Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about stunning beaches and lively streets—its underwater world is equally captivating. With clear waters, vibrant marine life, and accessible reefs, it’s a top destination for scuba divers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned diver eager to explore the Marietas Islands or a beginner trying out your first underwater breath, PV offers options for everyone. We especially love the Puerto Vallarta Undersea Private Scuba Diving tour for its personalized attention and ability to cater to all skill levels — and it’s just perfect if you want an exclusive experience with your friends or family. Check out their Private Scuba Diving tour in Puerto Vallarta for more details.
For those looking to improve their skills or see more of the region’s underwater scenery, the 5-Star PADI Center offers a comprehensive experience with top-notch equipment and guided dives, with the option to explore caves, tunnels, and reefs. Meanwhile, beginners who want to learn in a relaxed, safe environment will appreciate the value-packed Discover Scuba experience at Las Caletas. No matter your level, Puerto Vallarta’s underwater landscape promises memorable moments and colorful encounters.
1. Puerto Vallarta Undersea Private Scuba Diving
At number 1, the Puerto Vallarta Undersea Private Scuba Diving offers a personalized way to explore PV’s reefs, with the flexibility to pick your favorite sites such as Los Arcos, the Marietas Islands, Majahuitas, or Colomitos. This private tour is suited for all experience levels, including beginners, thanks to the attentive guides and custom approach. The tour lasts around five hours, giving ample time for multiple dives if you’re certified or trying out scuba for the first time. The boat is exclusive to your group, which means no crowded dives or rushed schedules.
Tour guides are praised for their patience and knowledge, sharing insights about marine life like tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly even whales during certain seasons. The tour is priced at $550 per group (up to four people), making it a good deal for an intimate, flexible adventure. Guests highlight the excellent staff and personalized experience, with a perfect 5/5 rating. If you want a hassle-free, private experience that feels tailored just for you, this tour is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups or families seeking a customized, comfortable, and engaging diving experience with expert guidance.
2. Scuba Diving with a 5-Star PADI Center in Puerto Vallarta
At number 2, the Scuba Diving with a 5-Star PADI Center combines professionalism with variety. Priced at around $119 per person, this tour lasts about seven hours and is geared toward divers who want to refine skills or explore different underwater environments. The center offers access to renowned diving spots in Banderas Bay, including caves, tunnels, and reefs full of tropical fish. Certified divers can choose from several scheduled dives, including technical options like El Morro and even a night dive at Los Arcos.
What makes this tour standout is the quality of the top-tier equipment and the expert guides. Guests appreciate how smooth the check-in process is and how guides help maximize the experience, whether that’s spotting wildlife or navigating currents. The reviews are mostly 5-star, noting the excellent communication and safety standards. While it’s less private than some options, it provides a great balance of value and quality for serious divers or those wanting professional instruction.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you’re looking to explore Puerto Vallarta’s premier sites with skilled guides and reliable gear.
3. Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas
Number 3 on our list is the Scuba Diving Puerto Vallarta Undersea Arcos or Marietas, which offers an all-inclusive experience for all levels. For around $125 per person, you’ll enjoy a 4 to 6-hour trip that includes boat rides, gear, and professional instruction. The tour is flexible: dives are scheduled Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Los Arcos (ideal for beginners), while Tuesdays through Sundays take you to the Marietas Islands (for certified divers).
The highlight is the chance to see sea lions, dolphins, whales, and manta rays along the way. Beginners get a thorough introduction to scuba, with guides helping you with gear and safety. Certified divers can explore underwater caves and tunnels or visit the famous Hidden Beach (extra cost). Guests praise the friendly staff and the smooth logistics of the trip, noting that the marine life sightings are often spectacular.
Bottom Line: A great option for those who want to combine scenic boat rides with quality diving, especially if you’re new or just want to see top sites comfortably.
4. Discover Scuba experience at Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta
Number 4, the Discover Scuba experience at Las Caletas, brings beginners into the underwater world with a seven-hour itinerary. For $189 per person, it includes a short instructional session by a PADI-certified instructor, followed by a guided shallow water and open water dive. Las Caletas is known for its intricate reefs, sunken caves, and diverse marine life, including rays and turtles, making it an ideal spot for novices.
What sets this apart is the combination of learning and fun — the instructor ensures comfort while introducing key skills. Plus, the tour includes a lunch and beverages, adding to its value. Past participants mention how their initial nerves turned into excitement after their first underwater breaths. It’s perfect if you’re a first-timer wanting a safe, guided introduction without committing to multiple dives.
Bottom Line: An excellent beginner program that combines instruction, beautiful scenery, and memorable wildlife encounters in a single day.
