Fantastic time - our hosts were lovely and very knowledgeable about the area. Loved it and highly recommend it!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Bottled water
- snorkel equipment
- life jackets
Excludes
- Lunch
- Towels
- Gratuities
- Port entrance fee, Los Arcos
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Please pay the port fee $41 MXN or $2.00 USD per person Boat name : La Vida Bella.
Return
- Please pay the port fee $41 MXN or $2.00 USD per person Boat name : La Vida Bella.
Itinerary
The captain will meet you at the front entrance of Villa Vera Hotel in Marina Vallarta. You will bored the boat and the tour will begin. Heading directly to Los Arcos National Marine park to snorkel and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. The captain will answer your questions and we'll explain the history of this natural Marine park.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Great trip, would recommend the small personal tour with great guides. You were able to get a lot more details on Los Arcos and the surrounding areas during the ride to and from the snorkeling. Highly recommend for any group or family in PV!
Excellent service, so glad we did this as a private tour. We were a party of 4 senior citizens, my husband, myself and two sisters with mobility issues. The weather wasn't particularly good the day we went. It was raining and a little blustery. Fernando and Miguel did a great job of trying to keep us comfortable and as we passed by the beautiful shoreline of Puerto Vallarta they would point out different prominent sites. They asked if we wanted to hear music but we preferred to listen to their commentary. They were very knowledgeable. When we got to Los Arcos the current was quite strong. There were quite a few fish right around us as we jumped in the water, however because the current was so strong we only stayed a short time there. Other snorkeling tour excursions were leaving the area also. I have one sister who has significant mobility issues. Not only did Fernando help her with her snorkeling but it took all 3 men to help her back into the boat. At our request to snorkel longer we were then taken to a different sheltered area where Night of the Iguana was filmed. The variety of fish in this location was wonderful-some fish that I have never seen before even with several years of scuba diving. On the return back to the pier some in our group saw a huge whale. Overall a wonderful day despite difficult weather circumstances. Was wonderful having the boat to ourselves.
Easy to find location. Fernando and Fernando were very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We traveled with our two children and saw plenty of fish and even whales breaching.
We had a group Of four adults and four teens. Fernando and Fernando made the experience one of the best days of our vacation. Thank you!
The tour was amazing. We went early in the day so there was pretty well no one else in the area. They went in the water with us to show us good spots to view and let us stay in for about an hour or so of snorkelling. I would recommend them to anyone wanting a good time in the water and see all the fish you want
Fernando and Fernando were an amazing team. Best experience we’ve had on the water. They were very knowledgeable and spoke good English. The water was a little rough but they kept us safe and took us to places we could still see a lot of fish and eagle rays. They kept libations flowing and the guacamole was awesome!
Fernando and his son Fernando know and execute customer service. They made the experience worth it. I would recommend this excursion because of Fernando and his son Fernando.
We had an awesome time! Lots of time to snorkel and relax at the secluded beach! They worked with us in getting a more convenient pick up location, which was nice! We had a super knowledgeable and friendly guide, who also made great guacamole. We would definitely recommend this tour!
The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, the boat was well maintained and comfortable, and they were very prompt. Both crew members spoke fluent English, which made it much easier for us. They were incredibly attentive and provided snacks and drinks. The snorkeling spot was great and one of the crew guided you around and provided information. Would definitely recommend this small intimate setting over a large boat of strangers. Best experience of the trip
From start to finish, it was enjoyable, relaxing, and amazing experience for a small group. plenty of room and the guys were great !!!
Felt very safe and awesome boat ride. Very knowledgeable, fun and attentive guides. Make sure to bring towels however, they do not provide them.
La Vida Bella was the perfect boat for our group or 7. It was a smooth and beautiful ride from the Marina to Los Arcos. Unfortunately, due to global warming, the water was rougher, murkier, and colder than usual at this time of year so snorkeling was not the best. Fernando and Fernando were great and made some delicious guacamole.
