Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

Puerto Vallarta’s best underwater scenery lies beyond the beach, and this half-day outing gets you there by boat. You may head south to Los Arcos, where shallow water suits beginners, or toward the Marietas Islands, where certified divers can explore deeper sites and snorkelers can add the optional Hidden Beach visit.

I like the calm, patient instruction, especially for first-time or rusty scuba participants. I also like the small maximum group of 14, the included equipment and boat ride, and the chance of seeing dolphins or humpback whales before you even reach the reef.

The main catch is that visibility and wildlife depend on weather and sea conditions. Los Arcos can turn murky, and the Marietas trip is longer. You also pay extra for a beginner class, government fees, and the optional Hidden Beach access.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos welcomes beginners: Shallow areas around 20 feet are used for practice and certification work, while deeper walls appeal to experienced divers.
• Marietas requires certification: You must already be a certified diver to take part in the scuba portion at the islands.
• The crew handles the heavy work: Staff set up the equipment and help you in and out of the water, a real plus if you are nervous or returning after years away.
• Wildlife begins on the boat ride: Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, whales, and even a baby crocodile in the marina have been spotted.
• The Hidden Beach costs extra: Access is optional and requires a $25 cash deposit, refunded if weather or availability prevents the visit.
• Budget beyond the $125 fare: A beginner class costs $25 per person, and government fees add $6 per person.

Choosing between Los Arcos and the Marietas Islands

This experience is really two different outings under one name. Los Arcos de Mismaloya lies south of Puerto Vallarta, close enough for a shorter boat ride and flexible enough for beginners. The Marietas Islands sit farther out in Banderas Bay, making that trip more about open-water scenery, seabirds, snorkel time, and a longer day on the sea.

You should confirm the destination when booking. The supplied details describe both locations, but they do not promise that every departure visits both. Some outings focus on Los Arcos, while others head to Marietas. Your certification level, sea conditions, and the day’s plan all matter.

For a first underwater experience, Los Arcos is the easier choice. Its shallow sections reach about 20 feet, giving instructors room to work with nervous beginners. Experienced participants can still find more demanding terrain, including a wall reported at about 1,600 feet for technical use. That extreme depth is not a normal recreational target, but it shows how varied the park can be.

Marietas suits certified divers who want a longer trip and more open-water scenery. The island area is also useful for mixed groups. Certified scuba participants can enter the water while friends who prefer snorkeling can use the provided mask, snorkel gear, and life vest.

Leaving Marina Vallarta at 9 a.m.

The meeting point is Marina del Rey Condominium at Proa 22 in Marina Vallarta. The boat leaves at about 9 a.m. and returns to the same place, with the total outing lasting roughly four to six hours.

Allow extra time to locate the meeting point and finish paperwork. The port is easy to reach by public transportation, and the group size is capped at 14 people. That is small enough for useful attention without promising a private charter.

The first part of the trip is part of the attraction. About 10 minutes after leaving, the boat passes the Ameca River area. This is a good place to watch for dolphins feeding, and the river mouth can add an unexpected wildlife stop before the main activity begins.

On the way toward Marietas, winter conditions can bring turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales. Several outings have included close dolphin encounters, and one boat stopped for a large group of dolphins hunting beside the vessel. Whale sightings are seasonal and never guaranteed, but winter gives you a better chance.

One unusual sighting happened before the boat even cleared the marina: a baby crocodile was seen swimming there. Treat that as a lucky moment, not a regular part of the program.

What happens at the Marietas Islands

The boat reaches the islands after roughly an hour, depending on conditions. The crew provides snorkel equipment and life vests, explains how to use them, and gives basic guidance to help you stay comfortable in the water.

The Marietas area is known for birdlife and island scenery as well as underwater activity. If you are certified, you can take part in the scuba portion. If you are not certified, you cannot simply join the scuba session at Marietas. You would need the beginner class only if the operator allows that option for the chosen site, so confirm this before paying.

The optional Hidden Beach visit costs $25. You pay the deposit in cash during morning check-in. The operator says the money is returned if weather or availability prevents entry. That guarantee is useful because access can be affected by sea conditions, and you do not want to pay for an activity that cannot run.

Do not assume the Hidden Beach visit is included in the $125 price. It is separate, optional, and tied to availability. If you mainly want the islands and underwater time, you can skip it and avoid the extra charge.

The Marietas outing takes about two hours at the island stop. It is a good fit if you want a fuller day on the water and do not mind the longer ride. It is less ideal if you are prone to seasickness or prefer a quick route to the reef.

Los Arcos offers an easier first underwater session

Los Arcos National Park is the stronger choice for beginners. The shallow areas give instructors room to help you settle your breathing, check your equipment, and get used to moving underwater without immediately sending you into deep water.

The south outing lasts about an hour and a half at Los Arcos. Depending on the exact plan, you may make two underwater sessions, with each lasting around 45 minutes. One outing had participants at depths of about 40 to 50 feet, while the park also has much shallower sections for practice.

Conditions change from day to day. One trip had about 30 feet of visibility and produced sightings of octopus, pufferfish, lobsters, and many reef fish. Another found the water murky, with little to see. This is the honest trade-off with Puerto Vallarta: the site can be excellent, but no operator can control visibility.

Los Arcos can still be rewarding when the water is not crystal clear. Its rock formations and protected park setting give the crew several areas to choose from, but the quality of the experience depends heavily on current, weather, and recent water movement.

