Los Arcos Snorkeling & 5 Island Adventure

This is a snorkeling trip to Los Arcos, the marine sanctuary off Mismaloya, run by Mismaloya Xtreme, a locally owned operator. The listing calls it a Los Arcos and 5 island adventure, though the itinerary only describes the Los Arcos area, so ask which stops are actually included. The outing is listed at about 120 minutes.

The operator says its team are the owners, guides and boat captains, and that they do not subcontract any part of the experience. They add that they were born and raised in Mismaloya, so their knowledge of Los Arcos, its caves, marine life and history is meant to make the trip more personal and educational. Groups are kept small to focus on safety, comfort and personal attention.

The tour begins at Mismaloya Beach, where the guides welcome you and give a short briefing on the tour, safety instructions and what to expect. You then take a relaxed boat ride along the coastline, past the landscapes of Mismaloya and into the Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary.

Next you go through the arches and into the sea caves, with a stop to take photos among unusual rock formations and turquoise water. The operator also mentions optional cliff jumping near an old movie set as one of the extras.

The main activity is a guided snorkeling session in the clear, protected water, where you can look for tropical fish, coral reefs and other marine life in one of Banderas Bay’s top snorkeling spots. The snorkeling part is listed at 60 minutes.

The tour ends back at Mismaloya Beach, where you are free to stay, swim or eat at one of the nearby beachfront restaurants. Transportation, bottled water, snorkeling equipment and a locker are included, and the vehicle has air conditioning. It suits all fitness levels, but it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.