Puerto Vallarta: Scuba Diving Expedition at El Malinal

If you’re considering a scuba adventure while visiting Puerto Vallarta, the Scuba Diving Expedition at El Malinal is worth a close look. It promises a chance to explore some of the area’s lesser-visited underwater spots, with the promise of vivid marine life, interesting tunnels, and a personalized experience. Whether you’re a certified diver or a snorkeler, this tour aims to make your ocean outing memorable.

What we really like about this trip is the small group setting, which ensures plenty of attention from the Dive Masters, and the fact that all gear is included—no need to fuss with extra rentals. The crystal-clear waters and the chance to see large schools of fish are definite highlights. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour’s focus on certified divers might leave beginners feeling a bit left out unless they’re interested in a PADI Discover Scuba experience.

This tour is best suited for folks who appreciate a more intimate, tailored experience and are eager to explore Puerto Vallarta’s underwater scenery beyond the popular spots. If you’re comfortable with boat rides and want a less crowded dive site, this could be a great fit for you. Non-divers will find snorkelers welcome, but the main focus remains on those with some diving experience.

Key Points

• Small group sizes (max 8 divers) ensure personalized attention.
• All necessary gear is included, making it hassle-free.
• Two tank dives at a less-visited, exciting sea mount outside the bay.
• Ideal for certified divers; non-certified divers can opt for the Discover Scuba program.
• The crystal-clear waters and large schools of fish make for stunning underwater views.
• The tour includes a box lunch and soft drinks for a relaxing break.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Scuba Expedition at El Malinal

This tour offers a fairly straightforward yet exciting 5-hour experience, designed for those who want to see Puerto Vallarta’s marine side with a bit of exclusivity. Starting from the marina in Vallarta, you’ll head out on a boat (small, cozy, and limited to eight people). The boat ride itself takes about 90 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery and prepare for the dives.

The Dive Site: El Malinal

Located outside the bay on the Nayarit side, El Malinal is known for its large schools of fish and captivating underwater tunnels. Because it’s less visited, the site offers a more pristine underwater environment, free from the crowds often found at more popular spots. The site’s landmarks, particularly the tunnels, are what make this location stand out. You’ll likely be amazed by the variety and abundance of marine life — folks often mention the stunning views and the abundance of fish as some of the highlights.

The Dives: What You’ll See and Do

You will enjoy two tank dives, each with a Dive Master guiding you through the environment. They ensure your safety and help you find the best spots, especially around the tunnels and schools of fish. The experience caters to divers of various levels, with separate groups for beginners and advanced, so everyone gets personalized attention.

The Dive Masters are experienced, and their max 5:1 diver-to-guide ratio ensures plenty of support. Some reviewers appreciated this, noting that it made them feel safe and well-looked-after. For many, the crystal-clear waters at El Malinal make the underwater scenery particularly rewarding. A common comment is how stunning the views were, with vibrant marine life and interesting formations.

Snorkelers and Non-divers

While the focus is on diving, snorkelers are more than welcome to join the boat trip to see the underwater scenery from the surface. The tour doesn’t focus heavily on snorkeling, but it’s a nice perk if you prefer to stay on the surface and still enjoy the marine environment.

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Post-Dive Relaxation

Once your dives are done, a delicious box lunch awaits, along with soft drinks and bottled water. It’s a relaxed way to unwind and chat about the experience. The provided lunch is a thoughtful touch, giving you energy after a morning of underwater exploration.

Practical Details and What It Means for You

Duration and Timing

This tour lasts about 5 hours, typically scheduled in the morning to take advantage of the best water visibility. Meeting at 8:45 am at the dive shop, you’ll get your gear sorted out before heading out at 9 am. The timing is ideal if you want to spend your afternoon exploring Puerto Vallarta or relaxing.

Group Size and Comfort

With a maximum of 8 participants (or a small group of 10), you won’t be packed onto a boat with dozens of other people. This smaller size enhances the overall experience, allowing for more tailored guidance and fewer crowds underwater.

