Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

The Pacific can surprise you. This Puerto Vallarta scuba excursion combines a boat ride through Banderas Bay with guided underwater time at Los Arcos or the Marietas Islands. I like the patient instruction for beginners and the real chance of seeing dolphins, turtles, rays, whales, octopuses, and reef sharks along the way. The main catch is visibility: conditions can be murky at Los Arcos, and several extra fees raise the final price above the advertised $125.

I also like the small group size, with no more than 14 people, and the way instructors such as Eric, Carlos, Nahum, and Javi focus on comfort and safety. Marietas is the more demanding option because you must already be a certified scuba diver, while Los Arcos works for first-timers and experienced participants. Bring extra food if you have a hearty appetite, since the included lunch is fairly modest.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos welcomes beginners: Shallow areas around 20 feet allow practice and introductory scuba sessions, while deeper walls serve experienced participants.
• Marietas requires certification: The island outing includes snorkeling support, but scuba participants must hold a current certification.
• Wildlife begins before the islands: Dolphins may appear near the Ameca River, with seasonal whale sightings and possible turtles or manta rays offshore.
• Patient instructors are a major strength: Eric, Carlos, Nahum, and other crew members have earned strong praise for calm briefings and hands-on help.
• The $125 price is not the entire bill: Add $25 for a beginner class, $6 in government fees, and possibly $25 for the optional Hidden Beach visit.
• Water conditions shape the day: Visibility can be excellent or cloudy, and weather may change the route or cancel the outing.

Choosing between Los Arcos and Marietas

The biggest decision is not the boat or the equipment. It is the destination.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a protected area south of Puerto Vallarta, is the practical choice if you are new to scuba or have not been in the water for a long time. The site includes areas around 20 feet deep for practice and certification work. Experienced scuba participants can use deeper sections, including a wall that drops dramatically for technical outings.

Marietas Islands feels more like a full-day marine adventure. The islands are known for their dramatic rock formations, seabirds, and clear-water appeal, though conditions vary. You must be a certified diver for the scuba portion at Marietas. If you are not certified, you can still use the snorkeling equipment and join the surface activity, but you should not expect to take part in the scuba session.

The routing can change. The published plan describes a departure toward Marietas and a later visit to Los Arcos on southbound outings, while several accounts describe separate Los Arcos or Marietas trips. Confirm which site you are booking and whether the itinerary includes one or both locations. Weather, sea conditions, and operator planning can affect the final route.

Leaving Marina Vallarta at 9 a.m.

You meet the crew at Marina del Rey Condominium on Proa 22 in Marina Vallarta. The boat leaves at approximately 9 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point, usually within a four to six-hour window. One outing returned around 2 p.m., which gives you a useful sense of the day’s rhythm.

The marina location is near public transportation, and the meeting point has generally been easy to locate. Still, give yourself time to find the right dock and complete the paperwork. You will sign the required forms, receive your equipment, and hear instructions before the boat heads out.

The maximum group size is 14 people. That is not a private charter, but it is small enough for the instructor to keep track of the scuba participants without turning the trip into a crowded cattle call. One outing had four scuba participants and eight snorkelers, a useful example of how the boat may mix activities.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. About 10 minutes after departure, the boat passes the Ameca River area, where dolphins may be feeding. Offshore, you might spot turtles, manta rays, and whales, particularly during winter. Humpback whale calls have also been heard underwater, a memorable bonus if conditions cooperate.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, so I would treat it as an added reward rather than the central promise. One particularly fortunate return trip included a large pod of dolphins hunting beside the boat. Other outings included whale sightings and a baby crocodile in the marina. That kind of unpredictability is part of the fun, but it also means you should not judge the trip solely by whether a whale appears.

What happens before you enter the water

The crew supplies scuba equipment, snorkeling equipment, life vests, bottled water, and a box lunch. You can use the provided mask, though some participants bring their own. Equipment has been described as being in good condition, and the staff handles much of the setup, so you do not need to haul tanks around or assemble every piece yourself.

