Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas

This is a fun Puerto Vallarta marine outing because you get both worlds, open-water wildlife time and protected-site underwater scenery, all starting at Marina Vallarta around 9:00 am. I like the way they focus on real support in the water, with professional guidance that helps you feel set up instead of floundering. I also like the small group size, with a maximum of 14 people, so you are not stuck as one face in a crowd. One possible consideration, Marietas has a certification requirement for scuba, so beginners may end up snorkeling there instead of doing the underwater session.

If you go, plan around the conditions. One guest noted Los Arcos water can be murky some days, even though other days visibility can be quite solid. The good news is the schedule is built for wildlife spotting, including dolphins and, at times, whales, with extra chances along the way and on the ride back.

Key Things That Make This Trip Worth Your Time

• Two major marine zones in one half-day, Marietas Islands plus Los Arcos de Mismaloya
• Small group experience with a max of 14 travelers on the boat
• Professional, hands-on coaching from named scuba instructors and guides like Eric, Carlos, and Nahum
• Wildlife on the route, with frequent dolphin sightings and occasional whales depending on season
• Marietas scuba rule is clear, certification needed for underwater work there
• Optional hidden beach add-on that comes with a deposit-back promise if weather or access prevents entry

Los Arcos Plus Marietas: Why This Combo Works in Real Life

Puerto Vallarta has plenty of water tours, but this one hits a smart sweet spot. You are not just sitting at one spot. You are doing Marietas Islands first, then Los Arcos de Mismaloya, which gives you different underwater and surface experiences in the same morning.

I like that the day naturally includes wildlife time. Even when the underwater conditions are not perfect, the boat ride can still be the highlight. In winter especially, the ocean route can turn into a live nature show, with dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales possible depending on the day. One person even described hearing humpback whale sounds, which is one of those travel moments you remember because it feels unusual and very real.

The other practical win is pacing. This is listed as 4 to 6 hours, and the return is often around the early afternoon. That means you still have time for lunch, a beach walk, or a relaxed evening without feeling like you sold your entire day to the sea.

From Marina Vallarta at 9:00 am: The Ride That Sets the Tone

You meet at Marina del Rey Condominium, Proa 22, Marina Vallarta (48335). Start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Since it is near public transportation, you do not need a complex logistics plan to get there.

Right out of the marina, you should expect a quick “look, dolphins” moment. The itinerary mentions a brief stop around 10 minutes in, tied to views from the Ameca River area, where dolphins can show up early. This matters because it helps you settle into the day. Instead of waiting hours to see anything, you start checking off marine life almost immediately.

One extra detail that makes a difference: the staff helps with gear. Multiple reviews say you should not worry about setting up equipment yourself or lifting it out of the water. When the team handles the heavy and fiddly bits, you can focus on listening, breathing steadily, and enjoying the experience.

Marietas Islands: Snorkeling First, Scuba If You Meet the Rule

Marietas Islands is the first stop. During this part, you get snorkel gear and instruction, plus life jackets. They also provide information to help improve your in-water skills so you can feel confident while you snorkel.

Here is the key rule. If you are scubaing at Marietas, you must be certified. If you are not certified, you can still do the snorkeling portion there, which is a great way to experience the area without the full certification requirement.

Marietas is also where the optional hidden beach add-on comes in. This is described as visiting one of the top ten beaches in the world, with an extra cost of about $25 per person. You pay a deposit in cash during check-in that morning. If you cannot get into the beach due to availability or weather, they will refund your deposit, and they specifically mention they are the only company offering this kind of deposit-back warranty. One nice proof point: the itinerary says 99% of visitors can enter with no problems.

What this means for you: if you are the kind of traveler who likes a plan with flexibility, this add-on can be worth it. But it is also wise to keep your expectations grounded. Access can be limited, and weather matters, so I would not build the whole trip around the hidden beach being guaranteed.

Expect roughly two hours at this first stop, with time for snorkeling and setup.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: A Training-Friendly Site With Real Variety

After Marietas, the boat heads to Los Arcos de Mismaloya, part of the marine and national park area. This is where the experience often feels more “scuba-ready” for a wider range of people.

The big benefit here is flexibility. Los Arcos is described as welcome for all levels, and it is used for beginner-friendly practice depths. You can see depths from about 20 ft for practice and certifications. For experienced, technical-level participants, the itinerary notes a wall reaching roughly 1600 ft.

You do not need to be tech-level to enjoy Los Arcos. What matters for most people is that it is a structured place to learn and explore, with conditions that work for different abilities.

That said, pay attention to the reality of water visibility. One review said the waters at Arcos were murky and there was not much to see, while another day at Marietas looked much better. Another guest reported fair to good visibility, around 30 feet on their trip. So I would treat visibility as variable, then let wildlife and guidance carry the experience.

The session here runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. That duration is long enough to feel like you actually got “in and out” with purpose, not just a quick spot-check.

The Crew You’ll Want on Your Team: Eric, Carlos, Nahum, and Martin

A scuba-related day goes better when the people in charge are calm, clear, and present. The reviews are consistently strongest around instruction and support, especially for people who feel nervous or rusty.

