Diving Banderas Bay is one of the world’s deepest. If it were to dry up, it would look a lot like the Grand Canyon. Add the fact that there are no large predators in the waters nor abrupt changes in the current and you have ideal conditions for scuba diving and other water sports.
Visibility, both on the surface and on the ocean floor, is better in the summer than in the winter. The water is about 15°F (10°c)warmer in the summer.
In the area of Los Arcos, opposite Mismaloya Beach, the bay reaches a depth of more than 2,000 feet and is quite chilly. The depth around the Marietas Islands is only about 70-120 feet and is warmer. For these and other reasons the two areas are home to very different kinds of marine flora and fauna.
In the waters of the Bay you can find giant or bull manta rays, various kinds of dolphins, sea turtles, swordfish, clownfish, angelfish, several varieties of eel, as well as other species similar to those of the Carribean.
Bring your proof of certification
If you already have an Open Water certification, be sure to bring it with you as you will need it to rent diving equipment, whether you dive alone or with a group. If you’ve earned certification in specialties such as Rescue or Dive Master, ask about special package excursions such as night diving near Los Arcos, or deep diving at El Morro, a zone at the south of the bay characterized by underwater caves and species not often found in other parts of the bay.
Excursions to the north of the bay will take you to the Marietas Islands with their yossung reef and great variety of fish species.
Do not approach the singing whales
In the winter, when the humpback whales mate and give birth in Banderas Bay, diving near them is strictly prohibited. However, if you are swimming about 70 feet below the surface in the area of Punta Mita, Cruz de Huanacaxtle or even at the Marietas Islands, you may be able to hear the unique and thrilling song of the humpback whale.
Many beautiful isolated beaches invite the adventurous
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