THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A private half-day from Puerto Vallarta that pairs snorkeling at Los Arcos with a short hike to Yelapa’s Cola de Caballo waterfall. Expect secluded beaches, clear reef snorkel spots, and a rustic coastal village with simple beachfront dining.
A private half-day from Puerto Vallarta that pairs snorkeling at Los Arcos with a short hike to Yelapa’s Cola de Caballo waterfall. Expect secluded beaches, clear reef snorkel spots, and a rustic coastal village with simple beachfront dining.
You step off the pier in Puerto Vallarta and the bay opens like a moving map: Los Muertos Beach slides starboard, the city’s high-rises recede, and the boat eases toward the sculpted rock of Los Arcos where the Pacific dares you to dive in.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Estigo Tours · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
You step off the pier in Puerto Vallarta and the bay opens like a moving map: Los Muertos Beach slides starboard, the city’s high-rises recede, and the boat eases toward the sculpted rock of Los Arcos where the Pacific dares you to dive in.
Los Arcos National Marine Park is volcanic rock worn into arches and caves; currents sweep nutrient-rich water through shallow reefs that host parrotfish and angelfish. From there the captain threads the boat past secluded coves toward Las Animas and the pocket village of Yelapa. Yelapa began as a small fishing settlement and still reads like a place that values rhythm over rush—cobblestone lanes, palapa restaurants, and the short trail up to Cola de Caballo waterfall.
Geology here ties to the Sierra Madre’s coastal fringe; reefs and rock outcrops form snorkeling sites often 3–6 meters deep where visibility is best on calm mornings. Culture is low-key and local: vendors and families run the beachfront eateries, and landings are small and pedestrian-only.
Practical guidance: expect a 5–6 hour private outing with boat transfers, two snorkel stops, a beach lunch option, and a 20–30 minute easy walk to the lower falls with modest elevation gain on uneven steps. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, cash in pesos for village purchases, and a light dry bag. If you’re comfortable swimming and moving on uneven cobbles, this trip balances relaxed cruising with a short, rewarding hike and excellent snorkeling.
moderate.
5–6 hours.
Moderate—able to sit on a boat for several hours, swim in reef conditions, and walk 20–30 minutes on uneven cobble and stair sections.
The lower Cola de Caballo waterfall is a short, mostly downhill walk from the beach—plan 20–30 minutes each way with uneven steps and cobbles.
Yes—snorkel masks and basic equipment are included; you may bring your own mask for the best fit.
Non-swimmers can stay on board during snorkel stops, but basic water confidence is recommended for anyone entering the water in reef areas.
Lunch is not included; the itinerary stops at Las Animas or Yelapa where you can purchase food at beachside restaurants—bring pesos.
Yelapa started as a traditional fishing village and retains a low-impact, pedestrian character; Los Arcos is part of a protected marine area formed by volcanic rock and coastal uplift.
Los Arcos sits within a national marine park—practice no-touch snorkeling and pack out trash; support local businesses that follow sustainable fishing and waste practices.
Estigo Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the pier in Puerto Vallarta and the bay opens like a moving map: Los Muertos Beach slides starboard, the city’s high-rises recede, and the boat eases toward the sculpted rock of Los Arcos where the Pacific dares you to dive in.
You step off the pier in Puerto Vallarta and the bay opens like a moving map: Los Muertos Beach slides starboard, the city’s high-rises recede, and the boat eases toward the sculpted rock of Los Arcos where the Pacific dares you to dive in.
Los Arcos National Marine Park is volcanic rock worn into arches and caves; currents sweep nutrient-rich water through shallow reefs that host parrotfish and angelfish. From there the captain threads the boat past secluded coves toward Las Animas and the pocket village of Yelapa. Yelapa began as a small fishing settlement and still reads like a place that values rhythm over rush—cobblestone lanes, palapa restaurants, and the short trail up to Cola de Caballo waterfall.
Geology here ties to the Sierra Madre’s coastal fringe; reefs and rock outcrops form snorkeling sites often 3–6 meters deep where visibility is best on calm mornings. Culture is low-key and local: vendors and families run the beachfront eateries, and landings are small and pedestrian-only.
Practical guidance: expect a 5–6 hour private outing with boat transfers, two snorkel stops, a beach lunch option, and a 20–30 minute easy walk to the lower falls with modest elevation gain on uneven steps. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, cash in pesos for village purchases, and a light dry bag. If you’re comfortable swimming and moving on uneven cobbles, this trip balances relaxed cruising with a short, rewarding hike and excellent snorkeling.