THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Two guided dives to Los Arcos and Majahuitas followed by a beachside lunch in Yelapa make for a full-day dive trip from Puerto Vallarta. Expect volcanic rock arches, compact reefs, and a laid-back village finish — bring reef-safe sunscreen and confirm certification requirements.
Two guided dives to Los Arcos and Majahuitas followed by a beachside lunch in Yelapa make for a full-day dive trip from Puerto Vallarta. Expect volcanic rock arches, compact reefs, and a laid-back village finish — bring reef-safe sunscreen and confirm certification requirements.
The boat slips away from the bay and the mainland fades into a low green line; salt spray and the thud of the motor set the pace. Within an hour the first rock towers of Los Arcos rise from clear water — a labyrinth of volcanic arches and cliffs that dare you into blue corridors. Two guided dives here and at Majahuitas reveal compact reefs, swim-throughs and sandy patches where rays glide and parrotfish scrape the rock.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sebastian Briones · Yelapa, Jalisco
The boat slips away from the bay and the mainland fades into a low green line; salt spray and the thud of the motor set the pace. Within an hour the first rock towers of Los Arcos rise from clear water — a labyrinth of volcanic arches and cliffs that dare you into blue corridors. Two guided dives here and at Majahuitas reveal compact reefs, swim-throughs and sandy patches where rays glide and parrotfish scrape the rock.
Los Arcos is part of a protected pocket in Bahía de Banderas carved from ancient lava flows; its arches and boulder fields create pockets of current and shelter for juvenile fish. Majahuitas, a sheltered bay further south, combines shallow coral gardens with deeper drop-offs — a good site for a relaxed second dive and a surface interval alongside snorkelers. The tour lands at Yelapa, a boat-only village where fishermen’s boats still share the sand with thatched cafes and a waterfall trail waits behind the shore.
Expect a full 7-hour day: briefing, two dives (guided), surface intervals and time ashore for lunch or a margarita. Water temperatures vary 24–29°C depending on season; typical dive depths on these runs are 10–18 m (30–60 ft), suitable for certified Open Water divers and confident swimmers. Practical notes: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a snug mask (or rent one), seasickness remedies and a towel for the beach stop. Check certification requirements with the operator, hydrate before boarding and plan for sun exposure during surface intervals. The trip blends accessible diving with cultural color — a straightforward way to sample Banderas Bay’s best reefs and a small coastal village in a single day.
Many operators require Open Water certification for two-tank dive days; some offer Discover Scuba options — confirm before booking.
Water temps typically range 24–29°C (75–84°F); visibility varies seasonally but often sits between 10–20 m (30–65 ft) in these protected areas.
Boat rides across Bahía de Banderas can be choppy later in the day; take anti-nausea meds beforehand if you're susceptible and sit mid-boat for a smoother ride.
Yes — Los Arcos is within a managed area with rules against touching or collecting marine life; operators typically brief divers on local regulations.
Sebastian Briones operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The boat slips away from the bay and the mainland fades into a low green line; salt spray and the thud of the motor set the pace. Within an hour the first rock towers of Los Arcos rise from clear water — a labyrinth of volcanic arches and cliffs that dare you into blue corridors. Two guided dives here and at Majahuitas reveal compact reefs, swim-throughs and sandy patches where rays glide and parrotfish scrape the rock.
The boat slips away from the bay and the mainland fades into a low green line; salt spray and the thud of the motor set the pace. Within an hour the first rock towers of Los Arcos rise from clear water — a labyrinth of volcanic arches and cliffs that dare you into blue corridors. Two guided dives here and at Majahuitas reveal compact reefs, swim-throughs and sandy patches where rays glide and parrotfish scrape the rock.
Los Arcos is part of a protected pocket in Bahía de Banderas carved from ancient lava flows; its arches and boulder fields create pockets of current and shelter for juvenile fish. Majahuitas, a sheltered bay further south, combines shallow coral gardens with deeper drop-offs — a good site for a relaxed second dive and a surface interval alongside snorkelers. The tour lands at Yelapa, a boat-only village where fishermen’s boats still share the sand with thatched cafes and a waterfall trail waits behind the shore.
Expect a full 7-hour day: briefing, two dives (guided), surface intervals and time ashore for lunch or a margarita. Water temperatures vary 24–29°C depending on season; typical dive depths on these runs are 10–18 m (30–60 ft), suitable for certified Open Water divers and confident swimmers. Practical notes: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a snug mask (or rent one), seasickness remedies and a towel for the beach stop. Check certification requirements with the operator, hydrate before boarding and plan for sun exposure during surface intervals. The trip blends accessible diving with cultural color — a straightforward way to sample Banderas Bay’s best reefs and a small coastal village in a single day.