Activities · Destination Guide
Puerto Vallarta And Bahia De Banderas Mexico
Rock reefs, volcanic islands, and winter whales on Mexico's Pacific bay
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 14 sources
Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas Activity Planning
Pick an activity mode to compare signature sites, skill fit, and gear planning notes before you lock your trip.
Scuba
What It Feels Like
Base in a full-service beach city, then day-boat to Los Arcos, Islas Marietas, and offshore pinnacles like El Morro. You get caves, tunnels, rocky reefs, and even a local artificial reef wreck, with winter whale season and summer warm-water visibility making the calendar surprisingly dynamic.
Signature Sites
Start Here
Volcanic islands on the north side of the bay with multiple moorings, passages, and reef fish.
A sheltered southshore cove with sandy patches, rock fingers, and a reputation for garden eels.
Advanced
A compact cluster of rock islets with caves and tunnels, plus beginnerfriendly routes around {{ 9 | distance:m }} to {{ 18 | distance:m }} and deeper walls for advanced profiles.
An advanced, currentdependent set of rock pinnacles with caves and tunnels.
A midbay bank between Marietas and El Morro where shallows transition into deeper water.
Planning Playbook
Operator Checklist
- Start early. Mornings are usually calmer and clearer than afternoons.
- Bring small MXN cash for pier fees and conservation fees that some operators collect at check-in.
- If you want Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach) access at Marietas, you must book far in advance with an authorized tour and follow the park's life jacket rules.
- For El Morro and other outer-bay sites, ask about recent current reports and be honest about your comfort in surge and blue water.
- Keep your certification card and log details handy; some operators ask for recent-dive experience for the more advanced sites.
Conditions Fallback
- If you want Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach) access at Marietas, you must book far in advance with an authorized tour and follow the park's life jacket rules.
- For El Morro and other outer-bay sites, ask about recent current reports and be honest about your comfort in surge and blue water.
- Keep your certification card and log details handy; some operators ask for recent-dive experience for the more advanced sites.
Avoid
- Follow standard no-fly guidance: avoid flying for at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive day, and at least 18 hours after multiple dives.