Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

Puerto Vallarta’s best underwater scenery lies beyond the marina, and this small-group scuba outing gets you there by boat. Depending on the route and conditions, you may explore the shallow reefs and arches of Los Arcos or head north to the Marietas Islands, with dolphins, turtles, rays, and whales possible along the way.

I like the patient instruction, especially for first-time or rusty scuba participants, and I like that the price includes the boat, equipment, bottled water, lunch, and park fees. The main catch is that visibility and wildlife are never guaranteed, and the $125 price does not include the $25 beginner class or $6 government fee.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos suits mixed skill levels: Shallow areas begin around 20 feet, while more demanding walls reach far deeper.
• Marietas requires certification: You must already be a certified scuba diver for that route.
• Guides provide hands-on help: Eric, Carlos, and Nahum have been especially helpful with nervous or returning scuba participants.
• Wildlife is a pleasant bonus: Dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, manta rays, octopus, lobsters, reef sharks, and colorful fish are all possible.
• The hidden beach costs extra: The optional Marietas visit requires a $25 cash deposit, refundable if weather or availability prevents entry.
• Plan for a half-day outing: Departure is at 9 a.m., with a typical return between 1 and 3 p.m.

Los Arcos or Marietas: Know What You Are Booking

The title of this outing gives you two possible targets, but Los Arcos and the Marietas Islands offer different kinds of days. Los Arcos is closer to Puerto Vallarta and works well for beginners, refresher sessions, and certified divers who want two underwater stops without spending as much time on the open sea.

The Marietas Islands are farther out in Banderas Bay. The boat ride can offer more wildlife, and the island setting adds snorkeling and the optional visit to the famous hidden beach. You must be certified for scuba at Marietas, so this is not the route for someone taking a first lesson.

Because the route can depend on the day’s plan, sea conditions, and your group, I would confirm whether you are booking Los Arcos, Marietas, or a southbound combination before paying. The supplied schedule describes both places, while actual outings have included two Los Arcos sites or a Marietas trip with two underwater sessions.

That small detail matters. If your priority is easy access and beginner-friendly water, Los Arcos may be the better fit. If you want a longer boat ride, island scenery, and a stronger chance of seeing large marine animals, Marietas may be more appealing.

Leaving Marina Vallarta at 9 a.m.

The meeting point is Marina del Rey Condominium, Proa 22, in Marina Vallarta. The boat leaves at 9 a.m. and returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup at the end.

Allow time to find the marina meeting point without rushing. One useful advantage is the maximum group size of 14 people. That is not a private charter, but it is small enough for the underwater guide to keep a close eye on the group and help with equipment.

The first part of the trip is a boat ride through Banderas Bay. On the Marietas route, the Ameca River area comes into view after roughly 10 minutes, and dolphins may appear there as they feed. In winter, the ride out can bring sightings of dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and humpback whales.

Treat those sightings as luck, not a promise. Several outings have had memorable dolphin encounters, including a large group moving beside the boat while hunting. Whales have also been heard and seen, especially in winter. Still, marine animals follow their own schedule, and a quiet ride is possible.

The boat ride is part of the day, not just transport. Bring sun protection and expect some motion on the water. If you are prone to seasickness, plan accordingly, though the supplied information does not specify medication or onboard treatment.

What the $125 Price Really Covers

At $125 per person, this is a fair value if you need the full setup. The rate includes the boat ride, scuba equipment, life vest, bottled water, box lunch, national park permits, the CONANP federal conservation fee, and a conservation donation to Bahia Unida.

That bundle saves you from renting separate equipment or handling park charges on your own. It also matters for new scuba participants, since the crew prepares the gear and provides assistance rather than leaving you to manage every part alone.

The basic price does not cover everything. A beginner scuba class costs $25 per person, and the government fee is another $6 per person. The Marietas hidden beach is optional and costs $25, paid as a cash deposit during morning check-in.

The hidden beach payment has an unusual safeguard. If you cannot enter because of availability or weather, the deposit is returned. Bring cash for this amount and the government fee, though one group was able to pay by card with a 5 percent card charge.

Tips are not included. Carry cash if you prefer to tip the crew directly, but payment by card may be possible with the extra fee noted above.

Getting Ready for Your First Underwater Session

The strongest feature here is the instruction. The guides do not simply hand you a tank and point toward the water. They explain how to use the equipment, review the life vest, and help you settle into a safe breathing rhythm.

That patience matters. One first-time participant was nervous and struggled with breathing at the start, then became comfortable underwater after working through the initial anxiety. For a first scuba outing, the mental side can be harder than the physical side.

Eric has been particularly good at giving clear pre-water explanations and keeping people calm. Carlos has also helped less experienced participants and people returning after a long break. Nahum has led Marietas outings, with Martin handling the boat and Rodrigo assisting the group.

You may not get one of those exact guides on your date, but the operation has several named instructors with strong practical experience. The crew also handles much of the equipment preparation, so you should not expect to carry tanks in and out of the water yourself.

Beginners still need to pay for the separate $25 class. The listed activity welcomes all experience levels at Los Arcos, but you should not confuse that with an unrestricted first-time trip to Marietas. Certification is required for scuba there.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. People with heart, back, spine, or knee problems cannot take part, and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not permitted to participate. The recommended minimum age is 10.

Los Arcos Offers the Easier Introduction

Los Arcos National Park lies south of Puerto Vallarta near Mismaloya. Its stone formations rise from the water, creating a memorable setting above and below the surface.

For beginners, the key feature is depth. Practice areas begin around 20 feet, giving new scuba participants a less intimidating place to gain confidence. Experienced divers can explore deeper sections, including a wall that reaches much farther down and is suited to technical scuba rather than casual recreational use.

A typical Los Arcos outing may include two underwater sessions. One group spent about 45 minutes at each site, reaching 40 to 50 feet in December. Another group reported visibility of roughly 30 feet and saw fish, octopus, puffers, lobsters, and other sea life.

Conditions can change quickly. One outing found the water murky at Los Arcos, with little to see, while another had excellent animal sightings. That is the central tradeoff of a Puerto Vallarta sea outing: the site is scenic and accessible, but visibility depends on weather, current, season, and local water conditions.

The crew’s help can make up for some of that uncertainty. A good underwater guide points out small creatures you might otherwise swim past. Octopus, puffers, lobsters, and reef fish can be easy to miss when you are still thinking about buoyancy and breathing.

I would choose Los Arcos if you are new to scuba, have not been underwater for several years, or want a shorter ride from the marina. It is also the more practical option for a group with mixed experience.

Marietas Brings Islands, Wildlife, and a Longer Ride

Marietas offers a bigger sense of escape. The island group is known for its bird habitat, rocky formations, snorkeling water, and optional hidden beach visit.

The trip out takes about an hour, according to the published timing. That makes the boat ride more important than it is at Los Arcos, but it also gives you more chances to see animals in open water. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales may appear along the route.

On arrival, the crew supplies snorkeling gear and life jackets and explains how to use them. The hidden beach activity is optional, so you can focus on snorkeling or scuba if you do not want the extra visit.

The $25 hidden beach deposit is worth understanding before you arrive. You pay it in cash during check-in, and it is returned if bad weather or limited availability prevents the visit. The beach is reached only when conditions and access allow, so do not build your whole day around that one feature.

For certified divers, Marietas can be the more rewarding choice when water conditions cooperate. One December outing had abundant sea life, two 45-minute underwater sessions, and water comfortable enough for a shorty wetsuit or spring suit. Another trip found the ride out worthwhile for the island scenery and bird habitat, with fair to good visibility.

The drawback is distance and exposure to the weather. A rougher sea can make the ride tiring, and poor conditions can affect both visibility and access to the hidden beach.

Wildlife Is Possible, Not Guaranteed

This outing has a good record of memorable animal encounters, but you should keep expectations sensible. Dolphins have appeared near the Ameca River and beside the returning boat. Humpback whales are most likely in winter, and one participant described hearing their unusual underwater sounds as the highlight of the trip.

