Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 41

THINGS TO DO :- Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

The warm and crystal clear waters of Banderas Bay along with its wide variety of sea life make Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s top diving destinations. The best time of year for diving is the summer months of June through to September; however, diving is still good for the rest of the year. There are several professional tour operators who offer boat excursions for scuba diving and snorkelling at prime locations around Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.

One of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular spots for diving and snorkelling is the underwater preserve at the rock formation Los Arcos near Playa Mismaloya. This location has granite arches and caves and is home to manta rays, eels and other types of exotic marine life. Other areas nearby for snorkelling include the rocks and coves around Quimixto, which are south of Puerto Vallarta and only accessible by boat, and the numerous lava rock formations at Conchas Chinas. Advanced divers can go to the Marietas Islands near Punta Mita north of Puerto Vallarta. There you have lava tubes and caves that are teeming with big fish and other sea creatures. You may also enjoy diving near sea lions among the rock formations at Caletas Cove. This is a private and secluded area located south of Puerto Vallarta which can only be reached by sea.

PV Sea Dive

PV Sea Dive was founded a few years ago by PADI Dive Master Lance Conrad, an expat from Texas. Both he and his team of certified instructors have worldwide diving experience and a wide skill base. They offer PADI certification courses as well as a variety of different dives. Beginners can choose diving tours at Majahuitas, Mismaloya or Los Arcos. Intermediate divers can enjoy diving at the Marieta Islands or Los Arcos. Advanced divers can choose from locations such as El Chimo, and El Morro, and of course Los Arcos. Snorkelers are offered snorkelling tours around the Marieta Islands, and around islands off the coast of Puerto Vallarta.

Chico’s Dive Shop

Chico’s Dive Shop offers equipment rentals as well as PADI and NAUI certification. Snorkelling and scuba diving tours are offered at various locations to include: Las Caletas, Los Arcos, Mismaloya, Majahuitas, Marietas Islands, Los Anegados and El Morro. Advanced scuba diving expeditions, including night dives, take place both within the protected bay and outside of the bay.

Vallarta Adventures – Nuevo Vallarta

Vallarta Adventures is the only PADI 5-Star Dive Centre in Puerto Vallarta. PADI 5-Star Dive Centres are places that excel in providing scuba divers with a full range of scuba certification programs, scuba gear selection, and scuba experience opportunities. The shops must meet elevated service and business standards and actively promote underwater environmental awareness. They must also embrace the PADI System of diver education, with a commitment to providing quality training, products, services and experiences. Vallarta Adventures specializes in private dives and custom tours. Snorkelling is offered as an available activity on several of their half-day adventure tours.

Continued in part 42.