Although Vallarta Adventures (tel. 322/297-1212, U.S. tel. 888/303-2653, www.vallarta-adventures.com [1]) also offers scuba diving services, the biggest scuba instructor/outfitter in Puerto Vallarta [2] is Chico’s Dive Shop (Malecón at Díaz Ordaz 770, btwn. Pípila and Vicario, tel. 322/222-1895, fax 322/222-2210, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily).
Chico’s offers complete lessons, arranges and leads dive trips, and rents scuba equipment to qualified divers (bring your certificate). A beginning scuba lesson in the pool runs about $26, after which you’ll be qualified to dive at Los Arcos [3].
A day boat trip, including one 40-minute dive, costs $59 per person (two tanks, $80), gear included. Snorkelers on the same trip pay about $38. Chico’s takes certified divers only to the Islas Marietas, the best site in the bay, for $100, including gear and two dives, and sandwiches and sodas for lunch.
Links:
[1] http://www.vallarta-adventures.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/puerto-vallarta/puerto-vallarta
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/puerto-vallarta/puerto-vallarta/beaches/mismaloya-and-los-arcos/snorkeling-los-arcos