Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

Two reefs, one great day. This Puerto Vallarta outing pairs Marietas snorkeling or scuba (with rules) with Los Arcos for a full undersea hit, plus a boat ride timed for real wildlife. I love how the crew handles the setup for you so your focus stays on breathing, buoyancy, and enjoying the water.

What really makes this stand out is the calm, patient teaching style from instructors like Eric and Carlos, especially if it’s your first time getting comfortable underwater. One thing to consider: visibility at Los Arcos can vary, and if you’re not certified you may have to swap scuba at Marietas for snorkeling (and a beginner course can add cost).

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Small group size (max 14) keeps the pace relaxed and attention closer.
• Marietas scuba is certification-dependent, while snorkeling is part of the plan.
• Optional Hidden Beach access costs extra, with a deposit-back style promise if conditions block it.
• Los Arcos has depth variety for practice and certifications, not just one shallow splash.
• Wildlife sightings are part of the route, not just a rumor—dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales in season.

Marina Vallarta Departure: What the 9:00 am Start Means for You

The day starts at 9:00 am at Marina Vallarta (Marina del Rey Condominium, Proa 22). Plan on a full half-day at sea, usually 4 to 6 hours, and a return back to the same spot.

That timing matters. The earlier you leave, the more chances you get for morning wildlife cruising and calmer water before the day gets busier. It also helps with mental setup: you’ll meet, gear up, get briefed, and then you’re gone before you have time to talk yourself into nervousness.

The group stays small—up to 14 people—so you’re less likely to feel like you’re one of dozens. One review even described a boat mix of 4 scuba divers and 8 snorkelers, which tells you this format is built for mixed comfort levels.

Marietas Islands: Snorkel Coaching, Certification Rules, and the Hidden Beach Option

Marietas is where you’ll spend your first underwater time. You’ll depart around 9:00 am, and along the way you make a quick stop near the Ameaca River area—handy for spotting dolphins close to the waterline.

Once you arrive, the crew provides snorkel gear and life jackets and walks you through using everything safely. If you’re new to being comfortable face-in for longer periods, this part is the difference between dreading it and actually enjoying it. The goal is simple: you get your bearings fast before the water time starts.

Now for the important rule: you must be certified to do scuba at Marietas. If you’re not certified, you’ll still have something real to do—snorkeling here is part of the experience flow. If you do want to get certified-level scuba skills, there’s also a separate option for a beginner scuba class at an added cost.

The Hidden Beach Add-On (Optional, but Popular)

There’s an optional visit to a well-known hidden beach that’s described as one of the top beaches in the world. It costs $25 extra, and they take the deposit in cash during check-in.

Here’s the practical part: if you can’t get in because of availability or weather, they’ll return your deposit. One reviewer called out this deposit-back approach specifically, and that’s a big deal when you’re weighing whether a paid add-on is worth it.

If you love a “special location” moment (not just wildlife watching), this is the add-on that can turn a good water day into a memorable one.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: Depth Options, Practice Areas, and Visibility Reality

After Marietas, you head to Los Arcos de Mismaloya. This is the spot built for both beginner-friendly underwater time and certified scuba.

Los Arcos offers depth from about 20 ft for practice and certification, and it also includes deeper structure—there’s even mention of a wall that reaches around 1600 ft for technical divers. Translation for you: even if your comfort level is modest, this is a place designed for training-style sessions and guided routes.

The Visibility Reality Check

Not every water day is the same. One strong review mentioned murky water at Los Arcos with less to see than expected. Another review later described about 30 feet of visibility at Los Arcos, with plenty of life.

So yes, you should expect fish and wildlife. Just don’t build your day around crystal-clear water being guaranteed. If you’re sensitive to visual expectations, focus on the animals and the instruction quality—those tend to be consistent even when conditions change.

Wildlife Chances in Banderas Bay: Why the Boat Ride Matters

The route isn’t just transport. The day is planned for wildlife opportunities.

On the way out and back, you may see dolphins, and in some seasons you can also spot whales. Along the way, you might encounter turtles and manta rays too. In winter, the ocean is described as offering especially strong wildlife chances during the ride.

One of the coolest “see-it-now” moments in the reviews: multiple people described dolphins swimming near or alongside the boat, including a day where the captain stopped so everyone could take photos as dolphins passed very close.

If your main goal is animals, don’t treat the underwater time as the only attraction. The boat portion can be the highlight—especially for first-time scuba people who want something exciting even before they get fully comfortable underwater.

Price and Value: What the $125 Covers (and What Might Be Extra)

At $125 per person, you’re not paying just for time in the water. The trip includes:

• Boat ride
• Use of life vest
• Box lunch and bottled water
• CONANP (Federal gov) fee
• Conservation donation fee to Bahia Unida
• Permits for the national park
• Scuba equipment (where needed for your part of the day)

So a lot of the “paperwork costs” are already handled. That makes the day easier to budget, because park fees and conservation fees can add up fast on your own.

