Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

Whales may be part of your boat ride. This Puerto Vallarta scuba outing pairs the marine life of Banderas Bay with professional help in the water, making it appealing to both first-timers and certified scuba enthusiasts. I especially like the patient guides, including Eric, Carlos, Nahum, and others praised for calm instruction, and the chance to see dolphins, turtles, rays, octopuses, reef sharks, or seasonal humpback whales. The main drawback is that visibility can change quickly, and Los Arcos was murky on one reported outing.

I also like the small maximum group of 14 and the useful mix of boat time, underwater exploration, and a box lunch. Beginners can use Los Arcos, with shallow areas around 20 feet, while Marietas requires certification. Bring extra food if you are hungry, and carry cash or a card for the separate fees and optional Hidden Beach visit.

Key points to know before you book

• Los Arcos suits beginners: Shallow areas around 20 feet can work for practice and introductory scuba, while deeper walls appeal to experienced and technical divers.
• Marietas requires certification: You can snorkel there without scuba certification, but the underwater scuba portion is for certified divers.
• Wildlife begins before the islands: The Ameca River area can produce dolphin sightings, and winter boat rides may include whales, turtles, and manta rays.
• Guides earn the strongest praise: Eric, Carlos, Nahum, Javi, and other crew members are described as patient, attentive, and careful with nervous or returning divers.
• The listed price is $125: A beginner class costs another $25, and government fees add $6 per person.
• Plan for changing conditions: Visibility ranges from fair to excellent, and water can feel chilly, particularly on the ride to the islands.

Leaving Marina Vallarta at 9 a.m.

The outing begins at Marina del Rey Condominium in Marina Vallarta. The boat leaves at about 9 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point after roughly four to six hours. That morning schedule gives you a full half-day without consuming your entire afternoon.

The marina location is practical, though you should allow time to find the exact departure point. Once aboard, the crew handles the scuba equipment, life vests, bottled water, and boat arrangements. You are not expected to haul tanks from the dock or assemble every part of your setup alone. That small service detail matters if you are rusty, nervous, or simply prefer to focus on the water.

The boat can carry up to 14 people. One outing had four scuba participants and eight snorkelers, which left room for individual attention. The exact mix can change, but this is not designed as a giant party boat.

The first stretch crosses the lower Ameca River area. It is a good time to watch the water instead of immediately settling into vacation mode. Dolphins have been spotted near the river, sometimes feeding in the morning. Winter can add humpback whales, turtles, and manta rays to the ride toward the islands.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, so I would treat these sightings as a lucky extra, not part of the fixed schedule. Still, the boat ride can be a worthwhile part of the morning even before you reach the main site.

Choosing between Los Arcos and Marietas Islands

The advertised experience includes two major Puerto Vallarta sites: Los Arcos de Mismaloya and the Marietas Islands. The precise route depends on the outing you book and the day’s conditions. The supplied schedule describes Marietas as one stop and Los Arcos as the southern option, while actual outings have included two underwater sessions at one destination or a combination of sites.

That distinction matters. You should confirm the planned route when you check in, especially if one location matters more to you than the other.

Los Arcos is the more flexible choice for mixed experience levels. The site has shallow areas around 20 feet for practice and certification work, along with much deeper walls for advanced technical scuba. You can therefore get a useful session here even if you are still building confidence.

Marietas is more demanding from a qualification standpoint. Certified scuba participants can explore beneath the islands, while other people on the boat can snorkel. If you are not certified, ask about the beginner option and confirm exactly which site and activity you will receive.

What happens at Los Arcos

Los Arcos National Park sits south of Puerto Vallarta near Mismaloya. Its rock formations create a striking setting above the water, but the real appeal is below the surface, where fish and other marine animals gather around the structure.

The shallow sections make Los Arcos a sensible place for a first scuba outing. An instructor can help you practice breathing, buoyancy, and basic movement without immediately sending you into great depth. A first-time participant described being anxious and struggling with breathing rhythm at the start, then becoming comfortable after settling underwater. That is exactly the kind of transition a calm guide can help create.

Certified divers can go farther. One especially strong outing had about 30 feet of visibility, many fish, more than a dozen octopuses, puffers, lobsters, and other marine life. Another group saw a turtle and two reef sharks. These encounters show the site’s potential, but you should not expect the same visibility or animals every day.

Water conditions are the main variable. One outing at Los Arcos had murky water and limited sights, while another produced excellent animal encounters. If underwater visibility is your top priority, ask the crew about current conditions and remain open to a change of site.

The schedule allows about an hour and a half for the Los Arcos portion. Actual time underwater can vary. One outing reported two sessions of about 45 minutes each at depths of 40 to 50 feet, while the published schedule gives roughly 90 minutes for the stop.

What makes Marietas different

The Marietas Islands offer a more distant setting and a longer ride from Marina Vallarta. The islands are known for their bird habitat, rock formations, and snorkeling areas. The boat journey itself can be productive, particularly in winter, when whales and other large animals may pass through Banderas Bay.

Before entering the water, the crew supplies snorkeling gear and explains how to use the equipment and life jackets. That briefing is useful even for confident swimmers because conditions, boat traffic, and local rules can vary by site.

Certified scuba participants can explore the underwater areas around Marietas. The Hidden Beach visit is optional and costs an additional $25. You pay that amount in cash during morning check-in. If access is unavailable because of capacity or weather, the deposit is returned. The company describes this as a specific guarantee, which reduces the risk of paying for an attraction you cannot enter.

The Hidden Beach portion is not included in the $125 base price. It also should not be treated as the central reason to book a scuba trip. You are paying primarily for the boat outing and water activities, with the beach visit as an add-on.