Underwater sightings have included turtles, reef sharks, octopus, puffers, lobsters, manta rays, and many fish. One Los Arcos outing produced at least a dozen octopus and two reef sharks, while another had a turtle and large schools of fish.

That variety is one reason I like the tour. You are not locked into a single viewing platform. The boat ride, snorkeling time, and scuba sessions each offer a different chance to see the bay’s wildlife.

Still, a marine park is not an aquarium. Murky water at Los Arcos can reduce the payoff, and animals may stay out of sight. Book this for the chance to explore the water, not for a guaranteed whale or shark sighting.

Food, Gear, and Comfort on the Boat

The trip includes a box lunch, fruit, and a ham and cheese sandwich. That is enough to keep the day moving, but I would bring an extra snack if you have a large appetite or special dietary needs. The food is simple rather than a full meal.

The equipment has generally been in good condition. You can use the supplied mask, though some participants bring their own. A shorty wetsuit or spring suit may be provided, and an extra wetsuit can be available if you feel cold.

Water temperature and personal comfort vary. One outing reported a little chill but also praised the guide for offering more thermal protection. If you tend to get cold, ask about the available suit before entering the water.

The boat has been described as roomy and comfortable, with both scuba participants and snorkelers aboard. A typical Marietas group included four scuba participants and eight snorkelers. That mix can work well for couples or families with different interests, though the day’s rhythm will include time for both groups.

Timing, Fitness, and Cancellation Rules

Plan on four to six hours from departure to return. A 9 a.m. start commonly means arriving back around 1 or 2 p.m., though the full window can run to 3 p.m.

You need a moderate level of fitness. The activity is not suitable for people with heart disease or back, spine, or knee problems. Alcohol and drug use are prohibited, and you should not arrive impaired.

Confirmation is normally issued when you book. If you reserve within one day of departure, confirmation comes as soon as possible and depends on space.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The outing also requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Since this trip is often reserved about 24 days ahead, popular dates may fill before your vacation begins. That booking pattern is a useful reason to reserve early, especially in winter when whale season adds interest.

Who Should Book This Puerto Vallarta Scuba Trip?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time scuba participants choosing Los Arcos and paying for the beginner class
• Certified divers who want a guided half-day in Banderas Bay
• Returning scuba participants who need patient support after a long break
• Mixed groups where some people want scuba and others prefer snorkeling
• Visitors who value a small group and included equipment
• Wildlife fans willing to accept that sightings depend on nature

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed clear water, dislike boat travel, have a relevant heart, back, spine, or knee condition, or want a completely private trip.

The best choice depends on your goal. Pick Los Arcos for easier access, shallow practice water, and a good first introduction. Pick Marietas if you are certified and want island scenery, more open-water wildlife chances, and the optional hidden beach.

Should You Book It?

Yes, if you want a practical, moderately priced scuba day with patient instruction and a small group. The staff support is the strongest reason to choose this operator, especially if you are anxious, inexperienced, or returning after years away.

Book with realistic expectations about visibility and wildlife. Confirm your exact route, budget the extra $25 beginner class or $6 government charge if needed, and bring cash for the hidden beach deposit. If those details suit you, this is a solid way to get beneath Puerto Vallarta’s usual beach scene and see what is moving below the surface.

FAQ

What time does the scuba tour start?

The tour starts at 9 a.m. from Marina del Rey Condominium, Proa 22, in Marina Vallarta.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point in Marina Vallarta.

Do I need to be certified to scuba at Marietas Islands?

Yes. You must be a certified diver to scuba at the Marietas Islands.

Can beginners take part at Los Arcos?

Yes. All experience levels are welcome at Los Arcos. A beginner scuba class costs $25 per person and is not included in the advertised price.

Is the hidden beach included?

No. The hidden beach visit is optional and costs $25. You pay a cash deposit during morning check-in, and it is returned if weather or availability prevents entry.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

You can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund. The activity requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants.