If you love adventure mixed with jaw-dropping scenery, paddling Los Arcos National Marine Park is a must-do experience in Puerto Vallarta. These famous granite islands sit just off the coast of Mismaloya and create a natural playground of caves, coves, arches, and crystal-clear water. It’s the perfect setting for active families who want to paddle, explore, snorkel, and soak up some of the best coastal views in Banderas Bay.
Guided Instruction and Paddle Practice in Mismaloya Cove
Your SUP adventure begins in the calm, protected waters of Mismaloya Cove — the ideal training ground for beginners and a great warm-up for experienced paddlers. Your certified bilingual instructor will walk you through safety basics, proper paddle techniques, and how to balance with confidence. After a little practice near shore, you’ll be gliding across the water like a natural and ready to paddle out toward the marine park.
Paddling Los Arcos Marine Park
Once you reach Los Arcos, the magic really begins. The water here is unbelievably clear, giving you a front-row seat to colorful marine life as you paddle over reefs and rocky formations. Follow your guide through the arches, into tucked-away caves, and along the dramatic cliffs where frigate birds and the rare blue-footed boobies nest. Keep your eyes open — dolphins often cruise by, and during winter months you might even spot whales passing through the bay. This is one of the most breathtaking paddling routes in Puerto Vallarta.
SUP Tour in Puerto Vallarta for the Whole Family
Because all SUP tours are private, your guide goes completely at your pace — no pressure, no rush. Bring the whole family along (as long as everyone can swim and is comfortable on the board) and enjoy a fun, relaxed adventure tailored just for you.
Why Book Your SUP Tour With The Real Deal Tours?
Paddling Los Arcos is one of those “only in Puerto Vallarta” experiences — a perfect blend of wildlife, scenery, and pure fun. And with our trusted guides, flexible private tours, and best-price guarantee, you’ll enjoy the safest, most personalized SUP adventure in the bay. Come discover why this is one of our top-rated water experiences in PV!
Stand Up Paddle Los Arcos National Marine Park Tour Details
Los Arcos SUP Tour Includes:
Departures: Departs daily at your leisure from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. Meeting point is at the beach near the Malecon – exact instructions will be given upon booking. During the rainy season, we only recommend early morning departures when the waves are calm. When the weather is good, and the waves are calm all day, we can do a sunset tour time.
Length: Approximately 4 hours.
Los Arcos SUP Tour Recommendations:
Children: All ages welcome. Children pay same as adults. Keep in mind that younger children would need to ride on their parent’s board. If this is your first time learning SUP, you may want to re-consider taking your small children. Let us know at booking the ages of your children and we can possibly arrange to have your child with the guide. If your child is under 5, we recommend you bring your own appropriately fitting life vest with you on your vacation to Mexico.
Cruise Ship Passengers: This is a great shore excursion in Puerto Vallarta for couples or active families. The meeting location is just 15 minutes from the cruise terminal, and we can adjust the times to fit your cruise itinerary.
Restrictions: Please note that all tours depart depending the conditions of the ocean. We cannot control Mother Nature and she loves to throw us last minute curve balls sometimes. If the waves are too strong, your guide may recommend for you to re-schedule your SUP tour. Early morning tours are always best for calmer waters.
Insider Tip: TPaddling at Los Arcos is amazing! It is a marine park, meaning it is like paddling over an aquarium. You can see so many fish as you paddle along, no need for a snorkel, or even to get wet if you can stay on your board!! We have even spotted whales breaching and playing there. It is amazing....but also a bit scary to be so close those giants when it is just you and a paddle board. But talk about an unforgettable experience!
Retail: $100.00
Real Deal: $90.00
