Scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta is surprisingly good. This well-known seashore city is the right base for exploring some superb dive websites within the space.
I’ve been diving throughout Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta is certainly one of my favorites, not just for its superb dive websites, but in addition for the city itself. I’ve lived in PV on and off since 2017 and love diving right here.
We’ll take a more in-depth have a look at scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta on this detailed information.
For extra on travelling to PV, make sure that to take a look at our full information to visiting Puerto Vallarta, the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta, the greatest seashores, the place to eat, the nightlife, and the high excursions!
Right here we go, my Scuba Diving Information to Puerto Vallarta.
Information to Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
You is perhaps aware of Puerto Vallarta as a trip vacation spot, however do you know it’s additionally an important place for a little bit of scuba diving in Mexico?
From Puerto Vallarta it’s a brief and scenic boat trip to many dive websites in Banderas Bay, most of that are tremendous for newbies and superior divers alike. The very best dive websites in Puerto Vallarta are shipwrecks, caves, underwater mountain ranges, and rather more.
There’s a lot of superb marine life to see when diving round Puerto Vallarta. You possibly can spot all types of rays and turtles in addition to moray eels, dolphins, and even humpback whales.
Scuba diving actually is an unimaginable expertise and is likely one of the greatest actions in Puerto Vallarta.
Whereas locations like Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean could also be higher recognized, Puerto Vallarta is a superb diving vacation spot in its personal proper.
In my humble opinion, it’s additionally only a nicer place to go to. I could also be a bit biased, having spent the higher a part of the final three years dwelling there, however there’s a motive I selected this seashore city on the west coast of Mexico!
Though it takes a short time from city to achieve the most effective dive websites in Puerto Vallarta, that’s half the enjoyable. On these boat journeys round Banderas Bay, you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in some postcard-worthy surroundings en path to your dive web site. It really is a shocking place to go to.
Better of all, there’s a lot to see and do in Puerto Vallarta once you’re not within the water.
That is the right vacation spot in case you’re hoping to do a little bit of diving along with different journey and cultural actions. After all, you’ll be able to at all times simply relax and loosen up on the seashore with a margarita in hand as nicely!
In case you’re planning a visit to do some scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta, learn on for a more in-depth have a look at the most effective time to go to, the highest dive websites, and a few highly-rated dive retailers to go together with.
When to Go Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
The very best time to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta will depend on what you’re hoping to do. Some would say the most effective time is between November and Might when the seas are calmest.
It’s usually sunny, heat, and dry throughout these months, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in your time on land as nicely.
Nevertheless, the winter months have restricted visibility and the water can get fairly chilly. In February the water can get all the way down to 72°F (26°C). Plankton blooms presently have an effect on the visibility, however that additionally attracts manta rays and sharks that you just’ll hopefully have the ability to spot.
On the web site of 1 well-liked dive store, they point out how the winter months convey very unpredictable situations at most of the greatest dive websites.
Robust currents and winds presently of 12 months can restrict or completely block off entry to a few of them, so it’s greatest to plan a minimum of per week upfront.
Peak journey season to Puerto Vallarta is between December and March, with issues getting particularly loopy round Christmas and New 12 months’s. You should definitely e-book your lodging nicely upfront if touring at this very busy time!
There’s one other mini-peak season when Semana Santa (Holy Week) rolls round. This is likely one of the greatest instances to journey Mexico in case you’re into tradition, however not in case you aren’t a fan of crowds.
Summer time means the wet season in Puerto Vallarta, which has its execs and cons.
On the one hand, it’s extremely popular and humid with frequent downpours. Coping with inclement climate means smaller crowds and decrease costs, although.
The exception to that is weekends in the summertime when Mexican households flip up in droves to take pleasure in la playa.
The water can also be warmest presently (round 85°F/30°C in August-September) and visibility is at its greatest, so it’s not a foul time to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.
Finest Dive Websites in Puerto Vallarta
Whereas there aren’t many dive websites offshore or proper round city, the boat trip to achieve them is half the enjoyable. Cruising round Banderas Bay on a wonderful day in your method out to a 2-tank dive isn’t such a foul commute.
