All About Puerto Vallarta's Natural Aquarium–Los Arcos de Mismaloya

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is a premier destination for ecotourism enthusiasts in Puerto Vallarta. With its dramatic rock formations, rich marine biodiversity, and vibrant birdlife, this protected marine reserve offers a variety of water sports activities and tours that highlight the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya (Mismaloya Arches) are a group of five islands located between Las Gemelas Beach and the village of Mismaloya, south of Puerto Vallarta. These spectacular rock formations are home to a rich variety of marine life and are the habitat of many species of birds.

Three of Los Arcos de Mismaloya have distinctive names that are both mysterious and intriguing: Roca de Los Arcos (The Arches’ Rock), Roca de la Tortuga (Turtle Rock) and Roca del Diablo (The Devil’s Rock); the latter is distinguished by a dark shadow on one of its cliffs, giving it its fascinating look.

Here you can find out everything that Los Arcos de Mismaloya has to offer the visitor.

Top Eco Tours and Activities at Los Arcos de Mismaloya

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful blue-green sea while snorkeling, as well as other activities such as sailing or kayaking around the site.

Each rock or "arch" has a mysterious natural tunnel, approximately 25 meters high, which provides an excellent opportunity to observe the powerful movement of waves crashing into the rock formation, either from a distance or up close.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is said to have some of the deepest waters in Banderas Bay, more than a thousand meters deep.

If you love water sports, want to explore marine life through snorkeling or scuba diving, or want to admire the diverse bird life that calls this natural reserve home, Los Arcos de Mismaloya is a must visit in Puerto Vallarta.

• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Swim among coral reefs, tropical fish and sea turtles in the underwater world of Los Arcos de Mismaloya. Puerto Vallarta's snorkeling and scuba diving tours offer guided experiences that will help you discover the best (and safest) spots around these islands.
• Bird Watching. Los Arcos de Mismaloya are a sanctuary for many species of birds. They include parakeets, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. In Puerto Vallarta, there are a number of tours to Los Arcos de Mismaloya that include the observation of birds in their natural habitat.
• Kayaking and Paddle Boarding. Glide through the calm waters of Los Arcos. Enjoy breathtaking views of the cliffs rising from the deep ocean and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
• Sunset Cruises. Few experiences are as unique and combine ecotourism with romance and relaxation as enjoying the breathtaking views of Los Arcos de Mismaloya from the comfort of a yacht at sunset. Yacht tours in Puerto Vallarta usually include dinner and drinks, making for an unforgettable evening on the waters of the Mexican Pacific Ocean.

A Refuge for Wildlife

Los Arcos de Mismaloya are the natural aquarium of Puerto Vallarta. This is an excellent place to see an abundance of marine life, including brightly colored tropical fish, turtles, eels, mantas and even dolphins.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya offers an unparalleled diving experience in its underwater caves and tunnels. Above the water, this natural reserve is home to many species of birds, making it a popular place to go birdwatching in Puerto Vallarta.

“They are the Heart of the Green Stone, 

as Salvador de Madariaga would say, 

which gives life to a whole marvelous body of Nature. 

They are the watery bed in 

Agustín Yañez's The Lost Land; 

Los Arcos de Mismaloya are 

the marvelous days of Banderas Bay; 

the mysterious and sensual Nights of the Iguana”.

– José Campillo García, July 28th, 2022.

Sustainable Travel in Los Arcos de Mismaloya

Los Arcos de Mismaloya are an important part of the natural heritage of Puerto Vallarta. With initiatives such as the declaration of Los Arcos de Mismaloya Day, environmental organizations and the local government are working to protect and preserve the area's ecosystem and raise awareness.

For decades, tireless environmentalists and visionary businessmen of Puerto Vallarta have fought hard to preserve and protect this marvelous natural attraction located in Banderas Bay.

To that end, starting in 2022, Puerto Vallarta celebrates Los Arcos de Mismaloya Day every July 28. The main objective of this valuable initiative is to highlight the importance of this area and promote its early declaration as a National Marine Park. This will guarantee its preservation for future generations.

This date coincides with the publication, on July 28, 1975, of the agreement that established the waters in Los Arcos de Mismaloya as a refuge zone for the protection of marine flora and fauna.

So, the next time you visit Los Arcos de Mismaloya, remember to choose an ecological tour. And as a lover of nature and sustainable travel in Puerto Vallarta, don't forget to always follow the rules established to protect the rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity of this natural treasure.

How to Get There

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is located about 6 miles south of Downtown Puerto Vallarta. You can get to this marine sanctuary by:

• Boat. The majority of visitors choose to take boat tours, which are easily accessible from the Los Muertos Pier and the Puerto Vallarta Marine Terminal located in the North Hotel Zone.
• Public Transportation. You can take a public bus from the Romantic Zone (at the corner of Constitucion Street and Basilio Badillo Street) to Mismaloya Beach, and then arrange to take a boat to the Los Arcos area.
• Car. Head south on Highway 200 if you prefer to drive. Parking is available at Mismaloya Beach. From there you can take a boat to Los Arcos.

Best Time to Visit Los Arcos de Mismaloya

Los Arcos de Mismaloya can be visited all year round. However, the best time to explore this protected area is during the dry season in Puerto Vallarta, from November to April. The waters are calmer and the visibility is at its best for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Combining the breathtaking natural beauty of the south zone of Puerto Vallarta with great opportunities for adventure, water sports and wildlife viewing, Los Arcos de Mismaloya offers an unforgettable experience.