Please recommend Puerto Vallarta dive operators.

[rhodesengr]

I am looking for recommendations for a site operator in PV. I'll be in the area for two weeks in December. I have been there twice before and used Chico's Dive Shop. They were ok but the last time I was there, it was very hard to park because they are downtown. Also their rental eqipment was not great (had some BCD problems) and I wanted to try a Marietas dive they they didn't seem to want to schedule a dive there. We stay out in Punta Mita and drive in so I would like to find an operator that is not smack downtown and has some parking. My wife does not dive but likes to go on the boat so a decent size boat would be good (not just an uncovered panga).
1. Accesible location with parking
2. Good rental equipment
3. Big enough boat so "the wife" can ride along
4. Goes to Marietas

I have been to Los Arcos twice and also done the Majahuitas trip.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[tslane888]

I've used PVscuba, Bandaras Scuba Republic, and Vallarta Under Sea on various trips to PV. All solid operators and nice people to dive with. Good rental gear (from what I could see, I usually have my own) and are located or will pick up in the Marina area so that you don't have to go downtown. They usually all go to Marietas at some point in the week. Boats aren't huge but they are comfortable (not cattleboats). Enjoy!

 

[rhodesengr]

So I went with PVSeaDive yesterday. They met all four of my criteria. Parking was easy at the marina. No downtown mess. Everything was great: boat, equipment, people, and we did go to the Marietas. Well worth the extra time in the boat to get out there. Went through a tunnel with an eel. Pretty cool. Lots of big rock formations. Secret beach between dives and then a pod of four whales and a porpoise escort less than 100 feet from our boat. Pretty good day.