Quick Guide For Scuba Diving In Puerto Vallarta

Scuba Diving In Puerto Vallarta for marine enthusiasts, Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas offer an underwater world submerged in natural beauty, sunken treasure, and hidden gems. The calming crystalline waters of the bay make for ideal snorkeling and scuba diving and are one of the main attractions for things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Many qualified operators offer tours and courses for interested parties or individuals.

Here’s a brief look at scuba diving and some of the best places to scuba dive in Puerto Vallarta.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a sport or underwater activity using diving equipment. The name derives from the acronym – Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba diving is usually to a depth of 40 meters, while deep sea diving goes beyond that and requires specialized training. In Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas, many qualified instructors have undergone training by The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

Best Places To Go Scuba Diving In Puerto Vallarta

Scuba diving in Mexico’s Banderas Bay (Bay of Flags) allows participants to get close to some incredible marine wildlife, including dolphins, giant manta rays, turtles, puffer fish, sailfish, and even humpback whales. Here are some of the best locations to scuba dive in and around Puerto Vallarta:

Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands are located a few miles off the coast of Punta de Mita at the northern end of Banderas Bay.

The uninhabited islands are home to a rich diversity of submarine life. The conservation area is home to a hidden beach known as lovers beach. Visitor numbers to the beach are limited to 116 people per day.

Princesa Shipwreck

Just off the coast of Mismaloya, just south of Puerto Vallarta, lies an underwater cemetery of shipwrecks, including the Princesa Vallarta. The Princesa, formerly a party boat and around 80ft in length, is now home to a hidden treasure of natural marine life. At 80 feet below the surface, this is for advanced divers only.

Las Caletas

Las Caletashas been called the best beach in Puerto Vallarta. It is located just south of Yelapa and is only accessible by boat. The crystal-clear waters attract colorful tropical fish, eels, manta rays, and turtles from a nearby coral reef. Tours are available to the private, protected beach, which is also a haven for wildlife.

Los Arcos

One of the most well-known diving locations in Puerto Vallarta is the Los Arcos National Marine Park off the coast of Mismaloya. Los Arcos is a group of islands that project from the sea and are visible from just about every ocean view in Vallarta. The islands are a natural sanctuary for tropical birds, seabirds, marine fauna, and flora. Diving, snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding are welcome. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot some of the penguins that frequently visit the area.

Diving Vacations

Tourism is the principal industry of Puerto Vallarta, and the city receives millions of visitors annually. One of the best ways to enhance your stay is to rent a villa or condo. At Puerto Vallarta Villas, we have the ideal rental property for you and your family. Visit our website today to view our extensive portfolio of homes to rent in Puerto Vallarta.