ShoreTrips says...

Raymond had just recently moved into his new dive shop. On the day we arrived, they hadn't yet turned on the telephones. They are working now and divers who are in the know are calling Ray to reserve their dive times. Raymond is one of the most detail-oriented people we've ever met. When you're looking for the right dive master, you look for qualities that he possesses.

If it's a clean diving environment that you seek, you will pleased to know that Banderas Bay and its 40 miles of shoreline are pristine...thanks to people like Raymond, who is the proud founder of the Beach and Bay Underwater Clean-up group. His dive shop is PADI approved, which means that it meets all safety requirements and educational standards, including environmentally aware diving... all of the things that a diver should expect from their dive company.

Your day begins when you're assigned to one of two 26-foot boats for the 30-minute ride out to Los Arcos or Majuhuita. On board will be no more than 8 divers. This shop uses a ratio of 1 master per 4 divers.

Non-divers who wish to accompany the divers and snorkel are invited to come along. There is a charge for this service. Included is a snorkel equipment package and lunch.

Equipment is first-rate and new. Included in the rate is a complete equipment package with BC, regulator, 2 tanks, fins and mask, soft weights, and a wet suit.

All excursions include lunch: ham & cheese on roll bun (with fixings on the side), potato chips, bananas or pineapple, soft drinks and bottled water. Those diving at Majuhuita will be able to lunch on the beach.

Standard dive sites are Los Arcos and Majahuita.

Los Arcos: Granite formations of rocks and caves have been sculpted by the force of the ocean over thousands of years and this Underwater National Park has been rightfully named Los Arcos (The Arches). From the main arch, where depths range from 25 to 60 feet, a shelf takes you to the edge of Devil's Canyon. Dropping an awesome 1,800 feet, this wall marks the beginning of the continental platform. This is a magical dive and it is here that divers can experience the feeling of the "abyss."

Majuhuita: Located on the south side of the bay and reachable only by boat is the beautiful Majahuita Beach. This dive site is home to a unique colony of Garden Eels and Black Coral. Divers are able to disembark to spend their surface interval and lunch on the beach. This location has a $15 surcharge, payable to the shop prior to the dive.

Additionally, there are three more sites for experienced divers. These dive excursions are about 2 hours longer than the standard sites, and require a surcharge of $20, payable directly to the dive shop. These dives are not available to cruise ship passengers due to timing, but hotel guests are welcome to arrange these.

Marietas Islands: This is an exciting dive as there are many lava tubes and cave formations to dive through. Between dives, divers are able to visit Playa del Amor (Beach of Love), which is only accessible by swimming through a cave, and observe the natural habitat of the sea birds. The boat ride to the islands affords us the opportunity to see dolphins, giant manta rays, and turtles. From December through May, the Banderas Bay is home to magnificent humpback whales.

Chimo: During the winter months, this dive site becomes populated with giant manta rays. In addition to the abundant marine life, Chimo has something very special to offer. It is here that the ocean floor twisted and turned to create the most interesting underwater terrain.

El Morro: We reserve this dive site for experienced divers only. El Morro has a lot to offer--giant mantas, schools of jacks, soft coral, and bigger fish. There is a series of underwater pinnacles and caves. Divers can explore a cave that goes through a pinnacle entering at 90 feet and exiting at 60 feet.