Overview Puerto Vallarta was once a simple fishing town, but over the years (starting in the 1960s) has become a popular resort city. Often simply called Vallarta or just P.V., Puerto Vallarta is located in western Mexico, along the Bay of Banderas (which flows into the Pacific Ocean). The beautiful Sierra Madre mountains can be seen right in its background.
The peak tourism period in Puerto Vallarta is usually from November through March (at the end of the spring break season). Vacationing in Puerto Vallarta is particularly popular among residents of the West Coast of the United States, as there are many direct flights readily available between these areas. This city is also a popular retirement spot for many Americans and Canadians.
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate, which is fairly consistent year round. The average daily high temperature is 86 °F. The rainy season is typically from mid-June through mid-October. It can be quite humid in Puerto Vallarta, especially during the summer months.
Destinations Puerto Vallarta is included on a many Mexican Riviera cruise itineraries.
Cruise Lines Departing Here
Puerto Vallarta is not a cruise departure port.
Currency The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN). US Dollars are accepted at many places as well. Using a credit card whenever possible is a great way to avoid having to exchange currency.
Language The official language of Mexico is Spanish. However, a most locals will speak English in the main tourist areas.
Tourist Attractions Although there is a flea market right in the cruise port, many cruisers opt to go to the old section of Puerto Vallarta to do their shopping. This is because there's a ton of shops there, with a seemingly endless range of items for sale. Popular items for sale there include silver jewelry, onyx items and hand-made Mexican blankets.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta is filled with many stores and restaurants.
Among the popular landmarks in Puerto Vallarta are the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe (located in downtown Puerto Vallarta), the Malecon (a paved main walkway located along the ocean - famous for the various sculptures set along it), Plaza de Armas (the main square in downtown Puerto Vallarta), City Hall, the Mercado Isle Cuale and the Mercado Municipal Cuale.
There are many beautiful beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Because of this, water sports (such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing and fishing) are a readily available activity to take part in. Popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta are Playa Camarones (Shrimp Beach - the northernmost public beach in Puerto Vallarta), Playa Olas Altas (High Waves Beach - the waves aren't really too high, but it's popular for swimming and there are outdoor restaurants there), Playa Los Muertos (Beach of the Dead - the largest public beach in Puerto Vallarta) and Playa Boca de Tomates (Mouth of the Tomatoes Beach - not very popular with tourists, because there's a lot of rocks and there are even sometimes crocodiles around there).
During the winter it's possible to spot many humpback whales in the Bay of Banderas. Dolphins are seen swimming in this area all year.
Being a resort city, there are (not surprisingly) a ton of bars in Puerto Vallarta. Among them the more popular ones for tourists are Señor Frog's and Carlos'n Charlie's.
Popular excursions in Puerto Vallarta include tequila factory tours, horseback riding, golf, swimming with the dolphins, and various eco-tours of either the ocean or jungle. Like some of the other resort cities along the Mexican Riviera, cliff divers can be seen performing in Puerto Vallarta as well.
Port Location The cruise ship dock is located right by downtown Puerto Vallarta. There will be many taxis waiting right by the cruise terminal, to take you wherever you want to go.
Since the dock in Puerto Vallarta can only fit one cruise ship at a time, if there's another ship already docked when your ship arrives you'll have to tender to and from the port. This means that your ship will anchor offshore and use tender boats to transport passengers to and from Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta Skyline
Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Los Muertos Beach
El Caballito (a popular statue located on the Malecon)
