Banderas Bay measures nearly 20 miles across with over 40 miles of coastline and is considered one of the deepest bays in the world with depths of up to two miles. The waters of Bahia de Banderas are protected from the inclement weather of the open seas because it faces west and is framed by the Sierra Madre mountain range.

With its deep, calm waters, Banderas Bay offers some of the best sport fishing in the world. Humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles and giant manta rays are also inhabitants. At one time, great pearl banks were found, which caused much greed among the early Spaniards who first settled on Banderas Bay.

The highlights for divers and snorkeling are Los Arcos, a grand tangle of environmentally protected rocks just south of Playa Gemelas, and the Islas Marietas, a maze of reefs, tunnels and underwater caves at the mouth of the bay that’s regularly attended by marine wildlife. Fortunately for those who get Steven Spielberg flashbacks and still aren’t sure if it’s safe to go back in the water, this doesn’t include sharks, which are kept out of the bay by resident dolphins intent on protecting their young.