Most travelers fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which sits close to the hotel zones and the main marinas. The bay also has practical alternative gateways: Tepic (TPQ) for parts of Riviera Nayarit and Guadalajara (GDL) for travelers who want to combine a larger-city stop with a road trip down the coast.

If you plan a dive-focused itinerary, choose lodging that minimizes early-morning transfers to your departure pier (often Marina Vallarta or the Los Muertos Pier area).

The main gateway for Puerto Vallarta and most of Bahia de Banderas, with short transfers to Marina Vallarta, Hotel Zone, Centro, and the Zona Romantica.

An alternative airport for parts of Riviera Nayarit and inland Nayarit. Useful if you are combining surf towns or north-bay lodging with fewer crowds.

Major hub airport in Jalisco. A good option if flight prices are better or if you want to pair Puerto Vallarta with a Guadalajara food and culture stop.

Ride-share apps operate in the region, but airport pickup rules and zones can change. If you want a smooth arrival, use an authorized airport taxi or pre-book a shuttle.
Local buses are inexpensive and useful inside Puerto Vallarta, but they are less practical with full dive gear.
Rental cars are helpful for day trips and for reaching trailheads, Botanical Gardens, and north-bay towns.
For south-shore villages, water taxis from Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlan can be faster than road travel.
If you are staying in Nayarit (Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, Sayulita), plan extra drive time for bridge crossings and peak traffic.

Mexico entry rules vary by nationality, but most leisure travelers arrive with a passport and are processed under a visitor permit system (often referred to as the FMM or the digital FMMd for some air arrivals). Your allowed length of stay is granted by immigration at entry and can be less than the maximum, so be prepared to show return flight and lodging details if asked.

If you enter Mexico by air, you may be directed to download a digital record after arrival. If you enter by land, you may need to complete an FMM process in advance or at entry points.

Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco) and the Nayarit side of the bay do not use the Quintana Roo VISITAX system, which applies to Cancun and the Riviera Maya region.

Most dive operators provide tanks and weights, and many offer full rental kits. Bring your own dive computer if you can.
Ask whether your operator uses yoke or DIN valves if you are bringing a regulator.
Bring a dry bag for boat days, plus a small towel and a warm layer for the ride back if you get cold.
If you are traveling in the rainy season (Jul to Oct), add a lightweight rain layer and protect electronics.
If you are prone to seasickness, take medication early for longer crossings to Marietas or El Morro.
Plan a conservative no-fly buffer after diving and keep your last dive day lighter if you have an early flight.

MXN is the default for almost everything. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and many restaurants, but you will want cash for small tours, beach vendors, taxis, and market snacks. USD is sometimes accepted in tourist zones, but the exchange rate is usually worse than paying in pesos.

ATMs are common in Centro, the Hotel Zone, and Marina Vallarta. Use bank-affiliated ATMs when possible and avoid letting an ATM or card terminal convert the currency for you (choose to pay in MXN).

Most travelers from North America can plug in directly. If you bring dual-voltage chargers, verify they support 127V to 240V for best compatibility.

Communications

Mexico has strong mobile coverage in Puerto Vallarta and the main bay towns, with some dead zones in jungle roads and remote beaches.
eSIMs are a convenient option for short trips. Local SIMs are widely available if you prefer a physical card.
Wi-Fi is common in hotels and many cafes, but do not depend on it for remote day trips.

Language

Spanish is the primary language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and dive operations, but learning a few Spanish phrases helps with taxis, markets, and smaller towns on the Nayarit side.

Insurance

Carry travel medical insurance that covers adventure activities. Divers should strongly consider dive-specific coverage (for example through DAN) that includes evacuation and treatment coordination. Keep digital copies of your policy, your passport, and your emergency contacts on your phone and in a cloud folder.

Packing list

Exposure: plan around seasonal water temperatures. Many divers are comfortable in a 3mm suit in summer, while winter often feels better in a 5mm (or 7mm if you run cold), especially if you do multiple dives in a day.
Sun: bring a rashguard, hat, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Boats: dry bag, reusable water bottle, and a light wind layer for the ride back.
Cameras: salt-proof storage and extra batteries, since long boat days can mean lots of shooting opportunities.
Rainy season (Jun to Oct): add a lightweight rain jacket and consider quick-dry clothing.

Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas

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