Los Arcos National Park centres on a cluster of rocky islets offering reef, wall, cave, and cavern diving alongside accessible snorkelling. The site mix ranges from shallow shore-entry dives near Mismaloya to deeper wreck and wall dives reached by boat. King Angelfish and Acapulco Damselfish are consistently observed across sites, while Spotted Eagle Ray and Jewel Moray are recurring highlights. Water stays warm year-round, with the coolest conditions in late winter and peak warmth through summer into autumn.
Monthly water temperature across Los Arcos National Park's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature stays warm throughout the year, dipping slightly in late winter before climbing to its peak through summer and early autumn. The best-months data favours late winter through spring and again in November and December, when conditions balance comfortable water with generally favourable visibility. Deeper sites such as the Princesa Vallarta Shipwreck and Acuario Los Arcos suit those willing to dive year-round, while shallower reefs remain welcoming in any season.
23 operators
7 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Los Arcos National Park ranges from about 23°C in March to 30°C in July, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 30°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Los Arcos National Park; in the coldest months (about 23°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 13 sites in Los Arcos National Park (10 scuba diving sites and 5 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Observation-backed sightings cover a broad range of species. King Angelfish, Acapulco Damselfish, and Threebanded Butterflyfish are seen across virtually every site. Spotted Eagle Ray is a commonly recorded highlight, and the park hosts an unusually rich variety of morays, including Jewel Moray, Panamic Green Moray, and Zebra Moray. Nudibranch enthusiasts will find Felimare Agassizii and Mexican Dancer recorded as common throughout the area.
Several sites are rated for beginners, including Los Arcos itself, Las Caletas, and La Pared. These offer relatively shallow, reef-based diving accessible by boat. The Princesa Vallarta Shipwreck is the main site designated for advanced divers, given its deeper depth profile. Overall, the site mix makes the park a reasonable destination for mixed-ability groups.
The majority of sites, including Los Arcos, Acuario Los Arcos, Las Caletas, and the Princesa Vallarta Shipwreck, are boat-access only. Camion hundido en Mismaloya is a notable exception, offering a shore-entry option that suits those who prefer not to join a boat trip. Operators including Banderas Scuba Republic, Twin Dolphins Dive Center, and Silent World Divers run guided trips throughout the area.
The park's sites span a wide range of character. Acuario Los Arcos combines reef, wall, cave, and cavern topography in a single dive, making it one of the more varied options. Las Caletas blends natural reef with artificial reef structures and suits both divers and snorkellers. The Princesa Vallarta Shipwreck offers a contrasting wreck experience for those comfortable at greater depth. La Pared and Camion hundido cater to those seeking shallow, relaxed dives close to shore.
