Los Arcos Private Yacht Charter,
Puerto Vallarta
What a Private Yacht Reveals That No Tour Boat Ever Will
There's a moment — and every one of our clients describes it in almost identical terms — when the engines slow and Los Arcos appears:
Three volcanic rock formations, rising sixty feet out of the Pacific.
The water shifts from deep blue to an almost implausible turquoise. A pelican lands on the highest ledge. Nobody says anything for a few seconds.
That pause is the point.
And it is something a packed tour catamaran, running behind schedule with forty strangers and a soundtrack of commercial pop music, simply cannot give you.
The Los Arcos National Marine Park sits at the southern edge of Banderas Bay, just north of Mismaloya (Mexico) — a cluster of volcanic islets designated as a protected natural area.
One of them, viewed from the south, bears a striking resemblance to a giant sea turtle.
Beneath the surface, the reef supports species most guests only recognize from aquariums: moorish idols, parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors in formation through shafts of light. Sea turtles surface near the formations year-round. Manta rays pass through the deeper channels in winter. And from December through March, humpback whales winter in Banderas Bay — breaching close enough to the anchorage that you won't need binoculars.
The snorkeling zone directly in front of the largest arch is reserved for swimmers only. On calm mornings, visibility reaches thirty feet.
"The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed snorkeling and the stunning views of Puerto Vallarta from the yacht. We will definitely book again!"
— Villa guest from Puerto Vallarta, private yacht charter, June 2024
"An excellent day was had! great hosts. The whale watching, dolphins etc. were amazing!"
— Sarah B. private yacht charter, April 2025
"They provided more than we asked for, there was so much food and drink on board. they helped take our pictures."
— Opeyemi, birthday yacht charter, October 2024
Why Private Charter Changes Everything Here
The deck is yours.
Your captain — vetted by Boat & Bay — knows the anchorage positions that place you closest to the arch, the light that produces the best photographs, and when the water calls for a change of plan.
Snorkel gear is fitted before you arrive. Food and drinks are what you chose, served on your schedule. If the swell turns and you'd rather have a sundowner in a sheltered cove, that decision takes thirty seconds.
Book Your Private Yacht Charter
Our charters start at $1,500 USD.
Planning Your Visit: Time, Route & Conditions
From Marina Puerto Vallarta
4 hours
minimum charter length recommended
From La Cruz de Huancaxtle
5 hours
minimum charter length recommended
From Punta de Mita
6 hours
minimum charter length recommended
These durations account for cruising time in both directions, anchoring, snorkeling, and time to simply exist on the water without watching the clock. Charter guests consistently report that they wish they'd booked more time. We always recommend erring toward the longer option.
The scenic southern route
Departing from Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, the southbound route along Puerto Vallarta's coastline is itself part of the experience. A well-designed itinerary might look like this:
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Cruise past the Malecón and Los Muertos Pier — the most photographed stretch of Puerto Vallarta's waterfront, best seen from the water at a leisurely pace.
Pass Conchas Chinas and Garza Blanca — where the Sierra Madre mountains meet the Pacific and the architecture turns discreetly spectacular.
Arrive at Los Arcos — anchor, swim, observe, photograph, and absorb. Approximately 30–40 minutes at the site.
Continue south to Majahuitas or Quimixto for lunch, beach time, and swimming in a tucked-away cove inaccessible by road.
Return via the offshore route — open ocean, mountain panoramas, and the kind of quiet that reminds you why you came.
What Boat & Bay Brings to This Experience
Boat & Bay is a boutique yacht experience agency in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit — not a charter operator.
We curate vetted partner vessels, subcontract our own chef, bar, and photography, and serve as your single bilingual point of contact from inquiry to departure. A registered Mexican business. A limited number of charters each week. For guests who prefer someone else to do the thinking.
Marine Park Rules: What Applies Here
Los Arcos is a protected natural area.
Life jackets are required for all swimmers and anchoring is restricted to designated positions. Your captain handles all of this — so your group simply turns up and enjoys the day.
If you want jet skis as part of your experience, Playa Paredón is five minutes away and we can add it as an optional extension to your charter.
