Cruise - Cabo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta

[chimchim]

I'm going with my family for a cruise in the summer... with ports at Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. None of them scuba... so if I'm lucky I get to pick ONE port to do a scuba excursion.

Which should I choose and what dive locations should I request?

 

[Torontonian]

Which date? I'm on Carnival Splendor Aug. 22 sailing to the same ports. Last year we were on the same, but due to hurricane Jimena we only went to Cabo.

Cabo is the easiest of the 3 to go diving. Maz has no diving. PV has diving, but need to take the boat out a bit of way.

This year I plan to dive at PV and Cabo.

 

[hdtran]

I'm going with my family for a cruise in the summer... with ports at Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. None of them scuba... so if I'm lucky I get to pick ONE port to do a scuba excursion.

Which should I choose and what dive locations should I request?

I've just come back from a 1 wk trip to PV, including 3 days of diving w/ PVScuba (Alex Vega, proprietor, & on this board). I'll post a separate (positive) review w/ photos later (eels & turtle).

PV has a cruise ship pier, so you're off the cruise ship faster. But it's a longer haul to get to a dive site. (40 minute or longer boat ride depending on destination).

From the Cabo marina (where the tender drops you off), it's 5 minutes by boat to most of the harbor dive sites (finger, land's end, sand fall walls, etc.) Land's End Divers was a good outfit when we were last there (2006-ish?); I did 4-5 days with them. If you check my photo gallery here, most of the photos are from Cabo with Land's End (smallish shop & personal service).

Short summary: Without an exhaustive comparison of seasonal differences in visibility, temperature, etc., I thought that diving was better in Cabo.

 

[divenest09]

That is a easy one. Cabo San Lucas is by far the best.Whybecause its just 3 1/2 hr.s to do two tank Dive. Dive areas are just 5 min.s buy Boat from the Marina and you get off the ship where the Dive shop is located.
There are More species of Marine life at these local spots than any where in Mexico or maby any where else.
I dove with Baja Dive on Friday water temp was in the mid 70s Vis was 65 to 75 feet.
This trip I did not bring my gear and used the rental gear at Baja Dive it was all brand new.
Carlos the Dive Master speaks perfict english and is a great Diver.
Boats are also new and have all the equiptment good ladder ,shade,safty gear.
BAJA DIVE - Baja Dive is there web site

 

[pvscuba]

I've just come back from a 1 wk trip to PV, including 3 days of diving w/ PVScuba (Alex Vega, proprietor, & on this board). I'll post a separate (positive) review w/ photos later (eels & turtle).

Thanks for the comment, Hy. For info please visit Puerto Vallarta Scuba Diving and Specialty Diving School: PVSCUBA

 

[Chocoholic]

Cabo would be your best bet, I use Amigos Del Mar (they are located about 50 yards from the cruise ship dock).
the dive sites in Cabo are all within 5 to 10 mins of the cruise ship area. You can see sea lions, puffers, rays, eels, lots of tropicals and still have half the day to walk around Cabo. The dive sites are all right close to the famous Arch and Lover's Beach. We have gone to Lover's Beach for our hour between dives and it is cool.

PV has about the same type of fish and hard corals as Cabo, both have pretty good vis, BUT the dive sites are at least 30 mins (Los Arcos) to 1 1/2 hours (Las Mariettas) from the cruise ship port. PV is awesome to walk around though.
I haven't dove Mazatlan. Have fun.

 

[suedownunder1]

I would Dive Cabo because there 800 species of Tropical Marine Life and since your already at the end of a 1000 mile long land mass that is surrounded by water on three sides its like being on a Island. This means a very short trip to some of the best Diving in the world.You will see more different species of fish on one Dive there than three anywhere else.
Peligan where the Sand falls are is a great Dive, the Sea Lions colony is also great you will also see the wreck on the same Dive.You really cant go wrong with any Dive there there is so much to see.If you have a Camara better bring it the Mirco life is second to none. I dive with Baja Dive located in the Tesoro Resort right at the Dock they will meet you and walk you to the shop.Great Dive Crew new boats and gear and a 20 year reputation of qualty service. www.scubadivingcabosanlucas.net or call 011-52-624-1437659
:cool2:

 

[RU4SKUBA]

I'll have to check out Cabo sometime, sounds great!

 

[chimchim]

Wow thanks all! Sounds like Cabo is the better bet. If it's just 5min out, then I'm guessing I can get back to the ship by around 12-1pm? That would give me the 2nd half of the day to spend with the family.

 

[hdtran]

Wow thanks all! Sounds like Cabo is the better bet. If it's just 5min out, then I'm guessing I can get back to the ship by around 12-1pm? That would give me the 2nd half of the day to spend with the family.

Yes, you should be back to the marina by 12-12:30pm. That'll give you the 2nd half of the day to shop

If I recall, Cabo does not have a cruise ship pier (yet). Try to get on an early tender from the cruise ship to the marina, so you're not stressed out about getting to the shop (if you're arranging the trip separately from the cruise line).

Have fun!