Banderas Scuba Republic
Banderas Scuba Republic
5
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
An experience with our Banderas Scuba Republic is like no other, not only will you have access to professional Scuba Diving equipment at the highest standards, our dive team wants to hear your ideas and interests about the shared compassion we have for the sub-aquatic world. Come to the pacific side of Mexico, come to Banderas Bay, come to Puerto Vallarta, it will be your best experience “going down”.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
1,525 reviews
Excellent
1,494
Very good
28
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Derek H
5 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
As a BSAC diver I look for good equipment and safe practice when finding a dive tour operation. Both conditions were me fully by Cesar's company. The dive leader gave me and my buddy two great dives at Los Arcos. Visibility wasn't as good as it usually is at this time of year but their eagle eyes and experience helped us see a host of sea life including sea horse and large octopus. The Wet suit provided made swimming in and out of the thermoclime a comfortable process. Buoyancy checking, entry and exit as well as safety stops were all done to a tee. Refreshments for the interval and sandwich at the end were tasty and welcome. Staying in the Zona Romantica meant the 9am start from the Muelle de la Playa de los Muertos was a simple matter. Those staying closer to the centre met at 8am at the dive store.
I would recommend these guys to people who are learning as well as those who want to search out sea life.
I would recommend these guys to people who are learning as well as those who want to search out sea life.
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathie H
1 contribution
Feb 2020
This was my second year diving with Cesar and his team, I had done my open water certification with them the previous year and would recommend them to anyone. During my certification I received complete 1 on 1 attention from Frank who was skilled, kind, patient and easily relieved all my anxiety. During my second trip there was only one other diver and Cesar ensured we had a great time and our dives were perfect. Both are very professional and extremely knowledgeable of the environment and associated marine life - taking the time to ensure we saw as much as the ocean would permit and explained what we saw once back on the boat.
Looking forward to returning next year!
Looking forward to returning next year!
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace H
Portland, OR1 contribution
Jul 2020
As a current Rescue Diver, I loved the level of expertise Cesar and his crew showed throughout the entire trip! Everyone was extremely knowledgeable about the local ecosystems, truly showing their passion for the surrounding wildlife. The dive trip itself was a great adventure as Caesar asked if I would prefer to check out a few shipwrecks as our first site after I mentioned I had never experienced a wreck dive. His attention to detail made both dives quite engaging at a relaxed pace. I also had a chance to snorkel with my Mom at Los Arcos in between dives. Would definitely recommend to any type of diver as the crew and dive master are quite one of a kind!
- Grace
- Grace
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
steve
Brighton, UK31 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Taking a holiday in PV my wife and decided to try a few dives with different dive outfits, checking on prices they had to offer as they all pretty much dive the same sites but the prices vary. We had previously emailed Ceaser (the owner) from the UK before we departed, he replied promptly and was very helpful. On arrival at PV we walked to his dive centre and met him and his staff before choosing to go ahead with booking, Ceaser and his staff were both very knowledgable but also very helpful. We decided to book for a 2 tank dive to Los Arcos. My wife and I can both say that from the moment we met with the guys at the dive centre they excelled with their customer service, knowledge and desire to help.
The dive site was a short boat ride off shore and generally ‘an easy dive’ for all levels but entertaining enough for divers with 5 dives or 500 dives.
Ceaser is meticulous with his attention to detail and it was pleasing to see our cards and credentials checked before we were permitted to dive with them (my wife and I are both PADI Rescue with around 390+ dives each), some other divers on the boat were less experienced but they were very well catered for and Max our dive guide was a superb guide, giving us a detailed, informative briefing, he took time to ensure we all descended safely and in our group he frequently carried out ‘safe and well’ checks and probably new better than us us what air we had as he frequently checked on us.
Max is a great dive guide and a credit to the industry!
We did two dives on Los Arcos both excellent dives catering for all levels of certification and experience.
Having dived all over the world my wife and I would both put these guys at the top end of a dive outfit - well done guys keep up the good work
The dive site was a short boat ride off shore and generally ‘an easy dive’ for all levels but entertaining enough for divers with 5 dives or 500 dives.
Ceaser is meticulous with his attention to detail and it was pleasing to see our cards and credentials checked before we were permitted to dive with them (my wife and I are both PADI Rescue with around 390+ dives each), some other divers on the boat were less experienced but they were very well catered for and Max our dive guide was a superb guide, giving us a detailed, informative briefing, he took time to ensure we all descended safely and in our group he frequently carried out ‘safe and well’ checks and probably new better than us us what air we had as he frequently checked on us.
Max is a great dive guide and a credit to the industry!
We did two dives on Los Arcos both excellent dives catering for all levels of certification and experience.
