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 considered one of my favorites, not just for its superb dive websites, but additionally 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, ensure to take a look at our full information to visiting Puerto Vallarta, the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta, the perfect seashores, the place to eat, the nightlife, and the highest excursions!
Right here we go, my Scuba Diving Information to Puerto Vallarta.
Information to Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
You is perhaps conversant in 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 journey to many dive websites in Banderas Bay, most of that are fantastic for freshmen and superior divers alike. One of the best dive websites in Puerto Vallarta are shipwrecks, caves, underwater mountain ranges, and way more.
There’s plenty 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 identified, 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 cause I selected this seashore city on the west coast of Mexico!
Though it takes a short while from city to succeed in the perfect dive websites in Puerto Vallarta, that’s half the enjoyable. On these boat journeys round Banderas Bay, you’ll be capable of 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 while 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. In fact, you’ll be able to all the time simply chill and loosen up on the seashore with a margarita in hand as properly!
Should 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 perfect time to go to, the highest dive websites, and a few highly-rated dive outlets to go along with.
When to Go Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
One of the best time to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta is dependent upon what you’re hoping to do. Some would say the perfect time is between November and Could 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 properly.
Nonetheless, 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 simply’ll hopefully be capable of spot.
On the web site of 1 in style dive store, they point out how the winter months deliver very unpredictable circumstances at lots 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 Yr’s. You should definitely guide your lodging properly 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 highly regarded 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 be warmest presently (round 85°F/30°C in August-September) and visibility is at its greatest, so it’s not a nasty 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 journey to succeed in them is half the enjoyable. Cruising round Banderas Bay on a phenomenal day in your approach out to a 2-tank dive isn’t such a nasty 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 maybe the most well-liked spot to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.
This epic marine park options arches (therefore the identify) in addition to caves, tunnels, and a reef stuffed with marine life like lobsters, octopuses, moray eels, rays, and all types of colourful fish.
There are a couple of completely different trails that divers can comply with at Los Arcos. These are appropriate for divers of all ranges as they vary enormously in depth.
Rookies can take pleasure in El Acuario (the Aquarium) whereas extra superior divers can take a look at 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 huge pelagic species. This consists of 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 powerful collection of pinnacles rising up from the ocean flooring.
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 situated about an hour-long boat journey from Puerto Vallarta. That is thought-about 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 succeed in the Marieta Islands by boat.
As you get nearer to the islands, you may as well spot a number of completely 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.
Value 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, a lot of them are fairly a protracted 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 properly.
Two-tank excursions to Chimo common round $150.
By no means been diving earlier than? Puerto Vallarta is a superb place to study and begin exploring the opposite 70% of the planet.
To offer it a shot, you’ll be able to join a Uncover Scuba Diving course for simply $50. This provides you the possibility to see if scuba diving is best for you.
Those that need to go all-in can join a PADI Open Water course as a substitute.
These usually take 2-3 days to finish. You possibly can join Open Water programs at Puerto Vallarta dive outlets 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 while you full the bookwork portion at an area dive store again house earlier than touring to Mexico. Doing that lets you handle the learning half at house and spend extra time within the water in Puerto Vallarta.
Should you’re seeking to take your scuba diving to the subsequent stage, you may as well join Superior Open Water, Rescue Diver, Deep Diver, and a number of other different programs. Costs for these usually vary from $350-500 and take a couple of days to finish.
Dive Outlets in Puerto Vallarta
The standard of dive outlets can change because the years cross by. At all times be sure that the corporate you’re going with is PADI acknowledged, skilled and follows correct security tips. Additionally, all the time ensure to examine current opinions 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 opinions from divers the complete time. This can be a skilled operation by way of and thru, from the tools to the dive instructors.
Vallarta Adventures
The largest and greatest tour operator in Puerto Vallarta additionally does scuba diving programs and journeys. You all the time know that the standard will probably be top-notch when reserving with these guys.
PV Ocean Excursions
Run by a father and son staff from the UK, PV Ocean Excursions began only a few years in the past and is already one of many high dive outlets in Banderas Bay. They’re identified 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 all the time 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 info.
Earlier than you go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta (or anyplace, for that matter), be sure you have strong journey insurance coverage. The DAN (Divers Alert Community) comes extremely beneficial for divers. Click on right here to study extra about their insurance policies.
Easy methods to Get to Puerto Vallarta
Most guests will arrive on the Puerto Vallarta Worldwide Airport (PVR). It’s all the time potential to seek out direct flights to PV from the US and Canada, with essentially the most choices through the excessive season (December-March).
There aren’t a whole lot of different worldwide choices for arriving in Puerto Vallarta. You will get direct flights to and from Panama Metropolis in addition to each London and Manchester, however that’s about it.
Should 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 plenty of enjoyable to go to and also you’ll then be a really quick and low-cost home flight away from the seashore!
Puerto Vallarta can be a serious 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 may as well 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 huge resorts on the seashore to small family-run motels on the town, you could have many choices for locations to remain whereas scuba diving in PV. Listed below are a couple of I like to recommend.
- The Paramar Beachfront Boutique Resort is true on the seashore and near plenty of bars and golf equipment. It consists of breakfast and has a big swimming pool.
- A considerably cheaper choice within the middle of city (and quarter-hour from the seashore), the Resort Boutique Rivera Del Rio options stylish decor and furnishings. It has a pleasant pool too.
- Good worth however nonetheless central and clear, the Resort 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 could 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 perfect time for scuba diving in PV. The water is a bit chilly, however the visibility is greatest.
For my part, the Marieta Islands have the perfect dive websites in Puerto Vallarta. You possibly can see a whole lot of marine life there as a result of the realm is a protected nationwide park.
Scuba diving in PV is kind 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 a bit extra, from about $120 to 150.
Whale season in Puerto Vallarta is from November to March. Typically you’ll be able to see a whale from the boat in your solution to go scuba diving in PV.
Able to Go Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta?
Whereas it could not make many lists of the perfect locations to go scuba diving on this planet (or in Mexico), Puerto Vallarta continues to be a incredible 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 properly value it to check out scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.
Extra superior divers will certainly need to tack on a couple of additional days to go to a few of the harder websites within the space equivalent to Chimo — the place you’ll hopefully spot humpback whales from the boat!
While 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 stunning city. Puerto Vallarta has some unimaginable eating places and bars to select from, making for the right solution to unwind after an enormous time out within the water.
Photographs on this put up had been sourced on Shutterstock.
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