Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta
Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are April–May and October to January, with highs around 84°F (29°C) and the sea at about 80°F (27°C).
Photo: MutantE AZUL, CC BY-SA 3.0
Top snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta Luxury Yacht Tour: Snorkeling, Open Bar and LunchFrom $89View 
Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos 5 Islands & Sea Cave SnorkelingFrom $33View 
Puerto Vallarta: Majahuitas Snorkeling, Ziplining, and Water TubingFrom $56View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Puerto Vallarta month by month
Averages for Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 81 (27) | 82 (28) | 85 (29) | 89 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 89 (32) | 86 (30) | 82 (28) |
| Low °F (°C) | 62 (17) | 62 (17) | 63 (17) | 66 (19) | 71 (22) | 77 (25) | 77 (25) | 76 (24) | 76 (24) | 75 (24) | 69 (21) | 64 (18) |
| Rainy days | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 77 (25) | 76 (24) | 75 (24) | 76 (25) | 79 (26) | 83 (28) | 85 (30) | 86 (30) | 86 (30) | 86 (30) | 83 (28) | 79 (26) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:41 pm | 6:59 pm | 7:10 pm | 7:20 pm | 7:31 pm | 7:43 pm | 7:45 pm | 7:31 pm | 7:04 pm | 6:37 pm | 6:20 pm | 6:23 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta?
April–May and October to January. Expect highs around 84°F (29°C) and the sea at about 80°F (27°C). The least comfortable months are July and August, when the sea drops to about 75°F.
How warm is the water in Puerto Vallarta?
The sea averages 75°F (24°C) in March and 86°F (30°C) in August. It stays warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit all year.
Where can I book snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
