Puerto Vallarta: El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition

Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and eager to explore its vibrant waters? The El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition offers an accessible, well-organized introduction to the region’s underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-timer, this tour promises a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic marine sights.

What we love about this experience is how it combines professional guidance with a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for those who want a taste of the ocean without the hassle of planning everything themselves. The inclusion of a delicious box lunch and flexible options—shared or private—adds real value. The only potential consideration? The 1.5-hour duration means it’s a quick taste rather than a full-day immersion, so if you’re craving hours underwater, you might want to look for longer options.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an organized, safe, and memorable introduction to Puerto Vallarta’s marine life. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time, first-time divers, or anyone looking for a hassle-free experience with professional guides. If you’re eager to see highlights like Los Arcos or the Marietas Islands, this tour offers a taste of both, with the flexibility to choose your preferred site.

Key Points

• Includes all gear needed for a safe and comfortable experience.
• Small group size (max 8) ensures personalized attention.
• Flexible options for shared or private boat experiences.
• Diverse dive sites rotate throughout the week for variety.
• Box lunch included, perfect for recharging after your dives.
• Experience for all levels, with certified and beginner groups separated.
• Convenient departure from Marina Vallarta daily at 9:00 am.
• Optional transport pickup from Nuevo Vallarta available at additional cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect

Starting early at Marina Vallarta, the tour kicks off with a friendly briefing and gear setup. The team of experienced Dive Masters ensures everyone understands safety procedures and feels comfortable before heading out on the water. With a maximum group size of 8, personalized attention is a big plus, especially for those new to diving.

The tour departs at 9:00 am, giving you the morning to enjoy the aquatic sights. After a short boat ride—whether on a 26 ft or 30 ft vessel—you’ll arrive at your first diverse dive site. Whether exploring the famous Los Arcos, known for its impressive rock formations and abundant marine life, or the Majahuitas area, the setting offers crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant fish, coral formations, and possibly larger creatures like rays or sea turtles. The itinerary rotates through different locations depending on the day, providing variety and fresh sights on each outing.

Each participant gets two tanks, allowing for two separate dives—an ideal format to see more in your limited time. The guides stay close, offering insights into the environment and pointing out interesting marine creatures, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Reviewers consistently mention the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, which helps even nervous first-timers feel more relaxed.

Post-dive, you enjoy a delicious box lunch on the boat. The menu typically features sandwiches, fruit, and snacks—perfect for recharging without the fuss of land-based meals. Special dietary requests can be accommodated if notified in advance, adding to the tour’s thoughtful touches.

For those opting for a private boat, the experience becomes more personalized, with the flexibility to choose dive sites or take additional time. The boats are equipped with restrooms, bottled water, and life jackets, ensuring comfort and safety during your short but memorable adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the key benefits is the combination of professionalism and flexibility. Vallarta Undersea emphasizes personalized attention with a 5:1 diver-to-guide ratio, which means you’re rarely left wondering if you’re in good hands. The separation of certified and beginner groups ensures everyone gets appropriate support, making the experience inclusive and comfortable.

Another highlight is the choice of sites. The rotating locations—including Los Arcos, Majahuitas, Marietas Islands, and Los Arcos National Park—offer varied scenery and marine life, so repeat visitors can look forward to different encounters. On specific days, snorkelers can access the hidden beach at Marietas (at an additional cost), offering a different perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

The price point of $189 per person is quite reasonable for this level of service, gear, and access to protected areas. When you consider the inclusion of all necessary equipment, guides, transportation, and a meal, the tour provides excellent value for a half-day adventure.

Practical Details and Tips

• Departure time is consistently at 9:00 am, so arrive a little early to settle in.
• For added convenience, an optional pickup from Nuevo Vallarta is available at an extra fee, departing at 8:00 am from Paradise Village pier.
• Be sure to bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and an extra change of clothes.
• Since transportation back to your hotel isn’t included, plan your return accordingly.
• Bring cash for souvenirs or any optional extras, like the snorkel access at Marietas.
• The tour runs daily, with shorter morning sessions, ideal for fitting into a busy itinerary.
• Remember, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is a great fit if you’re after a professional, well-organized introduction to Puerto Vallarta’s underwater world. It’s perfect for first-time divers, those with limited time, or travelers seeking a safe, guided adventure without the fuss of arranging everything independently.

It also suits small groups, thanks to the limited size of 8 participants, enhancing the friendly, personalized vibe. Families, couples, or solo travelers will find it a welcoming way to experience the region’s marine beauty. If you’re interested in snorkeling instead of diving (at an extra cost), the tour’s flexible site access makes that easy, too.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition offers a solid, value-packed way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s famed underwater scenes. The combination of professional guides, diverse sites, and inclusive gear makes it accessible whether you’re a beginner or just want a quick taste of the ocean. The small group size ensures you’ll receive attentive service, and the lunch included is a simple but appreciated perk.

While it’s a shorter experience at 1.5 hours, it’s perfect for travelers who want a quick, safe, and authentic marine adventure without committing to a full-day outing. The rotating sites and flexible options make it a versatile choice for different preferences.

If you’re craving a safe, well-organized, and enjoyable introduction to Puerto Vallarta’s marine wonders, this tour is hard to beat at its price point. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time but eager to see vibrant sea life and stunning rock formations up close.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, typically departing in the morning.

Is transportation included?
Transportation from Marina Vallarta is included, and there’s an optional pickup from Nuevo Vallarta at an extra fee.

What gear is provided?
All necessary scuba gear—mask, fins, wetsuit, regulator, BCD—is included for your comfort and safety.

Can I choose between shared or private boats?
Yes, you can opt for a shared trip or rent a private boat for a more tailored experience.

What dive sites will I visit?
Sites rotate throughout the week, including Los Arcos, Majahuitas, and the Marietas Islands, depending on the day.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. There are separate groups for certified divers and beginners, ensuring appropriate support.

What is the cost?
The standard price is $189 per person, which covers gear, guides, entrance fees, and a box lunch.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, extra clothes, and cash for optional extras or souvenirs.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
While not specified, the tour’s focus on safety and small group setting suggest it’s suitable for most healthy adults.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour.

In sum, the El Chimo Scuba Diving Expedition offers a dependable, enjoyable way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s underwater scenery with friendly guides, flexible options, and a focus on safety and comfort. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a taste of marine adventure without a huge time commitment.

You can check availability for your dates here: