Top 5 Island Hopping Snorkeling Trips in Puerto Vallarta

1.Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,176 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48Our pick

Meet in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, ride a local bus to Mismaloya, then take a small boat around Los Arcos’ five islands. You’ll enter sea caves, learn about nesting birds, snorkel for about 30 minutes, and relax at the beach. Guides such as Guillermo, Bruno, Andrés, Diego, and Sebastián help first-timers feel at ease.

“The tour guide was great, and we were able to see some humpback whales. The reef was a bit on the smaller side, but we saw some schools of fish and several other clusters of fish.”

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2.Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 981 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $99Top rated

From Marina Vallarta, join a small boat tour to the Marietas Islands with guides such as Rodrigo, Carlos, or Emilio. You’ll snorkel with supplied gear, look for dolphins and whales, and, if permits and sea conditions allow, swim through a short water tunnel to Hidden Beach. Snacks, water, park permits, and safety gear are included.

“This was an awesome excursion. I felt comfortable and safe the whole time. We timed Hidden Island to have no other people there, and Carlos was a phenomenal guide. Would recommend this to anyone!”

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3.Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 317 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Best value

Meet your English- or Spanish-speaking guide in central Puerto Vallarta, ride a local bus to Mismaloya, then boat around Los Arcos’ five islands. You’ll see nesting birds, sea caves, coral, and fish before snorkeling in a protected area. Guides such as Armando, Andrés, Bruno, and Sebastián are known for clear safety help and lively local stories.

“We loved this activity! The guides were fantastic and the experience of seeing/snorkeling in Los Arcos was absolutely a highlight of our trip. We enjoyed the scenic (and authentic!) local bus ride to the Playa Mismaloya. We especially want to thank Armando for being so attentive to our 5 year old while snorkeling!!”

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4.Los Arcos 5 islands Snorkeling Cliff Jumping and Hidden Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 295 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $49

Spend about three hours with Mismaloya Xtreme traveling from Zona Romántica to Mismaloya, Los Arcos, and a small beach reached by boat. You can jump from several rocky ledges, snorkel among tropical fish, pass through arches and caves, and enjoy beer, soda, water, and snacks. Guides including Alfonso, Diego, Max, and Arnold lead tours in English.

“The all around experience was great! The snorkeling was awesome and you get close to the Arcos to see so many! The cliff jumping is cool, although if you’re not confident in scaling the rocks I would pass! The hidden beach was also very nice. I was able to find some sea glass! All around it was a great experience and Alfonso was very attentive, knowledgeable, and let us safe!”

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5.Marieta Islands Snorkeling Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 18 reviews · 5 hours · from $145

Travel by fast boat from Marina Vallarta to Islas Marietas National Park for up to three hours of snorkeling and wildlife viewing. A bilingual guide explains the marine life, while a small group of no more than 10 keeps the outing personal. Hidden Beach access is possible but never guaranteed.

“My wife and I went snorkeling at both Los Arcos and the Marieta Islands. The Marietas are superior, although they are not extraordinary in terms of corals. We mainly followed along the rocky coast of the island, which had plenty of fish but not much else. It was fun, however, to ride the rush of the waves in and out. Overall, this was the most worthwhile tour we did while in PV.”

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