Plunge into unparalleled beauty on our Marietas Islands Scuba Diving tour! The Marietas Islands National Park owes much of its preservation to the famous oceanographer and scuba diving enthusiast Jacques Cousteau, who championed its conservancy and protection.
This is Puerto Vallarta’s most popular scuba diving spot for Certified Divers, offering vibrant reefs, unique rock formations, and abundant marine life.
5 Hours
Min. 10 years old
Active
Sea Lovers
Certified Divers
Small groups
Explore One of Puerto Vallarta's Best Scuba Diving Destinations
Hidden off the vibrant coast of Puerto Vallarta, the Marietas Islands hold stories dating back to the 20th century, when these tranquil landscapes endured the trials of bombings. However, time and the resilience of nature have transformed the Marietas Islands into an underwater paradise of unparalleled beauty, offering a diving experience in Puerto Vallarta like no other.
Your adventure begins aboard a Dive boat, where you can enjoy spectacular views as you sail toward the Marietas Islands National Park. There, your PADI-certified Dive Master will provide a brief introduction before you dive into this stunning marine nature reserve.
Pacific mantas, sierra mackerels, Pacific amberjacks, and California needlefish are among the largest species you can spot in these waters. You'll also find colorful Moorish idols, barberfish, king angelfish, giant damselfish, convict tangs, and yellowtail surgeonfish. Keep an eye out for green morays, zebra morays, bullseye stingrays, and even an occasional octopus camouflaged among the rocks.
Once your underwater exploration concludes, board the panga boat and relax as you head back to our Vallarta Adventures Office.
- Please arrive at the check-in point 45 minutes before departure.
- Minimum age is 10
- All guests must show their PADI Certification for this dive.
- Expecting mothers are restricted
- Based on PADI's flying after-diving recommendations, Divers shouldn't fly within 18 hours after two or more dives in a day.
- At least one immersion in the 12 months prior to diving with Vallarta Adventures is required.
- Guests with respiratory, cardiovascular, or ear problems are restricted
- Good mental and physical conditions are required
- Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed
- A $25 USD equipment rental fee will be applied at check-in for certified divers.
- A $20 USD access fee per person will be collected at check-in
- Flashlights and gloves are not allowed.
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Valid certification card or minimum scuba diver certification
- Extra cash for dock fees, photos, and souvenirs
For your safety and enjoyment, our Scuba Diving at the Marieta Islands tour requires PADI certification. However, if you’re new to the world of underwater exploration, no worries! Our PADI Five Star Dive Center offers a range of exciting and educational scuba diving certification courses designed to open up a world of opportunities under the sea.
Like our Open Water Diver Referral course, many of our PADI certification courses can be seamlessly integrated into your vacation plans, allowing you to complete them while you're here in Puerto Vallarta. Maximize your time so you can enjoy the breathtaking dive sites of this tropical paradise to the fullest.
Often completed in just two to three days, our PADI Scuba Diver Certification course offers one of the quickest paths to safe and enjoyable underwater exploration.
We're also thrilled to provide scuba diving classes for young adventurers as young as 8 years old! Our PADI Bubblemaker course teaches your little ones everything they need to know to safely venture beneath the waves.
Certified Dive: 2 Tanks- Boat: Mid-sized catamaran
- Water temp: 62-86°F/17-30°C
- Average visibility: 40 ft/12 m
- Depth: 25-60 ft/7.5-18 m
Embark on a certified, two-tank diving tour that transports you to one of the most coveted dive sites in all of Puerto Vallarta. This underwater adventure owes its splendor, in part, to the tireless conservation efforts of the legendary Jacques Cousteau. The Marieta Islands Marine Reserve, now a protected sanctuary declared by UNESCO in 2005, and stands as a testament to nature's untouched beauty, both above and below the glistening waves.
As you descend into the depths of the Marietas, you'll embark on a captivating journey along an underwater mountain range. The perfect stage for unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean's most majestic creatures, this amazing topography is the cherished home of ancient species of turtles, gracile sting rays, moray eels, colorful nudibranchs, and more.
For certified divers seeking an exclusive experience, this dive site is also available as a private excursion — starting at $840 USD for up to four divers. Please reach out to our Adventure Advisors for more information.
Dial toll-free from the USA & Canada at 1.888.526.2238 or send us an email.
We’re here to help make your vacation dreams a reality!
This Marieta Islands diving tour is only available for certified divers who have their PADI certification.
We invite you to join our PADI Discover program in Las Caletas. No prior certification is required to participate. Our expert instructors will guide you step by step through an unforgettable experience, where you can dive into crystal-clear waters and discover the incredible marine life of this hidden paradise. Venture with us and uncover an underwater world that will leave you breathless!Scuba divers with the PADI Open Water certification are automatically entitled to participate in two dives to a maximum depth of 60 feet.
Divers with PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Certification may participate in dives to a maximum depth of 100 feet.All dives are supervised by a PADI Dive Master per each group of 6.
Yes, diving at the Islas Marietas is safe. We adhere to established safety protocols to ensure every dive is as secure as enjoyable. In the unlikely event of emergencies, rest assured that we're equipped with first-aid kits, an oxygen kit, and our team is EFR-trained to handle situations promptly and professionally.
You can bring your own equipment, or Vallarta Adventures can provide you with full equipment for a $25 USD rental fee.
You can scuba at the Marietas Islands as part of a private trip for your friends, family, business colleagues, school, or dive club. Just contact us and let us know what kind of Puerto Vallarta vacation you're dreaming of, and we'll help you create it.
Before you embark on your Marieta Islands scuba diving adventure, be sure to check our special offers that can add even more value to your experience.Yes, we have wetsuits available upon request during the winter months.
There are plenty of places to dive near Puerto Vallarta. Los Arcos offers captivating underwater rock formations and marine life, while El Bajo is a must-visit for those who want to become part of the marine world observing a fascinating multitude of beautiful fish, lobsters, octopuses, rays, and eels.
Additionally, El Morro is a sought-after spot renowned for its deep sea pinnacles and larger marine species like manta rays.