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Marine park · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Los Arcos de Mismaloya
Rock formations in the sea off Mismaloya, a marine national park since 1984, with natural arches, seabirds and snorkeling.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Los Arcos de Mismaloya
Los Arcos are granite islets rising from the sea off Mismaloya Beach, about 12 km south of Puerto Vallarta. The sea has carved tunnels and arches in the rocks, through which small boats pass on calm days. The area has been a marine national park since 1984.
The rocks are breeding grounds for seabirds such as pelicans and boobies, and the seafloor around them has rocky reefs with colorful fish, good for snorkeling and diving. Further offshore, the bottom drops quickly to great depths.
Mismaloya Beach, opposite the rocks, became famous because of the film "The Night of the Iguana," by John Huston, shot there in 1963 with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. the film set on the nearby hillside is now in ruins.
Trips to Los Arcos depart in small boats from Mismaloya Beach and from Boca de Tomatlán, and larger boats from Vallarta stop there on the way to the southern beaches.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours, including boat time and snorkeling.
Best time
In the morning, when the sea is calmer and the water clearer.
How to get there
By city bus or taxi to Mismaloya Beach, about 20 minutes south of downtown along highway 200, then by boat to the rocks.
Tip
Hire the boat on Mismaloya Beach itself and arrange the snorkeling time.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Los Arcos de Mismaloya
How to snorkel at Los Arcos?
By taking boats that depart from Mismaloya Beach or Boca de Tomatlán, or on the larger tours that leave from Puerto Vallarta.
What are Los Arcos of Puerto Vallarta?
Rock islets with natural arches off Mismaloya, protected as a marine national park since 1984.
Where was The Night of the Iguana filmed?
In Mismaloya, south of Puerto Vallarta, in 1963.