Cliff jumping and snorkeling in the same 3.5-hour outing is a rare combo. This one mixes a safe jump stop, then Los Arcos snorkeling with arches, caves, and lots of tropical fish, before ending at a hidden beach accessible by boat.

I love the way this tour is set up for an easy start and finish, with pickup near the cruise ship terminal at OXXO and return transportation back to where you met. I also like that the experience includes snorkeling equipment, English-speaking guides, plus drinks and bottled water. One thing to consider: Los Arcos is popular, so you can see multiple tour boats in the same area, and the cliff-jumping stop involves climbing back up.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel in Real Time

• Small group max of 15 helps the crew keep track of everyone during the jump and snorkeling time
• Provided snorkeling gear means less hassle and more time in the water
• Cliff jumping at a scenic spot near the Night of the Iguana film set adds adrenaline without being sketchy
• Los Arcos Marine Geological Sanctuary snorkeling focuses on arches, caves, and fish life
• Hidden beach only reachable by boat gives you a calmer end to the day
• Rinse-off area, bathrooms, and changing facilities at Mismaloya helps you leave comfortable

From Cruise-Ship OXXO to Mismaloya: Getting on the Water Fast

This tour is built around simple meeting points. You’ll meet at OXXO near the Puerto Vallarta cruise ship terminal (there’s also a Calle, Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio address listed), and the idea is that you can find the group without a scavenger hunt. After pickup, you ride to Playa Mismaloya, where the boat part begins.

The total time is about 3 hours 30 minutes, and it feels like a true half-day. That matters if you have limited time in Puerto Vallarta, or you just want your day to stay flexible after lunch or before dinner.

You also get a mobile ticket and bottled water on board. No WiFi is listed, so don’t plan on streaming your way through the boat ride.

The Adrenaline Start: Cliff Jumping Near the Night of the Iguana Set

Right at the beginning, you get the adrenaline hit. The cliff-jumping stop is near the famous Night of the Iguana film set area, and you’ll have a chance to do a lower jump (around 15 feet) or try a higher leap if you’re feeling confident.

This is the kind of stop where timing and safety talk matter. The tour is marketed as safe cliff jumping, and the practical takeaway is that the crew focuses on rules and where you should jump from. In past groups, the instructions have been described as easy to follow, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re standing there trying to decide if your stomach agrees with the plan.

One consideration is physical effort. Even if the jump itself is fun, getting back up can be challenging for some people. If you’re not thrilled about climbing, you can still enjoy the viewpoint and watch others, but you should be honest with yourself about how much exertion you’re ready for.

Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary Snorkeling: Arches, Caves, and Fish Life

After the jump stop, you head to Los Arcos de Mismaloya and start snorkeling in the Los Arcos Marine Geological Sanctuary. This is where the experience turns from adrenaline to underwater sightseeing.

What you’re looking for is exactly the kind of reef scenery that makes snorkeling feel different from a beach swim. The highlights are arches and caves, plus tropical fish you can see close up. You’re not just trying to survive choppy water and hope for something interesting. The plan is to structure the snorkeling around what Los Arcos is known for.

Snorkeling quality shows up in small details, and people have specifically praised the snorkeling gear. That’s huge. Good equipment and a fit that works for you means you spend more time looking at fish, less time fiddling.

A practical note: you might see several tour groups at Los Arcos during peak times. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s bad, but it can reduce the feeling of solitude. If you’re sensitive to crowds, you might want to think of this as a “popular spot snorkeling experience,” not a private reef fantasy.

Hidden Beach by Boat: The Calm Finish You’ll Remember

The last big moment is the quiet one. After snorkeling, you relax at a beach that’s only accessible by boat. This matters because it naturally limits foot traffic and makes the shoreline feel less like a destination built for everyone.

At this hidden beach, you can swim and sunbathe and just take the pressure off. The water time here feels more open-ended than the structured snorkeling stop. If you want to take photos, float for a while, or simply recover after the jump, this is where the schedule gives you room.

One review detail stood out for me: groups appreciated the timing, because it often means you get some peaceful beach time before crowds take over other parts of the bay. That’s not something you can guarantee everywhere, but the tour’s sequence is clearly aimed at giving you a calmer landing.

The Itinerary Rhythm: 5 Islands Feel Without the Full-Day Commitment

Even though the outing is about 5+ islands and island hopping is part of the appeal, the timing stays focused. You’re moving between three main phases: pickup and travel to Mismaloya, the cliff jump, and snorkeling plus the hidden beach.

The rhythm works because it avoids a common problem with water tours: too much wasted time staring at the horizon and not enough time doing the main activities. You get the jump early, the snorkeling stays the centerpiece, and the beach finish prevents the whole trip from feeling like a rushed checklist.

