One ride in and then the ocean hits. This ATV + snorkeling + waterfall combo is built for people who want action without giving up iconic sights. I like how the day keeps moving between viewpoints, then slows down for real time on the water. One thing to consider: the itinerary can shift with sea conditions, and good weather matters for the boat and snorkeling.

You’ll start in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica area, then work your way toward Mismaloya and the famous arch formations. I also like that the tour gives you the core gear (helmet, goggles, bandana, and snorkeling equipment), plus an expert guide to keep everything running smoothly. The main drawback is that drinks and food are not included, so you’ll want to plan for that.

A small group size (max 10 travelers) helps this feel less like a factory tour and more like a guided day out. And yes, there’s a tequila tasting in the mix, which makes the end of the ride feel like more than just getting dirty and wet. If you want a long, restful day, this probably isn’t it—this is an active 4-hour outing with several moving parts.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Three activities in one: ATV adventure, boat time at the arches, and snorkeling at Playa Mismaloya
• Los Arcos access twice: a quick stop at the arches, then a boat ride to see them up close
• Water + waterfall included: you get time on the water and a waterfall stop as part of the mountain leg
• Gear provided: helmet, bandana, goggles, and snorkeling equipment are included
• Small group size: max 10 travelers, which usually means less waiting around
• Weather-sensitive: sea conditions can change parts of the schedule

From ATV Dust to Los Arcos Views: How the Day Is Designed

This tour is really about variety. In one afternoon you get mountain riding, a coastal boat segment, and a chance to see underwater life without having to book separate tours. It’s the kind of plan that works well if you only have a limited number of days in Puerto Vallarta and you hate spending your schedule on logistics.

You’ll also get a clear arc: start with scenic movement around the Zona Romántica area, build up to Mismaloya and the arches, then switch gears into water time. The mountain stops and the waterfall part add a nice contrast after the adrenaline.

What I like for you: this structure naturally spaces out your energy. You do not just repeat the same thing for four hours. You’re alternating between land views, boat sights, and snorkeling time.

Meeting Point, Time on the Clock, and Getting Started Smoothly

The tour meets at Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out how to get yourself across town afterward.

Expect about 4 hours total. In practice, that length is a sweet spot: long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough that you can still plan dinner afterward. The tour is offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

Also note the timing can shift depending on sea conditions. That’s common for boat-based tours in Puerto Vallarta, and it matters most if you’re traveling on a tight schedule. If you have flexibility, you’ll have an easier time matching this with your other plans.

Stop 1: Zona Romántica Boardwalk to Highway 200 (Scenic Warm-Up)

Your first stretch runs through the Zona Romántica area via the boardwalk, then it continues toward Highway 200. This is a smart warm-up. Before you hit the more rugged parts of the day, you get oriented around the city and its coastal feel.

The stop is about 1 hour 10 minutes, with admission not required for this portion. Even if you’re not a big walker, this timing usually works because it sets you up for the rest of the experience: it’s less about one single attraction and more about moving into the route you’ll follow next.

The potential downside: if you’re the type who hates waiting, any longer scenic transfer sections can feel tedious. Still, for most people, it’s a nice start because it keeps the morning from feeling rushed.

Stop 2: Los Arcos de Mismaloya Stop That Gives Context Fast

Next is a quick stop at the Los Arcos de Mismaloya area, around 15 minutes. This is where you get a look at an iconic Puerto Vallarta landmark early, plus access to the nearby national fish park area.

Why this works: seeing the arches once on land gives you an easy reference point for what you’ll experience later from the boat. When you come back for the up-close view, you’ll understand the shape and placement instead of just snapping pictures with no context.

The time is short, so don’t expect a long hangout. This is a look-and-learn moment. If you’re hoping for an extended photo session here, you might want to plan for that during the boat segment later in the day.

Stop 3: Playa Mismaloya Boat Time and Snorkeling in the Clear Water

This is the star turn for people who want Puerto Vallarta’s ocean side. After the ATV adventures in the mountains, you shift to a boat ride. The goal here is to see the arches up close and get out into crystal clear waters for snorkeling.

You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes at Playa Mismaloya, and snorkeling gear is included. The equipment list includes snorkeling equipment, and you’ll also have goggles and bandanas as part of the provided kit. With an expert guide on hand, it’s a better setup than doing this totally on your own—especially if you’re not super confident about snorkeling logistics.

What to expect underwater: you’ll be exploring the underwater world and seeing fish. The tour’s pitch is straightforward: time on the water plus snorkeling with the guide to help you make the most of it.

A consideration: if sea conditions are rough, the tour may change its plan. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s real. If snorkeling is your top priority, build some buffer into your schedule so you’re not stuck if conditions force changes.

