Jalisco: Scuba Diving at Los Arcos for Certified Divers

If you’re a certified diver heading to Jalisco, Mexico, this tour promises a chance to explore some of the most captivating underwater scenery around Puerto Vallarta. We’ve looked into what makes this experience stand out — from gorgeous coral formations to the intimacy of small groups — and also considered what you need to know before you go.

What we love most? The opportunity to see vibrant marine life and colorful reefs, the scenic boat ride to Los Arcos, and the personalized attention from experienced guides. That said, if you’re not comfortable with seasickness or have physical limitations, this might not be your best fit. This tour suits adventurous travelers who want a well-organized, authentic diving experience with plenty of natural beauty.

Good To Know

• Small group size ensures personalized guidance and better safety.
• Includes all essential equipment for a hassle-free dive experience.
• Boat ride offers stunning coastal views and builds anticipation.
• Focused on certified divers looking to explore Los Arcos’ underwater landscape.
• Duration of around 3 hours makes it a manageable half-day adventure.
• Not suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women due to diving requirements.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Authentic Dive into Los Arcos’ Underwater World

The experience begins at the Mismaloya Adventures location in Puerto Vallarta, where the friendly staff welcomes you and hands over your gear. What sets this apart is the emphasis on safety and clarity — your dive master, whose name you might find is familiar in reviews, will give a detailed briefing, ensuring everyone is comfortable with the plan. Having a guide who speaks both English and Spanish helps ease communication and builds confidence.

After gearing up, the group heads to the nearby beach and boards a boat that offers pretty spectacular views of the coastline. The boat ride itself feels like part of the adventure — you’ll enjoy the salty breeze and the chance to snap some photos of the rugged Mexican coast. The guide’s commentary often highlights landmarks and local features, making the journey as engaging as the dive itself.

What Makes Los Arcos a Special Underwater Destination?

Once at Los Arcos, a series of natural rock formations, this site offers more than just decent visibility; it’s a treasure trove of marine diversity. The underwater landscape is characterized by vibrant corals, arches, and caves — ideal for those interested in exploring textured reefscapes rather than just floating over a flat seabed.

Many reviews mention the stunning views underwater, with colorful fish darting among the rocks. One diver noted that “the marine life here is truly lively,” adding that the variety of fish and the vibrant coral make it feel like swimming in an aquarium. The formations create natural “hideouts” for marine creatures, which adds excitement to each swim.

The Dive Experience: What to Expect

The tour is designed for certified divers, so you can expect a safe, well-structured outing. The group size is limited to eight participants, which means your guide can give personalized attention, answer questions, and ensure safety at all times. The dive duration is typically planned for a manageable length, but you will get ample time to explore the underwater world.

Guides are experienced and fluent in both English and Spanish, making communication smooth. They will make sure all equipment fits properly and that everyone understands the plan. Bottled water and facilities like bathrooms and showers at the base are also included, so you can freshen up after your swim.

The Boat Ride and Coastal Views

The boat trip itself is often highlighted as a favorite part of the experience. Usually about 20-30 minutes long, it offers up-close views of Mismaloya’s rugged coastline and a chance to relax before going underwater. The gentle rocking of the boat coupled with the scenery makes it an enjoyable prelude to your underwater adventure.

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Equipment and Inclusions

The package covers all necessary gear, which lets you focus solely on enjoying your dive. This includes tanks, masks, fins, and wetsuits if needed. The guides are attentive and ensure equipment is in top condition, reducing the stress that can sometimes come with trying to get everything right.

Along With gear, the tour includes bathrooms and showers at the base, plus bottled water to keep you hydrated. While photos and videos are not included, many guests choose to bring their own waterproof cameras if they want to capture the moment.

Practical Information: Pricing, Timing, and Booking

At $196 per group, the tour offers good value considering it includes all equipment, guided supervision, and a scenic boat ride. Small group sizes mean more personalized attention, and the flexible booking options — such as reserve now but pay later — make planning easy.

The tour is usually available in the mornings and lasts around 3 hours, making it perfect for a half-day outing. It’s worth noting that you need to be a certified diver and meet certain health criteria, especially avoiding alcohol or drugs before the dive. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those with back problems.

Safety and Preparation Tips

Remember, you cannot dive within 24 hours of flying, so plan your travel schedule accordingly. Besides that, bring a hat, sunblock, swimwear, towel, water, and comfortable clothes for after your swim. Seasickness can be an issue for some, so if you’re prone, consider taking precautions beforehand.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best for certified divers seeking a manageable yet enriching underwater exploration. It’s ideal for those who appreciate small-group attention and want to avoid crowded, large-scale tours. If you’re interested in vibrant marine life, dramatic rock formations, and scenic boat rides, this tour will suit your desires perfectly.

However, if you’re not comfortable with swimming or have physical limitations, you might want to reconsider. Also, those looking for a more leisurely or non-diving activity might prefer other options in the region.

Final Thoughts

This scuba tour at Los Arcos is a solid choice for certified divers wanting a memorable half-day experience with natural beauty, expert guides, and a relaxed vibe. The small-group setup ensures you get personal guidance, and the stunning underwater scenery makes every minute worthwhile.

While it’s not a beginner-friendly option, seasoned divers will appreciate the chance to explore one of Jalisco’s most iconic underwater sites without feeling rushed or crowded. Plus, the scenic boat ride adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the adventure.

This tour delivers a balanced mix of natural wonders, expert attention, and practical value. It’s a great way to see the marine diversity of Los Arcos while enjoying the comfort and safety of a well-organized operation.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
You will meet at the provided location in Puerto Vallarta; transport to the boat and dive site is done via the provided boat, not a separate transfer.

What is the meeting point?
The meeting point is Paseo del Río 125, Playa de Mismaloya, at 12:40 pm.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule changes.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, all necessary equipment, including tanks, masks, and fins, are included in the price.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, the tour requires participants to be certified divers and comfortable underwater; non-swimmers are not suitable.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes for after the dive.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring smooth communication.

Can I take photos or videos?
Photos and videos are not included, but you can bring your own waterproof camera if you wish.

To sum it up, if you’re a certified diver craving a day of vibrant marine encounters in a small-group setting, this tour to Los Arcos offers excellent value and memorable scenery. The combination of scenic boat rides, expert guides, and colorful underwater landscapes makes it a must-do for those looking to explore the rich waters of Jalisco’s coast.

You can check if your dates are available here: