Dive and Travel: Puerto Vallarta

Looking for a dive destination that is also great above the surface? Look no further. Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations, and with good reason! Located on the Pacific coast, its tropical climate and beautiful beaches make it a perfect place to relax, dive and soak up the sun. Besides scuba diving, there are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and snorkeling in the ocean to exploring the nearby jungle. And don’t forget to check out the nightlife – Puerto Vallarta is known for its lively bars and clubs.

History and culture

Puerto Vallarta is home to a rich history and culture, waiting to be explored. The first inhabitants of the area were the Huichols, an indigenous tribe who still inhabit the area today. Formerly known as Las Peñas, this is where Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century and establish a base for expeditions in Baja California. In the 1960s, it began to grow into a popular tourist destination. Today, Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant city with a rich culture and history that visitors can explore.

Puerto Vallarta is a beach lover’s paradise.

Anyone who loves the beach will find heaven in Puerto Vallarta. With many secluded beaches, warm waters, and stunning ocean views, the beaches here are some of the best in Mexico. Or they can simply relax and take in the natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy exploring the region’s natural beauty and its coastline, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty. For the adventurous ones, there are a lot of activities to engage in, including snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, hiking, and of course, scuba diving.

Mexico is a hotspot for amazing dive sites!

The crystal-clear water and diverse marine life of Puerto Vallarta make it a popular destination for scuba diving. The area around the city is teeming with sea life, including dolphins, rays, and whales. There is a shipwreck graveyard for the wreck diving aficionados and many spots with a high chance of encounters with the gentle manta rays.
The water is clear and blue, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 86 °F/ 18-30 °C, being the coldest months from December through March. There are both beginner and advanced dive sites, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
For more information on scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta, contact one of the many dive shops in town.

Dive in Los Arcos National Marine Park

Los Arcos is a protected National Marine Park. Fishing is prohibited, so marine life is abundant, making it a beautiful and serene spot for a scuba diving adventure. Made up of five granite small islands, Los Arcos has options for all levels of divers, from novices to seasoned divers. The depths range from 10 feet (3 m) to 130 feet (40 m), and the average water temperature is around 26° C (82° F).
The park is home to coral reefs, which make for an exciting dive. Expect encounters with manta rays, snappers, moray eels, nudibranchs, octopuses, lobsters, and much more.

Wreck Diving: Princesa Vallarta Shipwreck

The Princesa Vallarta is a wreck dive that is located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This ship was supposed to sink in Los Arcos, but did not make it there. Instead, it sunk close to Mismaloya, a graveyard of shipwrecks.
Sitting at a depth ranging from 40-80 ft/12-25 mt, the Princesa wreck is home to a variety of marine life, which makes it a popular spot for scuba divers.

Islas Marietas

A protected marine area since 2005, they were recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2016. There are over 90 different species of fishes and creatures in the waters near these uninhabited islands, besides the reefs with plentiful marine life.
Made famous by Jacques Cousteau, its depth range from 25-90 ft/7.5-27 m and this is the place to go if you want to try to encounter manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales.

Majahuitas

On the Mexican shore south of Puerto Vallarta, an enchanting secluded cove bears the name Majahuitas. Accessed only by boat and with calm waters, this is the perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its depth between 25 – 80 ft / 7 -24 m, Majahuitas offers dives for every diver, from complete beginners to experienced ones.
It is inhabited by remarkable Garden Eels, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Turtles, Angel Fishes, Puffer fishes, and many more schools of fishes.

Las Caletas

In this shore dive, you will enter an amazing location that is perfect for anyone, including beginners and experienced divers. The water in Las Caletas is very calm and the currents mild, allowing you to focus on every detail of the dive. There are even two shipwrecks for you to explore.
The residents here are Garden Eels, Turtles, Rays, and many species of tropical fishes.

El Morro

El Morro is a rock located about 26 miles from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, out in the Pacific Ocean. With a maximum depth of 150ft (46 m), very strong currents, and rough sea conditions, this is a dive site for advanced divers only. Many pinnacles come from the ocean bottom, and are home to numerous schools of fish. Densely covered with sponges, sea fans, and gorgonians, El Morro is an ideal habitat for marine life. Giant mantas are frequently seen here.

El Chimo

El Chimo, a small fishing village, is one of the favorite dive sites around Puerto Vallarta, and not without a reason. Its crystal clear water is home to various schools of reef fishes, turtles, manta rays, corals, and sponges.
Unusual rock formations on the sea floor can be observed here. Las Iglesias is a series of columns emerging from the sea floor, just like and cathedral, and Torrecillas, a plateau with several pinnacles rising just like trees.
Puerto Vallarta is a great place for scuba diving and other water activities. There are plenty of spots to explore, and the activities available are sure to entertain everyone. Whether you’re a scuba diver or not, there’s something for you in Puerto Vallarta. So be sure to add this beautiful Mexican city to your travel list!

Check Out Some Other Great Destinations

• Scuba Dive in The Maldives – Travel, Diving Guide, & More
• Scuba Diving at Revillagigedo, Mexico – Travel, Dive Guide, & More
• Scuba Dive and Travel: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that DIVEMONDO may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate this website earn from qualifying purchases.