THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board a private boat from Puerto Vallarta for a 4–5 hour half-day that visits Los Arcos, Colomitos and Playa Las Ánimas. Snorkel shallow reefs, photograph a tucked-away waterfall, and relax on a jungle-backed beach only accessible by sea.
Board a private boat from Puerto Vallarta for a 4–5 hour half-day that visits Los Arcos, Colomitos and Playa Las Ánimas. Snorkel shallow reefs, photograph a tucked-away waterfall, and relax on a jungle-backed beach only accessible by sea.
You push off from a small wooden pier as morning light slices the bay; the motor hums and the shoreline of Puerto Vallarta slides away. The boat threads a green corridor of jungle and volcanic rock until the first stacks of Los Arcos loom, their arches daring you to look beneath the surface. Nearby, Colomitos’ tiny cove hides a waterfall and a strip of sand framed by palms. Later, Animas Beach opens—no roads, no cars, just surf and a palapa restaurant.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Travel Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
You push off from a small wooden pier as morning light slices the bay; the motor hums and the shoreline of Puerto Vallarta slides away. The boat threads a green corridor of jungle and volcanic rock until the first stacks of Los Arcos loom, their arches daring you to look beneath the surface. Nearby, Colomitos’ tiny cove hides a waterfall and a strip of sand framed by palms. Later, Animas Beach opens—no roads, no cars, just surf and a palapa restaurant.
Geology here is blunt and visible: volcanic outcrops sculpted by waves into arches and caves, reefs built from coral colonies and rocky ledges that shelter tropical fish. Culturally, the Mismaloya–Animas stretch has long been a fishing and small-community zone; parts of the coastline gained attention in the 1960s when film crews and curious visitors began arriving in larger numbers. Boat access remains the only route to some coves, which keeps them quieter and more wildlife-rich than the tourist-heavy Malecon.
Expect guided snorkeling over shallow reefs at Los Arcos, short onshore time at Colomitos to photograph the waterfall, and a relaxed swim or lunch on Animas. Lifevests and snorkel gear are provided; basic swim ability and comfort entering and exiting a small boat are required. Plan morning departures for calmer seas, bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for slippery rocks, and a small amount of cash for the beach palapa. The day balances easy cruising with bursts of exploration: the water pushes at your legs, the rocks watch you pass, and the guide ties those pieces together so you can focus on observing and breathing through the snorkel.
No formal certification is required; guides provide basic instruction and flotation. However, comfortable swimming and basic snorkel practice help you get more from the reef stops.
The operator notes infant and stroller access and allows service animals, but boarding a small boat and getting in/out of the water requires mobility—check with the provider for individual needs.
Lifevests and snorkeling equipment are included; bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, water shoes, a hat, and cash for the beach restaurant.
Meeting instructions vary by pier location; arrive 15–20 minutes early to clear the boarding area and use facilities if needed.
Travel Vallarta operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off from a small wooden pier as morning light slices the bay; the motor hums and the shoreline of Puerto Vallarta slides away. The boat threads a green corridor of jungle and volcanic rock until the first stacks of Los Arcos loom, their arches daring you to look beneath the surface. Nearby, Colomitos’ tiny cove hides a waterfall and a strip of sand framed by palms. Later, Animas Beach opens—no roads, no cars, just surf and a palapa restaurant.
You push off from a small wooden pier as morning light slices the bay; the motor hums and the shoreline of Puerto Vallarta slides away. The boat threads a green corridor of jungle and volcanic rock until the first stacks of Los Arcos loom, their arches daring you to look beneath the surface. Nearby, Colomitos’ tiny cove hides a waterfall and a strip of sand framed by palms. Later, Animas Beach opens—no roads, no cars, just surf and a palapa restaurant.
Geology here is blunt and visible: volcanic outcrops sculpted by waves into arches and caves, reefs built from coral colonies and rocky ledges that shelter tropical fish. Culturally, the Mismaloya–Animas stretch has long been a fishing and small-community zone; parts of the coastline gained attention in the 1960s when film crews and curious visitors began arriving in larger numbers. Boat access remains the only route to some coves, which keeps them quieter and more wildlife-rich than the tourist-heavy Malecon.
Expect guided snorkeling over shallow reefs at Los Arcos, short onshore time at Colomitos to photograph the waterfall, and a relaxed swim or lunch on Animas. Lifevests and snorkel gear are provided; basic swim ability and comfort entering and exiting a small boat are required. Plan morning departures for calmer seas, bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for slippery rocks, and a small amount of cash for the beach palapa. The day balances easy cruising with bursts of exploration: the water pushes at your legs, the rocks watch you pass, and the guide ties those pieces together so you can focus on observing and breathing through the snorkel.