Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta

While it doesn't have the teal water of the Caribbean, the Pacific coast of Mexico is still home to some serious scuba diving and snorkeling. With its diverse and abundant ecosystem, you will find yourself swimming among a host of sea life from beautiful tropical fish to wild dolphins and giant manta rays. Don't miss a great opportunity to get out and see what Puerto Vallarta has to offer!

Los Arcos or "the arches" is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling areas in Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. Areas around the granite arches are around 30-60 feet deep and many boats come here to enjoy the protected wildlife environment and sea life. You can always find snorkelers, kayakers, and scuba divers at Los Arcos.

Near the arches is one of the best spots in the bay for wall diving. A shelf that leads into the Devil's Canyon, a trench that reaches depths of more than 1600 feet. This canyon marks the edge of the continental shelf. The wall is a great dive for experienced divers, giving you the ability to see the fantastic life living in the wall and also to look into the abyss.

Another popular area at Los Arcos for both experienced and inexperienced divers is the Bajos de Christ, the Shallows of Christ, an underwater mountain range. This is a favorite for night dives where you can see lobsters, octopus and moray eels and enjoy a bioluminescent diving experience.

For snorkelers, Los Arcos offers massive schools of fish for your viewing enjoyment. From Angels, to Jack and even Parrot fish, Los Arcos is an underwater playground that's great for the whole family to enjoy.

Majahuitas is another great place for snorkelers and divers, with big schools of tropical fish for both to enjoy. There are many rock formations and walls here where brightly colored fish come to feed. You can also view amazing wall life including starfish, sea cucumbers, octopus, eels, and nudibranch.

The small village of Quimixto offers a great place to land for lunch. Enjoy a seafood lunch and cold beverage right on the beach before heading out to enjoy more sea time.

Las Marietas was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970's and has been a favorite snorkeling and diving spot ever since. Home to the rare Blue Footed Booby and many other sea birds, Las Marietas is a great place to spend the day lying in the sand, snorkeling and diving.

Dolphins and whales (during whale season) are almost guaranteed during the ride to the islands. Once there, enjoy lava tubes, underwater mountains and arches. Tropical fish are abundant as are schools of rays. This is one of the top destinations for both scuba and snorkeling with good reason.

During your break, snorkel to Playa del Amor, Lover's Beach, for some sun and relaxation. Las Marietas is a beautiful place you won't soon forget.