THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A lively nine-hour boat trip from Puerto Vallarta that combines snorkeling at Los Arcos, beach time and kayaking at Las Ánimas, and a jungle hike to Quimixto’s waterfall. Family-friendly, with lunch and snorkeling included—ideal for travelers who want sea, sand and a little inland adventure in one day.
A lively nine-hour boat trip from Puerto Vallarta that combines snorkeling at Los Arcos, beach time and kayaking at Las Ánimas, and a jungle hike to Quimixto’s waterfall. Family-friendly, with lunch and snorkeling included—ideal for travelers who want sea, sand and a little inland adventure in one day.
The bow cuts a bright line through Banderas Bay as the shoreline slides south—mangroves, fishing boats, and the Sierra Madres folding into the horizon. Salt sprays the air and music sets the pace; within an hour the boat slips around the volcanic islets of Los Arcos, where vertical rock forms archways and the sea dares you to jump in.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by PuertoVallarta.tours · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
The bow cuts a bright line through Banderas Bay as the shoreline slides south—mangroves, fishing boats, and the Sierra Madres folding into the horizon. Salt sprays the air and music sets the pace; within an hour the boat slips around the volcanic islets of Los Arcos, where vertical rock forms archways and the sea dares you to jump in.
Los Arcos are coastal rock formations shaped by uplift and wave erosion; snorkelers find clear pockets where tropical fish gather around crevices. Later the boat drops anchor at Playa Las Ánimas, a small bay with a palm-backed beach and a family-friendly restaurant where kayaks wait at the waterline. The final stop is the village of Quimixto—a place still sustained by fishing and small-scale tourism—where a short but steep trail climbs through jungle to a cascading waterfall and a natural pool.
Expect roughly nine hours on the water with stops for snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and a 20–40 minute hike to the Quimixto cascade. The tour typically includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and a national open bar on board; check-in is at Puerto Mágico with Grupo Naviero.
Plan for sun, sudden spray, and uneven beach landings: wear water shoes, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof case for your phone. The route is family-friendly but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious back or heart conditions. Timing a weekday morning departure can reduce crowds and give clearer water for snorkeling.
easy.
9 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short snorkeling swims, paddling in calm waters, and a 20–40 minute jungle hike with uneven footing.
Check in at the Grupo Naviero module in Puerto Mágico (Puerto Vallarta); the booking confirmation will include exact meeting instructions.
Yes — basic snorkeling equipment is included, but you may bring your own mask or fins for a better fit.
Yes — the trip is family-friendly and suitable for a wide age range, though infants must sit on an adult’s lap and no one with serious heart or spinal conditions should participate.
Wear sturdy water shoes or trail sandals, bring a towel, insect repellent, and water; the trail is short but can be muddy and uneven.
The Mismaloya/Los Arcos area has long been a fishing and coastal-transit corridor; its rock formations are a recognizable landmark in Banderas Bay and were made famous in regional fishing and film lore.
Operators often encourage reef-safe sunscreen and limited contact with coral; avoid stepping on reefs and follow guides’ instructions to reduce disturbance.
PuertoVallarta.tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The bow cuts a bright line through Banderas Bay as the shoreline slides south—mangroves, fishing boats, and the Sierra Madres folding into the horizon. Salt sprays the air and music sets the pace; within an hour the boat slips around the volcanic islets of Los Arcos, where vertical rock forms archways and the sea dares you to jump in.
The bow cuts a bright line through Banderas Bay as the shoreline slides south—mangroves, fishing boats, and the Sierra Madres folding into the horizon. Salt sprays the air and music sets the pace; within an hour the boat slips around the volcanic islets of Los Arcos, where vertical rock forms archways and the sea dares you to jump in.
Los Arcos are coastal rock formations shaped by uplift and wave erosion; snorkelers find clear pockets where tropical fish gather around crevices. Later the boat drops anchor at Playa Las Ánimas, a small bay with a palm-backed beach and a family-friendly restaurant where kayaks wait at the waterline. The final stop is the village of Quimixto—a place still sustained by fishing and small-scale tourism—where a short but steep trail climbs through jungle to a cascading waterfall and a natural pool.
Expect roughly nine hours on the water with stops for snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and a 20–40 minute hike to the Quimixto cascade. The tour typically includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and a national open bar on board; check-in is at Puerto Mágico with Grupo Naviero.
Plan for sun, sudden spray, and uneven beach landings: wear water shoes, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof case for your phone. The route is family-friendly but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious back or heart conditions. Timing a weekday morning departure can reduce crowds and give clearer water for snorkeling.