Banderas Bay Snorkeling

Summary: Banderas Bay snorkeling features two underwater marine parks which are Los Arcos and Tres Marietas.

Banderas Bay measures nearly 20 miles across with over 40 miles of coastline and is considered one of the deepest bays in the world with depths of up to two miles. The waters of Bahia de Banderas are protected from the inclement weather of the open seas because it faces west and is framed by the Sierra Madre mountain range. That’s why lots of magnificent beaches surround Banderas Bay. With waters fed from the Pacific Ocean, just snorkeling in its warm and clear waters is enough to make you feel refreshed, and Banderas Bay has these warm waters all year round.

But Banderas Bay snorkeling is not only about the water. There are many things to see within the canopy of its waters. Explore the hidden treasures of its sea while snorkeling or diving in the refreshing waters around Puerto Vallarta. Let one of Banderas Bay Snorkeling Guides take you to secluded coves to view the abundant colorful sea life that lives just below the surface of its crystal waters.

Banderas Bay snorkeling features two underwater marine parks: one of which is the Los Arcos which translates as ‘The Arches’. The Arches are basically three underwater rocks that form the small islands. They have a natural tunnel through their centers that has been etched by the tides to form perfect arches over the ocean. These rocks emerge from the ocean’s surface just off the small cove of Mismaloya. Thus Los Arcos became a perfect protection for the thousands of marine wildlife, its shelter an abundant ecosystem that aquatic and non aquatic harmoniously exist.

Expect to see gorgeously colorful fishes and coral reefs that thrive in the warm Pacific waters. Enjoy the company of angelfish, parrotfish, blowfish, snapper and even those dangerous but reclusive moray eels. Los Arcos makes for a unique experience because it goes from a depth of 20 ft. on one side of the rocks to over 2000ft. on the other side of the rocks.

Ever ride on the backs of manta rays? You can only do that in Tres Marietas. It is also one of Banderas Bay Snorkeling spots. Tres Marietas mark the entrance between Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean. These are a part of an underwater mountain range which peaks above the ocean’s surface about 20 miles of the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Because it is the nearest to the mouth of the pacific, expect to meet those aquatic creatures you always see on TV. Manta rays, porpoise, whales and turtles, Tres Marietas provides a perfect sanctuary for these creatures.

The Banderas Bay was comprehensively documented by Jacque Cousteau as he studied the migrating humpback whales that migrate during each winter. These islands provide a perfect sanctuary for the whales and sea turtles that come here to mate and have their babies. In the protected coves of the islands, you can dive into the shallows to snorkel with the masses of tropical fish and coral reefs. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch a ride on one of the friendly, giant manta rays that frequent the area!