Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the chance to pair a small-group boat trip with real underwater time at Los Arcos or the Marietas Islands. The ride itself can bring dolphins, turtles, rays, and winter whales, while Los Arcos offers shallow water for beginners and deeper walls for experienced scuba participants.

I like the calm, patient instruction, especially for first-timers or anyone returning after years away. I also like that the crew handles the heavy equipment, provides a box lunch and water, and keeps the group to no more than 14 people. The main consideration is visibility: conditions can be murky at Los Arcos, and the Marietas route requires certification plus an extra fee if you want to visit the hidden beach.

Key things to know before booking

• Los Arcos welcomes beginners: Shallow areas around 20 feet make it suitable for first lessons, practice, and certification work.
• Marietas requires certification: Choose this route only if you already hold the required scuba certification.
• Eric, Carlos, Nahum, and Javi have guided recent outings: The crew is especially good at patient briefings, equipment setup, and in-water support.
• Wildlife begins before the underwater session: Dolphins may appear near the Ameca River, and winter trips can bring whales, turtles, and manta rays.
• The hidden beach costs extra: Allow $25 in cash for the optional visit, with the deposit returned if weather or availability prevents entry.
• Budget for listed add-ons: A beginner class costs $25 per person, and a government fee of $6 per person is listed separately.

What this Puerto Vallarta boat trip is really like

This is not a quick swim off a crowded beach. You meet at Marina del Rey Condominium in Marina Vallarta at 9 a.m., board the boat, and spend roughly four to six hours moving through Banderas Bay and its nearby marine sites.

The group size is capped at 14 people. That matters underwater, where a patient guide and a little space can make the difference between feeling relaxed and feeling rushed. Some outings have had only four scuba participants plus snorkelers, leaving plenty of attention for each person.

You receive the boat ride, scuba equipment, life vest, bottled water, box lunch, park permits, and conservation-related fees listed as included. The crew also provides instruction on using the mask, snorkel, and life jacket, along with basic safety guidance. Recent outings have included shorty wetsuits or spring suits when the water felt chilly.

The staff’s strongest quality is their manner with nervous beginners. Eric has been singled out for clear pre-water talks and steady support, while Carlos has helped less experienced participants regain a comfortable breathing rhythm. Nahum has guided two-tank outings, and Javi has joined boat and underwater support duties.

That level of attention is useful even if you have experience. A scuba holiday often follows a long gap between sessions, and the equipment, water conditions, and site can differ from what you know at home. A careful briefing helps you settle in before the first descent.

Leaving Marina Vallarta at 9 a.m.

The morning starts at Marina Vallarta, a convenient meeting point near public transportation. Allow extra time to find Marina del Rey Condominium, complete paperwork, and sort out any cash needs before departure.

The first stretch passes the Ameca River, about 10 minutes from the marina. This is a good wildlife-watching window. Dolphins sometimes feed in the area, and the boat may stop if a pod appears close by. One outing even included a young crocodile swimming in the marina, though that is a lucky sight rather than a promised part of the trip.

The ride toward the islands can be as memorable as the time below the surface. In winter, the bay may produce sightings of humpback whales, turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. One particularly striking outing included the sound of humpback whales, while another encountered roughly 200 dolphins hunting near the boat.

Keep your camera ready, but do not treat wildlife sightings as guaranteed. Marine animals follow their own schedule. The boat staff can slow down or stop when conditions allow, which gives you a better chance to watch without turning the outing into a rushed photo stop.

Marietas Islands: certification required

The Marietas Islands are the more demanding choice. You must be a certified scuba participant to use this route, so it is not the place for a first-ever underwater lesson.

The islands also offer a snorkel option. The crew supplies the gear, shows you how to use it, and explains how to improve your water skills. That makes the site useful for a mixed group in which some people scuba while others prefer to stay near the surface.

The islands are known for their birdlife and dramatic rock setting. Underwater conditions can be better here than at Los Arcos, though visibility changes with weather, water movement, and season. One trip recorded fair to good visibility, while other outings elsewhere in the bay had murkier water.

The optional hidden beach visit costs $25. You pay the deposit in cash during morning check-in. If weather or availability prevents entry, the deposit is returned. That refund promise is a useful safeguard, since access depends on conditions and space.

Do not assume the hidden beach is automatically part of the $125 price. It is an add-on, and the island visit itself may involve more time in the water and more logistical handling than a standard snorkel stop. If the beach is a priority, confirm the day’s access arrangements before leaving the marina.

The island section is listed at about two hours, including preparation and water time. Bring sun protection for the ride, but do not forget that the real challenge is the sea, not the sightseeing. You should be comfortable with boat movement, wet gear, and a moderate level of physical activity.

Los Arcos: the easier starting point

Los Arcos National Park, near Mismaloya, is the better choice for new scuba participants and anyone who wants a shallow practice area. The site offers depths of about 20 feet for lessons, practice, and certification work.

That shallow water does not mean the site is only for beginners. Experienced scuba participants can use deeper areas, including a wall described as reaching far beyond recreational depths. You should not read that as a promise that every outing reaches those depths. The important point is that Los Arcos can suit mixed ability levels.

Two-tank outings at Los Arcos have lasted about 45 minutes per session, with depths around 40 to 50 feet. Other trips may use different sites or profiles based on weather, current, certification, and the group’s comfort. Your guide makes the final call, and that is how it should be.

Marine life can be excellent. Specific sightings have included many fish, octopuses, pufferfish, lobsters, a turtle, and reef sharks. In good conditions, visibility has reached about 30 feet.

