Dive into the crystal clear waters of Los Arcos and uncover a colorful world beneath the waves! Explore one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic sites, the rocky island cluster of Los Arcos National Park.
Below the surface, divers will discover a variety of marine life, from lobsters and octopuses to vibrant tropical fish and sea turtles. Beginners and experienced divers will revel in the magic of Los Arcos on this unforgettable small-group journey!
Beginner or Certified?
The Diving Tour at Los Arcos offers two options: Beginners (1 dive / 1 tank), ideal for those who have just obtained their certification, and Certified (2 dives / 2 tanks), exclusively for experienced divers. If you're unsure which option is right for you, please contact us.
4.5 Hours
Min. 10 years old
Active
Sea Lovers
Beginners & Certified
Small groups
Los Arcos Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
Plunge into the captivating underwater canvas of Los Arcos as you explore its vibrant marine life and discover some of the best diving in Puerto Vallarta! Los Arcos National Marine Park (or Los Arcos de Mismaloya) is nestled between two of Vallarta’s most stunning beaches, Mismaloya Beach and Las Gemelas.
The waters here are some of the deepest in Banderas Bay, concealing a world of deep tunnels, caves, arches, abundant marine life such as rays and sea turtles, and a thriving reef. Los Arcos is particularly famous for its brilliantly colored nudibranchs and the other small creatures who call the rocky underwater slopes home. During winter months, guests may even spot majestic whales gliding through the bay!
The biodiversity down below mirrors what you’ll find above the waves, and because the water is so clear, you can see it all in living color. Plus, we’ll take a tour around the impressive rock formations and take in stunning views of the Puerto Vallarta coastline!
When you join our Los Arcos Scuba Diving Tour, your PADI Divemaster will guide you to an unprecedented ecological paradise that has flourished thanks to the protection of the archipelago as well as its status as a protected environment.
Both new and experienced divers will enjoy this captivating tour of Los Arcos with options for one and two-tank dives guided by our PADI Divemasters or instructors.
- Please arrive at the check-in point 45 minutes before departure.
- The minimum age to dive at Los Arcos is 10.
- Based on PADI’s flying after diving recommendations, divers shouldn’t fly within 18 hours after two or more dives, and within 12 hours after one dive in a day.
- A $25 USD equipment rental fee will be applied at check-in for certified divers. This fee does not apply to beginner divers or certification courses.
- At least one immersion in the 12 months prior to diving with Vallarta Adventures is required.
- Expecting mothers are not allowed.
- Swimsuit
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Towel
- Valid Certification Card
- An additional $25 Mexican pesos per person conservation fee will be collected upon check-in as to visit Los Arcos National Park
- Extra cash for dock fees
There’s nothing quite like plunging into the deep, clear waters of Los Arcos. As a protected National Park, this cluster of islands offers unique biodiversity that caters to any diver’s dreams!
From graceful manta rays and sea turtles to dolphins and whales (winter months), there’s no shortage of wildlife to witness! Explore the lively reefs beneath the surface and find radiant tropical fish, hiding octopus, eels, and more.
Perfect for families, this dive includes beginner and experienced dive sites for guests aged 10 and up. Come create lasting memories in this unforgettable paradise!If you want to explore the beauty of the Los Arcos dive site but aren’t scuba diving certified, you’ll need to take a PADI Discover Scuba class with Vallarta Adventures' PADI Five Star Dive Center.
In these classes, our friendly and knowledgeable PADI instructors will teach you everything you need to know about scuba equipment and how to use it, including how to breathe underwater and the safety procedures that make scuba diving safe. You can take the course at a variety of hotels in and around Puerto Vallarta, and once you’ve completed it, you’ll be ready for your Los Arcos scuba diving experience.
You can also check out the various other PADI scuba certification courses we offer to further expand your skills underwater, such as the PADI Rescue Diver Course and the PADI Open Water Diver Certification. Please contact us for more information on which courses are right for you.Every one of our Los Arcos diving experiences is supervised by one PADI Professional per each group of four beginners divers for and 6 certified divers. We use the buddy system to ensure that no diver is ever alone in a moment of uncertainty - help is always there.
Absolutely! If you're over 10 years old and new to scuba diving, your first step will be to enroll in a PADI Discover Scuba course. These courses offer comprehensive training conducted by our expert instructors at various hotels in and around Puerto Vallarta. The lessons typically last approximately 2 hours, and upon completing the course, you'll be ready for a single-tank diving adventure.
- Non-certified can participate in an introductory dive that has a maximum depth of 40 ft., but they must first complete a PADI Discover Scuba pool lesson before the scheduled dive.
- Certified divers can participate in 2 dives with a maximum depth of 60 ft.
- All of our dives are closely supervised by a PADI Professional. Each group of 4 beginner divers o 6 certified divers is overseen by a PADI Professional, and we strictly adhere to the buddy system, ensuring that no diver is ever alone during the dive.
You can definitely bring your own equipment, but Vallarta Adventures can provide equipment for a rental fee of $25 USD.
Absolutely! If you're interested in arranging a private excursion for your friends, family, business associates, school group, or dive club, our team of adventure specialists can create a tailored itinerary to suit your requirements. To get started, please contact us at +52 (322) 226 8413, or call our toll-free number from the U.S.A. and Canada at 888.526.2238 for further details.
Yes, we provide wetsuits upon request during the winter months.