Private trip: snorkeling at Los Arcos & Colomitos beach

Discovering Puerto Vallarta’s Underwater Beauty: A Dive into the Snorkeling at Los Arcos & Colomitos Beach

If you’re dreaming of exploring the colorful marine world off Puerto Vallarta, a private snorkeling trip to Los Arcos and Colomitos Beach might just be the highlight of your trip. While I haven’t tried it myself, this tour comes highly recommended — with a perfect 5.0 rating from 18 reviews and a long-standing reputation for delivering memorable experiences.

What really catches the eye are the expert guides who make the journey not only safe but packed with interesting facts, and the chance to see a vibrant array of sea life — from rays to starfish. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this tour is about 4 hours long, and it’s a water-focused outing, so it’s best suited for those comfortable in the ocean. If you love marine adventures but prefer a smaller, private setting, this trip could be perfect for you.

Two things we really like about this experience: First, the scenic boat ride offers fantastic views of the Puerto Vallarta coastline, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the scenery before hopping into the water. Second, the personalized guidance from a knowledgeable biologist makes all the difference — learning about the marine life isn’t just fun, it’s enriching.

A potential consideration? The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point. That’s a small extra step, but one worth noting. This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, guided snorkeling adventure with a personalized touch, especially those eager to see marine wildlife up close amid stunning natural surroundings.

Key Points
– Private tour for tailored attention and a more personalized experience.
– Expert guide boosts your understanding of the marine environment.
– Beautiful boat ride offers great coastal views en route to the snorkeling spots.
– Includes all necessary gear plus water and soda to keep you hydrated.
– Not including hotel transport might require some planning on your part.
– Cancellable for free up to 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose This Snorkeling Tour?

This trip is all about giving you a relaxed, informative, and visually stunning experience in Puerto Vallarta’s waters. The focus on Los Arcos National Marine Park means you’ll be snorkeling in one of the most beautiful and accessible spots around. The marine life variety is impressive — from colorful fish to rays and starfish — and with provided snorkeling gear, you’re ready to go without needing to rent equipment elsewhere.

The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering sweeping views of the coastline and a chance to get excited about what’s to come underwater. It’s a great way to see the area from a different perspective, and the small group setting (up to 10 people) ensures that everyone gets attention from the guide.

The Itinerary — What to Expect

Starting at the Marina Vallarta, you’ll check in at the Ecotours Vallarta office. The process is straightforward, and since the tour is private for your group, there’s personal attention from the start.

The first main stop is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a natural rock formation just off the coast that serves as a prime snorkeling spot. Here, you’ll have roughly two hours to explore underwater. The admission is included, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs. The reviews mention that guides are highly knowledgeable, making the snorkeling both fun and educational. As one reviewer shared, “Michael was our snorkeling instructor, and he was polite and informational. He was very helpful guiding us through the swim, and he took us to a more secluded beach with more fish to see.”

The secluded Colomitos Beach is the final stop, around an hour long, perfect for relaxing on the sand after your underwater adventure. It’s a small but charming spot, ideal for a quick break and some photos before heading back to the marina.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides all the snorkeling gear — masks, snorkels, fins, and life vests — so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer. You’ll also get water and soda on board to stay refreshed, which is especially appreciated in warm weather. The guide is a certified biologist, adding a layer of educational value to your trip.

What’s not included? The hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to organize your own transportation to the meeting point at Ecotours Vallarta. There’s also a small port fee of $3 USD to be aware of. The tour is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before, which provides some peace of mind.

How the Experience Feels in Practice

Based on reviews, most travelers find this tour to be well worth the cost, especially considering the personalized guidance and the quality of the snorkeling spots. One reviewer called it “well worth the money,” and others appreciated the secluded, fish-rich waters guided by friendly, knowledgeable staff.

The timing is just right — around 4 hours total — giving enough time to enjoy the spots without feeling rushed. The small group size (your private group) keeps it intimate, which enhances the overall experience. It’s suitable for most travelers, but a heads-up that you should be comfortable in water, as the activity is water-based and involves snorkeling.

Practical Tips

• Arrive on time at the meeting point, as the tour starts there.
• Consider bringing reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the marine environment.
• If you tend to get cold easily, bring a light rash guard or a t-shirt for sun protection.
• Since hotel transfer isn’t included, plan your transportation ahead of time.
• The tour is most suitable for those who enjoy marine life and are comfortable in water, but no prior snorkeling experience is necessary thanks to the guides’ support.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a guided, intimate snorkeling adventure surrounded by stunning scenery and marine life, this trip checks all the boxes. It’s particularly appealing for those who want a personalized experience with educational insights from a naturalist guide. The water and soda, along with all gear provided, make it hassle-free, letting you focus on enjoying the underwater world.

Travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and a small group feel will find this trip especially enjoyable. It’s suitable for anyone comfortable with water, but beginner snorkelers will also benefit from the expert guidance. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to see Puerto Vallarta’s marine life with no fuss, this tour offers great value and memorable scenery.

On the flip side, if you prefer a day with included hotel transport or want a more active, less guided experience, you might want to explore other options. Nonetheless, for most, this trip offers an authentic, immersive glimpse into the region’s vibrant underwater ecosystem.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate, making it a good option for families with older kids.

What’s the duration of the tour? The whole experience lasts about 4 hours, with most of that time spent at the snorkeling spots and the boat ride.

Are the snorkeling gear and water included? Yes, all snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life vest) is provided, along with water and soda to stay hydrated.

Do I need to bring my own equipment? No, the tour supplies everything you need, so just bring your enthusiasm and maybe some sunscreen.

Is hotel pickup included? No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Ecotours Vallarta.

What about safety? The tour includes a certified guide who is a biologist, plus travel insurance, ensuring a safe and educational experience.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What’s the best time to go snorkeling here? While the tour operates year-round, your best chances for clear water and good marine visibility are during the dry season — just check the weather.

How much does it cost? The price is $630 per group (up to 10 people), which is reasonable considering the personalized experience and inclusions.

If you’re craving a day of exploring Puerto Vallarta’s lively coast and underwater secrets, this private snorkeling trip could be just what you need. It offers a blend of scenic boat rides, expert guidance, and vibrant marine life, all wrapped into a manageable, well-organized package. Whether you’re into photography, marine biology, or just want to beat the beach crowds for a peaceful swim, this tour has a lot to offer.