Secrets Vallarta Bay

While somewhat limited due to visibility in the region, snorkeling is a possibility for anyone not scuba certified. In particular, the San Luciano Wreck can be explored to the surface. It begins just 4 feet (1 meter) below the surface. In Puerto Vallarta, the Banderas Bay is a protected area full of fish flitting along the rocky bottom. No matter where you find yourself, snorkeling tours will abound in these southern waters.

Marieta Islands

In terms of pristine natural beauty and scenic seaside vistas, few areas in the world are richer than the Marieta Islands. Protected as part of Marieta State Park, these natural wonders are home to a number of native wildlife species, as well as some of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Mexico.

Overview

The Central Pacific Coast of Mexico has it all. From tiny to huge, your log books will be full of interesting creatures. In terms of pelagic species, frequently reported sightings include humpback whales, whale sharks, oceanic white tips, manta rays, hammerheads, reef sharks and dolphins. You might also see schools of grunts, puffer fish and hawksbill turtles around the brightly colored sponges and stony corals. The seahorses and octopus love to hide out in the walls, reefs and wrecks. The Central Pacific Coast certainly doesn’t disappoint in the marine life category.

Vallarta

The Vallarta region boasts a diverse ecology, including scattered reef systems and the chance to see blue whales and dolphins.

Head to the Marietas Islands, home to an underwater mountain range and first championed by Jacques Cousteau (godfather of scuba). Expect clear waters, volcanic formations, arches, spires, tunnels and caves.

Visibility here is around 40ft/12m on average.

Explore the Princesa Shipwreck, part of a cemetery of small shipwrecks off the beach of Mismaloya.

Get up close and personal with large pelagics like rays, sharks, sailfish, manta rays, whale sharks. You can also see lobsters and turtles, octopuses and seahorses, jacks and yellowtails along with huge eels, sponges, colourful nudibranchs and shrimp!

Baja Peninsula

Ensenada – Experience diving through a kelp forest, through canyons and volcanic vents, dramatic walls, caves. Spot sea lions as you swim.

Guadeloupe Island – A volcanic island located just off the coast where there are great white sharks, fur seals, and tuna in abundance. The cage diving is arguably best in world.

Diving from La Paz – Swim with hammerheads, mantas, seamounts, amber jacks and tuna, and spot schools of sardines around Los Islotes. Whale shark and whale watching cruises are on offer, in season.

Cabo San Lucas – Large schools of tuna, barracuda, sharks, baitfish and steep reef walls dropping from 15 feet down to 500 feet!

Socorro Islands – Dive with humpback whales between Jan and March.