Instruction is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Eric has been especially praised for clear pre-water briefings and for helping nervous beginners settle into a breathing rhythm. Carlos has also received strong marks for patience with less experienced participants, while Nahum has been praised for keeping the group comfortable and organized.

That matters because first-time scuba can feel mentally harder than physically difficult. You must manage breathing, buoyancy, equipment, and nerves at the same time. A calm instructor who watches closely can make the difference between an anxious attempt and a genuinely enjoyable first session.

The beginner class costs an additional $25 per person. The excursion information recommends a moderate level of physical fitness and rules out participation for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. People with heart disease or back, spine, or knee problems cannot take part. The suggested minimum age is 10.

Water temperature may call for a shorty wetsuit or spring suit. One December outing provided these, and another participant appreciated being offered an extra wetsuit when the water felt chilly. Conditions differ, but I would ask about suit availability during check-in if you tend to get cold.

Underwater time at Los Arcos

Los Arcos is the more flexible site. Beginners can work in shallower water, while certified and experienced scuba participants can explore deeper areas. The published timing allows about an hour and a half at the site, though actual underwater time depends on the number of participants, conditions, and air consumption.

A two-tank outing at Los Arcos included about 45 minutes underwater per session and depths of roughly 40 to 50 feet. Another outing reported visibility around 30 feet, with plenty of fish, octopuses, pufferfish, lobsters, and other sea life. Those conditions offer a satisfying look at the area without requiring advanced skills.

But do not assume every visit will be clear. One outing found the water murky and the marine life less impressive at Los Arcos, while the Marietas visit the following day offered better visibility. Pacific water can change quickly, and the same site may look very different from one day to the next.

The rock formations above water add character to the boat ride and surface intervals. Beneath the surface, the site offers variety for a mixed group: shallow practice areas for new participants and much deeper terrain for technical scuba users. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy Los Arcos, but certified participants should tell the crew about their experience level so the guide can plan appropriately.

Reaching the Marietas Islands

The Marietas route takes about an hour to reach after leaving Puerto Vallarta, depending on conditions. The ride can be as rewarding as the destination, especially in winter, when whales, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays may be active in the bay.

Once you arrive, the crew provides masks, snorkels, and life vests, then explains how to use the gear. This surface instruction is useful even if you already know how to snorkel, since the crew also offers tips for moving efficiently and staying safe in open water.

The optional Hidden Beach visit costs an additional $25 and requires a cash deposit at morning check-in. Availability and weather determine access. If the visit cannot happen because of capacity or conditions, the deposit is refunded. The operator states that most participants who choose it are able to enter, but you should still regard this as a separate add-on, not a guaranteed part of the basic excursion.

The Hidden Beach stop may appeal to you if you want a famous photo and a short land-based adventure alongside your time in the water. If your priority is scuba, it may not be worth adding, particularly if sea conditions are unsettled or you prefer more time focused on marine life.

Remember the certification rule. Marietas scuba is for certified participants, while snorkeling is the appropriate option for those without certification. If you are a first-timer, choose Los Arcos instead of assuming the Marietas departure includes a beginner lesson.

Wildlife, visibility, and the luck factor

The wildlife list is impressive, but the experience is governed by nature. You may see dolphins near the river, whales in winter, turtles, rays, reef sharks, octopuses, lobsters, pufferfish, and schools of smaller fish. One outing reported two reef sharks, while another encountered at least a dozen octopuses.

Those sightings are not promised. Visibility also changes. About 30 feet of visibility can make Los Arcos feel wonderfully open, while cloudy water may reduce the outing to a closer look at nearby rock and fish. If underwater photography is important to you, manage your expectations. The equipment package does not include photos or video, and some participants wished the operator offered them.

I would bring a small waterproof camera only if you already know how to use it safely. Do not let photography distract you from buoyancy, breathing, or the guide’s signals. The strongest part of the trip is the guided attention to the environment, not a guaranteed souvenir image.