The weak spot is water clarity. One outing at Los Arcos had murky water and little to see, while another had abundant sea life and comfortable visibility. Puerto Vallarta’s underwater conditions can change quickly, so you should book for the overall outing rather than for a guaranteed animal list.

Los Arcos also works well for a refresher session. If you have not used scuba equipment for more than a year, tell the crew before entering the water. A short review of breathing, buoyancy, and hand signals can make the day far more comfortable.

Instruction that helps nervous beginners

The strongest reason to choose this operator is the human side of the instruction. First-time scuba participants have received patient help with breathing rhythm, descent, and anxiety. That support matters because the first few minutes can feel strange, even in shallow water.

Eric has been praised for clear pre-water explanations and close attention to comfort. Carlos has helped less experienced participants who had not been underwater for a year or more. Nahum has guided two-session outings, and other crew members have handled equipment and boat support.

You do not need to set up all the gear yourself, and the crew can help lift it in and out of the water. That is a real benefit for anyone who is nervous about tanks, fins, or the boat ladder.

The instruction is not a full substitute for a certification course. A beginner scuba class costs an additional $25 per person. Los Arcos is the suitable location for beginner instruction, while Marietas requires certification.

If you have a medical condition, be strict about the rules. People with heart disease or back, spine, or knee problems cannot participate. No one under the influence of alcohol or drugs is permitted. The recommended minimum age is 10, and all participants should have moderate physical fitness.

What is included for $125

At $125 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a guided boat trip with equipment rather than simply a short introductory session from shore. The value improves when you use the included boat, scuba gear, park permits, conservation fees, water, and lunch.

The package also reduces the amount of equipment you need to bring. You may bring your own mask if you prefer, but the crew can provide one. A spring suit or shorty wetsuit may be available when the water feels cool.

The lunch is basic: fruit and a ham and cheese sandwich have been provided on recent outings. I would pack an additional snack if you tend to get hungry after time in the water. Bring water protection for phones and cameras, though photos and videos are not included.

Check the extra charges before you pay:

• Beginner scuba class: $25 per person
• Government fee: $6 per person
• Hidden beach deposit: $25, cash, only if you choose that optional activity
• Credit card payments may carry a 5 percent fee

There is some inconsistency in the fee descriptions, since national park and federal fees are also listed among the included items. Ask at check-in which government charge applies to your specific route. This is a small but worthwhile step, especially if you are trying to carry exact cash.

Timing, group size, and comfort

The advertised length is four to six hours. A typical Marietas outing has left at 9 a.m. and returned around 2 p.m., though conditions and the route can change the schedule.

The boat is described as roomy and comfortable, but you should still expect spray, sun, motion, and wet equipment. If you are prone to seasickness, plan accordingly using only medication you already know is safe for you. The supplied information does not promise a particular boat size or seating arrangement.

A maximum of 14 people keeps this from feeling like a giant party boat. The group can include both scuba participants and snorkelers, so not everyone will follow the same underwater plan. That mix works well for couples or families with different interests.

The tour is mobile-ticket friendly and offered in English. Confirmation is normally issued at booking, although a reservation made within one day of departure is subject to availability and may be confirmed later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that window, payment is not refunded and changes are not accepted. Bad weather or failure to meet the minimum group size can lead to a different date, another activity, or a full refund.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this for a first scuba attempt at Los Arcos, a return to the sport after a long break, or a certified participant wanting a small boat group in Banderas Bay.

It is also a good fit for a mixed party. One person can scuba while another snorkels, especially around Marietas. The wildlife watching adds value for anyone who enjoys the sea even when visibility is not perfect.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is guaranteed whale watching, crystal-clear water, or a fixed itinerary. Dolphins and whales are possible, not promised. Los Arcos can be cloudy, and marine conditions may change the site or timing.

You should also skip it if you have the listed heart, back, spine, or knee conditions, lack the required Marietas certification, or cannot manage a moderately physical day on a moving boat.

Should you book Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas?

Book it if you value careful instruction, helpful crew, included equipment, and a chance to see wildlife above and below the water. The praise is strongest for the friendly staff, clear safety talks, and patient help given to beginners and returning scuba participants.

Choose Los Arcos if you are new or need a refresher. Choose Marietas if you are certified and want the island setting, with the optional hidden beach treated as a separate $25 decision.

The $125 cost is fair for a half-day boat outing with equipment, lunch, permits, and small-group support. Just budget for the listed fees, bring extra food if you need it, and accept that visibility and wildlife are controlled by nature, not the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is Marina del Rey Condominium, Proa 22, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9 a.m.

How long does the outing last?

The expected duration is about four to six hours. One recorded schedule left at 9 a.m. and returned around 2 p.m.

Can a beginner participate?

Yes. Los Arcos welcomes all levels and has water around 20 feet deep for practice and beginner instruction. A beginner scuba class costs an additional $25 per person.

Do I need certification for Marietas Islands?

Yes. You must be a certified scuba participant to use the Marietas Islands scuba route.

Is the hidden beach included?

No. Visiting the hidden beach is optional and costs an additional $25. The deposit is paid in cash during morning check-in and is returned if weather or availability prevents entry.

What equipment and food are included?

The tour includes scuba equipment, a life vest, boat transportation, bottled water, and a box lunch. The crew can provide a mask, although you may bring your own.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 14 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient group causes cancellation, you are offered another date, another activity, or a full refund.