Scuba Diving Los Arcos from Sayulita: Volcanic Walls

Two dives through volcanic arches, walls and caves with manta rays, sea turtles and octopus

Small-group scuba diving in Los Arcos National Marine Park from Sayulita, with two guided dives led by PADI professionals through volcanic walls, arches and caves. The operator keeps groups small for personalized attention and greater safety. Encounters with giant Pacific manta rays, sea turtles, octopus, moray eels and tropical fish happen throughout the year. Five hours total. All equipment, boat transport, guide, water and snacks included.

The experience

Two dives in five hours means you spend the morning in the water instead of waiting on a boat. The operator keeps groups small (unlike the crowded commercial operators that run out of nearby ports), so you get personalized attention from experienced PADI professionals and a relaxed pace underwater. You'll navigate volcanic walls, arches and caves where the marine life is dense: manta rays, sea turtles, octopus and moray eels are common sightings, along with schools of tropical fish that shift color as you move through the light.

The boat picks you up in Sayulita and takes you out to Los Arcos National Marine Park, a protected marine reserve where the underwater topography is the draw. The first dive orients you to the site. The second lets you move deeper into the formations and hunt for the animals that live in the crevices. Between dives you'll surface, rest, eat snacks and drink water while the crew prepares the tanks for the second descent. The whole day runs five hours from start to finish.

You need at least a moderate level of fitness to handle the equipment and the current, and you should have some diving experience or certification. The operator does not run beginner courses on this trip. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can book in either language. All gear is provided. You bring only your certification card and a willingness to be in the water for two separate stretches.

What’s included

• Professional PADI guide in English or Spanish.
• two tank dives with all scuba equipment provided.
• boat transport from Sayulita to Los Arcos National Marine Park.
• bottled water and snacks during the surface interval.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 88 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Sebastian Briones

Is this one for you?The small-group format means you get personalized attention and a relaxed pace instead of being one of twenty divers on a commercial boat, which matters if you want to move slowly through the caves and actually spot the animals instead of just passing through.

Traveler reviews

4.79★★★★★★★★★★

19 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of marine life will I actually see at Los Arcos?

Giant Pacific manta rays, sea turtles, octopus, moray eels and tropical fish are common throughout the year at Los Arcos National Marine Park. The volcanic arches, walls and caves provide habitat where these animals hunt and shelter, so encounters happen on most dives rather than as rare luck.

How much diving experience do I need?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness and some diving experience or certification. The operator does not run beginner courses on this trip. You'll need to bring your certification card to the boat.

What's included in the five hours?

Two tank dives, all scuba equipment, boat transport from Sayulita, a professional PADI guide, bottled water and snacks are included. The five-hour total covers the boat ride out, both dives, surface interval and the return to Sayulita.

What should I bring?

Bring your diving certification card, a swimsuit and a towel. All scuba equipment is provided by the operator. Sunscreen and a rash guard are useful for the boat ride and surface intervals.