15 Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tours Worth Booking

1.Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,515 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $117Our pick

Cruise south from Puerto Vallarta aboard Chica Locca’s spacious catamaran for breakfast, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, an open bar, and a fajita lunch. Visit Yelapa and its waterfall, then return with time for music, whale watching in season, and an optional onboard massage. Hosts such as Ricky Ricardo keep the mood lively.

“Lovely to get out into that beautiful bay. Staff was enthusiastic and provided excellent service. There’s even a masseuse on board.”

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

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

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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3.Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach

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

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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4.Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 754 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas aboard a Leopard catamaran with a maximum of 40 people. You’ll stop near Majahuitas for snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and beach time, then enjoy lunch and an unlimited premium open bar onboard. The route may include Los Arcos and the Malecón, depending on sea conditions.

“Such an amazing experience!! I have been on a lot of excursions and this was by far one of the best! The crew was extremely nice, helpful, attentive, and extremely fun! Definitely recommend this tour!! Good food and lots of activities to do, you won’t regret it!”

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5.Full-Day Trail to 6 hidden Beaches, Colomitos & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 527 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $38

Leave Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica by local bus, then follow a rugged coastal trail from Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos and several quieter beaches. Guides such as Juan, Diego, Alex, and Victor share local nature knowledge, provide snorkel gear, and lead you to Playa Las Ánimas for lunch before the return boat ride.

“Awesome day! Beautiful scenery and beaches! Great lunch. Guide was very friendly gave us the choice of which beaches to stay longer at. Definitely need proper footwear for the hiking.”

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6.Full Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 403 reviews · 6 hours · from $37Best value

Travel by local bus from Zona Romántica to Boca de Tomatlán, then hike a rugged coastal trail to six beaches, including Colomitos and Las Ánimas. Guides such as Juan, Diego, Alex, and Victor explain local plants and wildlife, help set the pace, and lead swimming and snorkeling stops when sea conditions allow.

“We had a wonderful time. Our guide (Juan) was very attentive and kept a good pace for all attendees. We felt very safe and taken care of. Highly recommend this tour, and hopefully you land with Juan as your tour guide.”

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7.Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

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

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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8.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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9.Full-Day Private Sailing Cruise Puerto Vallarta with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 111 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $986 per boat (seats 15)

Spend about six hours aboard a private sailboat in Banderas Bay with Anamar Sailing Adventures. Your crew, possibly Captain Luis, Jorge, Chuy, Angel, or Felix, plans the day around swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, whale watching, and coastal views. Los Arcos and Mismaloya are the main stops. Snacks, guacamole, water, ice, and snorkel gear are included, but alcohol is not.

“We had a fabulous day with our crew!! It was a dreamy experience!! They all took good care of us and were very friendly!! We loved the fresh fruit platters and the guacamole and chips hot the spot!! We loved hearing and learning about Purerta Vallarta and about sea life etc. that Angel had to share with us!! We would recommend this excursion to everyone!! We loved snorkeling and relaxing on this awesome sail boat!! We would do this again next time we visit!! Thanks a bunch to the whole crew!!”

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10.Private Marietas Snorkeling Tour – Hidden Beach Access Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $650 per boat (seats 4)

Take a private boat from Marina Vallarta to the Marietas Islands for guided snorkeling, seabird watching, snacks, and optional Hidden Beach access. Your guide supplies the gear and helps you prepare for the cave swim. The four-hour tour costs $650 per group of up to four, with park and Hidden Beach fees paid separately.

“My family most enjoyed the adventure into the Hidden Beach. If you stay calm, breast stroke in, and follow your guides instructions you will be fine. It only takes seconds to clear the lowest point and then your clear as the cave opens up. It helps to have cardio stamina as well. I saw terrified faces as we were exiting and they were entering. Staying calm is key. After, we went snorkeling. Our guide took the time to show us how to properly secure our snorkel gear. It was truly an unforgettable experience.”

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11.Private Los Arcos Snorkel and Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $168

Set out from Los Muertos Pier with an English-speaking guide and private boat. Snorkel around Los Arcos National Park, then relax at Las Ánimas beach for lunch. Chema, Manuel, Alexis, and other Estigo guides have led past trips, with timing adjusted to your group. Gear and a cooler are included, but food costs extra.

“A wonderful experience. How much time you spend on the boat, in the water or on a beach is completely your choice. Friendly accommodating and highly recommended”

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12.Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 74 reviews · 7 hours · from $99

Cruise from Puerto Vallarta to road-free Yelapa and boat-only Majahuitas. Expect a guided waterfall walk, beach time, snorkeling, kayaking gear, deli lunch, an open bar, and music on the ride home. English and Spanish guides lead the day, with crew members such as Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey often on board.

“This activity was an amazing experience, it was our first time in Puerto Vallarta, sometimes the water was not as visible as we would like but sometimes you can’t help that, we ended up seeing some whales and venturing through the city of Yelapa was a once in a lifetime amount of fun, full of culture and love.”

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13.3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 62 reviews · 3 hours · from $45

You’ll ride from the marina with an English or Spanish guide to look for humpback whales and dolphins in Puerto Vallarta Bay. The trip may include snorkeling, a beach stop, and a garden with lush nurseries, but the water portion has not been consistent. Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a camera.

“A lot of activities but not much time with the whales”

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14.Private Snorkeling Tour to Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $434 per boat (seats 8)

Take a private boat from Marina Los Peines to Los Arcos with a crew that may include Captain Fernando, Miguel, or Fernando’s son. Snorkel with provided gear, watch for fish, rays, iguanas, and whales, and shape the outing around your group. Bottled water is included, while towels, lunch, and the MX$41 port fee are extra.

“A lot of fun! Love that locals guide the tour:) so beautiful! There were iguanas on the way down the dock too, loved the cultural experience(:”

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15.Half Day Private Sailing Cruise Puerto Vallarta with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $813 per boat (seats 15)

Sail Puerto Vallarta’s bay on a private four-hour cruise for up to 15 people, with stops near Los Arcos and Mismaloya for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The crew provides water, ice, chips, salsa, and guacamole. Past crew members have included Angel, Felix, Luigi, Ricky, Marcos, and Chilis.

“This private boat tour was truly the highlight of our trip. There were 5 of us in our group and it was so spacious - would be no problem to have much more than that. The crew was incredible! Angel, Felix, and Luigi were so fun and very informative about the area and sea life. We had fresh, homemade guacamole and a beautiful plate of fresh fruit for lunch which was delicious and a perfect treat out on the ocean. We were lucky enough to see dolphins while on the boat, as well as sea turtles, which was an unexpected treat! Really couldn't recommend this activity more -- we wished…”

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