are not accessible to anyone. Some boat tours will have space for wheelchairs; check with your tour operator in advance.

Age limits

There are no age limits, but children should be supervised around water and always wear their life jackets.

What to pack

Water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, cash

What to wear

Hat, sunglasses, clothes that will dry quickly, sandals

Not allowed

Touching the coral and other marine life, removing anything from the park, littering, fishing

Amenities

Boat tours, rental equipment (all from Mismaloya or Puerto Vallarta)

Address 

Located adjacent to the town of Mismaloya, the park is only accessible by water; you can reach it by stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or guided tour. If you’re not taking a tour from Puerto Vallarta, head to Mismaloya Beach and rent transport there.

Driving

From Puerto Vallarta, cross the Cuale River into Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone via the bridge that turns into Insurgentes Street. Continue along Federal Highway 200D until you can turn right into Mismaloya.

Public transportation

In Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, catch the Mismaloya bus at Basilio Badillo and Constitución Street—try to have small change in pesos for your ticket. Hop off once you reach Mismaloya; the bus stops outside the Barceló Puerto Vallarta hotel.

Best times to visit

Most tours will be an all-day affair, and it’s nice to get an early start before the park gets busier.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are always better—while locals do visit the park, it’s mostly popular among tourists.

Best months to visit

For sunny skies and warm water, visit from November to April during the dry season. Avoid December, which tends to be very busy.

Special events

The end of April brings Holy Week (Semana Santa), and the entire coastline becomes crowded with families heading to the beach. It’s a good time to avoid the area!