Stop 4: El Eden in the Mountains and the Waterfall Moment

After the coast, you head into the mountains for El Eden, about 35 minutes. The tour describes El Eden as an iconic place hidden in the deeper part of the mountains, which usually signals a more nature-forward break than a straight transfer stop.

This is also where the day ties in the waterfall portion included with the tour. In other words, this stop gives you the kind of scenery you can’t get from the beach strip. It’s a change of pace after snorkeling: more walking or standing to take in the area, then time to reset before the return ride.

The benefit for you: even if you’re not chasing extreme hiking, this kind of stop makes the day feel like a full experience instead of two separate activities stapled together.

The trade-off: 35 minutes can fly by, especially if you’re stopping for photos. If you’re very photo-focused, you might wish the waterfall stop was longer—but the overall flow of the tour keeps the day from dragging.

Stop 5: Dirty Monkey ATV Return Ride with South City Views

The final ATV leg brings you back toward the base camp. The return ride is about 30 minutes, and it’s described as a chance to appreciate views of the south of the city.

This last section matters because it’s not just getting back to where you started. You’re finishing with a scenic payoff. After the busier parts of the day, the return ride is usually the moment when people feel the balance of the tour: still active, but more relaxed than the earlier transitions.

If you’re someone who likes to feel the route and not just arrive at destinations, this part helps you connect the city-to-mountain-to-coast story the tour is built around. Also, since you’re returning to the meeting point, it keeps the ending tidy.

Value for $167.29: What You Get vs. What You’ll Pay Elsewhere

At $167.29 per person for about 4 hours, the value comes from stacking multiple components that would cost more if booked separately: ATV gear, snorkeling equipment, a boat ride, plus the waterfall and a tequila tasting.

Here’s what’s included:

• goggles, bandanas, and a security helmet
• tequila tasting
• snorkeling equipment
• expert guide
• boat ride and waterfall

Not included:

• drinks and food
• transportation
• souvenirs and tips

There’s also a key extra cost: an insurance payment of $20 USD per vehicle, paid at registration. That’s worth budgeting for, because it can change your final total depending on how the vehicle group is arranged.

My practical take: the tour feels fair if you want one guided package that covers land, sea, and a nature stop. If you already have snorkeling gear, love planning on your own, or only want one activity type, you might find a less expensive single-activity option. But for the right traveler, this is a good way to buy time and reduce coordination stress.

One more point: it’s commonly booked about 16 days in advance. If you’re traveling around peak times, it’s smart to lock it in earlier so you get the slot that matches your other plans.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and When to Choose Something Else)

This combo tour fits best if you want:

• ATV fun but also a real ocean segment
• guided snorkeling rather than solo guesswork
• a day that mixes city context, mountains, and water
• a guide-led flow that keeps you moving

It also works well for groups and multigenerational travel. One provided account specifically noted doing it with family—mom and aunt included—and the guides were described as funny and energetic. That kind of guide tone matters on a busy, multi-stop itinerary.

Who might reconsider:

• people who want a fully relaxing day
• anyone who’s very sensitive to weather and sea-condition changes
• travelers who don’t want to handle additional costs like the per-vehicle insurance payment

Practical Notes That Affect Your Experience

Because this tour includes a boat and snorkeling, good weather matters. The tour also says the itinerary may change with sea conditions. That means your ideal outcome is still likely, but the order or specific segments can shift.

The group size limit of 10 travelers is a real advantage. Smaller groups usually mean fewer delays when equipment gets checked, and you’re less likely to spend time waiting while others catch up.

You should also plan for basic spending beyond the price: drinks and food are not included, and you’ll likely want to budget for tips and souvenirs if you choose to buy them.

Should You Book This ATV + Snorkeling + Waterfall Combo?

If you want one Puerto Vallarta afternoon that covers ATV riding, Los Arcos by boat, snorkeling at Mismaloya, and a waterfall stop at El Eden, this is a strong pick. The pricing makes sense for a multi-activity day, especially because the tour includes major equipment and guided time.

Book it if:

• snorkeling and the arches are both on your list
• you like a structured day with a guide and small-group energy
• you’re okay with weather-dependent changes

Skip it (or compare alternatives) if:

• you only want one activity type
• you’re traveling on a schedule that can’t handle weather adjustments
• you’re hoping for a low-effort, slow-paced outing

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Felipe Angeles 680, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Included are goggles, bandanas, a security helmet, tequila tasting, snorkeling equipment, an expert guide, and a boat ride and waterfall.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll snorkel at Playa Mismaloya.

Is there an extra insurance charge?

Yes. There is an insurance payment of $20 USD per vehicle, paid at the time of registration.

Does the itinerary ever change?

Yes. The tour may change its itinerary depending on sea conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.