Dive Review of PV Ocean Tours/Emperador in
Mexico (Western)/Puerto Vallarta

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PV Ocean Tours/Emperador: "Unexpected gem - pacific side diving with nudibranchs!", Oct, 2023, by Elissa A Mayo, CA, US ( Sr. Reviewer 8 reports with 1 Helpful vote). Report 13266.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity	N/A
Dive Operation		Shore Diving	N/A
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	I had a work trip in Mexico City that gave me the opportunity to take a quick trip over to Puerto Vallarta. This destination was not on my radar, but since it was an easy direct flight from Mexico City, I took a chance to get wet. Everything about this trip was easy and laid back. Starting at the airport, Uber is available and easy to use. I checked into the Emperador hotel and was pleased to see it is in an ideal beach front location. I had an ocean view upper floor room from which I could see the Malecon, boardwalk and beach. This was the least expensive beach front hotel I could find. I would definitely stay here again. On the last night of my trip we had a huge rain and thunderstorm which was amazing to see. We lost power a few times, but generators came on quickly. The restaurants are plentiful and expensive but good. I had the best authentic meals from street vendors selling cochinita pibil and tamales and I found local restaurants off the main road with amazing food. There are lots of local shops where you can by pantry staples, fruits, vegetables and liquor. I purchased several beautiful embroidered blankets and other souvenirs to take home. I felt completely safe walking around during the day or night and had many nice opportunities to practice my Spanish when eating at local restaurants. I never visited the dive shop, which was located somewhere inland. I was told to meet at Mismaloya beach and this is where the boat launches from. It was only a 10 minute drive from the hotel. I chose this dive shop since it was close to "Los Arcos," or "The Arches" dive site. I rented most of my dive gear and found it to be in excellent condition. Pre-trip Communication with Alun at the shop was frequent and appreciated. The Mismaloya area is pretty sleepy and didn't have many options for lunch/dinner or souvenir shopping. I chose the hotel because it was close to the action on the boardwalk. I think this was the perfect combination for me. I took Uber each morning and it worked very well. There were plenty of vehicles available to make sure I arrived at the boat on Mismaloya beach. I even took an Uber to Tomatlan which is a little drive from Mismaloya. The dive boat was basic, but had everything needed for a safe dive trip. The captain and Mark, the guide were very accomodating in helping me with my camera and hunting for nudibranchs. Diving on the Pacific side is very different than the Caribbean and I enjoyed seeing the different fish, seahorses and especially the nudibranchs. The rocky swim throughs were interesting. The visibility was pretty poor, so I gave up on taking wide angle photographs and opted for macro and a few video shots. Upon my return home I discovered that my GoPro camera and some jewelry that I purchased was missing from my carry on bag. I had to take out my cameras during the screening process and don't know if it was stolen or just misplaced. I called the airport lost and found and my Uber driver and they responded right away. Unfortunately, they did not find it. Just a word of caution to be mindful of all of your belongings during the fast paced baggage checks. I am happy to say this little blip did not dampen my desire to return for another trip.
Websites	PV Ocean Tours Emperador
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	Over 1000 dives
Where else diving	Tanzania, Maldives, PNG, Raja Ampat, Lembeh Strait, Forgotten Islands, Tulamben, Banda Sea, Menjangan, Bunaken, Palau, Mahahual, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum cenotes, Puerto Vallarta, California, Florida, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Grand Cayman, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Panama, Utila
Closest Airport	Puerto Vallarta Airport PVR	Getting There	Direct flight from LAX or connect through Mexico City from other locations
Dive Conditions
Weather	sunny, dry	Seas	calm, surge, no currents
Water Temp	82-84°F / 28-29°C	Wetsuit Thickness	3
Water Visibility	50-70 Ft/ 15-21 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	Stay with dive guide. Dive own profile. 1 hour maximum.
Liveaboard?	no	Nitrox Available?	N/A
What I Saw
Sharks	None	Mantas	None
Dolphins	None	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	None	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals	N/A	Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish	N/A
Large Pelagics	N/A
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter	N/A	Boat Facilities	N/A
Overall rating for UWP's	N/A	Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	No special facilities for underwater photographers on the boat, but the boat crew was helpful in handing me my camera on dives.

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Dive Review of PV Ocean Tours/Emperador in Mexico (Western)/Puerto Vallarta

PV Ocean Tours/Emperador: "Unexpected gem - pacific side diving with nudibranchs!", Oct, 2023,

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Dive Review of PV Ocean Tours/Emperador in
Mexico (Western)/Puerto Vallarta