In Puerto Vallarta, Adventures Await You
Puerto Vallarta offers some of the finest snorkeling and diving opportunities on the Pacific Coastline. Each year, thousands of people visit the once sleepy fishing village by the sea. With its vast array of activities it has become a vacation meca loved by people around the world and home to one of Mexico's famed underwater National Parks.
Whether you are a snorkeler, a certified diver, or just someone who wants to try thier hand at underwater sports, the area offers an array of opportunities unlike any other in the Eastern Pacific.
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Puerto Vallarta Dive Shop Guide
The Vallarta area is home to many great dive operators. You will find the most current certified operators listed below. All operators can provide scuba only, snorkel only or combination scuba/snorkel trips. It is advised that if you have a group that wants to do both scuba and snorkel and you want to be together, you work out the details BEFORE you pay for your excursion.
- Boca Divers - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Boca Divers is one of the finest and most personal dive operators in the area. Though the shop is south of Vallarta proper, their service and equipment is the best in the area. - Vallarta Adventures
Vallarta Adventures is one of the largest tourist operations in the Vallarta area. Operating from the Marina terminal, they are the most convenient operator for cruise ship passengers. - Chico's Dive Shop
Chico's Dive Shop is the oldest dive shop in town. They operate out of a shop on the Malecon (the downtown boardwalk). Chico's can handle large groups easily. - Pacific Scuba
Located near the Marina, Pacific Scuba is another great choice for diving. Very competitive rates and small groups make them a great choice. - Ocean Quest Dive Shop
Ocean Quest is an operator that you will find in all of the HOT Mexican dive locations. They have offices in Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Their shop is located in the Old Vallarta area, known as the Romantic Zone. - Twin Dolphins
Twin Dolphins is another operator that is located near the Marina (across the street from the La Paloma Bull Ring). Check them out for some of the more exotic dive sites outside of the Bay of Banderas.
Dive Site Map
Download and print out a copy of this great dive and snorkeling site map to help you plan for one of the funnest activities you can engage in when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Dive Sites in the Bay of Banderas and Beyond!
The Bay of Banderas offers a vast array of opportunities to the snorkeler or diver. You will have the opportunity to see everything from Eels to Manta Ray, not to mention some of other popular species of fish such as King Angel and Sargent Majors.
- Chimo
Located at the southern tip of the bay, Chimo is a very interesting and challenging dive site. Chimney's of basalt rock rise up from the sea floor, creating a pillar like effect. Depending on the tide, some are just below the surface, which causes them to appear and disappear between the swells. It isn't unusual to see larger life here like Manta, Dolphin and even turtles.
- Majahuitas
Majahuitas is a little inlet beach on the south side of the bay. It is well protected and only accessible by boat. The many schools of fish, as well as other interesting sea life will be a hit with any diver. Look for octopus and even sea horses.
- Colomitos
This little cove is a treat for everyone. The rock walls of each side are steep, so you can dive shallow or deep. If you enter the water from the center of the cove, over the sandy bottom, expect to see Trumpet Fish, Sargent Majors and Sea Cucumber. As you move to the rocky walls, there are always many eel, as well as King Angel and Butterfly fish. This site is accessible by foot via the Las Animas trail (see our Vallarta Day Trip Guide for this great hike).
- Los Arcos
This is the area's national marine park and one of the busiest areas for both scuba diving and snorkeling. Thousands of fish provide great entertainment. Get here early, so you don't have to fight the crowds.
- Islas Marietas
This is another of the most popular dive sites in Vallarta. Several operators come here daily and the choice of sites around the islands is good. It isn't unusual to see larger life here too, as the location is near the mouth of the bay.
- El Morro
One of the coolest sites in the area, it lies outside of the protection of the bay in the open Pacific ocean. Here pinnacles of rock rise from the ocean floor. Explore the caves and tunnels that make up this interesting site. Turtles and Manta are seen here regularly.
- El Seqial
In English, the site name means "the dry area." This site is the furthest site from Vallarta, located near Corbeteña island. Though outside the bay - and reserved for certified divers only - the area is known for it's shallows. Tuna, shark and other large marine life frequent the area.
- Corbeteña
An interesting site of rock chimney's, one of which is large enough and tall enough that it pierces the oceans surface to form Corbeteña island. Large marine life including, Manta, turtles, sharks and dolphin frequent this area, too. Dive depths can reach as deep as 125 feet.
- Los Anegados
This site is located between El Morro and Islas Marietas. This site makes a great second dive site for divers who enjoyed El Morro or Corbeteña. Though located outside of the protection of the bay, it still offers easy diving and some of the same interesting features found at the deeper sites.
Great Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Sites
If you are a snorkeler, these sites are the best for enjoying the beautiful fish and in some cases the beaches, as well. Maybe I'll see you there!
- Islas Marietas - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
This small island chain off of the northern tip of the bay is another popular place to snorkel. You will be greeted by King Angel (see the picture at the top of the page), Trumpet Fish and Sargent Majors. The highlight of this trip is the "Playa del Amor" or Lover's Beach.
Ready to go? Book this trip now! - Los Arcos
This is one of the most popular places to snorkel. Thousands of fish make this place their home. Because of the popularity it is important to get to the site early. Make sure to check out the swim through - a small cave in the side one of the large rock formations.
Ready to go? Book this trip now! - Las Caletas
An exclusive location accessible only by boat, this beautiful place was once the home of director John Huston. To go here, you must book with Vallarta Adventures. Besides the wonderful snorkeling, there is a day spa, an interactive parrot center, great food and guided nature tours. - Colomitos
Located just south of Boca de Tomatlán is the beautiful beach of Colomitos. The beach can be easily reached by boat or on foot. This area is an easy snorkel because of the protected nature of the cove. Lots of great fish can be seen in the shallows, which because of the sandy bottom, extends quite a ways out into the cove. See Karla at Boca Divers to rent snorkel equipment if you don't have your own. - Yelapa
Another of the popular tourist locations and known for great snorkeling. This village is only accessible by water. Besides the beautiful beach, you can take advantage of the great restaurants (make sure to get a piece of pie from the Pie Lady), and land activities. Make a day of it here.
Don't forget to download your free Puerto Vallarta travel guide TODAY!
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by vallartaguy
Vallartaguy is a lover of travel and adventure. Located in Houston, Texas, he splits his time between working and visiting his favorite city in Mexico...
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