Vallarta Natural Experience

Located in the heart of the Banderas Bay, Vallarta Natural Experience serves divers looking to explore the diverse marine ecosystems of Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Nayarit coast. Since its establishment in 2020, the centre has focused on a philosophy of total environmental respect, ensuring that every dive leaves a minimal footprint on the local reefs and marine habitats.

The area offers a striking variety of underwater landscapes, ranging from the protected granite formations of Los Arcos to the remote archipelagos of the Islas Marietas. You can choose between shallow, sandy bottom sites like Majahuitas or more challenging environments such as the Princess Wreck or the deeper sections of the Banderas Fault.

The centre is directed by Alex Delgado, who leads a team of PADI certified instructors. The focus here is on a personalised approach, moving away from the high-volume tourist model to ensure that each diver receives individual attention and professional guidance.

Beyond diving, the team shares local expertise in whale watching, fishing, and surfing, providing a well-rounded understanding of the local maritime environment. All instruction and communication are conducted in English.

Vallarta Natural Experience offers a full range of PADI training for all experience levels. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work towards their PADI Open Water Diver certification.

For those looking to progress, the centre provides Advanced Open Water Diver courses and other specialised training. The curriculum is designed to build confidence and skill, whether you are diving in a calm reef flat or exploring more complex environments.

The reefs are vibrant with life, featuring colourful Parrotfish (Calotomus), various species of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and Butterflyfish (Chaetodon). You will often see schools of Jacks (Carangidae), Snappers (Lutjanidae), and various species of Wrasse (Labridae) patrolling the coral structures and granite walls.

In the deeper sections and around the wrecks, look for larger predators and residents such as green moray eels, Octopus (Octopoda), and Grouper (Epinephelinae). You may also encounter sea turtles (Cheloniidae), stingrays, and various species of eel (Anguilliformes) amongst the crevices.

For macro enthusiasts, the area hosts a variety of smaller wonders, including colourful Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). Anemones and sponges (Porifera) provide the perfect habitat for these smaller organisms.

Seasonality plays a major role in the larger pelagics; during the winter months, Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) sightings are a highlight of the region. You may also encounter seasonal visitors such as manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and various species of mobula rays.

Conditions vary significantly depending on your chosen site. While Majahuitas offers relatively calm, shallow waters, sites like Yelapa can experience different types of currents that require more experienced handling.

During the summer, Majahuitas is noted for providing good visibility, often reaching between 15 and 21 metres.