10 Best Places to Go Snorkelling in Puerto Vallarta

The Marietas Islands have been compared to the world-famous Galapagos Islands because of the area’s beauty and diverse wildlife. The islands are a national park off the coast of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast and are only accessible via boat.

Snorkelling around the coral reefs of Marietas Islands is a true wonder. You’ll see schools of colourful fish like the black and yellow striped Moorish idol, iridescent blue king angelfish, and many more. Lucky snorkellers may also get to see sea turtles or dolphins passing through. There are several companies that offer snorkelling tours around the area, but the best are the ones that keep the tour groups small.

As a marine park, Los Arcos National Park has been preserved as a sanctuary underwater. The park gets its name, “the arches,” from the arched cutouts in the rock formations that you can swim into like caves. In total, there are five islets, but there are three in particular that are notable: Rock of the Arches, Turtle Rock, and Rock of the Devil.

It is illegal to fish in Los Arcos National Park, which means that the area is teeming in marine life. Snorkellers here will likely see eels, rays, trumpetfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and even sea turtles. Joining a tour group is the best way to snorkel in Los Arcos National Park because it is far enough off shore that swimming to the location isn’t feasible.

Playa Majahuitas runs along the southern shore of Banderas Bay, south of Puerto Vallarta. It is not only a tranquil beach with stunning jungle and mountain views, but also a popular snorkelling destination. The cove is only accessible via boat, which makes it less crowded than other snorkelling spots.

What will you see snorkelling in the protected waters of Majahuitas? Spotted eagle rays, stingrays, cornets, pufferfish, barber fish, parrot fish, and turtles. Swimming out near the cliffs is an experience to remember. Pro tip: Bring water shoes, as the sand is full of broken up shells that can be sharp at times.

The gentle waters that run up against Yelapa Beach draw in travellers who are looking for a relaxing swim. The calm and clear waters also make the area an ideal snorkelling destination. You have to take a water taxi south from Puerto Vallarta to get to the village of Yelapa.

Colourful schools of neon clownfish, impressive eels, and turtles are among the many marine life you can see while snorkelling in Yelapa. (Though, be mindful of jellyfish in the area, as a sting can put a damper on your day.) When you’re done snorkelling, you can grab a bite to eat or a drink at one of several beachside establishments.

Las Caletas is a beach off the southern coast of Banderas Bay and is easily accessible if you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta. The beach is only accessible via boat, so it is not overly crowded.

Snorkelling in this secluded cove is especially pleasant because the water is very clear and calm. Beneath the water’s surface are coral, where many marine animals call home. You don’t even need to swim too far away from the shore to see schools of fish or a spotted eagle ray flying through the water. Just don’t forget to bring coral safe sun cream.

Though the water can be choppy off Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta at times, when the water does calm down, it is a really nice snorkelling experience. The water is typically calmest during the dry winter season.

For the best shot at seeing colourful, tropical fish, swim over to the rock outcroppings where the fish find food and shelter. There you’ll also see crustaceans and tropical birds. During low tide, you can walk out to the large rocks and only get your feet wet on the sandbar. Los Muertos Beach is within walking distance of town, so it’s easy to get a bite to eat after a fun afternoon of snorkelling.

Pizota is a small village south of Puerto Vallarta featuring a palm tree lined beach complete with soft sand and clear waters. Pizota is a true hidden gem as most tourists don’t know about this quaint spot. To get there, you can either rent a boat or take the water taxi to Yelapa and ask the ship captain to take you further to Pizota.

Snorkelling on Pizota is calm and relaxing. You’ll see plenty of tropical fish and rays. If you come in winter (November to March), it’s also possible to see dolphins and whales swimming through Banderas Bay.

Conchas Chinas Beach is easily accessible from city centre and doesn’t require any sort of boat reservation to see the abundant underwater wildlife. Since Conchas Chinas is not protected by a cove, the water can be choppy at times. The winter months are the best time to avoid big waves.

If you’re visiting in the summer when waters can get rough, you can often still experience calm snorkelling in the early morning. To see the most abundant fish, urchins, crustaceans, and more, swim out past the rock outcroppings. Conchas Chinas means "curled shells" referring to the type of shell found only on these beaches.

Playa Colomitos is a tiny sandy cove south of Puerto Vallarta with minimal amenities. Yet it is still a charming location for a day on the beach and snorkelling in the calm, turquoise water.

To reach Playa Colomitos, you can take a water taxi or hike through the jungle. If hiking, you’ll start in Boca de Tomatlán and hike along the river until you see a footbridge and signs for the beach. Though boating is faster, the hike is beautiful and makes the dip in the ocean that much more rewarding. By that point, the seahorses, rays, sea turtles, and colourful fish you’ll see snorkelling will be icing on the cake.

The twin beaches of Las Gemelas in Puerto Vallarta are ideal for snorkelling because of their convenient location and mild waters. Las Gemelas Beach is not far from city centre Puerto Vallarta and is a popular destination, especially on weekends.

You don’t have to swim far from the shore to see an underwater show at Las Gemelas Beach. Right below your feet there are dancing sea grasses, small and medium sized fish, eels, urchins, sea snakes, and so much more waiting to be discovered.