Los Arcos Snorkeling Adventure, Colomitos & Las Animas Beach

The tour begins at the small yet vibrant Mismaloya Beach, surrounded by lush green mountains and rocky cliffs. Friendly, bilingual guides and boat captains greet guests at the shore. They offer a safety briefing and an overview of the itinerary, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and excited. Guests step aboard their tour boat equipped with essentials like life jackets, snorkeling gear, and beverages. The tour starts with the guide introduces the fascinating story of The Night of the Iguana (1964), the Tennessee Williams play-turned-Hollywood film, directed by John Huston.

As you set off, you'll cruise along the stunning coastline of the Bay of Banderas. Your guide will point out notable landmarks, local wildlife, and share the history of the area, including its fame from movies like Night of the Iguana. A short ride brings you to the Los Arcos Marine Park, a cluster of granite islands rising dramatically from the sea. These arches, caves, and rocky outcroppings are teeming with life, both above and below the water. The unique shapes of the rocks, some with natural archways, make for fantastic photo opportunities. Slip into the warm waters and snorkel in a vibrant underwater world. The marine park is known for its crystal-clear visibility and thriving ecosystem, home to: Tropical fish (angel fish, puffer fish, parrotfish) Rays and eels Coral formations. The islets are also home to various bird species, such as pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and frigatebirds. Their nests on the rocky cliffs make for fantastic photo opportunities.

After snorkeling we make our way down the coastline south of Los Arcos for a 25 minute boat ride featuring towering cliffs covered in dense jungle, beautiful beaches such as [Boca de Tomatlan, Colomitos, Madagascar, Maraicas, The Horse Beach, Las Animas and Quimixto]. The lush greenery against the turquoise water creates a postcard-perfect view. You might spot pelicans, frigatebirds, and, in season, even dolphins or humpback whales swimming alongside the boat.

We continue along the charming coast and pass by several stunning beaches until we arrive to the beautiful and tranquil beach of Las Animas. Upon arrival, settle into a beachfront restaurant where you’ll be treated to a delicious appetizer—think fresh ceviche, crispy shrimp tostadas, or guacamole with homemade chips, you can also purchase anything from the delicious menu of fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine in general. You can also relax on the sandy shores, jump of the pier into the ocean, explore the area, or take part in additional activities [not included] like: Parasailing Banana boat Adventure Park Massage Wrap up your tour with a scenic ride back to Mismaloya while enjoying a nice cold beverage .