5. Puerto Vallarta: El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition
Number 5 is the Puerto Vallarta: El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition, offering a shorter, 1.5-hour exploration spearheaded by experienced Dive Masters. Priced at $189 per person, it’s designed for those who want to experience local marine life like colorful fish and possibly reef sharks without a full-day commitment. The expedition allows for both shared and private boat options, providing flexibility.
This trip is recommended for travelers wanting a quick but immersive snapshot of Puerto Vallarta’s underwater scene. It’s tailored for scuba enthusiasts looking for a half-day adventure, with the opportunity to explore multiple sites across the region. The tour emphasizes diving with guides who share insights about marine biodiversity and the best spots throughout the week.
Bottom Line: A good pick for those short on time but eager to explore PV’s underwater treasures with expert guides.
$189 per person
6. Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos de Mismaloya, diving for beginners
Number 6, Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos de Mismaloya, diving for beginners, offers a 2-hour guided introduction perfect for first-timers. For $196 per person, this tour ensures you learn to scuba in a safe environment. The guides will help you understand basic skills before heading into shallow waters, where you can see arches, caves, and an abundance of marine life.
This package is especially suited for travelers who want to try scuba diving without a long excursion. The reviews mention that even nervous divers felt comfortable and enjoyed their experience. It’s a straightforward way to see what diving is all about, with the added benefit of small-group attention.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beginners who want a quick, safe, and guided introduction to scuba diving at a renowned site.
$196 per person
7. Puerto Vallarta: Scuba Dive at Los Arcos
Number 7, Puerto Vallarta: Scuba Dive at Los Arcos, is a 6-hour guided tour that explores the marine tunnels, caves, and reefs of Los Arcos National Marine Park. Priced at $250 per person, it’s for certified divers eager to see the full range of underwater features.
Guided by experienced PADI Divemasters, this tour offers beautiful underwater landscapes teeming with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish. Guests consistently praise the clarity of the water and the professionalism of the guides. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive experience with plenty of time underwater, and the scenery is often described as “breathtaking.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for certified divers seeking an immersive, guided exploration of one of PV’s top dive sites.
$250 per person
8. Puerto Vallarta: Scuba Diving en el Morro
Number 8, Scuba Diving en el Morro, offers a 5-hour adventure exploring a prominent rock formation known for its diverse marine life, including the chance to see giant manta rays. Priced at $189 per person, this tour is suited for those comfortable with currents and looking for a bit of a challenge.
The tour emphasizes personalized attention from guides, helping you navigate currents and enjoy the biodiversity at the site. The boat ride alone offers stunning views, and the encounter with manta rays is often a highlight. It’s recommended for experienced divers or those willing to handle stronger sea conditions.
Bottom Line: Great for adventurous divers wanting a more dynamic experience with larger marine species.
$189 per person
9. Puerto Vallarta: Scuba Diving Expedition at El Malinal
Finally, the Scuba Diving expedition at El Malinal is a 5-hour guided tour to a site known for large schools of fish and captivating tunnels. It costs about $189 per person and provides a personalized experience from experienced Dive Masters, making it suitable for both beginners and more advanced divers.
The dive features diverse underwater formations and a variety of marine encounters, often including notable sightings like schools of fish and reef sharks. Guides are praised for their expertise and making sure everyone feels confident. The site is less crowded, allowing a more relaxed exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for divers who want a balanced experience in a beautiful setting with plenty of marine life.
$189 per person
How to Choose the Right Puerto Vallarta Scuba Tour
When picking your diving experience in Puerto Vallarta, consider your budget, experience level, and how much time you want to spend underwater. If you prefer a private, tailored experience, the Puerto Vallarta Undersea Private Scuba Diving is hard to beat. For more comprehensive exploration with top equipment, the 5-Star PADI Center offers excellent value.
Beginners or travelers with limited time should look at the Discover Scuba experience at Las Caletas, which provides a safe, guided introduction. If you’re a certified diver wanting to see the full range of underwater scenery, the Scuba Dive at Los Arcos is a solid choice.
Booking early is recommended during peak seasons, and always double-check if your dive site requires certification or if beginner options are available. Think about the type of experience you want—private, group, beginner, or advanced—and choose accordingly.
Puerto Vallarta’s scuba options are diverse enough to suit almost any preference or skill level. Whether you want a private tour tailored to your interests or a group adventure exploring reefs teeming with tropical fish, PV’s waters won’t disappoint. For most travelers, a good starting point is the Private Scuba Diving tour for its personal touch, but serious divers will find plenty of excellent guided options as well. Whichever you choose, you’ll leave with underwater memories worth sharing.