Amazing! Our hosts were great, and it was a great price for a private boat. We even saw dolphins and whales! 5 stars overall, I think they could add more goggles and swimming fins.
Excellent experience for our family of three. Friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable crew, plenty of drinks, and delicious homemade guacamole and chips. All equipment included. We felt very lucky to have our own private boat when we got to Los Arcos and saw the crowded tour boats. If you are planning to visit Los Arcos, this is the way to do it. Highly recommend
The captain and guide were excellent. I was a struggling a little at the beginning (wasn't managing my mask correctly) and the guide came right over and helped me out. He also found a manta ray for us! So personalized and fun!
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(:
This is an awesome private group snorkeling trip for a great price! The snorkeling was fabulous at Los Arcos. So many fish! The hosts are great and weren’t in a hurry for us to leave.
Fernando and Mitzan were great! Guacamole was delicious! We were a party of 7 and the boat was just the right size.
This was an exceptional trip for our family of 4. The crew were fantastic. We got to the snorkling spot before all the larger boats/tourists arrived and had a more private experience. After snorkling, we were treated with fresh guac/chips and margaritas (other non-alcohol options also available). The crew pointed out different animal species (above and below water), as well as other sites along the way. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip and highly recommend to anyone looking for a more VIP/private experience away from larger crowds.
Excellent. Particularly impressed by the way the crew showed us the ropes and kept tabs on all six of us while snorkeling at Los Arcos, and helped out where needed. A memorable experience.
Wonderful trip. Our guides were very kind and informative. They explained about the history of los arcos, Bahia de Banderas and all of the fish and animals. We would definitely book again.
We went with 5 people that included 2 young adults, a teenage and us parents. What made this a top-notch experience? Here are the bullet points: +We arrived early, and our crew was ready to take us out. +Equipment (snorkels, life vests, swim mask and fins) were in great shape and fit everyone. +Our crew answered our many questions about PV, what is swimming in the water, etc. +Drinks were immediately offered as soon as we got onboard. +The boat was clean, really clean and very comfortable. There is a canopy that covers the whole boat so there is always shade. The front of the boat has cushions that are about the size of two (2) twin beds so there is an area to lay down. +One of our crew members joined us in the water to show us the best areas and how to avoid the crowds (and yes, those bigger boats show up but only stay 15 minutes) +Guacamole and chips were ready and waiting after we finished snorkeling (about 1.5 hours, which is plenty of time) +The ride back included bottomless margaritas (well made!) and 80's music, something everyone enjoyed. I did LOTS of price shopping and for a family of 5, the price can't be beat.
Very attentive to questions and needs. Clean boat and spoke very good English. Snorkeling by Los Arcos was amazing!
Fernando and Mixon are great! The tour was smooth. Mixon guided us in the water to best sights and away from the large crowds. He also makes an excellent bowl of guacamole.
The Captain and his crew mate Mixon were terrific and had a lot of local history and knowledge to share. After a fun hour of snorkeling we were treated to some cold & delicious guacamole and chips and all the drinks you want. A very fun few hours was had by all.
We booked last minute (sent a message for availability through WhatsApp) and they were able to accommodate our family for a 3 hr Los Arcos private boat tour. We received clear instructions and were easy to communicate with. Fernando and his son were friendly and accommodating to our 4.5 and 3 yr old kids, informed us of the natural wonders of Los Arcos, provided the snorkel gear for the adults (we brought our own kid goggles), ensured we had beverages and enjoyed the guacamole, and we felt very safe and welcome. We had such a relaxing time on our own private boat and the 3 hour tour was just enough for our family with little ones. We'll book with there again in the future!
The crew was amazing! Unfortunately, the snorkeling area is highly populated, and it was very murky, so you weren’t able to really see a lot of fish. What was awesome… the dolphins! We got to see a School of dolphins while we were riding on the boat after the snorkel area.
