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The bus system in Puerto Vallarta is very efficient, running about every five minutes to destinations across the city. A bus ride will set you back 7.50 pesos, and their system doesn’t allow transfers. Taxis outside the cruise port gate tend to be more affordable than the drivers who roam inside the port. Water taxis are popular to get from the pier at Playa de Los Muertos to the beaches. Cruise to Puerto Vallarta and find yourself immersed in dynamic culture and history.
Naval History Museum
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta largely depends on your personal preferences and priorities, as each season offers unique advantages. However, the most popular time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is typically sunny, dry, and pleasantly warm. During this period, visitors can expect daytime temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), making it perfect for beach activities and exploring the city.
Night Panama Canal Westward CruiseDetails
This family-friendly excursion is both educational and entertaining, providing lasting memories for all ages. If you’re planning a cruise to Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination. The best part of Puerto Vallarta is the Zona Romántica, or Romantic Zone.
The Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port
Head upstairs and check out the restaurants to sample typical Mexican cuisine. The vibrantly colored statue, Vallarta Dancers (Escultura charro Bailarines de Vallarta) will be our last stop of this side of the Malecón before we head inland on our walking tour. The main shopping in Puerto Vallarta can be found in shops, boutiques, and souvenir shacks on Morelos Street. The Mercado Rio Cuale is a haggler’s paradise, where handmade goods, jewelry, and Costa Rican clothing are all on sale. Vallarta is also home to a burgeoning arts scene where you can find work from Mexican painters and sculptors for sale.

Rain showers are usually short-lived and occur in the late afternoon or evening, leaving the majority of the day sunny and warm. During this time, the city is less crowded, and visitors can benefit from lower prices on accommodations and activities. The lush, tropical vegetation is also at its most vibrant, and the warmer ocean temperatures are ideal for swimming and water sports.
Sail along the Bay of Banderas

Your ship will dock three miles from downtown at the Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal, where you can easily exchange your currency, schedule a tour at a kiosk, or use one of the ATMs to grab some extra pesos. What we know about Puerto Vallarta mostly dates back to the 19th century, but there’s evidence of local people interacting with and fighting with Spanish conquistadors as early as the 14th century. In the 19th century, this area was called El Carrizal, then named Las Penas, and the town outgrew its reputation as a fishing village quickly, becoming an integral trading and port city in record time. Head on a walking tour of the lush Sierra Madre Mountains just outside of Puerto Vallarta, where you can check out the 1.2 mile trail solo or with a group via tour.
Any water activity you can think of can be found at the bay from banana boat rides to kayaking, snorkeling, and even surfing! So pack your sunscreen and beach gear and head over to the Bay for some sun and fun. Whether you want to explore the Hidden Beach in a kayak or on a paddleboard, or check out the amazing marine life with a snorkel and mask, there’s guaranteed to be a tour for you. The enchanting Marietas Islands are an hour by boat from Puerto Vallarta, but so worth the travel time.
Head south down the coast from Puerto Vallerta to experience the mesmerizing beauty of Playa Mismaloya. Its roots as a fishing village are still in evidence, and the laid-back vibe will have you feeling like you should be on a relaxed vacation to Puerto Vallarta. If you’d prefer to go solo with a self-guided stroll, you certainly can.
Puerto Vallarta Welcomes Over 16,000 Cruise Tourists in Spectacular Consecutive Arrivals - Puerto Vallarta Daily News
Puerto Vallarta Welcomes Over 16,000 Cruise Tourists in Spectacular Consecutive Arrivals.
Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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In addition to the weather, consider local events and festivals when planning your visit. The Festival Gourmet International, held in November, showcases the city’s culinary talents, while the Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival in December attracts cinephiles from around the world. In February, the Festival Sayulita combines surfing, music, and cinema for a unique cultural experience. For a magical evening excursion, consider Rhythms of the Night, a mesmerizing dinner and show experience set in the secluded cove of Las Caletas. Cruise across Banderas Bay as the sun sets, and be transported to a world of enchantment as you enjoy a candlelit dinner on the beach. Following dinner, be captivated by the spectacular performance, which showcases Mexico’s rich history and mythology through music, dance, and acrobatics.
