Puerto Vallarta: Scuba Diving Arcos & Marietas Islands Tour

Swim wild reefs see dolphins and whales on a real diver’s day

You’ll ride out from Marina Vallarta with a local guide, spotting dolphins or even whales along the way before diving into clear waters at Los Arcos or Marietas Islands. Certified divers can explore deeper sites while beginners get gentle coaching and full gear included. Lunch on deck tastes better after swimming with turtles—and you’ll head home sun-warmed and salt-haired.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scuba diving and island exploration

• Check in at 8:30 am
• Depart from Marina Vallarta at 9 am
• Enjoy views and spot dolphins near Ameca River
• Arrive at islands after one hour
• Receive snorkel gear and safety briefing
• Optional visit to Hidden Beach with deposit
• Dive at Los Arcos National Marine Park

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the slap of salt air as we left Marina Vallarta—there was this faint smell of engine oil mixed with sunscreen, which somehow felt right for a diving day. Our guide, Carlos, grinned at us over his sunglasses and pointed out a couple of dolphins playing in the river mouth—he called it their “breakfast club.” I didn’t expect to see dolphins before we even hit open water. The boat ride was quick but bumpy enough that my coffee nearly went flying. Someone in the back started humming a song I didn’t know.

We headed for Los Arcos first (I’m still not sure how they decide which site—it depends on the weather and currents, Carlos said). The rocks looked like giant sleeping animals from the water. Getting into the gear was awkward as always—wetsuit sticking to my knees—but once we dropped under, everything went quiet except for my own breathing. There were schools of fish flickering through beams of sunlight, and at one point I swear I heard a whale somewhere far off. The main keyword here is scuba diving Puerto Vallarta—you’re really in it, not just watching from above.

I’m certified so we did Marietas Islands too—only certified divers can go there during most days. The current was gentle but you could feel it tugging at your fins if you stopped paying attention. Carlos kept checking on us with those underwater hand signals (I probably got half of them wrong). At one point he pointed out a turtle gliding by; I tried to follow but it was gone in seconds. There’s an option for the hidden beach if you want—costs extra and honestly, I chickened out because the swell looked rough that morning. Some people made it though and came back grinning like kids.

Lunch was simple—a sandwich and fruit—but after two dives it tasted perfect. We sat on deck drying off in the sun while Carlos told stories about manta rays bigger than his boat (maybe true?). My hair felt crunchy with salt all afternoon. If you’re thinking about a day trip machu picchu cusco style adventure but underwater, this is probably as close as Puerto Vallarta gets. I still think about that moment drifting just above the reef wall—time felt weirdly slow down there.

Top questions

Do I need to be certified to dive at Marietas Islands?

Yes, only certified divers can dive at Marietas Islands from Tuesday to Sunday.

Are beginners allowed at Los Arcos?

Yes, Los Arcos welcomes both beginners and experienced divers with different depth options.

What time does the scuba diving tour start?

The tour departs daily at 9am; check-in begins at 8:30am.

Is equipment included in the price?

Yes, all scuba gear is included along with two tanks per person.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a box lunch is included for all participants.

Can I visit the hidden beach during this tour?

The hidden beach visit is optional for an extra fee; availability depends on weather conditions.

Are there age restrictions for this scuba diving tour?

The minimum recommended age is 10 years old.

What wildlife might I see during the boat ride?

You may see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, or even whales depending on season and luck.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Marina Vallarta with all permits covered, use of full scuba equipment and life vest for each diver, two tanks per person, bottled water to keep you hydrated between dives, your federal conservation fees paid up front by the operator so you don’t have to worry about it—and a simple box lunch served onboard before heading back ashore in the afternoon.