Highly recommend - we had an absolute blast. It was soo easy to book, the communication was fast, informative and excellent. The tour itself was very professional, we went snorkelling at Los Arcos. We had a boat captain, Fernando, plus a professional guide, Mitzon, both of whom were very knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife. Mitzon came with us each time we went in the water to snorkel and put in lots of effort to try and find us good spots and different species. We saw so many cool fish, including some eagle rays, needle fish and puffer fish. They were great with my 9 year old who asked lots of questions and spent at least half an hour just jumping off the boat! If you're looking for something to do in Puerto Vallarta give La Vida Bella boat tours a call!
Couldn't have been happier with our boat trip. Capt Fernando and Mitzon were beyond attentive to ensure everyone was having a great time. Our 10 & 12 year old had their first experience snorkeling and they were so patient with the kids. We appreciate everything and highly recommend this tour.
Fantastic trip - super friendly, informative crew made this really fun. Great guacamole and margaritas as promised! We also spent a little time on the way to Los Arcos to whale-watch quite close to the boat - breeching baby with Mom! Accurate tour description so yes, snorkeling gear is provided and plenty of bottled water as well. Highly recommend La Vida Bella - well worth the money.
It was an amazing tour, Fernando and Mixso were amazing tour guides. So nice and amazing balance between entertaining and letting us be. Guacamole was great. We saw a whale we heard whales sing under the ocean. Unfortunately, the water was murky so we couldn’t see a lot of fish, but it was totally worth it and so much fun for the boat ride. The scenery and our tour guides I would highly recommend.
Captain Fernando and Mitzon were great! We had a great site seeing tour along the shore, and the snorkeling was amazing. Make sure to try the fresh guacamole...so good! Highly recommend!
Booked a tour with Captain Fernando for our family of three to spend the morning on Banderas Bay. So nice to have a private tour with only our family on the boat. We originally booked a snorkel tour but the whales were active so we requested to change the itinerary to look for whales instead. Capt Fernando was super accommodating and found plenty of whales to see! Fernando and his crew, Mitzon, were super knowledgeable and provided great service. Highly recommend this experience!
Great trip with excellent guide service from both the captain and the mate. Don’t get on a crowded cat to snorkel, this is a much better option. Clean safe boat!
The is one of the BEST experiences we had (and I've traveled all over the world and taken many excursions) -- our Captain Fernando was THE BEST! as was our tour guide (I can't remember his name, but he was GREAT). There was plenty of drinks, margaritas, and guacamole on the boat - the guacamole was homemade and probably the best we had our entire trip. We booked snorkeling but enjoyed it so much that we ended up booking the boat for the rest of the day and went whale & dolphin watchin (amazing!!) and then to a private beach for late lunch. I would give this more than 5 fives if I could -- highly recommend it!! I will do this again when i go back to Puerto Vallarta, and ask for Fernando!!!
Fernando, the captain, was a wonderful tour guide for the bay. Fernando Jr. makes first-rate guacamole and chips + drinks and was very helpful with the snorkeling in Los Arcos. Our group had a perfect trip and highly recommend them to everyone.
Fernando and Mitzon were great. They gave us good information about the Los Arcos and other areas of Puerto Vallarta while we were on the boat. They served drinks and guac and chips qs well. The snorkeling experience was good. Many fish to see. Overall it was a good trip.
We had an amazing experience and would highly recommend. We loved being the only family on the tour and we were well taken care of. We will definitely be booking more excursions when we come back on our next trip. Fernando and Micon were wonderful!