Listed below are a few of the greatest websites to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta:
Los Arcos
Water Temp: 65-89°F (18-31°C)
Common Visibility: 20-50 ft (6-15 m)
Depth: 29.5-130 ft (9-40 m)
Los Arcos is probably the most well-liked spot to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.
This epic marine park options arches (therefore the title) in addition to caves, tunnels, and a reef filled with marine life like lobsters, octopuses, moray eels, rays, and all types of colourful fish.
There are just a few totally different trails that divers can observe at Los Arcos. These are appropriate for divers of all ranges as they vary drastically in depth.
Inexperienced persons can take pleasure in El Acuario (the Aquarium) whereas extra superior divers can try La Quijada del Diablo (the Satan’s Jaw).
Chimo
Water Temp: 65-86°F (18-30°C)
Visibility: 20-60 ft/ (7-18 m)
Depth: 40-80 ft (12-25 mt)
Chimo, a secluded fishing village within the bay, is a superb web site for extra superior divers and top-of-the-line dive websites in Puerto Vallarta.
On a 2-tank journey right here, you’ll be able to take pleasure in recognizing tropical fish and enormous pelagic species. This contains manta rays, sea turtles, and even humpback whales between December and April.
As well as, you’ll be able to admire Las Iglesias, rock formations that resemble the pillars of a cathedral, and Las Torrecillas, which is a formidable collection of pinnacles rising up from the ocean ground.
Marieta Islands
Water Temp: 62-86°F (17-30°C)
Common Visibility: 40 ft (12 m)
Depth: 25-60 ft (7.5-18 m)
The Marieta Islands are a nationwide park positioned about an hour-long boat trip from Puerto Vallarta. That is thought of the highest place to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.
Because it’s shielded from searching and fishing, there’s an abundance of marine life right here. On a diving journey, you may see big manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, eels, and probably whales within the winter months.
It takes about an hour to achieve the Marieta Islands by boat.
As you get nearer to the islands, you can too spot a number of totally different species of birds, together with the blue-footed booby. Better of all, divers of all ranges can take pleasure in a visit to the Marieta Islands.
Price of Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
The price of scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta varies relying on which websites you go to. As I discussed, lots of them are fairly an extended distance away from the middle of city.
For instance, diving at Los Arcos prices between $90-110. In the meantime, journeys out to the Marieta Islands price a bit extra ($120-150). It’s an extended distance to journey plus most operators embody lunch and drinks as nicely.
Two-tank excursions to Chimo common round $150.
By no means been diving earlier than? Puerto Vallarta is a superb place to be taught and begin exploring the opposite 70% of the planet.
To provide it a shot, you’ll be able to join a Uncover Scuba Diving course for simply $50. This offers you the prospect to see if scuba diving is best for you.
Those that need to go all-in can join a PADI Open Water course as an alternative.
These usually take 2-3 days to finish. You possibly can join Open Water programs at Puerto Vallarta dive retailers for round $450 whole after the price of studying supplies. When you’re completed, you’ll be licensed and able to rock!
Another choice is to do a referral course for as little as $240.
That is once you full the bookwork portion at an area dive store again house earlier than touring to Mexico. Doing that means that you can care for the finding out half at house and spend extra time within the water in Puerto Vallarta.
In case you’re trying to take your scuba diving to the following degree, you can too join Superior Open Water, Rescue Diver, Deep Diver, and several other different programs. Costs for these usually vary from $350-500 and take just a few days to finish.
Dive Retailers in Puerto Vallarta
The standard of dive retailers can change because the years cross by. At all times ensure that the corporate you’re going with is PADI acknowledged, skilled and follows correct security pointers. Additionally, at all times make sure that to verify current critiques on-line, and your diving tools earlier than heading out.
Banderas Scuba Republic
Banderas Scuba Republic has been within the scuba diving in PV enterprise for a few years and has earned rave critiques from divers all the time. This can be a skilled operation by way of and thru, from the tools to the dive instructors.
Vallarta Adventures
The most important and greatest tour operator in Puerto Vallarta additionally does scuba diving programs and journeys. You at all times know that the standard can be top-notch when reserving with these guys.
PV Ocean Excursions
Run by a father and son crew from the UK, PV Ocean Excursions began just some years in the past and is already one of many high dive retailers in Banderas Bay. They’re recognized for being very skilled and personable.
