Dive Site: Majahuitas

About Majahuitas

Majahuitas is a pristine and secluded cove located on the southern coast of Banderas Bay, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Its relative isolation from heavy boat traffic and coastal development ensures excellent water quality and a thriving marine environment. The dive site features dramatic rocky topography, with volcanic rock formations extending below the waterline to create an intricate landscape of boulders, walls, overhangs, and sandy channels. These unique geological features provide diverse habitats for marine organisms, differing significantly from Caribbean coral reefs. Majahuitas hosts a vibrant community of marine life typical of the Eastern Pacific, including various reef fish, moray eels, and octopus. Seasonal encounters with larger species like manta rays and sea turtles add to the allure. The site is known for its impressive gorgonian sea fans, encrusting sponges, and Pacific nudibranchs. Accessible primarily by boat, Majahuitas offers a calm diving experience suitable for recreational divers. It is often combined with other dive sites in the region, providing a comprehensive exploration of Puerto Vallarta's underwater wonders.

Dive site facts: Majahuitas

Depth

8–14 m (25–45 ft)

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–30 m (30–100 ft)

Water temperature

22–30°C (72–86°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water

Dive type

Reef, photography, macro

Region / port

Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay

Coordinates

20.5058° N, 105.3401° W

Conditions & Currents

Majahuitas typically experiences mild to moderate currents, making it suitable for a wide range of diver experience levels. The currents are generally not as strong as at offshore sites like El Morro, contributing to the calm conditions. Visibility usually ranges from 10 to 25 meters, often improving significantly to 30 meters or more during the warmer months, allowing for a full appreciation of the site's geology and marine life. Water temperatures remain warm year-round, ranging from 22°C to 30°C, with the warmest temperatures occurring from May to December. Entry to the site is exclusively by boat, typically a comfortable drop-in, and careful buoyancy control is recommended to avoid disturbing the delicate encrusting life on the rocky substrate.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eels

common

King angelfish

common

Pufferfish

common

Octopus

common

Nudibranchs

common

Snappers

common

Jacks

common

Spotted eagle rays

occasional

Green sea turtles

occasional

Manta rays

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Majahuitas typically begin with a boat entry, descending into the calm, clear waters of the secluded cove. The site offers a relatively shallow profile, with reef depth ranging from 8 to 14 meters (25 to 45 feet), making it ideal for open water divers. The route usually follows the volcanic rock formations, exploring overhangs, crevices, and sandy channels. Divers can observe prolific macro life on the encrusted stone, along with schools of reef fish. The dive progresses along the rocky reef, allowing ample time for observation and photography. Due to the generally mild currents and shallow depths, the safety stop can be comfortably conducted near the end of the dive, often along the reef or in the clear blue, before ascending to the boat.

Underwater photography

Majahuitas offers excellent opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography, though macro subjects are particularly abundant. For macro, a dedicated macro lens with a strobe or snoot will capture the intricate patterns of nudibranchs, seahorses, and cleaner shrimp found on the volcanic substrate. Careful buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the delicate marine life and stirring up sediment. Wide-angle shots can focus on the unique volcanic arches, swim-throughs, and impressive gorgonian sea fans, especially during periods of high visibility. Natural light is often sufficient in the shallower areas, but a wide-angle strobe can enhance colors and depth in deeper sections or for schools of fish.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Los Arcos

  Famous for spectacular underwater topography and rich biodiversity.

• El Morro

  Advanced offshore site with pinnacles, deep walls, and large pelagics.

• Marietas Islands

  UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with healthy reefs and diverse marine life.

• Las Caletas

  Sheltered cove ideal for beginner divers and training.

• Los Anegados

  Offshore site mentioned alongside other Puerto Vallarta locations.

• Princesa Vallarta Shipwreck

  Artificial reef for advanced divers in the area.

Getting there & logistics

Majahuitas is typically accessed via day boat trips departing from Puerto Vallarta or nearby marinas like La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The primary international gateway is Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), offering direct flights from major cities across North America. Dive tours to Majahuitas often include two tanks, equipment, lunch, and soft drinks, with durations around 5 hours. A marina fee, typically 50 Mexican Pesos, is usually required. This site is frequently combined with other Banderas Bay locations, such as Los Arcos or Las Caletas, as part of a multi-site day trip, providing a varied diving experience within recreational limits. Certification cards are required for all certified divers.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puerto Vallarta. In case of an emergency, evacuation would typically involve rapid boat transport back to the mainland, followed by ground transport to medical facilities. Divers should always carry personal dive insurance covering dive accidents and potential medical evacuation. Site-specific hazards at Majahuitas are generally low due to the calm conditions and mild currents, but divers should still exercise caution around volcanic rock formations to avoid scrapes. Respecting the marine environment by maintaining good buoyancy and avoiding contact with the reef and its inhabitants is crucial. Always dive with a certified guide and adhere to the dive plan, especially regarding bottom time and depth limits for your certification level.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Majahuitas FAQ

Liveaboards diving Majahuitas

These liveaboards may visit Majahuitas on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m

$230/day

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38.1 m

$430/day

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests33.5 m

$392/day

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m

$261/day

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests44.8 m

$299/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$392/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day