Names to keep in mind:

• Eric appears repeatedly as a patient, descriptive scuba instructor, especially for first-timers and people returning after 10+ years away.
• Carlos is described as being there the whole time to help when needed.
• Nahum is mentioned as an excellent dive guide during the Marietas part.
• Martin is named as the boat captain on at least one trip.
• Rodrigo shows up as another guide/support person on the boat.

What I like about this pattern is that you can infer the style of the day. They do not treat first-time participants as an afterthought. One guest described being anxious above water, then feeling much better once they actually went under and got through the mental side of breathing rhythm. Another said instructors were very patient and safety-focused, with descriptive pre-water guidance that removed nerves fast.

If you want a practical takeaway, it is this: show up ready to follow instructions and ask questions early. When the team knows you are listening, you usually get the smoothest time in the water.

Price and Value: What $125 Usually Includes, and What Costs Extra

At $125.00 per person, you are paying for more than “just a boat ride.” The included items are the part that makes this feel like a value if you actually use them:

Included:

• life vest
• boat ride
• box lunch
• CONANP (federal government) fee
• conservancy donation fee to Bahia Unida
• permits for the national park
• bottled water
• scuba equipment use

They also specify use of scuba equipment twice, but the point is clear: equipment is provided.

Not included:

• beginner scuba class, listed at $25 per person
• government fees listed at $6 per person

Then there are add-ons:

• hidden beach add-on at about $25 per person, with a deposit paid in cash and a deposit-back promise if access fails due to weather or availability

So how do you judge value? For me, the best test is this: if you need equipment, want instruction, and want the park permits handled for you, then $125 starts to make sense quickly. If you are already fully set up and certified, you still benefit because the permits, site access, and guided structure are what typically add up elsewhere.

One review also suggests you might have options around payment for fees and gratuities. The trip description implies cash is expected, but one guest said you could charge it instead, with a reported 5% credit card fee. I would ask what method they prefer before you arrive, so you do not end up juggling money at check-in.

Food, Suit Choices, and Comfort Tips That Actually Help

You get a box lunch and bottled water. One guest described food as fruit plus a ham and cheese sandwich. That is totally fine for a half-day outing, but if you are picky or like to snack a lot, I would bring a little extra from town. One review specifically advised bringing your own food.

For comfort in the water, plan for a chill factor. One guest said it was a little chill in the water, but the crew was warm and helpful with wetsuit support. The itinerary notes moderate physical fitness as required, and it also says you should be prepared for a day with physical effort.

What to keep in mind:

• Minimum age recommended is 10 years
• People under any influence of alcohol or drugs cannot participate
• Not recommended if you have heart disease, or issues with back, spine, or knees

If any of those apply to you, you should double-check with your doctor first. It is better to be safe than tough it out for a fun day on the water.

Also, they may provide a suit like a spring suit or shorty, depending on conditions. If you run cold, ask what insulation options they have that day.

Timing and How to Fit This Into Your Puerto Vallarta Day

This is a 9:00 am start, and it returns to the same meeting point. The listed total duration is 4 to 6 hours. On at least one trip, guests reported returning around 2:00 pm, which fits nicely into a day that also includes food and a beach stroll.

This timing matters because it is easy to pair with other Puerto Vallarta plans. You can do a morning outing, then pivot to lunch and a calmer afternoon.

One more practical note from the details: the group limit is 14 travelers. That smaller size tends to help the flow of the day. There is less waiting, and instructions can be more direct.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Scuba and Snorkeling Combo?

I think you should book if you want:

• a structured marine outing with Marietas Islands and Los Arcos
• a small group and hands-on coaching
• a chance at dolphins and whales, especially in season
• flexibility, because Marietas includes snorkeling even if you cannot do scuba there

You might skip or adjust your expectations if:

• you are not certified and you specifically want scuba at Marietas, since scuba there requires certification
• you are very sensitive to visibility and want crystal-clear water every time, because conditions at Los Arcos can be murky on some days
• you have heart disease or back, spine, or knee problems, since the tour is not recommended for those conditions

My bottom line: for $125, this is a solid value when you want both wildlife and guided underwater time, with a crew that shows up as patient and supportive. If you line up your certification status for Marietas, and you go in ready to listen and follow the plan, you are set up for a memorable day in Banderas Bay.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta undersea trip?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours total, starting at 9:00 am and returning back to the meeting point.

Where do we meet and where does it end?

You meet at Marina del Rey Condominium, Proa 22, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Do I need scuba certification for both Marietas and Los Arcos?

Scuba at Marietas Islands requires you to be certified. Los Arcos de Mismaloya is described as welcoming all levels, including beginners.

What is included in the $125 price?

Included items include life vest, boat ride, box lunch, CONANP fee, conservancy donation fee to Bahia Unida, national park permits, bottled water, and use of scuba equipment.

What costs extra besides the main price?

A beginner scuba class is listed at $25 per person, and government fees are listed at $6 per person. There is also an optional hidden beach add-on at $25 per person.

Is there a recommended minimum age?

The minimum age recommended is 10 years.

Who should not participate?

The tour is not recommended if you have heart disease or problems with the back, spine, or knees. People under the influence of alcohol or any drug are not permitted.