Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta

The ocean isn't nearly as clear as the Caribbean, but the warm, nutrient-rich water attracts a varied community of sea creatures. Many of the resort hotels rent or loan snorkeling equipment and have introductory dive courses at their pools. The underwater preserve surrounding Los Arcos, a rock formation off Playa Mismaloya, is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. The rocky bay at Quimixto, about 32 km (20 mi) south of PV and accessible only by boat, is a good snorkeling spot. Pangeros based in Boca, Mismaloya, Yelapa and elsewhere can be hired to take you to spots off the tourist trail.

On the north side of things, Punta de Mita, about 80 km (50 mi) north of PV, has the Marietas Islands, with lava tubes and caves and at least 10 good places to snorkel and dive, including spots for advanced divers. El Morro Islands, with their big fish lurking in the underwater pinnacles and caves, are also suitable for experienced divers.

Logistics

June through September is the very best time for snorkeling and diving, although it's fine all year long. In summer, however, the water is not only its warmest and calmest but visibility is best—80 to 120 feet on a good day—and you can spot gigantic manta rays, several species of eel, sea turtles, large and many species of colorful fish. In winter, although conditions are less favorable, some luck will yield orca and humpback whale sightings, an awesome experience.

Outfitters

For PADI- or NAUI-certification, equipment rentals, and one- or two-tank dives, contact Chico's Dive Shop (Paseo Díaz Ordáz 772, Centro. 322/222-1895. www.chicos-diveshop.com). Trips to Los Arcos accommodate snorkelers ($25 per person) as well as those who want a one- or two-tank dive ($65 and $95, respectively). Book several days ahead for a night dive ($73 for one tank). From the Mismaloya shop, you can rent kayaks and mountain bikes ($10 per hour for either one). In Nayarit, Vallarta Undersea (Héroes de Nacozarí 152, Bucerías. 329/298-2364. www.vallartaundersea.com) teaches PADI dive courses; runs dive trips; and sells, rents, and repairs dive equipment. The Vallarta branch, which goes by the name Pacific Scuba (Federico M. Ascencio, Zona Hotelera. 322/209-0334. www.vallartaundersea.com), is across the street from Peninsula Mall.

Ecotours,an authorized equipment dealer, has English-speaking PADI dive masters. Two-tank dives run $85 to $100; longer trips to Corbeteña cost $120. All two-tank trips include lunch, refreshments, and gear. The PADI dive masters at Pacific Scuba (Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2486, Zona Hotelera. 322/209-0364. www.pacificscuba.com.mx) teach courses, rent equipment, and arrange trips. A two-tank package to one of at least six sites (including Los Arcos, Marietas Islands, or Corbeteña) costs $82 to $150 and includes lunch and all gear. Three-day packages are available, too.

Tours with Sociedad Cooperativa de Servicios Turísticos (Av. El Anclote 1, Manz. 17, Corral del Risco. 329/291-6298. www.prodigyweb.net.mx/cooperativapuntamita) are a great deal if you have a group: two hours of snorkeling around the Marietas Islands, for up to eight people, costs just $120. Vallarta Adventures (Paseo de las Palmas 39-A, Nuevo Vallarta. 322/297-1212; 888/303-2653 in U.S. and Canada. www.vallarta-adventures.com) has daylong, two-tank tours of El Morro Islands ($115), El Corbeteña ($125), and less-visited sites like Los Anegados ($90) and El Sequial ($125). Most are offered just once a week. Their expert PADI guides accommodate snorkelers as well as divers. They also have introductory dive classes for children and adults ($35), and open-water certification.