Gather your equipment. If you don't already have snorkeling equipment, you will need a mask that fits properly. Masks are available for rental at dive shop. Tour guides who specialize in snorkeling also will usually provide equipment if needed. Choose a mask with a glass lens, preferably tempered glass. Avoid plastic lenses as they tend to scratch and obscure vision. Check the fit by holding the mask up to your face, covering your eyes and nose and inhaling. Remove your hand from the mask while you inhale. If the mask clings tightly to your face with no hand holding it on, you have a good fit. If it falls off before you exhale, try another mask. Prescription masks are available if you wear glasses and can be a good idea even if you wear contact lenses, which will become lost if your mask comes off underwater.
Choose a snorkel which fits comfortably in your mouth. Your teeth should close easily on the bitepiece without your having to clamp down hard on it, and your lips should wrap around the flange, the large piece of rubber surrounding the bitepiece, comfortably and without having to stretch. Choose swim fins which fit your feet well. Your fins should be tight enough to stay on without any worries, perhaps because they are held on with a strap, and loose enough not to cause blisters.
Choose your snorkeling site. Puerto Vallarta is near several top snorkeling sites. Los Arcos is a protected marine reserve consisting of underwater arches and rocks, and is home to parrotfish, manta rays and puffer fish, among many others. Las Marietas, another snorkeling destination, is a cluster of islands north of Puerto Vallarta. Also a protected marine reserve, Las Marietas boasts sea turtles, manta rays and other tropical fish. Las Caletas is a snorkeling destination about an hour away from Puerto Vallarta by boat where snorkelers can swim with sea lions.
If you want to just walk off the beach and start snorkeling, Destiladeras and Los Venaderos beaches both offer good snorkeling conditions.
Research your tour options. Your hotel concierge will have suggestions, or you can choose from established snorkeling tour operators such as Puerto Vallarta Tours by Johann and Sandra, Chico's Dive Shop or Charter Dreams. Ask how long your snorkeling tour will be and how much time you will actually spend in the water. Snorkeling tours in Puerto Vallarta can range from a couple of hours to all day.
Find out what your tour includes. Will the divers teach you how to use your equipment if you need a lesson? Do they provide equipment if you need it? Do they have prescription masks available if you wear glasses? Do they provide snacks, lunch and purified water? Do they have information to help you identify the fish you will see? Finally, compare costs of your tour options to help you make your final decision.
Snorkel safely when in the water. Be cautious around rocks since tides and waves easily can push you closer than you want to be or even smash you up against a rock. Stay near the boat, swim with a buddy and don't overtax your energy. Wear a floatation device if you're not a good swimmer. You probably won't need a wetsuit because the water in Puerto Vallarta is so warm, but consider one if you feel cold. Don't touch any marine life.