Cost and Value

At $189 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package: two tank dives, all gear, boat transport, and the safety and attention of experienced guides. When you consider that gear, transportation, and a guided experience are included, it’s quite reasonable. Plus, the small group setting makes it feel more personal and less commercial.

Accessibility and Requirements

The tour is strictly for certified divers, so if you’re not certified, you’ll want to consider the optional PADI Discover Scuba program. It involves some pool training first, followed by two introductory dives, and is suitable for those looking to try diving for the first time.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers often mention the stunning underwater views and the intimate group setting as major selling points. One said, “We loved the way the Dive Masters looked after us and how clear the water was. It felt like we had the whole site to ourselves.” Others noted that the large schools of fish made every moment exciting, and the unique tunnels added an element of adventure.

A few customers highlighted that the boat ride was enjoyable, offering good scenery before the dives. Most found the gear supplied to be in good condition, and appreciated the personalized attention, especially given the small group size.

Some reviews pointed out that while the site is less crowded, the boat ride is a bit long—about 90 minutes each way—so be prepared for a bit of a journey. However, many felt the scenery and the chance to visit a less-visited site made the trip worthwhile.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is particularly suited for certified divers who want something a bit different from the usual. If you’re comfortable on boats and love exploring under the sea, you’ll likely find this a rewarding outing. The small group size makes it perfect for those who prefer personalized guidance and a more relaxed pace.

Snorkelers and non-divers can join the boat ride, but the main focus remains on experienced divers. If you’re new to diving and not certified, the Discover Scuba Program offers an alternative, giving you a taste of the underwater world with some training and two introductory dives.

It’s a great choice for travelers who value authentic, less touristy spots and enjoy the idea of exploring marine environments that aren’t overrun with crowds.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Vallarta Scuba Diving Expedition at El Malinal offers a chance to see a side of the ocean many visitors don’t get to experience. With crystal-clear waters, large schools of fish, and intriguing tunnels, it promises an engaging and visually stunning adventure. The tour’s small group setting and all-inclusive gear make it feel personal and convenient, especially for certified divers.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, well-organized outing that prioritizes safety, comfort, and beautiful scenery, this trip checks those boxes. It’s an especially good pick if you prefer smaller crowds and want to explore a less-visited dive site outside the more crowded areas.

However, bear in mind the boat ride can be lengthy, and the focus is on certified diving, so non-divers might want to opt for snorkeling or other tours. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those eager to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s underwater treasures with a bit of exclusivity and plenty of natural beauty.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This tour is designed for certified divers. Beginners who aren’t certified will need to participate in the PADI Discover Scuba Program, which includes some pool training and introductory dives.

What’s included in the price?
All necessary scuba gear (mask, fins, wetsuit, regulator, BCD, etc.), two tank dives, boat transportation, a box lunch, soft drinks, bottled water, and entrance fees to protected areas are included.

How long is the boat ride to El Malinal?
The boat ride lasts about 90 minutes each way, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery before and after your dives.

Are snorkelers allowed to join?
Yes, snorkelers are welcome to join the expedition and can enjoy the underwater views from the surface, though the main focus is on diving.

What’s the group size?
Trip groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the Dive Masters.

When does the tour depart?
The tour departs daily at 9 am, with meeting at 8:45 am at the dive shop in Marina Vallarta.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s best suited for certified divers. Non-divers or children may not find it suitable unless they are comfortable on boats and with water activities.

What if I’m not a certified diver?
You can opt for the PADI Discover Scuba Program, which includes pool training and two introductory dives, leading to a certification card.

What should I bring?
Bring your certification card if you’re a certified diver, sun protection, and your personal items. The gear and safety equipment are provided.

If you’re after a personalized, scenic dive experience away from the crowds, this trip to El Malinal could be just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone eager to try their first underwater adventure, this offers a great way to see Puerto Vallarta from a fresh perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here: