No visit to Puerto Vallarta is truly complete without experiencing the iconic of Los Arcos.
In the heart of Banderas Bay, Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta stands as one of Mexico’s most breathtaking natural landmarks. Known for its dramatic granite arches rising from the sea, this protected marine sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Puerto Vallarta.
No trip to the destination feels complete without experiencing Los Arcos up close. While the iconic formations can be seen from downtown, their true scale and beauty can only be appreciated from the water, where towering rock walls, hidden caves, and natural tunnels create an unforgettable coastal landscape.
What Are Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta?
Located between Las Gemelas and Mismaloya beaches, Los Arcos is part of the protected Los Arcos National Marine Park, established in 1984 to preserve one of the bay’s most vibrant ecosystems.
Beneath the surface, warm blue waters shelter coral reefs and a remarkable diversity of marine life. Tropical fish move through the arches, rays glide silently across the sand, and sea turtles occasionally appear in this thriving underwater world. Above the waterline, seabirds circle and nest along the rock formations, adding to the sense of untouched natural beauty that defines this sanctuary.
Because of its protected status, Los Arcos remains one of the most pristine and biologically rich areas in Banderas Bay.
Discover Los Arcos with Sea Safari & Beach BBQ
One of the most immersive and rewarding ways to experience Los Arcos is through our unforgettable Sea Safari & Beach BBQ.
The journey begins as you cruise toward the dramatic granite formations before entering the crystal-clear waters for a guided snorkeling experience inside this iconic marine sanctuary. Swimming among colorful tropical fish while surrounded by towering arches and rock walls offers a rare perspective of the ecosystem that makes Los Arcos so extraordinary.
After exploring beneath the surface, the adventure continues south of the bay, where coastal villages and untouched beaches reveal another side of Puerto Vallarta. You’ll visit the charming fishing village of Quimixto, ride horseback through lush jungle terrain to a secluded waterfall, and later unwind on a pristine beach in Pizota while enjoying a beachside BBQ and open bar.
The experience flows naturally from marine exploration to cultural discovery and relaxed coastal indulgence, creating a day that feels both adventurous and deeply connected to the region.
Scuba Diving at Los Arcos
For certified divers, Los Arcos offers some of the most thrilling dive sites in Banderas Bay. The waters here range from relatively shallow areas to dramatic depths, revealing underwater walls, canyons, and tunnels that feel like entering another world.
Because the area is protected, marine life flourishes. Divers may encounter rays, octopuses, lobsters, eels, and vibrant schools of tropical fish. With a bit of luck, even a sea turtle might glide past, turning an already memorable dive into something truly unforgettable.
What If I’m Not Scuba Certified?
Scuba diving at Los Arcos requires certification, but if you’re not yet certified, you can enroll in a PADI Discover Scuba course before your dive. These introductory programs teach you the fundamentals of equipment use, underwater breathing, and safety, preparing you for your first exploration beneath the surface.
If diving isn’t on your list, snorkeling at Los Arcos remains one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to experience this marine sanctuary, offering exceptional visibility and vibrant marine life without the need for certification.
Ready to Experience Los Arcos?
Whether you choose to snorkel through crystal-clear waters, dive into dramatic underwater landscapes, or explore the coastline aboard Sea Safari & Beach BBQ, Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta promises a connection to nature that is both powerful and unforgettable.
It’s more than a landmark. It’s one of the defining experiences of Banderas Bay.