Having dived all over the world my wife and I would both put these guys at the top end of a dive outfit - well done guys keep up the good work
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian C
Mukilteo, WA18 contributions
Mar 2020
Cesar is the best. His concern for the comfort of his divers starts from the first visit to the dive shop. He makes sure your gear and kit fit well and are appropriate for the water temperature. Safety first, of course, but a dive will be so much more enjoyable when one is comfortable.
If you bring your own kit, he will check it before leaving the shop.
If you rent anything, special attention is given to making sure of sanitation and safety.
His pre-dive briefings are thorough and assume nothing. He goes over all signs and contingencies, making sure everyone understands.
Entering the water, he sticks to protocol to make sure we all get down safely.
Once down, he is sharp of eye and points out the turtles, skates, eels, and manta.
The pacing is good.
Camera friendly.
Back on board, there are sandwiches and sodas.
Good times, good humor.
As it turned out, this was the final dive of the season, before travel restrictions forced many visitors to cancel reservations. I was hoping for another but that was not to be. Looking forward to the day when we can return.
If you bring your own kit, he will check it before leaving the shop.
If you rent anything, special attention is given to making sure of sanitation and safety.
His pre-dive briefings are thorough and assume nothing. He goes over all signs and contingencies, making sure everyone understands.
Entering the water, he sticks to protocol to make sure we all get down safely.
Once down, he is sharp of eye and points out the turtles, skates, eels, and manta.
The pacing is good.
Camera friendly.
Back on board, there are sandwiches and sodas.
Good times, good humor.
As it turned out, this was the final dive of the season, before travel restrictions forced many visitors to cancel reservations. I was hoping for another but that was not to be. Looking forward to the day when we can return.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurindasvk
Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Dec 2019
Cesar is very responsive to emails and he is very accommodating to our last minute change of date. My husband got very sick the night before our scheduled dive and he rescheduled our date with no problem. Cesar is very professional and made sure everything was well taken care of, he went over a thorough briefing on safety & equipments, which we often forget. We did a 2 tank dive at Majahuitas Beach in December, visibility wasn't that good on the day. But on our way back, we saw a few dolphins and two baby manta rays jumping off the water near our boat! I hope we can see more underwater next time and we will be back :) Thanks to you and your team.
Ryan & Laurinda
Ryan & Laurinda
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Solo
I had an amazingly great experience. I went into this *so* nervous and *so* apprehensive but they were *wonderful*. Calm, patient and their confidence in my ability to be successful made me confident in myself - and voila! I’m a diver!
I booked two days for the four certification dives and then a third day so I could solidify the skills learned, gain more confidence and have fun. If you have the flexibility in your schedule to add the additional day, I *very* much recommend it. The two certification diving days were good, but they were (of course) about skills. On the third day it came together for me and I was able to relax and really enjoy the dive.
Honestly, there isn’t a single thing that I could say - oh but I wish...
I booked two days for the four certification dives and then a third day so I could solidify the skills learned, gain more confidence and have fun. If you have the flexibility in your schedule to add the additional day, I *very* much recommend it. The two certification diving days were good, but they were (of course) about skills. On the third day it came together for me and I was able to relax and really enjoy the dive.
Honestly, there isn’t a single thing that I could say - oh but I wish...
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon M
7 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Cesar is a true professional! Our entire diving experience with Banderas Scuba Republic was excellent. It was easy to book/coordinate our trip via email as Cesar was quick to respond and provided all of the pertinent information. My fiancée has celiac disease and Cesar even made sure to pack her a gluten-free light lunch to enjoy on the boat after our dives. From our initial briefing detailing the type of underwater life we would likely see to our multiple safety/equipment checks before each of our dives, we were taken care of the entire time. Cesar even sent me a detailed email after our dives with all of the information from his dive computer and a list of all of the different fish/underwater life we saw! We will absolutely be diving with Banderas Scuba Republic again on our next trip to PV, and I highly recommend this dive shop to any and all divers!
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rolf S
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico3 contributions
Nov 2021
After a number of years of not scuba duving, I decided to return to the sport. Since I am a Puerto Vallarta resident, I had the oportunity to choose from varous providers, choosing Banderas Scuba Republic due to recommendations from friends, excellent reviews from other divers and the profesionalism I experienced when meating Ceasar and his staff.
After boarding the dive panga at Los Muertos pier, our group consisting of five divers prepared for our first dive at Colomitos at a wall on the west side of the inlet that ends a the beach. Although visibility was not optimal, I enjoyed the dive just for the opportunity to reaquient myself with the equipment and duving procedures. Our dive master guide always kept a close eye on us to ensure we were OK. The dive lasted 40 minutes with a maximum depth of 70 feet.