Hyperbaric Chambers in Puerto Vallarta
Whereas scuba diving is usually a protected exercise, accidents do occur. That’s why you at all times need to know the place the closest hyperbaric chamber is.
Sadly, there is no such thing as a SSS Community hyper chamber in Puerto Vallarta. The closest one is over in Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur. You possibly can click on right here to take a look at their web site and get extra data.
Earlier than you go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta (or anyplace, for that matter), ensure you have strong journey insurance coverage. The DAN (Divers Alert Community) comes extremely beneficial for divers. Click on right here to be taught extra about their insurance policies.
How you can Get to Puerto Vallarta
Most guests will arrive on the Puerto Vallarta Worldwide Airport (PVR). It’s at all times potential to search out direct flights to PV from the US and Canada, with essentially the most choices in the course of the excessive season (December-March).
There aren’t numerous different worldwide choices for arriving in Puerto Vallarta. You may get direct flights to and from Panama Metropolis in addition to each London and Manchester, however that’s about it.
In case you can’t discover a whole lot on a flight to PV, I like to recommend trying out choices into both Mexico Metropolis or Guadalajara. Each cities are a lot of enjoyable to go to and also you’ll then be a really brief and low cost home flight away from the seashore!
Puerto Vallarta can also be a significant cruise ship vacation spot. These arriving for a fast tour from a ship can nonetheless squeeze in a scuba dive (or two) in Puerto Vallarta.
The factor about touring to Puerto Vallarta is that you’ve got many choices apart from staying on the town. By flying into PVR, you can too simply base your self in locations like Sayulita, Bucerias, Punta de Mita, Mismaloya, or Yelapa.
All of those locations are simply reached by native bus or water taxis and can put you nearer to a few of the greatest dive websites within the bay.
Locations to Keep for Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has a variety of lodging for all budgets. From massive resorts on the seashore to small family-run lodges on the town, you’ve gotten many choices for locations to remain whereas scuba diving in PV. Listed below are just a few I like to recommend.
- The Paramar Beachfront Boutique Lodge is correct on the seashore and near a lot of bars and golf equipment. It contains breakfast and has a big swimming pool.
- A considerably cheaper possibility within the middle of city (and quarter-hour from the seashore), the Lodge Boutique Rivera Del Rio options elegant decor and furnishings. It has a pleasant pool too.
- Good worth however nonetheless central and clear, the Lodge Posada De Roger has colourful Mexican decorations, a rooftop terrace, and a pool.
FAQs About Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
Nonetheless have a query about scuba diving in PV? Take a look at these FAQs.
I feel so. It might not have the crystal-clear water and in depth reefs of the Mayan Riviera, however there are lots of good dive websites in PV with caves, shipwrecks, underwater mountain ranges, and extra.
In my expertise, winter is the most effective time for scuba diving in PV. The water is somewhat chilly, however the visibility is greatest.
For my part, the Marieta Islands have the most effective dive websites in Puerto Vallarta. You possibly can see numerous marine life there as a result of the realm is a protected nationwide park.
Scuba diving in PV is sort of reasonably priced, with two-tank dives to a close-by web site like Los Arcos costing $90-110. Journeys to locations farther away just like the Marieta Islands price somewhat extra, from about $120 to 150.
Whale season in Puerto Vallarta is from November to March. Generally you’ll be able to see a whale from the boat in your option to go scuba diving in PV.
Able to Go Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta?
Whereas it could not make many lists of the most effective locations to go scuba diving on the earth (or in Mexico), Puerto Vallarta remains to be a implausible selection if you wish to embody a little bit of diving throughout your seashore vacation.
Even in case you solely go to one of many epic websites just like the Marieta Islands or Los Arcos, it’s nicely value it to check out scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.
Extra superior divers will certainly need to tack on just a few further days to go to a few of the tougher websites within the space reminiscent of Chimo — the place you’ll hopefully spot humpback whales from the boat!
If you’re again on land from an enormous day of diving, you’ll be able to take pleasure in all of the facilities of this lovely city. Puerto Vallarta has some unimaginable eating places and bars to select from, making for the right option to unwind after an enormous day trip within the water.
Pictures on this publish have been sourced on Shutterstock.
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