This is a place of incredible biodiversity and natural beauty. Because of that, Los Arcos were declared a protected area in 1975, which is the reason why everybody seems to think that it is a National Marine Park, even though it is not included in the official list of National Parks. The law has changed ever since and no new decree has been issued about Los Arcos. Nevertheless, the local navy and maritime authorities protect the area as a National Park, meaning that no fishing or anchoring is allowed in the area.
Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta is a cluster of small islands with outstanding reefs; it is home to lots of species of birds and an amazing sea life, which makes it a favorite of lovers of snorkel and scuba diving. It is also a natural sanctuary for the mating of pelicans and other species of birds.
Because of its big and deep granite stonewalls that goes from 26 to 65 feet and to its extraordinary biodiversity, it’s an ideal place to practice snorkeling and scuba diving. With depths from 30 to 1600 feet, the waters surrounding Los Arcos are the deepest in the Banderas Bay and are full of lobsters, rays and different species of fish that eats from the reefs.
Los Arcos means "The Arches", as one of the rock formations features a tunnel of 25 meters height. Boats usually pass under this "Arco"; on the other hand, snorkelers and scuba divers can swim through other smaller tunnels and caves, as there are plenty of them due to the nature of the reef. The mos famous of them is also the deepest point in the bay and it's called the Devil's Canyon. A definite must-do for scuba divers.
It is situated south of Puerto Vallarta, between Las Gemelas and Mismaloya beaches. The place makes for a fantastic day trip, only a 30 minute boat-trip distance from Puerto Vallarta’s downtown. If you are an expert diver, Los Arcos are famous for being the perfect environment for night diving.
Los Arcos is one of the most iconic sites of Puerto Vallarta; it’s full of life, nature and history. If you decide to visit the place, please be responsible, don’t take any samples with you and avoid direct contact with the rock and coral formations. We can guarantee that it will be a memorable experience for you and your family.
