It’s time to visit Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta, the magnificent granite islands that protrude from the sea surface. These impressive arched capes adorn the southern part of Puerta Vallarta from Banderas Bay. There, discover Los Arcos Marine Park, where you’ll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Mexico. Or simply relax above the water on a charter boat to experience Los Arcos up close. If you decide to go for it, you can swim anywhere around these islands. And your boat can pass directly through the arches. Finally, if you are adventurous enough, cliff climbing is a way to discover a unique view that only the bravest can enjoy.
Los Arcos Archipelago Puerto Vallarta is a protected national marine park, established in 1984. Interestingly, it is located between two beaches, Mismaloya Beach and Las Gemelas Beach. So there are several places nearby to view these magnificent granite formations. In this beautiful park you will find caves, deep tunnels, arches and a spectacular reef to observe underwater. Additionally, this magical place is a sanctuary for many species of seabirds that breed there, many of which include penguins, parrots, pelicans and other sea and land birds.
Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta underwater
Much like the abundance of life above water, the biodiversity of marine life in the sea around Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta is also considerable. For example, you will see different species of colorful exotic fish, humpback whales, dolphins, giant manta rays, octopuses, lobsters, turtles, stingrays, moray eels and puffer fish, as well as other magnificent marine species. And the water is usually very clear, so underwater visibility is excellent: you can see a great distance when you look into the depths. Whether you choose to snorkel or scuba dive, Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta comes to life underwater.
Scuba diving around the Los Arcos area
The average depth in this area of Banderas Bay ranges from 27 to 120 feet, with an average visibility of 50 feet. And if you’re a beginner, check out the area known as “the Aquarium.” It has a maximum depth of 30 feet and is ideal for viewing exotic tropical fish and seahorses. Then, if you are a beginner diver, try “La Pared”, which is deeper. And dive at the “Bajo de Cristo”, which is a magnificent reef to explore. Finally, if you are an experienced diver, the “Devil’s Canyon”, which is the deepest point of Los Arcos, is a MUST!
Scuba diving in the Los Arcos Islands Marine Reserve is one of the best places in Mexico for this water activity. In fact, the area has now become one of the most popular areas in Western Mexico for scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta, from beginners to the most advanced.
One of the reasons for the fascination of scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta, particularly the Los Arcos Islands Preserve, is that it provides the historic entrance to Banderas Bay from the Pacific. Banderas Bay is the largest in all of Mexico, the second largest in North America and the seventh largest in the world. Therefore, the expectations for scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta are very high and the views are truly amazing.
The protection granted by the government has created an environment conducive to the development of the marine ecosystem of the Los Arcos Islands. Today, it is one of the favorite places for scuba diving in all of Mexico. Divers will discover a huge amount of aquatic life, including sea turtles, manta rays, octopuses, wild dolphins and humpback whales during the winter months, as well as thousands of species of tropical fish around the he is. Another interesting aspect of the Marietas Islands is that they are also home to thousands of birds.
Scuba diving excursions in Puerto Vallarta to the Los Arcos Islands include a medium-sized boat, a PADI-certified bilingual diving instructor, weights, a wetsuit and a BCD. ! There are various tour offerings and they will be more than happy to recommend some of the best in the business.
We also recommend bringing some cash for extras, extra towels, a change of dry clothes and a backpack. The entire Puerto Vallarta dive tour and Los Arcos Islands activity lasts approximately 5 hours and is pure fun. If you like scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta, this is the must-do activity!
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