Oceano Adventures

Located in the Riviera Nayarit region, Oceano Adventures operates out of Sayulita and the Marina Riviera Nayarit. The centre has established itself over 15 years as a specialist in high-quality, personalised diving experiences, moving away from the high-volume tourist model to focus on intimate group sizes.

The area offers a diverse range of underwater topographies, from the shallow, protected coral reefs of the Marietas Islands to the dramatic, deep-water granite pinnacles and vertical walls found further offshore. This variety allows for a broad spectrum of diving, from introductory reef explorations to challenging advanced drift dives.

The centre is a family-run PADI 5-Star operation led by founder Sebastian Briones, a commercial diver with over 30 years of ocean experience. This depth of professional maritime knowledge informs their approach to both safety and local site expertise.

Instruction is delivered in English, with a strong emphasis on small groups to ensure personalised attention. For standard excursions, the ratio is capped at 6 divers per guide, while more advanced dives are conducted with a tighter ratio of 4 divers per guide to manage the increased technical demands of the environment.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses, starting from the initial Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver levels through to Advanced Open Water Diver. They also provide specialized training for those looking to progress their skills further.

For divers moving into professional or technical territory, they offer Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Nitrox, and the PADI Wreck Diving Specialty. The use of PADI eLearning allows students to complete their theoretical work at their own pace before arriving on site.

The diving is conducted from custom 30-foot boats powered by 150hp engines. These vessels are designed for comfort during longer offshore trips, featuring sofa-style seating for passengers.

On board, you can expect a light lunch and water provided during the trip, with gourmet lunch upgrades available for those wanting a more substantial meal. The boats are well-suited for reaching the more remote sites like La Corbeteña and El Morro.

Oceano Adventures provides full equipment hire for divers, utilizing premium brands including Cressi and Scubapro. This ensures that those travelling without their own kit have access to reliable, high-quality regulators, BCDs, and exposure suits.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom times, making it a standard option for the multi-dive excursions in the region.

The reefs are teeming with colourful life, including Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), Parrotfish (Calotomus), and various species of Butterflyfish (Chaetodon). You will regularly encounter schools of Panamic porkfish, grunts, and yellowtail snappers, alongside various species of Wrasse (Labridae) and Snapper (Lutjanus).

In the more open water and around the pinnacles, larger pelagics appear. You may see Tuna (Thunnus), large jacks (Carangidae), and Eagle ray (Aetobatus). During the winter and spring months, manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are frequently sighted, while Humpback whales can be seen from December to March.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants add detail to the seabed, including octopuses, various species of Moray eel (Muraenidae), and many types of Shrimp (Caridea). Divers can also find Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), and various species of Crab (Brachyura) amongst the sponges (Porifera) and corals.

Predatory species are also part of the ecosystem, with Reef shark (Carcharhinus) and various species of Ray (Batoidea) patrolling the walls and sandy patches.

Diving conditions vary significantly depending on the site. The Marietas Islands and Los Arcos generally experience mild currents, making them suitable for a wide range of experience levels. In contrast, sites like El Morro and La Corbeteña can experience moderate to strong, variable currents and require more experienced divers.

The offshore sites are subject to the raw energy of the Pacific, where thermoclines and drift conditions are common. Divers should always be prepared for variable conditions when heading to the outer edges of the bay.