Unbelievable natural beauty can be found in Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta that attracts thousands of visitors each year. One of the most interesting and magical landmarks is just South of Old Town Vallarta and is known as Los Arcos of Mismaloya. The Los Arcos of Mismaloya are natural rock formations that have several tunnels that are big enough for small boats to go through, and this area is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Continue to read below to learn more information about this top PV attraction. You too should plan a visit to Los Arcos of Mismaloya, which is just a few minutes south of the renowned Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa.
Marine Life at Los Arcos of Mismaloya
Los Arcos of Mismaloya is situated off the southern coast of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico’s incredible Banderas Bay. You can reach viewpoints to enjoy Los Arcos from the shore by driving from downtown south on Carretera 200. You can also take a boat ride that is approximately ten minutes from the Mismaloya Beach, or you can also go to the downtown pier and take a water taxi if you don’t mind a longer boat ride to Los Arcos. Swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed in the tunnels at Los Arcos rock formations, and you will be able to see a variety of vibrant marine life and seabird species such as native birds, parrots, penguins, and pelicans. Snorkelers, swimmers, and divers will all appreciate the natural beauty of the reefs at Los Arcos.
The History of Los Arcos of Mismaloya
The Los Arcos of Mismaloya rock formations were declared a Refuge for the Protection of Marine Life in 1975 by Secretary of Industry and Commerce. These impressive islands of granite protrude up from the surface of the sea, and from Downtown Puerto Vallarta you can catch a glimpse of these natural beauties. The Los Arcos of Mismaloya has been protected as a National Marine Park since 1984. Thousands of years ago the rock formations didn’t appear as they currently do today. The rock formations were actually part of the Sierra Madre mountains that reach the coastline all along the southern Banderas Bay coast. However, the rock formations were worn down by strong waves that hit them constantly, which consequently led them to erode revealing the rock formations that you can see today.
Los Arcos of Mismaloya Are the Deepest in Banderas Bay
The surrounding area around Los Arcos of Mismaloya is believed to be the deepest in Banderas Bay. Some estimates say that depths can range from 9 meters deep up to 480 meters deep (or 30 and 1,600 feet deep). Los Arcos of Mismaloya also has an underwater wall that vertically runs down about 250 meters, and only professional divers can dive in these spots which are known as the La Quijada del Diablo and El Canon. Snorkelers and paddleboards can skim the sea surface, and the arch of each rock formation has a tunnel that is about 25 meters high. Visitors can go inside the tunnels so they can see how strong the waves are when they crash upon the formations. Some of the depths are believed to be 1,000 meters deep, so keep an eye out below as you snorkel and swim along for sea life.
It is a good idea to view the Los Arcos of Mismaloya, whether you see it in a boat or prefer to get in the water. Los Arcos is a top PV attraction where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty that is unlike anywhere else in the world.