Los Arcos
Excellent for all levels, from novice divers, to advanced. This
national marine park consist of four rocks or islets, shallows
and a deep sea canyon. The dives in this area can be enjoyed
from 10 to 90 feet. The view from the wall into the canyon that
exceeds 1500 feet of depth. This site is characterized by its
great variety of fish, turtles and numerous other sea creatures. Located at a short 30 minute
boat ride from Marina Vallarta.
Islas marietas (pequeño archipiélago).
Located near Punta Mita (North tip of the Bay), this archipelago
consists of two large islands, shallow areas and a few rocklets.
This Marine Protected Area (declared in 2005) and most
recently Biosphere Reserva, houses over 90 different species of
resident and migratory marine birds. Volcanic in origin, the barren islands show signs of erosion
as multiple caves and caverns. The underwater diversity is one of the greatest within the Bay.
Numerous species of mollusks, nudibranchs, sponges, echinoderms, gorgonians and sea fans,
with significant hard coral coverage. The boat ride to this dive site is about 70 minutes.
Majahuitas
It is a beautiful beach located in the South coast of Puerto
Vallarta, accessible only by boat. Calm and mellow, perfect to
practice SCUBA or snorkel. The dives can be as shallow or as
deep as the divers wish. One of the most remarkable inhabitants of this dive site are the garden
eels. The boat ride to this dive site is about 45 minutes.
Mismaloya
Locatedabout 6 miles from old Vallarta. It is famous because
the 1970s movie “The Night of the Iguana” was shot there. It
is reachable both by land or sea. This area is frequented by
schools of eagle rays. The boat ride to this dive site is about 35 minutes.
El morro
A small rock located north of the bay. Is considered part of the
protected area of Islas Marietas. Recommended only for
experienced divers, this site might have currents and strong
sea conditions, which also make it incredibly rich and diverse. The rock is densely covered by
invertebrates such as gorgonians, sea fans, sponges and ascidians. Giant manta encounters are
frequent here. The boat ride to this dive site is about 95 minutes.
Las viudas
This dive site is located very close to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
Even though it is a common ground for commercial fishing, the
numbers of fish that can be observed is considerable. The
great numbers and species of invertebrates that live in this area are very unique (some sponges
and nudibranch molliusks). This is the only dive site with muddy-sand bottom. The boat ride to
this dive site is about 50 minutes.
El Chimo
Chimo is a small fishing village located south of the bay. The
above water views of the tropical rain forest are breathtaking.
This area is better enjoyed by divers with some level of
experience. The rock formations and corals are impressive.
Giant mantas are often seen here. Huge schools of fish and healthy invertebrates coverage
make this one of our favorite dive sites. The boat ride to this site is about 90 minutes
El Malinal
A small sea mount located outside the bay on the Nayarit side.
Seldom visited by divers, this site has large schools of fish. The
land mark of this dive site is a tunnel that crosses the rock
from side to side. The boat ride to this site is about 90 minutes.
La Corbeteña
A far from shore rock located northwest of Puerto Vallarta, this
place is considered as one of the best sites for pelagic
encounters and clear oceanic waters. This site is recommended
only to divers with experience since it is far away and can have
challenging currents. The boat ride to this site is about 2
hours.
Whale watching tour
One of the most rewarding experiences in Puerto Vallarta in the
Banderas Bay is to be face to face with nature. This experience
becomes unique and exciting when you are in the vicinity of the
majestic Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), also known as Yubarta, jibarte or
xibarte.
Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay is the winter sanctuary of these giant marine mammals, in
this environment we can enjoy the observation of the most spectacular species of whale, which
will captivate you with its impressive jumps, tale hits, mothers with playful calves and the
captivating songs of males trying to attract females.