Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta: What to Know

Puerto Vallarta offers decent beginner-to-intermediate diving with rocky reefs, some coral gardens, and plenty of tropical fish, turtles, and the occasional ray or moray eel. Visibility usually runs 30-60 feet; it's not world-class Caribbean clarity but it's pleasant. Most dives are 30-80 feet deep and reachable by a 30-60 minute boat ride. Expect a standard two-tank morning trip with a surface interval on the boat. The water is warm (75-85°F) so a 3mm wetsuit is usually enough. It's a solid add-on for a beach vacation rather than a dedicated dive trip.

Best time is November through May when seas are calmer and visibility is better. Summer and early fall bring warmer water but more rain, stronger currents, and occasional poor visibility from runoff. Expect to pay around $90-150 for a two-tank boat dive including gear, guide, and snacks. Add $40-70 for equipment rental if you don't have your own, and $30-50 more for a Discover Scuba Diving course if you're uncertified.

Pick a smaller operator that limits groups to six divers max for better attention and less crowding underwater. Skip the giant cattle-boat trips that pack 20+ people. If you're new to diving, do your open-water certification elsewhere; local discover programs are fine for a taste but not ideal for learning skills properly.