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Scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta is surprisingly good. This well-known seaside city is the right base for exploring some wonderful dive websites within the space.
I’ve been diving throughout Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta is considered one of my favorites, not just for its wonderful 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 better have a look at scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta on this detailed information.
For extra on travelling to PV, be certain that to take a look at our full information to visiting Puerto Vallarta, the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta, the finest seashores, the place to eat, the nightlife, and the prime excursions!
Right here we go, my Scuba Diving Information to Puerto Vallarta.
Information to Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
You may be aware of Puerto Vallarta as a trip vacation spot, however do you know it’s additionally an incredible 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 advantageous for freshmen and superior divers alike. One of the best dive websites in Puerto Vallarta are shipwrecks, caves, underwater mountain ranges, and rather more.
There’s a lot of wonderful 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 among the finest actions in Puerto Vallarta.
Whereas locations like Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean could also be higher recognized, Puerto Vallarta is a good 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 residing there, however there’s a cause I selected this seaside city on the west coast of Mexico!
Though it takes a short time from city to succeed in one of the best 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 website. It really is a surprising 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. After all, you possibly can all the time simply chill and calm down on the seaside with a margarita in hand as properly!
When you’re planning a visit to do some scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta, learn on for a better have a look at one of the best 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 determined by what you’re hoping to do. Some would say one of the best time is between November and Could when the seas are calmest.
It’s usually sunny, heat, and dry throughout these months, so you possibly can take pleasure in your time on land as properly.
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 be capable of spot.
On the web site of 1 standard dive store, they point out how the winter months deliver very unpredictable circumstances at lots of the finest dive websites.
Sturdy currents and winds presently of yr can restrict or completely block off entry to a few of them, so it’s finest to plan at the very least 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’ll want to e book 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 among the finest 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 professionals 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 finest, so it’s not a nasty time to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.
Greatest Dive Websites in Puerto Vallarta
Whereas there aren’t many dive websites offshore or proper round city, the boat trip to succeed in them is half the enjoyable. Cruising round Banderas Bay on a gorgeous day in your manner out to a 2-tank dive isn’t such a nasty commute.
Listed below are a number of the finest 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 preferred 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 filled with marine life like lobsters, octopuses, moray eels, rays, and all types of colourful fish.
There are a couple of totally different trails that divers can comply with at Los Arcos. These are appropriate for divers of all ranges as they vary tremendously in depth.
Newcomers 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 good website for extra superior divers and among the best dive websites in Puerto Vallarta.
On a 2-tank journey right here, you possibly can 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 possibly can 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 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 situated 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 protected against looking and fishing, there’s an abundance of marine life right here. On a diving journey, you would possibly see large 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 can even 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.
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 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 embrace lunch and drinks as properly.
Two-tank excursions to Chimo common round $150.
By no means been diving earlier than? Puerto Vallarta is a good place to study and begin exploring the opposite 70% of the planet.
To offer it a shot, you possibly can join a Uncover Scuba Diving course for simply $50. This provides you the prospect to see if scuba diving is best for you.
Those that wish 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 outlets for round $450 complete after the price of studying supplies. When you’re completed, you’ll be licensed and able to rock!
An alternative choice is to do a referral course for as little as $240.
That is while you full the bookwork portion at a neighborhood dive store again house earlier than touring to Mexico. Doing that permits you to handle the finding out half at house and spend extra time within the water in Puerto Vallarta.
When you’re trying to take your scuba diving to the subsequent stage, you can even join Superior Open Water, Rescue Diver, Deep Diver, and several 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 move 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 be certain that to verify latest 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 whole time. It is a skilled operation via and thru, from the tools to the dive instructors.
Vallarta Adventures
The largest and finest tour operator in Puerto Vallarta additionally does scuba diving programs and journeys. You all the time know that the standard will likely 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 only a few years in the past and is already one of many prime dive outlets in Banderas Bay. They’re recognized for being very skilled and personable.
Hyperbaric Chambers in Puerto Vallarta
Whereas scuba diving is usually a secure exercise, accidents do occur. That’s why you all the time wish to know the place the closest hyperbaric chamber is.
Sadly, there isn’t any 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 website and get extra info.
Earlier than you go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta (or wherever, for that matter), ensure you have stable journey insurance coverage. The DAN (Divers Alert Community) comes extremely really helpful for divers. Click on right here to study extra about their insurance policies.
Methods to Get to Puerto Vallarta
Most guests will arrive on the Puerto Vallarta Worldwide Airport (PVR). It’s all the time attainable 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 loads of 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.
When 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 quick and low cost home flight away from the seaside!
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 aside from staying on the town. By flying into PVR, you can even 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 number of the finest 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 seaside to small family-run motels on the town, you might 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 Lodge is correct on the seaside and near a lot 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 seaside), the Lodge Boutique Rivera Del Rio options stylish 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? Try these FAQs.
I believe so. It could not have the crystal-clear water and in depth reefs of the Mayan Riviera, however there are numerous good dive websites in PV with caves, shipwrecks, underwater mountain ranges, and extra.
In my expertise, winter is one of the best time for scuba diving in PV. The water is a bit chilly, however the visibility is finest.
For my part, the Marieta Islands have one of the best dive websites in Puerto Vallarta. You possibly can see loads of marine life there as a result of the realm is a protected nationwide park.
Scuba diving in PV is sort of inexpensive, with two-tank dives to a close-by website 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 possibly can 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 one of the best locations to go scuba diving on the planet (or in Mexico), Puerto Vallarta remains to be a improbable alternative if you wish to embrace a little bit of diving throughout your seaside 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 wish to tack on a couple of additional days to go to a number of the harder websites within the space reminiscent of Chimo — the place you’ll hopefully spot humpback whales from the boat!
Once you’re again on land from an enormous day of diving, you possibly can 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 option to unwind after an enormous day trip within the water.
Photographs on this submit have been sourced on Shutterstock.
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