Getting to and from Mexico's extensive Pacific Coast usually involves flying in and out of Mexico City's huge Internacional Benito Juarez (MEX) or a United States city such as California's Los Angeles International (LAX). There are also flights from Central American and South American cities.
Most of the touristy coastal towns and cities of Mexico have their own international high traffic airports. The major Pacific coast cities that offer reasonably priced and direct flights include Acapulco's General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport (ACA), Puerto Vallarta's Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) or Mazatlan's General Rafael Buelna International Airport (MZT). For those who are willing and able to drive to their final destination, fly into Guadalajara's Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), then rent a car and explore Mexico's amazing Pacific coast.
When looking for a great dive shop in the Puerto Vallarta area, you will not have a problem finding an abundance of options. Some of the best dive shops in the area include the two locations of Vallarta UnderSea, one at Marina Vallarta and the other shop north along the bay past Nuevo Vallarta. Another popular dive shop in the Banderas Bay area is Vallarta Adventures. There are many boats for hire around Puerto Vallarta, and many beaches and coves to explore. If you get an afternoon or even a few nights while you are in the area make sure you make it up a bit north to the loose and funky surf town of Sayulita.
The busy port city of Manzanillo is famous for its fishing tournament especially for sailfish. There is some great scuba diving in the area and scuba shops to hire, to bring you to the sweet spots. There are also shore dive sites near some of the resorts in the coves and protected beaches of Manzanillo Bay. Check out the dive shop Underworld Scuba Shack in town and also the dive shop Aquatic Sports & Adventures.
The southern coastal state of Oaxaca has a sweet little town on the ocean called La Crucecita. There is diving in the area offshore. Make arrangements with the scuba instructor named Hector that runs the small dive shop called Centro de Buceo Sotavento. This is a less explored Pacific Coast of Mexico and not a touristy place... authentico!
Read "Part 1: Overview of Scuba Diving in Pacific Ocean Coast, (Mexico)
Read "Part 2: Dive Sites, Marine Life & Environment in Pacific Ocean Coast, (Mexico)