Puerto Vallarta: El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition

Puerto Vallarta: El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition
Location: Jalisco, Mexico
Country: Mexico
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Price: $189 per person
Supplier: Vallarta Undersea
Similar Experiences: Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise, Los Arcos Snorkel Tour, Full-Day Hike & Snorkel

Meta Description: Discover the vibrant marine life of Puerto Vallarta with a 1.5-hour scuba expedition, guided by expert dive masters. Perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Quick thoughts about the El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition

If you’re dreaming of exploring Puerto Vallarta’s underwater charms without committing to a full-day or multi-dive experience, this 1.5-hour guided excursion hits the sweet spot. We particularly love the fact that this tour is designed to be accessible for both beginners and seasoned divers, with certified groups separated for safety and comfort. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of all gear makes it a hassle-free adventure.

That said, at just 1.5 hours, this tour is more about a quick, immersive taste rather than a full day of underwater discovery. If you’re looking for extensive exploration, you might find this a bit brief. Still, the value for money combined with beautiful sites like Los Arcos and Majahuitas makes it a fantastic choice for those wanting a memorable intro or quick escape beneath the waves. This experience suits travelers who value convenience, expert guidance, and authentic marine encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Short but impactful: 1.5 hours of guided diving with two tanks.
• Expert supervision: Dive Masters with a maximum 5:1 guest ratio.
• All-inclusive gear: No need to rent equipment separately.
• Flexible options: Choose between shared or private boat rides.
• Diverse dive sites: Rotates between Los Arcos, Majahuitas, and Marietas Islands.
• Extra perks: Box lunch, bottled water, and park fees included.

A detailed look at the experience

The Basics: What’s Included and How It Works

Starting at 9:00 am from Marina Vallarta, the tour kicks off with a brief but thorough safety orientation and gear setup. The small group setting means you’ll get personalized attention from highly experienced Dive Masters—a bonus for nervous first-timers or those wanting a more tailored experience. You’re provided with all necessary gear, from wetsuits to regulators, so you can focus on enjoying rather than sourcing equipment.

At 10:00 am, the fun begins. Your first guided descent takes you around Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant marine environment, filled with colorful fish, corals, and perhaps even the occasional sea turtle or ray. The guides are attentive, offering help and info at each step, making the experience accessible for all levels.

Dive Sites and Their Highlights

The itinerary rotates based on the day of the week, which is a thoughtful way to keep the experience fresh and optimize conditions. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you’ll explore Los Arcos and Majahuitas, renowned for their dramatic rock formations and diverse fish populations. The Los Arcos area is particularly famous for its stunning, natural arches and abundant marine life—excellent for snapping photos or just marveling at nature’s underwater artistry.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the Marietas Islands take center stage. Here, you’ll experience hidden beaches and spectacular scenery—a favorite for snorkelers, with the option to access the famous Hidden Beach (though this access may incur an extra cost). Sundays are dedicated to Los Arcos National Park, offering calmer waters and excellent visibility.

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The Dive Experience: What You’ll See and Feel

Expect crystal-clear water and vibrant coral reefs. Reviewers mention the “beautiful fish and coral formations”, with one noting that “the water was so clear, I could see all the way to the bottom from the surface.” With guided assistance, even newcomers often comment on how safe and manageable the dives felt, thanks to the max 5:1 guide-to-diver ratio.

Beyond the underwater scenery, the boat ride itself offers stunning views of Puerto Vallarta’s coast, with many appreciating the chance to relax on the deck while sipping bottled water or enjoying the box lunch after your dives. The lunch—sandwich, fruits, and snacks—is appreciated as a tasty and convenient way to refuel, especially after the exertion.

Comfort and Convenience

The boats, available in 26 ft or 30 ft sizes, are well-equipped with restrooms, which is a notable comfort on such tours. Whether you opt for the shared group or a private rental, the amenities remain the same. The optional pickup service from Nuevo Vallarta adds flexibility, especially for those staying further out, though transportation back to your hotel isn’t included.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel, especially if you plan to snorkel between dives.
• Have some cash on hand for souvenirs, tips, or optional extras like the Hidden Beach access.
• Arrive early to enjoy the briefing and gear setup without rushing.
• Consider booking a private boat if you prefer tailored timing or a more exclusive experience.

Authentic Insights and Real Experiences

From reviews, it’s clear that many appreciate the friendly, professional guides who go out of their way to ensure everyone feels comfortable. One diver mentioned “the guides made me feel totally safe, even as a first-timer,” highlighting the tour’s friendly yet professional atmosphere. The small group size seems to be a big plus, allowing for more personalized instruction and fewer crowds.

Final thoughts: Is this tour worth it?

This scuba experience offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and value. At $189, it’s a solid investment for a short, guided underwater tour that showcases some of Puerto Vallarta’s most beautiful sites. The inclusion of gear, guide, and lunch, combined with the chance to explore different areas throughout the week, makes this a flexible and rewarding option.

Travelers who want a taste of diving without committing to a full-day or multi-dive outing will find this perfect. It’s especially well-suited for beginners or those with limited time but still eager for authentic marine encounters.

The main limitation is the brief duration, which offers a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth exploration—so if you’re after a full-day adventure or multiple dives, you might prefer longer options. However, for first timers, or anyone wanting a hassle-free, guided tour with stunning scenery, this tour hits the mark.

Who should consider this tour?

If you’re curious about scuba diving and want to try it with expert supervision, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to experience Puerto Vallarta’s underwater beauty. Families, couples, or solo travelers will appreciate the small group setting and professional guidance. It’s also a good choice for beginners or those who prefer a less physically demanding introduction to diving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The scuba diving portion lasts approximately 1.5 hours, starting at 9:00 am, with your dives beginning around 10:00 am.

Are gear and equipment included?
Yes, all necessary SCUBA gear—mask, fins, wetsuit, regulator, BCD—is provided as part of the package.

Can I choose between shared or private boat options?
Absolutely. You can opt for a shared group, which is more budget-friendly, or rent a private boat for a more personalized experience.

What sites are visited?
The sites rotate based on the day of the week, including Los Arcos, Majahuitas, Marietas Islands (with optional Hidden Beach), and Los Arcos National Park.

Is transportation provided?
Pickup from Nuevo Vallarta is available at an additional fee, departing at 8:00 am from Paradise Village. Drop-off after the tour is at Marina Vallarta; transport back to your hotel isn’t included.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, extra clothes, and cash for souvenirs or extras. It’s advisable to arrive a bit early for the briefing and gear setup.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour offers separate groups for certified divers and beginners, with guides ensuring safety and comfort for all levels.

What’s the cost?
The tour costs $189 per person, representing good value considering the gear, guide, lunch, and park fees included.

To sum it up, the Puerto Vallarta El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition offers a compact yet satisfying underwater adventure. Its combination of professional guidance, stunning sites, and all-inclusive amenities makes it an excellent choice for those eager to experience Puerto Vallarta’s marine world, even if only for a brief moment. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone looking for a quick underwater fix, this tour provides a safe, scenic, and memorable taste of what’s beneath the surface.

You can check availability for your dates here: