SCUBA DIVING

The clear and calm waters of Banderas Bay, the habitat of a varied and mysterious marine life, make it one of Mexico's favorite diving destinations. During winter and spring, most diving spots have an average visibility of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) near the surface and 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet) at greater depths. The average temperature during that time of year ranges between 19° and 23° C (66° to 73° F). In summer and fall, the best seasons for diving, water visibility ranges between 24 to 40 meters (78 to 131 feet) and temperatures fluctuate between 27° and 31° C (80° and 87° F). We recommend the following places in Puerto Vallarta to do this sport:

El Morro. Located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) west of the Marieta Islands on the edge of Banderas Bay, this is an ideal place for world-class certified diving. In its blue waters you will find a variety of rock formations with canyons, caverns and rocky arches, as well as a great variety of marine life.

Isla Corbeteña. Located 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Puerto Vallarta, this place is home to manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and is teeming with schools of smaller fish. It offers caves, arches and magnificent underwater cliffs for recreational diving.

Islas Marietas. Beneath these clear waters you will be able to enjoy a reef landscape that can be seen at a depth of 10 meters (33 feet). The infamous marine researcher Jacques Cousteau explored these islands.

Punta Mita. These emerald-green waters are home to multicolored fish and beautiful coral reefs, making this spot a diver?s paradise.

Los Arcos. In these shallow and tranquil waters, which are ideal for diving and swimming, you will find an underwater wall called the Quijada del Diablo and an underwater mountain known as El Bajo. You?ll also spot a great variety of marine species, some of which can only be seen at night, making night diving quite a treat.