Food, equipment, and the real value of $125

At $125 per person, the price is reasonable for a half-day boat outing that includes scuba equipment, a guide, bottled water, a box lunch, park permits, the CONANP federal fee, and conservation contributions to Bahia Unida. You are paying for transport to offshore sites as well as instruction and equipment handling.

The advertised price needs a closer look. Beginners pay another $25 for the introductory class, and the listed government fee is $6 per person. The optional Hidden Beach adds $25 more. That puts a first-time participant who chooses Hidden Beach at $181 before any gratuity or card surcharge.

The box lunch includes a ham and cheese sandwich and fruit. I would bring an extra snack if you usually eat a substantial lunch, especially since the trip can last six hours. Bring cash for the additional charges and gratuity, though card payment may be possible with a 5 percent credit card fee.

The conservation and national park charges are worth noting. They are not just mysterious add-ons buried at checkout. They help cover access and protected-area costs, so the package provides a clearer value when you consider the boat, crew, equipment, and permits together.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta outing?

This excursion suits first-time scuba participants who want close instruction rather than a rushed resort lesson. The shallow Los Arcos areas, small group limit, and repeated praise for patient staff make it a good starting point for someone who feels nervous about breathing underwater.

It also works for certified scuba participants returning after a long break. One pair had been out of the water for more than 10 years and used a refresher course before traveling. Their instructor then helped them feel prepared and safe during the outing.

Experienced scuba participants may prefer Marietas or the deeper Los Arcos sites, but should ask exactly which location and depth profile is planned. The trip is not ideal if you require guaranteed clear water, a private boat, elaborate meals, or professional underwater photography.

You should also be comfortable with a moderate physical effort and a boat ride lasting several hours. Anyone with the listed heart, back, spine, or knee conditions cannot participate, and alcohol or drug use is not permitted.

Timing, cancellation, and small practical details

Confirmation is normally issued when you book. If you reserve within one day of departure, confirmation comes as soon as possible and depends on availability. The experience is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a cancellation, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

I would avoid scheduling this on the final morning of your Puerto Vallarta stay. The start time is fixed, sea conditions can change, and you will want room for a rescheduled outing if weather interrupts the plan.

Should you book it?

I would book this excursion if you want a reasonably priced, small-group introduction to scuba with a crew that pays close attention to nervous or returning participants. The best reasons to choose it are the patient instruction, included equipment, flexible Los Arcos site, and genuine chances to see wildlife before you even reach the underwater area.

Choose Los Arcos if you are a beginner. Choose Marietas if you are already certified and want a longer boat ride with snorkeling, island scenery, and the optional Hidden Beach stop. Keep your expectations realistic about visibility, add the extra fees to your budget, and pack a better snack than the included sandwich if needed.

For a first scuba experience in Puerto Vallarta, this is a strong choice. It is not a guaranteed wildlife show, but the crew’s calm approach gives you a good chance to enjoy the water even when the animals or visibility do not cooperate.

FAQ

How long does the scuba excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately four to six hours. It departs at 9 a.m. and returns to the meeting point at Marina Vallarta.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

Can a beginner take part?

Yes, beginners are welcome at Los Arcos. A beginner scuba class costs an additional $25 per person.

Do I need certification for Marietas Islands?

Yes. You must be a certified scuba diver to take part in scuba activities at the Marietas Islands. Non-certified participants can use the snorkeling equipment instead.

What is included in the $125 price?

The price includes the boat ride, scuba equipment, life vest, bottled water, box lunch, national park permits, the CONANP federal fee, and conservation contributions to Bahia Unida.

Are there extra costs?

Yes. The beginner scuba class costs $25 per person, and the listed government fee is $6 per person. The optional Hidden Beach visit costs $25 and requires a cash deposit.

What happens if bad weather cancels the outing?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. A full refund is also available when the minimum number of participants is not reached.