Banderas Bay is one of the largest and deepest bays in Mexico, and that scale brings an astonishing variety of marine life right to Puerto Vallarta's doorstep. Crystal-clear coves, protected marine parks, volcanic sea caves and tropical reefs make this stretch of the Pacific one of the best snorkeling destinations in the country. Between October and June the water is calm and visibility regularly tops 15 meters, turning a simple swim into an underwater safari.
Whether you want a quick float right off a town beach or a full-day boat adventure to a protected island, this guide covers the ten best snorkeling spots in and around Puerto Vallarta — what makes each one special, how to get there, and what you'll likely see below the surface.
The 10 Best Snorkeling Spots in Puerto Vallarta
1. Los Arcos National Marine Park
🐠 The crown jewel of Vallarta snorkeling — a cluster of granite islands with archways, tunnels and an 1,800-meter underwater wall.
🌊 Protected as a marine park since 1984, so fish are abundant and unafraid: parrotfish, angelfish, pufferfish and the occasional sea turtle.
⛵ Just a short boat ride south of town, near Mismaloya. Most tours include gear and a guide.
2. Las Caletas
🏖️ A secluded cove once owned by film director John Huston, only reachable by boat — which keeps the reef pristine.
🐟 Calm, shallow water makes it ideal for beginners and families. Schools of sergeant majors swim right up to you.
🌴 Many tours pair snorkeling here with a beach-club day, kayaks and a buffet.
3. Majahuitas Cove
🪨 A quiet, rocky beach on the bay's south shore with excellent visibility and very few crowds.
🐡 Rock formations near the headlands shelter eels, octopus and colorful reef fish.
⚓ Reached by water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán — combine it with Colomitos for a half-day adventure.
4. Marietas Islands
🏝️ A UNESCO-protected archipelago off Punta Mita, famous for the hidden "Playa del Amor" beach inside a collapsed crater.
🐢 Manta rays, sea turtles and tropical fish thrive in this no-fishing zone; whales pass by in winter.
🎟️ Access is regulated to protect the reef, so book a licensed tour in advance.
5. Colomitos Beach
🌿 Often called the smallest beach in Mexico — a jewel-box cove framed by jungle, reachable by a short hike or panga from Boca de Tomatlán.
🐠 The rocky points on either side hold surprisingly rich life for such a tiny spot.
📸 Go early to beat the day-trippers and enjoy glassy morning water.
6. Yelapa
🏞️ A boho fishing village with no cars, a waterfall hike, and clear water around its rocky headlands.
🦑 Snorkel near the points to spot needlefish, puffers and the occasional ray.
🛶 A 45-minute boat ride from the marina or Boca de Tomatlán.
7. Las Ánimas
🏖️ A larger beach south of the bay with a relaxed restaurant scene and easy in-water access.
🐟 Good for mixed groups — shallow snorkeling near shore plus deeper structure off the points.
🚤 Reachable by water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán in about 15 minutes.
8. Quimixto
💦 Another car-free village, best known for its jungle waterfall, with calm snorkeling water along the rocks.
🐠 Reef fish gather around the boulders near the beach's edges.
🌴 Combine the snorkel with a horseback ride or hike to the falls.
9. Punta Negra
🪨 A small, dramatic beach along the south coast highway, often quiet on weekdays.
🐡 The dark volcanic rocks create nooks where octopus and morays hide.
🚗 One of the few good spots you can reach by car without a boat.
10. El Morro Islands (near the Marietas)
🌊 A set of pinnacles for confident snorkelers and freedivers, with deep blue water and big schools of fish.
🐢 Frequent turtle and ray sightings; sometimes dolphins on the boat ride out.
⚓ Usually visited as an add-on to Marietas tours from Punta Mita or La Cruz.
What You'll See Under the Water
- Reef fish — king angelfish, sergeant majors, parrotfish, pufferfish and rainbow wrasse.
- Sea turtles — green and olive ridley turtles, especially around the Marietas and Los Arcos.
- Rays — graceful manta and eagle rays glide through the deeper sites.
- Octopus & eels — tucked into rocky crevices at Majahuitas and Punta Negra.
- Seasonal visitors — humpback whales (Dec–Mar) and dolphins year-round on the boat rides.
Best Time to Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta
The dry season from November to May delivers the clearest water and calmest conditions. Mornings are almost always glassier than afternoons, so book early tours when you can. The summer rainy season can stir up runoff and reduce visibility, but it also coincides with warm 28°C water and fewer crowds. If you're already in town for a surf trip, snorkeling makes a perfect rest day — many visitors pair it with a morning session before the wind picks up. For more ways to mix water adventures, see our guide to surfing and whale watching.
Snorkeling Tips for First-Timers
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral and marine life you came to see.
- Defog your mask with a drop of baby shampoo or a quick rinse before each dip.
- Float, don't kick the bottom — touching or standing on reef damages it and stirs up sand.
- Go with a guide at protected sites like Los Arcos and the Marietas, where access is regulated.
- Bring a rash guard for sun protection during long floats.
How to Book a Snorkeling Trip
Most of the best sites require a boat, so a guided tour is the easiest option. Boats leave from the Marina Vallarta cruise terminal, from Los Muertos pier in the Zona Romántica, and from Boca de Tomatlán for the southern coves. If you're staying near Punta Mita or La Cruz, you're closer to the Marietas. Ask whether the price includes gear, a guide and a national-park wristband for protected areas. Ready to build a full beach-and-water itinerary? Start on our home page to see everything Vallarta Surf offers.