Patient instruction is the tour’s strongest asset

The crew’s teaching style is one of the best reasons to book this outing. Eric receives repeated praise for clear pre-water briefings, steady supervision, and patient help with nervous or returning participants. Carlos is also described as supportive with less experienced people, while Nahum handled a Marietas outing with a small mixed group.

That matters more than fancy equipment when you are anxious. One first-time participant struggled to find a steady breathing rhythm but became comfortable after entering the water. Another person had not practiced for more than 10 years and used a refresher course at home before arriving, then found the crew helpful and reassuring.

You will not be expected to lift all the gear yourself. Staff set it up and help with equipment in and out of the water. That is practical, especially from a boat where tanks and wet gear can be awkward.

The staff also provide extra warmth when needed. A shorty wetsuit or spring suit has been available on cooler outings, and one instructor offered an extra wetsuit when the water felt chilly. Water temperature varies, so tell the crew if you tend to get cold.

A beginner class costs $25 per person and is not included. If you have never used scuba gear, ask exactly what the class covers and where it can be completed before reserving. Los Arcos is the location described as suitable for all experience levels, while Marietas requires certification.

Wildlife can make the boat ride as memorable as the reef

The underwater animals are a major draw, but the surface wildlife may steal the show. Dolphins have appeared near the Ameca River and alongside the boat on the return journey. One especially large group, estimated at about 200 dolphins, swam beside the vessel while hunting.

Winter also brings a chance of humpback whales. Hearing whales underwater was a highlight for one participant, while another outing included two whale pods during the ride. These encounters are seasonal and unpredictable, so treat them as a welcome bonus rather than part of the guaranteed schedule.

Underwater sightings have included turtles, reef sharks, octopus, pufferfish, lobsters, and large numbers of smaller fish. You may find plenty to watch at Los Arcos, but murky water can limit the view. Marietas can offer better conditions on some days, though the longer trip does not guarantee better visibility.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you want your own photos from the boat. The tour provides gear and lunch but does not list photo or video service among the inclusions. One participant specifically wished for photos of the experience.

What the $125 price really includes

At $125 per person, the price is reasonable if you need the boat, tanks, weights, and basic equipment. The fare includes the boat ride, scuba equipment, life vest, bottled water, box lunch, national park permits, the CONANP federal fee, and a conservation donation to Bahia Unida.

That bundled cost is helpful because marine park charges can otherwise appear as surprise add-ons. Still, the price is not completely all-in. Add $25 for the beginner class if needed, $6 per person in government fees, and the optional $25 Hidden Beach deposit.

The box lunch includes a ham and cheese sandwich and fruit. It is enough to take the edge off, but you may want to bring additional food if you have a big appetite after time in the water. Also plan for gratuities and cash for fees, although card payment may be possible with a reported 5 percent credit card charge.

The boat has been described as roomy and comfortable. With a maximum of 14 people, it should feel more manageable than a large party boat, though the actual mix of scuba participants and snorkelers can vary.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta outing?

I would choose this for a beginner who wants patient help, a certified diver looking for a guided local outing, or a mixed group where some people want scuba and others prefer snorkeling. The included equipment keeps you from having to arrange tanks and bulky gear separately.

It also suits people who enjoy wildlife watching. The possibility of dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales gives the boat ride real value, especially when underwater visibility is only fair.

You need a moderate level of fitness. The outing is not appropriate for anyone with heart disease or back, spine, or knee problems, and you cannot participate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The minimum recommended age is 10.

If you are a certified diver with limited recent practice, consider a refresher course before arrival. The crew can help with equipment and comfort, but arriving ready to manage basic skills will let you enjoy the outing more.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Confirmation normally arrives at booking. If you reserve within one day of departure, confirmation comes as soon as possible and depends on space.

Wear or bring swim clothing, and plan for changing conditions on the boat. The crew may provide a shorty wetsuit, but it is sensible to mention your need for extra warmth during check-in.

Keep some cash available for the $25 Hidden Beach deposit and the $6 government fee. Bring a little extra food if the included sandwich and fruit will not be enough, and budget for any card surcharge and gratuity.

The cancellation policy is simple but strict. You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you value careful instruction, a small group, and the freedom to see wildlife above a guaranteed perfect underwater view. Eric, Carlos, and Nahum have shown the kind of calm attention that can turn a nervous first attempt into a comfortable one.

Choose Los Arcos if you are new, rusty, or want a shorter trip with shallow practice areas. Choose Marietas if you are certified and want a longer boat ride, island scenery, and the option of adding Hidden Beach access.

The $125 price is fair once you count the boat, gear, lunch, permits, and park fees, but remember the extra charges. If you can accept changing visibility and treat whales and dolphins as bonuses, this is a well-priced, friendly way to get below Puerto Vallarta’s surface.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Marina del Rey Condominium, Proa 22, in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Marina Vallarta.

How long does the experience last?

The full outing takes approximately four to six hours.

Do I need scuba certification?

You must be a certified diver to take part in the scuba activity at the Marietas Islands. Los Arcos is described as suitable for all experience levels.

Is a beginner scuba class included?

No. The beginner scuba class costs $25 per person.

What does the $125 price include?

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

Is the Hidden Beach visit included?

No. The Hidden Beach visit is optional and costs an additional $25 deposit paid in cash during morning check-in.

What happens if weather prevents the Hidden Beach visit?

The deposit is returned if you cannot enter because of availability or weather conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund by canceling at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund.