PUERTO VALLARTA MEXICO DIVING: why it's one of the best places to dive for beginners (and pros alike)

Two days diving Puerto Vallarta Mexico, a perfect spot for beginners (and pros alike)

Puerto Vallarta is a destination of contrasts. Along the coast, golden beaches meet the Pacific Ocean, while inland, the Sierra Madre mountains rise behind the town, covered in lush tropical rainforest. The landscape is wonderfully green, with jungle-covered hillsides, winding roads, and abundant vegetation that make this part of Mexico feel worlds away from the desert we live in (Arizona).

We spent our stay at an all-inclusive resort, enjoying the convenience of having everything in one place, but the real adventure began when we left the resort behind and headed out to explore the underwater world.

Diving with Silent World Divers

We chose Silent World, a smaller dive operator, for a two-day diving adventure. With just six people on our trip, the atmosphere was relaxed and personal. There was no booming music, no crowded, booze-fueled catamaran—just a small group of divers, the open sea, and the excitement of discovering what lay beneath the waves. We were in PV in June, visibility was a slightly less than it is in winter months. November is kick off of the start of optimal diving conditions due to cooler winter currents and massively increased underwater visibility; plankton blooms attract Giant Oceanic Manta Rays. We will be there again in November and are simply thrilled to see them.

Day One: Los Arcos Marine Park

Our first stop was Los Arcos, the iconic granite rock formations rising dramatically from Banderas Bay. The underwater landscape here offers rocky reefs, crevices, and places for marine life to shelter.

It was an easy, enjoyable dive and a perfect way to ease into the trip. We spotted schools of tropical fish weaving between the rocks, their bright colors flashing as they moved through the water. Smaller reef fish darted into crevices, while larger fish cruised past. The beauty of diving is that even familiar-looking underwater landscapes can reveal something new when you slow down and pay attention.

Los Arcos was a gentle introduction, leaving us eager to see what the next day would bring.

Day Two: Islas Marietas

The following day, we made the longer boat journey to Islas Marietas, a protected group of islands off the coast. The ride is about an hour from the main cruise port but was part of the adventure, and the underwater terrain made the trip worthwhile. Rocky formations, ledges, and changing contours gave the dive a different character from Los Arcos.

This was where the encounters became particularly memorable. We saw an octopus, its remarkable ability to blend into its surroundings making it a fascinating creature to observe. A sea turtle moved gracefully through the water, seemingly unconcerned by our presence, while small rays glided past with effortless movements.

There were tropical fish everywhere, from tiny, colorful reef dwellers to larger species moving through open water. One fish, in particular, caught our attention: a mirror-like fish with an astonishing reflective sheen that when they turned the corner (as one) they became transparent, because of .. well .. mirror. Incredible sight.

Puerto Vallarta: More Than a Beach Holiday

Puerto Vallarta offers much more than resort pools, cocktails, and beach loungers. Its vibrant town, tropical vegetation, mountain scenery, and rich marine environment make it a destination absolutely worth exploring beyond the hotel grounds. But be sure to get into town for a taste of local cuisine and margaritas, solid art scene, architecture and history. Even better if you happen to be there during the FIFA World Cup and joining the locals for the Mexico team broadcast on a giant outdoor screen at an open venue! We were there in June of 2026 and the energy and the love of the people of the team is felt all through your body!

The all-inclusive resort was very nice and convenient but venturing out beyond is always our goal, including visiting a small, remote fishing village of Yelapa that can only be reached by boat (panga; about 45 min ride) with a laid-back, rustic atmosphere and no cars. That's a blog for another day.

Our two days with Silent World were a reminder of why we dive: the unexpected encounters, the quiet underwater world, and the feeling of discovering a place that most visitors never get to experience firsthand.

For divers visiting Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos is a lovely introduction, while Islas Marietas offers a rewarding next adventure. And if, like us, you prefer a smaller group over a party boat, Silent World is worth considering.