The Beautiful Natural Features around Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta

In the Banderas Bay in Mexico, Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful place for scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing. Book a tour today.

No trip to Puerto Vallarta is complete without spending time at Los Arcos in Banderas Bay, Mexico. Spanish for “the Arches,” the Los Arcos is named for the huge gray granite islands pushing up out of the ocean in arch formations. 

Sky view of Los Arcos

Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta, known for its natural beauty and tropical wildlife, is a favorite place to swim, go sightseeing, snorkel, and much more. These islands continue to entertain thousands of tourists every year. 

Let’s explore the wonders that Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta

The beautiful Los Arcos is located in the Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta. It’s between Las Gemelas Beach and Mismaloya Beach. It’s a part of a protected national park called Los Arcos Marine Park, founded in 1984. 

The granite arches shooting out from the ocean make a beautiful backdrop for your ocean adventures. These rocky islands can be seen from downtown Puerto Vallarta, but to appreciate their size and stunning beauty, you must get close to them.

los archos puerto vallarta

 

Along with arches, in Los Arcos National Marine Park you’ll find caves, deep tunnels, and a coral reef. The warm blue waters are home to a number of tropical fish and other sea creatures. These include eels, rays, trumpetfish, and even sea turtles. 

With colorful coral reefs, tropical fish in the water, and birds soaring overhead, Los Arcos is filled with natural features that give you a taste of the tropical flora and fauna of Banderas Bay, Mexico. This unique and flourishing ecosystem is preserved and untouched, thanks to Los Arcos receiving protected status. The wildlife and stunning natural features make it a must-see.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Scuba Diving at Los Arcos 

scuba diving at los arcos

 

If you think the rocks and islands above the surface of the ocean water are striking, just wait till you see what is underwater. There’s something pretty delightful in spotting a colorful tropical fish swimming nearby.

Among travelers, Los Arcos is a popular spot for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The clear water means you are sure to see the fish, coral, and other creatures in full color.

A fantastic way to explore Los Arcos is with our unmatched Combo Outdoor Adventure & Los Arcos Snorkel, a unique excursion that combines a snorkeling session in this wonderful natural reserve, followed by a day of adventures including rappelling down a waterfall, zip lines soaring above an impressive canyon, water slides, mule rides, and much more.

If you are an experienced scuba diver, there are few places in the world more beautiful than the waters of Los Arcos. For an unforgettable experience with professional PADI-certified guides to this amazing location, try the Scuba Dive at Los Arcos excursion, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the underwater world of Los Arcos and see all manner of marine life as well as a breathtaking ecosystem.

snorkeling with beautiful fish

The waters around Los Arcos are among the deepest in the bay, ranging from 9 to 480 meters. This allows for deep diving opportunities to view an ecosystem rarely seen by those on land. As Los Arcos is a protected area, the surrounding ecosystems are mostly untouched, which can make for an even more memorable experience.

Features like Devil’s Canyon and El Bajo make Los Arcos a beautiful and thrilling place to explore for scuba divers. It will be like entering another world. It’ll give you a new appreciation for the variety of life on our living planet. You may get to spot any number of colorful fish, along with lobsters, octopuses, rays, and eels. If you’re lucky, you may spot a sea turtle! 

stingray at los arcos puerto vallarta

What If I’m not Certified for Scuba Diving?

To scuba dive at Los Arcos, you’ll need to be scuba certified. If you aren’t certified before your trip to Puerto Vallarta, you can sign up for a PADI Discover Scuba class from Vallarta Adventures. 

You’ll learn everything you need to know to operate scuba equipment, breath correctly underwater, and stay safe during your dive. These courses can be taken at a number of popular hotels in and around Puerto Vallarta. Once you’ve completed the Discover Scuba class, you’ll be ready to explore Los Arcos.

scuba diving instruction at los arcos puerto vallarta

 

If you don’t have time to certify or aren’t interested in scuba diving, you can still enjoy the sunshine and natural beauty of Los Arcos. It is a great place for a snorkeling adventure or a day trip and a swim. The clear water makes it easy to spot wildlife without any equipment, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on viewing exquisite marine life.

Are you ready to explore Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta? Book your tours to Los Arcos with Vallarta Adventures to take the first step toward an unforgettable experience—and a lot of new social media likes!

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