Puerto Vallarta

Not sure how helpful this will be - I sailed from Panama to Californa years ago and sustained us with fish & lobsters taken spearfishing the Pacific coast including Puerto Vallarta. I Never had an issue and most likely you could pick any off the beaten path (away from public beaches) and no one will bother you. BUT, and ths s the BiG but - but you never really know wat an underpaid, uneducated, local policeman might say or do - they will not have a clue about the regulations.

So - be sure to have your "license" and if - extremely remote chance, if a police asks give him your license with a 100 peso note (about $8.00). Chances of ths occurring is extremely remote.

The REAL issue is security for your belongings left on the rocks while diving. Hide your clothes, don't leave many valuables or carry in waterproof container with you - or leave with someone while you dive. Little poor kids are every where looking for whatever they can find or steal. Just the facts of life.

Now - truth is you may not encounter ANY issues but wanted to make you aware of two possibilities.

Now for the fun part - diving along the coast will be fun and interesting. No coral reefs, rocky reefs mostly, lots of small fish, not great viz for the most part, warm water, and you may find small groupers or snappers to give your hotel to cook for you.

Have fun and watch out for the senoritas of the night.

Como esta su Español? Buena suerte!

There was a mexican spearfishing forum a couple years ago but the guys there let it die.

Try contact Sadot in this forum. He's from Acapulco but for sure knows people in Vallarta.

Quote from snake eater

Thanks guys, good advice and I'll see if I can find more on here through the above mentioned. When I was there in Jan I had decided not to take my gear because I couldn't find out much, but while on the beach one day, drinking margaritas, a local came by with a pole spear made from rebar and some medical tubing, I figured I might as well give it a try! I hadn't considered my gear on the beach so I guess I'll add a waterproof drag bag to attach to my buoy.
Thanks,
Mi español no es bueno, pero el dólar es!

En ese caso - tenga cuidado y Espero que los dólars te ayudan con las señoritas :thumbsup2::cool2:

I have been down there a few years ago. I can hook you up with locals there.

One of them runs charter boats for fishing and diving, the other one was a diver guide. We were there for a few days and had a safe rewarding experience. My dive buddy here in CA has been down there with these guys many times.

PM me and I will provide their contact information.

We were eating our meals at one of divers parents house in Chimo. Only time I spend in PV was getting on and off the plane and then directly to the boat to leave.