Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

If you’re considering a scuba experience in Puerto Vallarta, this tour is worth a closer look. It’s designed to be accessible for all levels of divers — whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. From what we’ve gathered, many travelers find it offers a nice balance between adventure, comfort, and value.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the professional guidance shines through in the reviews, with guides like Erik and Carlos earning high praise for their patience and expertise. Second, the chance to see amazing sea life and stunning underwater landscapes like Los Arcos or the Marietas Islands really captures the imagination.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that at around $125 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement option, but most seem to agree it’s money well spent given the quality and inclusiveness of the experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want a safe, well-organized way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s marine environment without the hassle of managing gear or navigating the logistics alone.

If you’re a water lover, curious about scuba, or eager to see marine wildlife like dolphins, whales, and octopuses — this tour could be just the thing. It also suits those comfortable with moderate physical activity and who appreciate guided safety and instruction.

Key Points

• All levels of divers are welcome at Los Arcos, making it accessible whether you’re new or experienced.
• The boat ride is quick and comfortable, with chances to see dolphins and whales en route.
• Guides and staff consistently receive high praise for their patience, professionalism, and helpfulness.
• The cost includes most essentials — gear, park permits, water, and a box lunch — which adds to the value.
• The optional hidden beach visit offers a chance to see one of the top ten beaches in the world, though it does come at an additional cost.
• The tour runs several days a week, with different diving sites depending on the day, catering to both beginner and certified divers.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

First Stop: Marietas Islands

Starting around 9 am from Marina Vallarta, the journey to the Marietas Islands takes just about 10 minutes by boat. This proximity means more time spent enjoying the actual dive or snorkel rather than travel.

The route out offers a real treat—whether you’re lucky enough to spot dolphins, turtles, manta rays, or even whales during the winter months. As one reviewer noted, “the ocean provides great wildlife on the way out like dolphins, turtles, mantarays and whales,” which adds an element of excitement even before you hit the water.

Once at the islands, the crew provides snorkel gear, and if you’re new to water activities, they teach how to use it safely. This approach is especially appreciated by beginners, who often feel more confident with guidance. There’s also an optional visit to the famous hidden beach—they mention it’s one of the top ten beaches worldwide—but keep in mind this is an extra cost activity, so plan accordingly.

Second Stop: Los Arcos de Mismaloya

The second part of the tour takes you to Los Arcos National Park, a marine sanctuary famous for its striking rock formations and abundant sea life. This site is versatile enough to suit everyone: beginner divers can enjoy depths around 20 feet, while more experienced or certified divers can explore a wall plunging down 1,600 feet.

Reviewers describe Los Arcos as “perfect for beginner dives or experienced divers,” with plenty of fish, octopuses, lobsters, and other marine creatures. One noted, “The place was easy to find in the port, and the visibility was about 30 feet,” which is quite reasonable for underwater viewing.

What’s Included & Not

The tour covers life vests, boat ride, bottled water, bottled water, scuba gear, permits, and a box lunch—a good value that keeps you energized. They also contribute to conservation efforts with donations to Bahia Unida and official park fees.

However, if you’re a beginner and want a scuba certification class, that costs an extra $25, which might be worth considering if you want to pursue diving further. Also, there’s a government fee of $6 per person.

How Does It Feel to Be There?

Based on traveler reviews, the experience is often described as “fantastic,” “amazing,” and “memorable.” Guides like Carlos and Eric stand out for their patience and care, especially noted by first-timers and those who may feel nervous.

One reviewer shared, “Divers were very patient with me as I was very nervous and anxious,” emphasizing the supportive atmosphere. Another highlighted the dolphin sightings on the boat ride back, a bonus from nature that many cherish.

The boat itself is comfortable and the schedule is well-paced, with enough time at each site for a proper experience without feeling rushed. The tour length of about 4 to 6 hours strikes a nice balance for most travelers.

Price and Value

At $125 per person, this tour offers an all-inclusive experience that many find reasonable considering the professional guides, park permits, equipment, and food included. It’s also booked an average of 22 days in advance, indicating solid demand.

Several reviews applaud the value for money. For example, “Great service, honest, provided exactly what was advertised,” reflects transparent pricing and a trustworthy operation. The inclusion of multiple fees and permits in the cost also means less hassle and unexpected expenses during your trip.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventurers eager to explore marine life in a safe, guided setting. It’s specially suited for those who are comfortable with moderate physical activities and want to learn or refresh their skills. The fact that beginner and certified divers are both accommodated makes it flexible.

It’s also a good choice for travelers interested in seeing dolphins and whales, or those wanting a scenic boat ride as part of their underwater adventure. While children 10 and up are generally suitable, the focus is more on those comfortable with water activities rather than family-centric outings.

Final Thoughts

This Puerto Vallarta scuba tour offers a well-organized, professional approach to underwater exploration. The guides are frequently praised for their patience and knowledge, making it a confidence-inspiring choice for first-timers and seasoned divers alike. The inclusion of marine park permits, gear, and a meal adds to the overall value, especially when compared to other outdoor excursions.

The stops at Los Arcos and Marietas Islands are both scenic and teeming with marine life, promising memorable sightings and plenty of photo opportunities. The optional hidden beach visit is a bonus for those who want a bit of extra adventure, though it does come at an extra cost.

Ultimately, if you’re seeking a reliable, enjoyable way to see Puerto Vallarta’s underwater world with supportive guides and a focus on safety and fun, this tour hits the right notes. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the quality and inclusiveness tend to justify the price.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to participate?
You can participate in certified diving at Marietas Islands, which requires a certification. However, at Los Arcos, all levels are welcome, and beginners can enjoy the experience with guidance.

How long is the tour?
The whole experience lasts roughly 4 to 6 hours, depending on the day and activities involved.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers boat transportation, scuba gear, life vests, bottled water, park permits, and a box lunch. You also get to participate in the marine park and conservation donations.

Can I participate if I have never been scuba diving before?
Yes, at Los Arcos, beginners are welcome and will be instructed on gear use and safety. The tour is designed to be suitable for all experience levels.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age recommended is 10 years old, making it more suitable for older kids comfortable with water activities.

What if I want to try the hidden beach?
The beach visit is optional and has an extra cost. It’s considered one of the top ten beaches in the world, so many find it worthwhile.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you want to capture the underwater sights. The tour provides gear and essentials.

How is the wildlife viewing?
The boat ride offers chances to see dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures—many travelers rave about these encounters.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about three weeks ahead; the tour is popular and can fill up quickly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, ensuring flexibility and peace of mind.

In short, this Puerto Vallarta scuba experience is a solid choice for those who want a safe, well-organized, and wildlife-rich underwater adventure. Whether you’re new to diving or an experienced diver, the guides, sites, and overall vibe make it a memorable part of any trip down Mexico’s Pacific coast.