Diving Puerto Vallarta Oct 30 to Nov 2nd

[Guitarcrazy]

My wife and I have been diving in the Playa del Carmen and Cozumel areas, and really enjoyed both locations. I certainly prefer Cozumel, but we booked a trip to Puerto Vallarta to see what it was like to dive there. We booked with PV Ocean Tours, and will be doing 3 day dives and a night dive. Any suggestions for specific locations or gear? We have 3mm and 7mm suits, but hoping the 3mm will be enough in early November.

 

[Guitarcrazy]

No Puerto Vallarta knowledge out there?

 

[ScubaSteve858]

I have a place in PV and enjoying diving there very much. I will say however... it is not Cozumel/Playa. The water is nice and warm compared to say San Diego where I live and dive. I would say you are looking at 72-78F temp. Viz really depends on the day and spot. I recommend Los Arcos and Mahajuitas. Great choice on PV Ocean Tours. They will go where it will be best and will let you dive your whole tank! Highlights of diving in PV are that there is a great variety of critters. Lot's of sea turtles, eels, sea snakes, sea horses, eagle rays, possible mantas. Also awesome structure and my last dive in November was to the tune of beautiful humpback whales singing in the distance. I'm open for questions!

 

[Guitarcrazy]

Thanks Steve. I did some diving in Laguna Beach this past spring and it was decent. Certainly not like diving in Cozumel, but still had fun. My wife hasn't done any colder water diving so I am hoping she finds PV to be warm enough for her. I am on the fence about bringing our wetsuits since PV Ocean Tours apparently will provide for no charge. It may be better to leave room in the luggage and use theirs. Are gloves allowed in PV? J

 

[She Ra]

Hoping folks who dove in PV will follow up and comment re: conditions, enjoyment and recommend wet suits.

 

[ahoogeveen]

@Guitarcrazy - I will be in PV November 4th - 10th. Any feedback on PV Ocean tours would be great. Trying to decide which company to go with.

 

[ScubaSteve858]

Sorry for the long lag time. I would use the suits provided. I brought mine and wished I hadn't. PV Ocean tours has nice rental suits. I would think gloves are ok. There isn't a ton of coral to damage. @ahoogeveen I give PV Ocean tours 5 stars if you are good with diving from a panga. I love it and the benefit of only being with 4 or so divers is great.

 

[ahoogeveen]

@ScubaSteve858 - Awesome, I will check them out. Is there a certain site you would recommend? I've been looking at Los Arcos or Marietas Islands both seem to be suited for brand new divers. Also, we are hoping to see the manta rays which seem to frequent marietas from what I've seen.

 

[Guitarcrazy]

I am in PV now, diving with PV Ocean Tours. Marc and Alun are great. We had a dive yesterday with only my wife and I, and Alun, and Alejandro from PV Ocean Tours. Nice to be in a private group. We dove Yelapa yesterday and had an incredible encounter with some Manta Rays. Look at my other thread, you will see how amazing close they came to us. Water is nice, and the 3 mil suits they provide are great.

 

[ahoogeveen]

@Guitarcrazy - Looks awesome. I just sent them an email to see if we can setup a day to dive with them. Was there enough to see above 60 feet there?