Explore Punta Mita
Punta Mita is a peninsula at the northern end of Banderas Bay, or Bahía de Banderas, which faces the Pacific Ocean. It is considered one of the most exclusive resort communities in Mexico, and is located in the Mexican state of Nayarit, the northern neighbor of the state of Jalisco.
The majority of the scuba diving in Punta Mita takes place in Bahía de Banderas. Small islands such as Las Marietas, El Morro, and Anegados dot the mouth of the bay and have rich biodiversity both above and below the water. Bahía de Banderas is also a breeding ground for humpback whales from November through March.
Top Punta Mita Dive Sites
Islas Marietas
Located 7 kilometers/4.3 miles southwest of Punta Mita, this protected wildlife sanctuary offers incredible biodiversity. Divers can encounter mollusks, nudibranchs, and vibrant corals. The adventure level is easy to moderate, suitable for scuba diving. Its special features include its status as a protected area.
El Morro
Situated 9 kilometers/5.6 miles southwest of Las Marietas, El Morro is ideal for advanced divers. It boasts rock pinnacles and wall diving opportunities with depths reaching 50 meters/164 feet. Scuba diving is the primary activity, with caves and tunnels adding to the thrill.
Anegados
Positioned between Islas Marietas and El Morro, Anegados features shallower dives with interesting rock formations and caves. Suitable for both scuba diving and freediving, it offers a moderate adventure level.
Los Arcos de Mismaloya
Known for its underwater arches and tunnels, this site is perfect for scuba diving. The area is teeming with tropical fish and vibrant marine life, offering easy to moderate dives with fascinating geological formations.
El Chimo
Located offshore from the southern coast of Bahía de Banderas, El Chimo is suitable for more experienced divers. It features stunning underwater landscapes with pinnacles and a variety of sea life, providing a rewarding scuba diving experience.
The best Months to dive in Punta Mita
The ideal time of year for scuba divers to visit Punta Mita is from November to March, when ocean conditions are the calmest. This is also the time of year when chances are high of spotting manta rays, whale sharks, and humpback whales at some of the offshore dive sites such as Islas Marietas and El Morro. Keep in mind that the plankton blooms that attract these pelagic megafauna tend to reduce visibility significantly. If you prefer better visibility and warmer waters (26°C/78.8°F) visit Punta Mita in June through October.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Punta Mita
When diving near Punta Mita and in Bahía de Banderas, you can expect to see vibrant and abundant marine life. Since parts of the bay are protected as a wildlife sanctuary (Las Marietas Islands) and a National Marine Park (Los Arcos de Mismaloya), divers may even come across endangered species. Common sightings include pufferfish, damselfish, yellowtails, grunts, sea turtles, eagle rays, sailfish and larger pelagic species such as manta rays, dolphins, sharks, hammerhead sharks, and humpback whales.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
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Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
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Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
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Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
11 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 40
iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish
9 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish
7 Sightings
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 150
Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts
6 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
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