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Location: Puerto Vallarta (Mexico (west))
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On this page you can see an overview of the location, including interactive maps, climate data, and photos.
You can also see what other divers thought, the top dive sites, what fish to see, and what wrecks there are.
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Puerto Vallarta is nestled in a tropical setting on Mexico's Pacific Coast, in the State of Jalisco. It has lush, green hills and a picturesque bay, Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags). Puerto Vallarta's weather is gorgeous in the winter, and that is why it is a popular winter resort and 'snow bird' retiree location. The population of Puerto Vallarta is estimated at 350,000. There are more than 33,000 hotel rooms to accommodate the many tourists.

When you think of the Mexican Riviera, with its palm-fringed beaches, luxuriant jungle vegetation and posh resorts, lots of places come to mind. But no resort better typifies the classic Mexican beach vacation than does Puerto Vallarta (Pwer-toe Vah-YAR-tah). From its sleepy, seaside village roots, it has grown into one of Mexico's most loved destinations. Of all of Mexico's resorts, Puerto Vallarta comes closest to being all things to all visitors. It delivers 'round-the-clock activity (or blissful seclusion), sophisticated amenities, and a romantic dream- like natural setting. It's considered the ideal vacation spot for the first-time Mexico visitor, while also boasting enough diversity of activities to keep people coming back over and over again.

As you arrive by plane, the town's romance and beauty begin to take hold: a blanket of lush tropical jungle surrounds the quaint colonial city as it climbs away from the blue Pacific, into the Sierra Cuale mountains. Nestled on the shores of Bahía de Banderas (Mexico's largest natural bay), Vallarta traces its history back to the 1500's, when it was visited by Spanish explorers. It later became known as a respite for pirates plying the Pacific Coast. It was not until 1851 that the area was first inhabited. By 1918 (the year it was officially made a municipality), the village was a modest fishing community of 1,500 residents. It was also a port for silver shipments from nearby Cuale mines.

For the next 50 years, not much happened in the way of development. Then, in 1963, director John Huston came to film Tennessee William's 'Night of the Iguana,' and the rest is history. Liz Taylor and Richard Burton left their mark as well, giving Puerto Vallarta an international jet set reputation. It is now a bustling town of 250,000 residents that attracts 1.5 million annual visitors.

SCUBA DIVING SITES

LOS ARCOS islands and UNDERWATER NATIONAL PARK
Group of three small islands with arches and caves that have been sculpted by the force of the ocean over thousands of years and this Underwater National Park has been rightfully named Los Arcos (The Arches). From the main arch, where depths range from 25 to 60 feet, a shelf takes you to the edge of Devil’s Canyon. Dropping an awesome 1800 feet, this wall marks the beginning of the continental platform. The endangered Blue Footed Boobie birds thrive on these islands, besides here, they are only found in the ' Sea of Cortez' and 'Galapagos' Islands. This is a magical dive and it is here that divers can experience the feeling of the 'abyss', abundant tropical fish, with some luck sea turtles and often giant mantas. We provide transportation from the shop ,gear and guide .

Dive sites 'The aquarium' 25 -60 ft deep, 'devils canyon' 40 - 1800 ft, ' the wall' 25- 1800 ft,' shallows of Christ' 25 - 85 ft hosts schools of King and Cortez Angel fish, Surgeon fish,Puffer fish, Reef Cornet fish, Spotted Eagle Rays, Giant Mantas, Sea Horses, Sea turtles,jewel-green and striped Moray eels Giant Damsel fish and many more. Boat Ride: 10 min.

LA CORBETEÑA
Located about 35 miles out is a series of under water rocks and pinakles with one small island. This is the second best choice ( because long trip) but the best dive site in Puerto Vallarta. Since no cattle tours go there it is pristine and very color full with visibility exceeding 100 ft often .On the way to the rocks we often spot dolphins and whales. at the island amongst thousands of colorful fish we often spot sea turtles, giant mantas, big morays and seldom smaller sharks. Boat ride 2.5 hrs.

MAJAHUITAS BEACH PARADISE
Located on the south side of the bay only reachable by boat is the beautiful Majahuita Beach. This dive site is the home to a unique colony of Garden Eels and Black Coral. Divers are able to disembark to spend their surface interval and lunch on the beach. Here we also encounter often mantas and dolphins. Boat Ride: 25 min.

MARIETAS ISLANDS
These magical islands are 22 nautical miles from Puerto Vallarta to the north side of the bay. Several species of Sea Birds make the Marietas Islands their home. . This is an exciting dive as there are many lava tubes and cave formations to dive thru. Between dives, the divers are able to visit Playa del Amor (Beach of Love) which is only accessible by swimming thru a cave and observe the natural habitat of the Sea Birds. The boat ride to the islands affords us the opportunity to see Dolphins, Giant Manta Rays, and Turtles. In the months of December through May the Banderas Bay is home to the magnificant Humpback Whales. Boat Ride: 1.20 hour.

CHIMO
Is a small fishing village located along the southermost coast of the bay. During the winter months, this dive site becomes populated with Giant Manta Rays. In addition to the abundant marine life, Chimo has something very special to offer. It is here that the ocean floor twisted and turned to create the most interesting underwater terrain. Torrencillas is an underwater plateau about a quarter-mile in diameter, from which a series of separate pinnacles rise up like fingers stretching to the surface to greet the light. Boat Ride: 2 hour

EL MORRO
Iis a rock pinnacle extending above the surface. It is located just beyond the protected waters of the bay 35 miles to the north. We reserve this dive site for experienced divers only. El Morro has alot to offer, Giant Mantas, schools of Jacks, Soft Coral, and bigger fish. There is a series of underwater pinnacles and caves. Divers can explore a cave that goes thru a pinnacle entering at 90 feet and exiting at 60 feet. Boat Ride: 2 hour.

NIGHT DIVE
The 'Shallows of Christ' is an underwater rock located near Los Arcos. This unique reef dive will reveal the large abundance of Lobster, Octopus, and other marine life seen only at night. Boat Ride: 20 min. Approx.

Information provided by:
info@mexicoscuba.com
Location Photos: (shared by My Blue Planet users)

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Climate Data:
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Travel Tips:
Most visitors thought
Puerto Vallarta was:
Good.
Ranked as Good by independant reviews Ranked as Good by independant reviews Ranked as Good by independant reviews Ranked as Good by independant reviews
Non diving activities: Lots to see and do!
Language: English, Spanish
Money: USD, local currency
Stability: No travelling problems expected
More Information: Country Bio from Lonely Planet