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Diving & Snorkelling in Puerto Vallarta

Nestled lovingly between a resplendent river, several palm-covered mountains and the blue ocean, Vallarta is a paradise of sorts for all kinds of vacationers. While charming architecture, majestic scenery and stunning golf courses are an important part Puerto Vallarta, the main attraction of the place is the beach life and water sport activities abounding here.

Puerto Vallarta sits in the middle of Banderas Bay. The Bay of Banderas in the Pacific is famous for the sheer variety of rare and exotic marine life it houses. Near 100% visibility in the clear waters coupled with the rich marine life makes Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s top diving and snorkeling destinations.

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta for diving and snorkeling is between the months of April and October. The weather plays a pivotal role in determining visibility in the water. Vallarta, like Hawaii, enjoys more than 300 sunny days in a year and has an average temperature of around 80 degrees. Summers are warm and humid. Warm weather is ideal for diving and snorkeling because visibility is relatively high and marine life abounds during this season. During the winters, visibility reduces significantly resulting in an average of 8-10 meters in some areas. The rains, when they occur, usually come and go in the evenings, allowing tourists to enjoy themselves in the mornings.

Scuba diving is one of the most sought after water activities in Puerto Vallarta. Underwater life is so rich that regardless of where you dive, you are certain to spot a wide variety of exquisite coral formations and colorful marine life. Plenty of reefs line the calm waters of Vallarta and these offer ideal conditions for novices to apply their diving skills. For the less adventurous, there is always snorkeling. Tour operators include transportation, gear, food, divers and guides in their packages. Many offer training courses too because certification is mandatory for divers.

Los Arcos near Mismaloya, one of Puerto Vallarta‘s most famous landmarks, is a federal eco-preserve and underwater park. Hire a glass-bottomed boat and enjoy your ride to this verdant sanctuary. Though the area tends to get a little crowded during the peak season, diving in these waters is an unforgettable experience. Here you will see the famous underwater wall, the La Quijada del Diablo. Spectacular underwater rock formations, water mountains, tunnels, caves and arches take your breath away. Swirling green algae attract a huge variety of marine life and you’ll see plenty of lobsters, spotted Eagle Rays, cornet fish, angelfish, sturgeon and octopuses in these waters.

The stunning Islas Marietas located at the Northern end of Banderas Bay is a protected Marine Reserve. Just 10 minutes by boat from Vallarta, this place with its white cliffs, sandy beaches and rocky coasts is ideal for diving, camping and snorkeling. It houses a huge diversity of marine life including dolphins, giant manta Ray fish and sea turtles. The waters are shallow and you can easily dive into the water to snorkel with the shoals of fish that line the reefs. Underwater volcanic formations make diving in these waters a thrilling pleasure. Between the months of November and March, humpback whales come to these waters in droves. What a sight it is to see these gentle giants sashaying in the blue waters!

El Morro, located near Islas Marietas, is one of the most secluded dive sites of Vallarta, and possibly the most daring too. The terrain is riddled with pinnacles, caves and tunnels and has a series of rock formations, cliffs and canyons. This place is suited for experienced divers and is a leading site for humpbacks, sailfish and rare whale sharks.

Las Caletas, the exclusive tropical beach in Vallarta is accessible only by boat. This tropical paradise is a wonderful diving and snorkeling destination.

Punta Mita is just 45 minutes south of Vallarta. Calm and serene, a little isolated in fact, this area is a pristine haven of beauty and excitement. Protected coves, where enormous fig trees shade the beach, are ideal for snorkeling. There are no hotels in Punta Mita, so carry your stuff or tie up with a tour operator who provides you with all the essentials.

The sandy beach of Majahuitas and the charming village of Yelapa are famous diving spots. In Yelapa, you can escape from the shackles of civilization and go horseback riding, hiking, kayaking or snorkeling. In the beautiful waters of Majahuitas, you will see the famous golden spotted eels and torpedo fish.

Puerto Vallarta even allows you to enjoy some family diving experience. The Bubblemaker Program introduced by PADI gives children between the ages of 8 and 11 a chance to scuba dive in confined, shallow waters. There is a Junior Open Diving program for children between the ages of 10-15.

If you love adventure, night diving is the thing for you. Night diving is a thrilling experience because of the dramatic difference in perception, light and sensation that accompanies the dying out of daylight. The “Shallows of Christ” located near Los Arcos is particularly suited for night diving. Regular trips ply between 6.30 pm and 10 pm.

Divers in Vallarta take pleasure in the underwater flight of giant stingray families and see massive sea turtles gliding effortlessly through the waters. Dolphins and humpback whales add to the pleasure of the whole experience. Snorkeling is fun and many tour operators provide guides who make family snorkeling sessions a time of fun and knowledge. Many divers get smitten with these waters and they return time and time again.

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