Costs That Aren’t Included

Two likely add-ons:

• Beginner scuba class: $25 per person
• Government fees: $6 per person

And one optional add-on:

• Hidden beach visit: $25 extra (deposit taken in cash during check-in)

A small budgeting note from reviews: there’s mention that some people pay fees/gratuities a certain way (including a credit card option with a small credit card fee). If you care about paying smoothly, ask ahead what’s accepted and how.

Is $125 a Good Deal?

For Puerto Vallarta, yes—if you value guided help, small-group time, and two different water locations in one day. You’re also getting a lunch included, which saves you from spending a whole separate meal break finding food.

The biggest value question is always: will conditions cooperate (visibility, sea state)? Since those can shift, aim for this trip as a “guided experience with wildlife chances,” not as a guarantee of perfectly clear water.

Instruction Style: How the Crew Helps You Feel Safe and Capable

This is where the reviews really point. People consistently praised the crew for being friendly and patient, especially when someone felt nervous about breathing rhythm, buoyancy, or staying calm underwater.

If you’re anxious, pay attention to this pattern: instructors like Eric (and also Carlos) are described as staying close during the pre-water talk and throughout the session, helping you get your rhythm before you settle in. Another person highlighted being very anxious at the surface and still being guided patiently until they could go down and stay comfortable.

You’ll also notice the practical side of good training:

• Equipment setup and handling is part of what they manage for you.
• The briefing is structured so you understand what to do next.
• Guides adjust to mixed comfort levels (scuba and snorkel folks together).

One caution that came up: a person wished there were photos/videos included. If you want underwater shots, plan to bring your own camera setup (and keep it simple—your comfort matters more than getting the perfect photo).

Gear, Lunch, and Comfort on a 4- to 6-Hour Water Day

You’ll be provided life vests and scuba equipment (and snorkel gear is part of the Marietas portion). You can keep your personal gear light. Many people only bring what they need for faces and basics, and the rest is handled by the crew.

Lunch is included as a boxed meal. One review described a simple lunch with fruit and a ham and cheese sandwich, and that’s consistent with the general “we keep you fueled” style. If you get hungry easily, bring a small snack even though lunch is provided.

Water temperature can surprise you. One review mentioned feeling a bit chilly and that the crew offered an extra wet suit option. If you’re sensitive to cold, you’ll be happier planning for it rather than assuming you’ll be warm the whole time.

Who Should Book, and Who Should Skip It

This outing makes sense for:

• People with moderate physical fitness
• Adults and kids age 10+ (recommended minimum)
• Anyone who wants guided help in a small group
• First-timers who want a structured approach and patient instruction

It’s not for everyone. You should skip if you have heart disease or issues with your back, spine, or knees. And if someone shows up under the influence of alcohol or drugs, participation isn’t allowed.

If you’re choosing between certification goals, here’s the key decision:

• Marietas scuba requires certification.
• Los Arcos is set up for practice and certification-style experiences, so it’s often the better “training-friendly” location of the two.

Should You Book This Marietas and Los Arcos Scuba-Snorkel Day?

I’d book this if you want a day that mixes wildlife on the ride, guided coaching, and two different sites rather than repeating the same spot. The small group and the repeated praise for patient instruction from guides like Eric and Carlos are the kind of details that matter once you’re actually in the water.

I wouldn’t treat it as a guaranteed visibility festival. If clear water is your top priority, know that conditions can be murky sometimes—especially at Los Arcos. Still, even on lower-visibility days, the instruction and the wildlife route keep the trip feeling like more than just “time underwater.”

If you’re thinking about the extra hidden beach option, it’s often worth it when conditions cooperate—especially because the deposit-back promise reduces the risk.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours. Some descriptions from past days include leaving at 9:00 am and returning around the early afternoon.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Marina del Rey Condominium, Proa 22, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. Los Arcos is described as a place that works for beginner scuba time as well as experienced divers. If you need a beginner scuba class, it’s offered as an extra $25 per person.

Do I need a scuba certification for Marietas?

Yes. You must be certified to dive at Marietas Islands.

What’s included in the $125 price?

The price includes life vest, boat ride, boxed lunch, CONANP federal fee, a conservation donation fee, park permits, bottled water, and scuba equipment (and snorkel gear for the Marietas portion).

What costs extra?

Not included: a beginner scuba class ($25 per person) and government fees ($6 per person). Also optional: Hidden Beach access for $25.

What animals can we see?

You may see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and in season whales, especially during winter conditions on the way out.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.