In 2015, the port was ranked one of Carnival Cruise Line's "Top 5 ports in the world". In 2020 summer, Puerto Vallarta inaugurates the new cruise terminal Puerto Magico (read more in the terminal section below). Puerto Vallarta boasts some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, each offering a unique ambiance and an array of activities. Playa de Oro, conveniently located near the Hotel Zone, is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, while Playa Mismaloya, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains, offers a more tranquil setting. For crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations, head to Playa las Gemelas, a pair of idyllic coves ideal for snorkeling and exploring marine life. You can also catch the local bus from the Puerto Vallarta cruise port to the old town.
Be sure to take a peek at the back side of the sign, as it’s even more colorful than the front. It’s one of the upscale options offered in Puerto Vallarta, taking pride in good service and even better food. Their bread and butter are their fresh, seasonal seafood dishes—like the seared salmon or seafood risotto—but they offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, too.
Puerto Vallarta is a common port on Mexican Riviera cruise itineraries, and there’s plenty to discover and experience in this bustling resort town. For those who just can't get enough of U.S.-style shopping, there are both a Walmart and a Sam's Club directly across the main boulevard from the ship docking areas, about a 10-minute walk away. (Try Wal-Mart for Mexican snacks and drinks -- seriously.) Tequilas and Kahlua are definitely better priced there than in the duty-free liquor stores in town or near the ships. Smaller and more subdued than Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta has retained a good deal of its small village charm along with 26 miles of spectacular beaches along the Banderas Bay. Stroll the cobblestone streets to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
If you’re an experienced cyclist just looking for some good cycling spots, Puerto Vallarta won’t let you down. Head over to bikemap.net for recommendations on cycling routes to and from Puerto Vallarta. The adventure starts in a speed boat across the bay, before climbing aboard the famous yellow Unimog trucks that take you through the heart of the Sierra Madre. A steady trek on a sturdy mule will take you under the canopy of a sub-tropical paradise to the exhilarating starting point of this unforgettable zipline adventure.
The Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), and the journey takes about minutes by taxi or car. Experience an unforgettable encounter with dolphins on this incredible shore excursion. At a marine facility, you’ll have the chance to interact with these intelligent and playful creatures under the guidance of expert trainers. Learn about dolphin behavior, anatomy, and conservation efforts while participating in fun activities, such as swimming alongside them and enjoying a thrilling dorsal fin tow.
Depending on which dock your ship uses, the Plaza Iguana Marina Resort, Flamingo Vallarta, or Vista Club Playa de Oro are all within reasonable walking distance. It takes about minutes on foot to reach the downtown area, which includes popular attractions such as the Malecon, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and numerous shops and restaurants. It is not an artificial tourist trap, but more a city that became an amazing beach destination by luck when it was discovered by Hollywood in the ’60’s. Vallarta has lovely resorts, a great old town and lots of great attractions to visit in the near area. Beautiful beaches, on-land adventures and delicious food — this is what’s on the menu when you cruise to the Mexican Riviera.
The streets a few blocks off of the main throughway, though, are steep and cobblestoned; wear comfortable shoes. All of them are located at the Northern part of town approximately 5,5 km or 3,5 mile from the old city center of Puerto Vallarta. Cruise dock 1 (see map above) is the main cruise dock where you will find the cruise terminal and lots of other facilities. There is a tourist information point, ATM, wi-fi hotspot, taxi stand and souvenir market right at the dock. When more ships are in town cruise dock 2, 3 and 4 might also be taken in use. Keep in mind there are less facilities at these docks, although it is a small walk over to cruise dock 1.
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