The 15 Best Snorkelling Tours in Puerto Vallarta

1.Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

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

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard Chica Locca’s spacious catamaran with hosts such as Ricky Ricardo and DJ David. You’ll get breakfast, fajitas, snacks, an open bar, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, a Yelapa waterfall walk, and optional onboard massage time.

“This was the highlight of our whole trip. An absolutely blast and everyone working on the boat was awesome. Special shoutout to Ricky the host!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 public bus to Mismaloya, then take a small boat around Los Arcos’ five islands. Guides such as Bruno, Andrés, Guillermo, Diego, and Sebastián explain the birds and marine life, lead a 30-minute snorkel, and leave time for the beach.

“The views were phenomenal. But, communication on site lacking. We showed our ticket to tour guide and yes in the right place. We left at 9:30, our booking time. We were supposed to be on the following bus. Didn’t know the shuttle was a public standup bus for 20 min ride. We were called by your company after the earlier tour guide told them we went early. I was reprimanded for not being I. The eight bus. And they waited for us. An international call to get scolded. The boat in ad doesn’t look like the ponga we were in. If you are older with mobility limitation, not for you.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach

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

From Marina Vallarta, you’ll ride by speedboat to the Marietas Islands with guides such as Rodrigo, Carlos, and Emilio. Snorkel among tropical fish, watch for dolphins, turtles, rays, and winter whales, then swim through a sea tunnel to Hidden Beach if conditions and permits allow.

“The trip out to the island was lovely. The guides were great to work and very kind. They were well prepared and did a great job explaining things. The snorkeling was a lot of fun and we got to see some cool see life.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 limited to 40 people. Expect a scenic ride, snorkeling near Majahuitas, paddleboards, lunch, and an onboard premium open bar. The route may include Los Arcos and the Malecón, depending on sea conditions.

“Bring sunscreen and dramine if you’re prone to motion sickness. Had a wonderful time! Great crew! Fun time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Start in Zona Romántica, ride a local bus to Boca de Tomatlán, then hike a rugged coastal trail past Colomitos and several small beaches. Guides such as Juan, Diego, Victor, and Alex lead the way. Snorkel gear is included, but water conditions decide whether you can use it.

“We had a blast!! So many beautiful beaches. Great hikes and good time on the beach as well!! Diego was great and had a perfect pace!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Full Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkel

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

Join a small group of up to 14 with guides such as Juan, Alex, Diego, or Victor for a rugged coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlán to six beaches. You’ll ride local buses, swim at Colomitos and other coves, try snorkeling if sea conditions allow, eat at Playa Las Ánimas, and return by water taxi.

“We had the best time, wonderful family day. Loved how informative our guide Juan was. Very friendly and had a great attitude. Would recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

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

Meet your guide in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, ride a local bus to Mismaloya, then take a small boat to Los Arcos. Guides such as Armando, Andrés, Bruno, and Sebastián explain the islands and lead a snorkeling stop with fish, coral, and occasional turtles, rays, eels, or octopus.

“It was fun even thought i didn't know how to swim, the guide helped me through it. They were nice! Thanks again! 🥰”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Join Mismaloya Xtreme for a three-hour boat trip from Zona Romantica to Los Arcos. You’ll get cliff-jumping options, snorkeling among tropical fish, a ride through arches and caves, and time at a small beach. Guides including Alfonso, Diego, Max, and Arnold lead the outing.

“Great no-nonsense half day active tour. Plenty of time in the water and back at the hotel before the lunch buffet ends. Alfonso and crew were great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Marietas Islands snorkeling & Hidden beach (w/ restrictions)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 183 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Join a small group from Marina Vallarta for a five-hour Marietas Islands trip led by a biologist or naturalist. You’ll snorkel, watch seabirds, share lunch, and possibly swim 200 meters into Hidden Beach. Guides such as Maggie, Michael, Cynthia, and Luis add strong wildlife insight, but beach access is never guaranteed.

“The snorkeling for sure!! Margarita was such a great guide as she is a zoologist. Her information on the birds and the fish we saw while snorkeling was fabulous!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Half-Day Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 163 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Join Mike’s Fishing & Tours at 9:00 am for a four-hour group boat trip from Puerto Vallarta to Los Arcos de Mismaloya. You’ll see the shoreline, snorkel around natural rock arches for about 30 minutes, and enjoy ceviche, fruit, paninis, salad, and an international bar.

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Wild Dolphin Encounter & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 147 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Meet at Ecotours Vallarta in Marina Vallarta for a dolphin briefing, then head into the Pacific with a biologist guide such as Maggie, Michael, or Margarita. You may swim near wild dolphins, watch whales and turtles, and snorkel at Los Arcos. Groups are limited to 10.

“We had a great time as a family of 4 on the dolphin excursion. Michael and our captain (Ricardo?) They were patient, I formative and hospitable. There were whales in the area and they spent extra time letting us watch as a group before moving on to the next part of the trip. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Puerto Vallarta snorkel tour at Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 113 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $79

Set out from Marina Vallarta at 9 a.m. with Eco Explorer Vallarta for a small-group snorkel trip at Los Arcos. Guides such as Rodrigo, Eric, and Carlos help with gear, safety, and marine life. Expect about three to five hours, snacks, wildlife sightings, and a possible beach stop.

“Very relaxed atmosphere, host knows area well. Would do it again if back in the area. Great deal for the price.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Full-Day Private Sailing Cruise Puerto Vallarta with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 111 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

You’ll cruise Banderas Bay aboard the Maple Leaf 48 with a private crew, stopping near Los Arcos and Mismaloya for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Captains and crew members such as Luis, Angel, Felix, and Jorge adjust the day to your group, with guacamole, snacks, water, and ice included.

“The experience was wonderful and our hosts were perfect gentlemen. Incredible scenery and a very relaxing afternoon. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Paddleboard and Snorkeling Experience in Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

From central Puerto Vallarta, Felix, Mariella, Daniella, or Sergio takes you to Mismaloya for a lesson, then leads a one-mile paddle to Los Arcos. Expect cave passages, birdlife, snorkeling, snacks, and a small group of no more than six people.

“Be ready to paddle a mile out and back. It was work but so worth it. They help you paddle if needed. The guides stay right with you. Everything is provided. Good luck at the paddle boarding competition in Oregon!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 89 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $87

Spend about eight hours sailing from Puerto Vallarta to Majahuitas and Yelapa aboard a catamaran. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, music, and a waterfall walk. Guides may include Alex, Jorge, or Jonathan, known onboard as Johnny Cash.

“11 HOURS! I've done this type of adventure about 4x now, and this was probably the worst one. Seemed disorganized in the beginning, extra fees everywhere, things are run down for the price. They focus on profit. The crew was nice and this young Diego boy was just going above and beyond. So he needs a raise! Yelapa itself was run down, no toilet seats, no napkins on my table. They advertise open bar but they dont open the bar until 3 hours into the cruise.”

Check availability →Read our full review