Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta

[DukeASUGirl]

Is there any place to snorkel on your own in PV without taking an excursion?

 

I'm not anti-excursion, but we're doing a horseback excursion in the morning, so there really isn't time to do a second one. We have roughly 4 1/2 hours for a trip to the beach, so I was hoping maybe we could take a taxi to a beach where there might be okay snorkeling (I know the best spots are only accessible by boat). Looking for somewhere close we can do on our own right off the beach, if this exists.

 

Alternatively, is there any decent snorkeling off-the-beach in Mazatlan? We were planning to do a DIY walking tour of Old Town in the morning, then head to the beach in the afternoon.

Edited March 17, 2023 by DukeASUGirl

[CruiserBruce]

The snorkeling on the Mexican Rivera is generally not recommended here due to poor visibility. Some ports in the Sea of Cortez are better, but the common ports in the area aren't so good.

[ISLABONITA]

https://backpackingbrunette.com/best-snorkeling-puerto-vallarta/

[MSN-Travelers]

There are a number of locations around the bay to snorkel; however, none of them are in the port or metro-Vallarta area.  If you are determined, 

How to get to Los Arcos National Park (without a tour)

Catch a bus to Mismaloya Beach & hire a water taxi (panga) to take you the rest of the way. Just be sure to pack your own snorkel gear.

 

Good luck and enjoy . . .