Puerto Vallarta Diving: Private Boat, Your Own Crew

Five hours, your own boat, rocky reefs and a crew that treats you like family

Private scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta puts you on your own boat with a dedicated crew and guide, exploring rocky reef dive sites within five hours. The operator offers personalized attention and beginner instruction (500 MXN per person) onboard, plus optional access to Marietas Islands' Hidden Beach for certified divers on select days. Soda, water, snacks and all dive gear are included; national park permits and wrist bands are provided.

The Experience

You get your own boat and crew for the day—no sharing the vessel, no crowded descents, no waiting for a group to regroup. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the dives and stays with you throughout, adjusting the pace and depth to match your comfort level. If you're new to diving, the crew offers an onboard introductory lesson before you enter the water, so you can learn the basics and build confidence without pressure. The operator has been diving this area for over 16 years and knows where the best rocky reef sites are and how to read the conditions.

Most of the southern dive sites sit close to shore, which means shorter boat rides and more time underwater. Between dives, the crew takes you to secluded beaches accessible only by boat—a quiet place to rest, eat and decompress. If you're a certified diver and want to go further, Marietas Islands and its Hidden Beach are available Tuesday through Sunday for an additional fee; the Hidden Beach itself is a boat-access-only cove that surfaces inside a sea cave. Soda, bottled water, snacks (granola bars, fruit, sandwiches) and all SCUBA and snorkeling gear come with the booking, along with national park permits and wrist bands.

The day runs five hours total. Bring a valid ID—you won't be allowed to board without it. Public transportation to the departure point is available nearby. The crew handles the boat, the navigation and the safety checks; your job is to dive and enjoy the water.

What’s included

• All SCUBA and snorkeling equipment.
• dive boat ride with dedicated crew.
• soda and bottled water.
• snacks including granola bars, fruit and sandwiches.
• national park permits and wrist bands.
• personalized instruction from a live guide in English or Spanish.
• beginner diving lesson available onboard for 500 MXN per person.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eco Explorer Vallarta

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to dive without sharing a boat or waiting for a group—the crew adjusts the pace and depth to your level, and you choose between rocky reef sites close to shore or Marietas Islands (certified divers only). Beginners can take an onboard lesson and dive the same day.

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Top questions

Can I go diving in Puerto Vallarta if I've never done it before?

Yes—the crew offers an onboard introductory diving lesson for 500 MXN per person, teaching you the basics before you enter the water. This option is available on every private dive, so beginners can learn and dive on the same day with personalized instruction from your guide.

What are the dive sites like around Puerto Vallarta?

Most dives happen at rocky reef sites close to shore, so the boat ride is short and you spend more time underwater. The reefs attract reef fish and other marine life typical of the Pacific coast. Between dives, the crew takes you to secluded beaches only accessible by boat.

Is the Hidden Beach at Marietas Islands included?

Hidden Beach access is optional and available Tuesday through Sunday for an additional fee. It requires diver certification and takes you to a sea cave beach accessible only by boat—a unique spot that surfaces inside the rock formation itself.

What's included in the five-hour private dive?

The booking includes all SCUBA and snorkeling equipment, the dive boat ride, soda and bottled water, snacks (granola bars, fruit, sandwiches), and national park permits with wrist bands. You choose between the Arcos dive sites or Marietas Island (with optional Hidden Beach access for certified divers).

Do I need to bring anything or meet at a specific time?

Bring a valid ID—it's required to board the boat. Public transportation options are available near the departure point. The crew will confirm your exact meeting time and location when you book.