The Marietas route can take about two hours at the island stop. One reported trip returned to Marina Vallarta around 2 p.m., matching the general four-to-six-hour duration. Bring patience for the boat ride, since the islands are farther out and weather can affect the timing.

The guides are the strongest reason to book

The crew receives unusually consistent praise for patience and personal attention. Eric is repeatedly singled out for clear pre-water briefings, careful safety checks, and good awareness of where to find marine life. Carlos is also praised for helping less experienced participants, while Nahum, Javi, and the captains Martin and others have been described as helpful and professional.

That matters most if you are new to scuba or have not been in the water for years. A returning participant who had been away for more than a decade used a refresher course before the trip, then found the crew helpful with equipment and preparation. Another first-timer needed time to control breathing, and the instructor stayed patient rather than rushing the process.

You should still be honest about your experience and comfort level. The crew can assist, but scuba requires you to follow instructions and stay within your ability. People with heart disease, back, spine, or knee problems cannot participate according to the tour requirements.

The group may include snorkelers as well as scuba participants. That can make for a pleasant shared boat day, but it also means the schedule is built for more than one kind of water activity.

Equipment, lunch, and what to bring

The $125 price includes scuba equipment, a life vest, boat transportation, bottled water, a box lunch, park permits, the CONANP federal fee, and a conservation donation to Bahia Unida. The crew provides masks if you need one, although some participants bring their own.

Reported equipment was in good condition. Shorty wetsuits or spring suits were available, which can be helpful because the water may feel chilly. One participant specifically appreciated receiving an extra wetsuit.

The box lunch includes fruit and a ham and cheese sandwich. That is enough for a basic half-day outing, but one person found it light and recommended bringing additional food. I would pack a small extra snack if you tend to get hungry after physical activity. Keep it simple and secure it against spray.

You should also bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and money for the $6 government fee. Gratuities may be handled by card, but a 5 percent credit card charge was reported. Cash is the easiest choice for the optional Hidden Beach payment and small onboard expenses.

Do not drink alcohol or use drugs before the outing. Anyone under their influence cannot participate. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, and the minimum recommended age is 10.

Is $125 a fair price?

The price is reasonable if you plan to use the scuba equipment and value personal guidance. The package covers the boat, gear, lunch, water, national park permits, federal charges listed as included, and conservation costs. You are not paying only for time in the water. You are also paying for transport to sites that are not practical to reach independently.

The extra costs deserve attention. A beginner scuba class adds $25 per person, and government fees add $6. The Hidden Beach option costs another $25. Those charges do not make the trip poor value, but they mean a beginner interested in every add-on will pay more than the headline price.

For a certified diver, the package offers stronger value because the main activity is already included. For a first-timer, compare the total cost after the class and fees with other introductory options in Puerto Vallarta.

The 95 percent recommendation rate and 4.8 rating from 77 ratings suggest dependable service, especially from the crew. Still, the quality of the underwater session depends heavily on visibility, sea conditions, and the site assigned that day.

The main drawbacks to consider

The biggest uncertainty is visibility. Los Arcos can be beautiful one day and cloudy the next. Wildlife sightings are another bonus rather than a promise, even though dolphins, whales, turtles, manta rays, octopuses, lobsters, puffers, and reef sharks have all been seen on different outings.

The lunch is basic. If you need a substantial meal after physical activity, bring something extra.

The route can also be confusing because Los Arcos and Marietas serve different types of participants. Los Arcos is the better fit for beginners, while Marietas requires certification for scuba. Confirm the destination and activity during check-in so you know what you are paying for.

Finally, the activity depends on weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Cancellation by you is free until 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta scuba outing?

I would recommend it to certified divers who want a guided trip to Los Arcos or Marietas without arranging tanks and transport separately. It also suits beginners who want calm instruction and a shallow Los Arcos setting, provided they pay for the introductory class and meet the health requirements.

This is a good match for people who enjoy wildlife but do not need guaranteed sightings. You may see dolphins near the river, hear humpback whales, or encounter a turtle below the surface. You may also get an ordinary boat ride and limited visibility. The crew can improve your safety and comfort, but they cannot control the Pacific.

FAQ

Where does the experience begin?

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

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled start time is 9 a.m.

How long does the activity last?

The outing lasts approximately four to six hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is scuba certification required?

Certification is required for scuba at the Marietas Islands. Los Arcos accepts all levels of diving experience, including beginners with the required introductory instruction.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $125 per person.

Are there extra charges?

Yes. The beginner scuba class costs $25 per person, and government fees cost $6 per person. The optional Hidden Beach visit costs another $25.

What is included in the price?

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

Can I visit Hidden Beach?

You can request the optional Hidden Beach activity for an additional $25. The payment is made in cash during morning check-in, and it is returned if weather or availability prevents access.

What is the minimum recommended age?

The minimum recommended age is 10 years.

What happens if bad weather cancels the outing?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the company cancels because of poor weather. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Should you book it?

Book this outing if you want a guided, small-group introduction to Puerto Vallarta’s underwater sites and you value patient instruction. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, included equipment, manageable group size, and the real possibility of seeing wildlife before and during the water sessions.

Choose Los Arcos if you are new to scuba or want a flexible site with shallow practice areas. Choose Marietas if you are certified and want a longer boat outing with snorkeling, island scenery, and the optional Hidden Beach visit. Ask about current visibility and the exact route at check-in, pack extra food, and budget for the added fees. With those details settled, the $125 base price can be a solid way to spend a morning on and under Banderas Bay.