Also, the boat ride back includes time to settle. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan accordingly. One person mentioned getting seasick on the return ride, and that’s a reminder that conditions can vary even when the day is good.

Guides and Group Size: Why You’ll Likely Feel Cared For

The tour operates with English-speaking tour guides, and the group size is capped at 15 travelers. That number matters. In a smaller group, it’s easier for the crew to spot who needs help, keep an eye on swimming comfort, and manage the jump stop without chaos.

Guide names that have come up include Ivan, Alfonso, Sebastian, Brian, Kevin, and Jason. Across those experiences, the consistent praise is for clear instructions and friendliness. People also noted that guides are informative about the area and things to do, which is useful because it helps you connect what you’re seeing with real Puerto Vallarta context.

One more useful detail: instructions have been described as straightforward, and it’s been said that finding the meeting spot went smoothly. That’s big if you’re arriving on a cruise and your schedule is tight.

What’s Included, What Isn’t, and What That Means for Value

Let’s talk value, because this is where you decide if the price fits your priorities.

Price is $44.00 per person, and for that you get:

• Pickup offered and return transportation back to the meeting point
• Bottled water, plus a soft drink and beer included
• Snorkeling equipment included
• All fees and taxes included
• English-speaking guides
• Help and information before and after the tour

What’s not included is WiFi on board, which is a non-issue for most people. The bigger value point is that you don’t have to pay extra for gear rental, and you’re not doing a patchwork of different operators for snorkeling, transfers, and the beach stop.

Also, the included drinks are not just a nice extra. They’re part of how the tour keeps the vibe relaxed after the water activities. You finish, rinse off, change, and you’re not scrambling for hydration.

Comfort After: Rinse-Off, Bathrooms, and Changing

When you finish a water tour in Mexico, the question isn’t just whether you had fun. It’s whether you can get cleaned up without turning your day into an uncomfortable scramble.

This one includes access at Mismaloya Beach after the activity. You’ll have a convenient rinse-off area, plus bathrooms and changing facilities before you get back on transportation. That’s practical, especially if you’re going straight to a meal, heading back to a cruise, or you don’t want to spend the rest of the day smelling like saltwater.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Think Twice)

I think this tour is especially good for you if you want:

• a half-day water experience without committing to a full excursion
• a mix of adrenaline (cliff jumping) and underwater sightseeing (Los Arcos)
• provided snorkeling gear and English-speaking guidance
• a calmer end at a hidden beach by boat

It may be less ideal if:

• you are nervous about heights or climbing back up after jumping
• you get seasick easily on boats
• you strongly prefer private snorkeling with no other groups in the water

Good swimming helps you get more out of it. Snorkeling is the core activity, and your comfort level in the water will affect how much you enjoy looking around the arches and caves. You don’t need to be an Olympian, but you do need to be at ease floating and moving with fins.

Price and Timing: A Solid $44 Half-Day If You Want Real Water Time

At $44 per person for a roughly 3 hour 30 minute outing, you’re paying for transportation, guide time, snorkeling equipment, and the structured stops. In places like Puerto Vallarta, that combination usually costs more when you book snorkeling separately and then try to add transportation later.

The timing is also a strength. A half-day schedule is easier to pair with other plans, like a beach lunch, a stroll into town, or a later dinner. It’s a smart pick when you want a memorable water experience but you don’t want your whole day to be taken by one operator’s timeline.

Should You Book Los Arcos Snorkeling Plus Cliff Jumping?

Yes, you should book it if you want a fun, active half-day with clear structure. The strongest reasons to go are the combination of cliff jumping, Los Arcos snorkeling, and a hidden beach finish, plus the fact that snorkeling gear and guided support are included in a low-stress $44 price point.

I’d only hesitate if you’re not comfortable with stairs and climbing, or you’re likely to feel ill on a boat ride. In those cases, you might still enjoy the trip, but you should go in with realistic expectations about what parts will feel easiest.

If you’re in Puerto Vallarta for a short stay, this is one of those tours that gives you a lot of variety fast: jump, snorkel, relax, rinse off, repeat the important parts tomorrow.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

How much does it cost?

The price is $44.00 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the OXXO near the Puerto Vallarta cruise ship terminal area, with additional meeting point location details also provided.

Do I get picked up and taken back?

Pickup is offered, and after the activity you return to your original meeting point.

What activities are included?

You’ll do safe cliff jumping, snorkeling at Los Arcos, and time to relax at a hidden beach accessible by boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

The experience is best for people who are comfortable swimming, since snorkeling is a core part of the activity.

What’s included in the price besides snorkeling?

Bottled water, a soft drink and beer, snorkeling equipment, all fees and taxes, and English-speaking tour guides are included.

What weather requirements should I plan for?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.