Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas

Most divers aim for November to May for drier weather, calmer morning seas, and reliable boat schedules. Water is cooler, often around 22°C to 26°C, and winter overlaps with humpback whales in the bay. If you prioritize the warmest water and the best chance at longer visibility, late summer to early fall (July to October) can be excellent, with water often 28°C to 30°C. The tradeoff is more rain and eastern Pacific hurricane risk, so build flexibility.

Humpback whales migrate into Bahia de Banderas in winter, with the most consistent sightings from December through March. Many travelers book a dedicated whale watching cruise, but divers often see whales from the boat on the way to Los Arcos or Marietas, and you may hear whale song underwater. Follow wildlife guidelines: keep distance, never chase whales, and avoid any operator that promises in-water interaction. If whales are your main goal, plan your trip for January or February and book early during holiday weeks.

Islas Marietas is a protected area with regulated access, so you must go with an authorized tour operator and follow the park rules. Expect an entrance fee and requirements such as life jackets in some zones, no single-use plastics, and strict no-touch wildlife etiquette. Playa del Amor access is capacity-controlled and often requires a specific booking slot, so reserve far ahead in high season. Pack reef-safe sunscreen (apply it before boarding), bring small MXN cash for incidental fees, and be ready for early departures for the calmest water.

Yes. Los Arcos is the most common training and first-ocean-dive area in Puerto Vallarta because it offers shallow routes around 6 m to 12 m with lots of fish and easy navigation. Certified divers can also explore deeper ledges and walls. The main caution is surge in and around swim-throughs. Beginners should stay outside overhead areas unless conditions are very calm and the guide briefs a conservative route. Morning departures are usually calmer and can make the experience more comfortable.

Visibility in Bahia de Banderas is variable, so set expectations for a range rather than a single number. Many days fall around 7 m to 15 m, and calm, warm-water periods can be clearer. After heavy rain, runoff can reduce visibility quickly, especially near shore. Your best strategy is to book a morning trip, choose a sheltered cove if conditions are choppy, and ask your operator where visibility has been best in the last few days. Los Arcos can be great on calm mornings.

Most divers wear a wetsuit year-round because water temperature and thermoclines can surprise you. In the warm season, many people are comfortable in a 3mm suit, especially for single dives or short sessions. In winter, water can feel much cooler, and a 5mm suit is common for multiple dives in a day. If you get cold easily, consider a 7mm or add a hooded vest for the second dive. Ask your operator about recent water temperature trends at El Morro, which can feel cooler than shallow bay sites.

Los Arcos is the closest signature site, typically reached by a short boat run from the south-shore piers. Marietas is farther north and usually involves a longer crossing across the bay. El Morro and Anegados sit closer to the bay's outer edge and can be the longest rides, which is why they are often scheduled only when forecasts are calm. If you want to minimize boat time, consider basing near Marina Vallarta for south-bay departures, or split your stay between Puerto Vallarta (for Los Arcos) and Nuevo Vallarta or Punta Mita (for Marietas).

For Islas Marietas, expect protected-area rules such as no single-use plastics, no collecting shells or rocks, and strict no-touch wildlife etiquette. Some zones require life jackets and access can be limited by capacity. At Los Arcos, treat the area as both a marine habitat and a seabird refuge: do not land on the islets, keep noise low near birds, and maintain excellent buoyancy around rock so you do not damage habitat. In both places, do not feed fish and avoid chasing turtles or rays for photos.

Ask at booking what is included, because some operators bundle fees and others collect them at check-in. For Islas Marietas, the park lists a per-person entrance fee, and some Playa del Amor access options are capacity-controlled. It is common to also pay a small port or pier fee for boat departures, depending on where you leave from. The easiest approach is to carry small MXN bills in a waterproof pouch and treat fees as part of the morning routine. If you are traveling with a group, confirm whether each person must pay separately.

PVR is close to the main hotel zones and marinas. Many dive trips depart from Marina Vallarta or from piers closer to Centro, so you can often reach check-in with a short drive. Use an authorized airport taxi or pre-booked shuttle for the simplest arrival, especially if you have bulky gear. Ride-share pickup rules at airports can change, so do not assume you can always meet a car at the terminal exit. If you have an early dive the next morning, stay near Marina Vallarta and arrange transport the night before.

Plan mornings separately and afternoons together. While divers are on a 2-tank boat, non-divers can do a beach breakfast, browse galleries and markets in Centro, or book a spa treatment in Marina Vallarta. Regroup for a late lunch in the Zona Romantica, then pick an easy evening plan like a Malecon sunset stroll or a food crawl. If you have a full non-dive day, choose a bay day trip to Yelapa or a north-bay surf-town loop (Sayulita and San Pancho). In winter, add whale watching; in late summer and fall, add a turtle release.

It can work if you plan for conditions. The bay is not consistently blue-water clear, so the best approach is to book training in sheltered coves and use calm mornings for open-water sessions. Warm season (June to October) is often the most comfortable window for longer water time, but afternoon storms can cut sessions short. Always train with a certified freediving instructor, use a buoy and buddy system, and avoid breath-hold penetration into caves and tunnels. If you want guaranteed clear, deep training conditions every day, you may prefer a specialized freedive destination, but Puerto Vallarta can still deliver a solid course-plus-vacation mix.