Our captain (Fernando I think) and his son were excellent. They had extensive knowledge of Los Arcos both fish and birds. The tour was fantastic. We were able to spend as much time as we wanted exploring several of the arches (rocks). He showed us a cave that was beautiful but not visited by many snorkelers. A great tour tailored to our needs. I will happily use LA Vila Bella again. Far superior to the cattle tours we saw around us. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Highlight of our trip! This is an excellent tour. The snorkling is excellent! ernando and his son (also Fernando) were awesome hosts and captains. They pointed out sites on the shore along the way and also slowing down to show us sea turtles. They were great about answering our questions about Puerto Vallarta. Los Arcos is amazing!! Cool rock formations. So many fish! Easy to snorkle there. Fernando encouraged us to swim thru the smaller Arch and showed us where to snorkle for the best view of the fish. His quacomole was so tasty!! The margaritas are the best in Mexico! There was an ample supply of beverages (alcholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks on board. I love that this was a private tour (there were 6 of us) so we could enjoy the activity together and tailor it to what we wanted to do. The boat is covered so we did not bake in the hot sun. Fernando even dropped us off at a pier in the marina that was closer to our condo so we didn't have to make as long of a walk back. I highly recommend this tour-great way to spend 3 hours. It is worth every peso!
We had a great time on our boat tour and snorkel with Fernando and Mitzon. They took us along the shoreline to Los Arcos and pointed out the highlights. We saw lots of tropical fish and eels while snorkeling. Our husbands enjoyed the margaritas while my friend and I enjoyed the homemade guacamole and cokes (thanks pregnancy). They were very accommodating and kind to two pregnant ladies who started to feel nauseous. The experience was a highlight of our trip and would definitely do it again next time we visit Puerto Vallarta.
We loved the private snorkelling boat tour with Fernando, and would not hesitate to book again. Due to the strong currents at Los Arcos, Fernando selected a more suitable snorkelling location for us to have a better experience. We also saw whales & sea turtles on the way. We really enjoyed the chilled vibe of the private tour as opposed to a group tour. Above all, Fernando's homemade guacamole and margaritas were unforgettable. Thank you!!
Wonderful guides and a wonderful day of snorkeling, whale & dolphin watching (saw many!)and local knowledge. We were well taken care of.
I want to assure future adventurers - couples, families, young or old - that this boat tour will NOT disappoint. It is worth the slightly extra cost over one of those crowed tours on big boats. Fernando and Mitzen were amazing hosts. Kind and attentive. Great drinks, yummy guac and snacks - a custom snorkeling tour day we will remember forever. The reviews I read could not have been more spot on. Captain Fernando customized our trip to our exact wants better than we could have asked for (Including stopping for whales, hidden beaches and snorkel stops that were the best in the bay) Please book a day with La Vida Bella - you won't regret it.
Excellent captain, Fernando, gave us a tour of the land and its culture as we cruised towards Los Arcos. His co-captain, Mitzon, is a wonderful guide in the water for snorkeling. Our teens had so much fun!
Highly recommend any trips offered through La Vida Bella. Fernando and Mitzen were so kind and made sure our family had an excellent morning on our snorkeling trip. Top notch guacamole and lots of drink options! We are planning to do another trip with them next time we are in PV.
What a great adventure! Fernando took us on a great trip to Los Arcos where we got to spend an actual hour in the water snorkeling unlike other more expensive tours where you are lucky to have 30 minutes. He was very knowledgeable about the fish and birds in the area and was able to point out all sorts of interesting local features - we even got to see some Blue Footed Boobies! We could have spent more time in the water but we opted for a scenic shoreline tour on the way back.
We went snorkeling with Fernando and he was awesome! He was friendly and fun and a great guide. He told us about the places we went and was great at helping us. My mom had never snorkeled before and he helped teach her and made her feel very comfortable. It was a blast and we would definitely go with him again.
We had the best time on our private snorkeling tour! While we wished we'd seen more fish, we really enjoyed the sightseeing along the coastline. Fernando and his son were exceptional hosts, and made the day great for our entire family! Even better, we saved a boatload of money (no pun intended) by going with La Vida Bella Boat Tours vs one from Vallarta Adventures! It literally cost us about half, and I can't imagine we'd have had any better experience with theirs. But no doubt, the best part of all was Fernando Jr.'s guacamole! Holy schmoley! It was the best chips and guac of our lives. We highly recommend them!
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