Our second dive took us to Los Arcos, specifically to the smaller tunnel rock just north of the main outcrop. Here the visibility was markedly better. Also, our dive profile was shallower which allowed us to see many tropical fish in their full colors. The two highlights of this dive were seeing three eagle rays swimming around us in the twilight while in the tunnel. The second one was seeing the resident white tipped shark that is an apparent lonely resident of the area. I was a real thrill glimpsing a sight of this animal, particularly since this was my first shark sighting in Banderas Bay after more than 20 years of snorkeling and extensive sailing in the area. After 52 minutes we surfaced to be picked up by our able panga captain.
All in all, a highly recommended experience!
After boarding the dive panga at Los Muertos pier, our group consisting of five divers prepared for our first dive at Colomitos at a wall on the west side of the inlet that ends a the beach. Although visibility was not optimal, I enjoyed the dive just for the opportunity to reaquient myself with the equipment and duving procedures. Our dive master guide always kept a close eye on us to ensure we were OK. The dive lasted 40 minutes with a maximum depth of 70 feet.
Our second dive took us to Los Arcos, specifically to the smaller tunnel rock just north of the main outcrop. Here the visibility was markedly better. Also, our dive profile was shallower which allowed us to see many tropical fish in their full colors. The two highlights of this dive were seeing three eagle rays swimming around us in the twilight while in the tunnel. The second one was seeing the resident white tipped shark that is an apparent lonely resident of the area. I was a real thrill glimpsing a sight of this animal, particularly since this was my first shark sighting in Banderas Bay after more than 20 years of snorkeling and extensive sailing in the area. After 52 minutes we surfaced to be picked up by our able panga captain.
All in all, a highly recommended experience!
Written 16 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlos V
Alameda, CA9 contributions
Apr 2021
Banderas Scuba Republic is truly the premier business to use when Scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta. César and his team were extremely friendly, accommodating, and offered top notch service to myself and my partner. We ended up doing a total of 6 dives with Banderas Scuba Republic in various different sites across the bay. In each outing, we were placed in small boats with other divers who were at our level. Additionally, they were able to ensure that my mom (she is a bit older) could join us and they also facilitated a drop off at a very exclusive and hidden restaurant. Saying I highly recommend Banderas Scuba Republic is an understatement. I will certainly give them my business again in the future. Gracias Banderas Scuba Republic!
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does your group dive the Marietas islands?
Written 10 October 2020
We are PADI 5 star dive shops ranked as number one Dive Shops in Puerto Vallarta by most important social and travel internet sites.
We have the most extensive offer in dive places at Bay.
We manage always small group size and we are under a big demand.
All PADI courses till Dive Master level can be buy with us.
Safety and customer experience is our priority, no one put more focus than us on this.
Come and dive with us, it will be your best vertical experience going down ever.
WhatsApp us to +523221357884
Written 11 October 2020
I am coming end of January first week of February. Looking for some dives to something different. I will bring all my own equipment. Need tanks and weight. Have master scuba diver raring with PADI. What kind of diving do you offer?
Written 4 October 2018
The diving in Belize offers several different dives along the reef and through canyons with most dives between 50 and 100 feet. The night dives includes opportunities to interact with squid, octopus and bio luminescent organisms. The reef dives give you a chance to get close to nurse sharks, reef sharks, manta rays, and barracuda. Water clarity is amazing and most dives are close to San Pedro Caye.
Written 4 October 2018
I'm an advanced open water diver, looking for two afternoon dives on July 10th. I'd like to dive with experienced divers (I have ~400 dives completed). Do you have an opening that meets my description?
Written 30 May 2018
Hi David, here is Cesar in charge of Banderas Scuba Republic, thank you very much for contacting us, due we haneed sometimes send files attached to our answer and there are not chance to enclosing them here, we´ll be very happy to answering you through a PM, you can find email address in our Tripadvisor webpage or as well in our website, unfortunatly we cannot post it in this answer due Trip Advisor rules. Looking forward receiving your email diver, sincerely yours;
Written 30 May 2018
Hello Ceasar, I'm planning a scuba diving trip . Want to know what are your rates or 4 dives? and what is the water temperature . In Canada I dive in a drysuit. so 3mm or 7mm?
Written 22 February 2017
Hi Mike, I´m supplying price and quotation only through our regular email, please, be so kind to sending us an email. Today water temperature at 72 feet deep was 64°F and at 50 feet was 66°F, so a 7 mm wetsuit is very recommendable. Looking forward diving with you. Sincerely yours; CESAR ORTEGA.
Written 22 February 2017
How much is it per diver? It's not listed on his site anywhere.
Written 15 September 2016
Hi, it is depending on dive site, you can obtain all info bout price and dive location sending us an email
Written 20 September 2016
Not sure it went through so asking again. How easy is it to get from the cruise port to the dive shop and back? Has anyone done this? Any issues/reccs?
Thanks!
Written 17 December 2014
Don't know that answer but Caesar is awesome! If you can work out the transportation, go diving with them. Anne
Written 19 December 2014
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