Blessed with nearly perfect weather year round (i.e., tropical, gorgeous, sunny—you get the idea) and no shortage of attractions both natural and manmade, Puerto Vallarta has garnered enough attention from key publications, organizations and top cruise lines to be on bucket lists everywhere. Not sure what the ruckus is all about? Let us enlighten you with a list of seven cool things to do in Puerto Vallarta. The destination being what it is, though, we’re sure you’ll find seven new things to do in Puerto Vallarta each and every time you visit.
Participate in a Turtle Release Program
Much like watching whales (see below), participating in a baby sea turtle release program can be a life-changing experience. Local outfitters and hotels work closely with local turtle camps and environmentalists to give kids the opportunity to name a tiny turtle as it’s released with its brethren into the Pacific Ocean. It’s a fantastic family outing! Turtle season occurs yearly between July and December.
Fly Through The Trees
Because there’s no zip lining like extreme zip lining, in Puerto Vallarta you can enjoy an adventure that takes you on a whole day excursion through the jungle. Start by flying on Mexico’s longest and fastest zip line (nearly 4,000 feet in length reaching speeds of up to 60 mph) through the stunning treetop canopy, followed by rapelling off a treetop platform, off roading through the jungle on Polaris UTVs and going down a thrilling hillside waterslide.
Watch Some Whales
Whale season extends from mid-December to mid-March, and boy is it worth going out on Bandera’s Bay to see these amazing creatures just about as close up as you can possible get. The Bay is also home to an endless number of sea creatures, so spending a few hours out there practically guarantees sightings of all kinds of fascinating creatures, including several species of wild dolphins
Enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón
Puerto Vallarta is very proud of its malecón, or seaside boardwalk—and for good reason. It received a massive infusion of cash which transformed it into an ample pedestrian paradise dotted with original art sculptures, most of which, as kids quickly discovered, are perfect for climbing or sitting on. There are plenty of galleries, restaurants and shops steps away, as well as clubs and bars where locals and visitors alike come to dance and have fun until the wee hours.
Shop/Walk/Eat
Flying in with extra space in your suitcase is highly recommended: this is, indeed, a shopper’s paradise. Stores, boutiques, galleries and shopping plazas (there’s a brand new La Isla Shopping Village opening December 2016 in town—think high end local and international stores and restaurants, plus a state-of-the-art cinema) await, but we also highly recommend checking out the Municipal Market in the Cuale River area, where you can browse the myriad open-air stalls for all kinds of merchandise. Don’t miss the Farmer’s Market at Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas on Saturdays for great handicrafts and awesome homemade food by the beach. Hot tip: the local Huichol tribe creates brilliant artwork using colored yarn or glass beads set in beeswax—the best pieces command top dollar but they are worth every penny.
Snorkel Vallarta
Los Arcos are three rocky arches jutting out from the sea are the emblem of Puerto Vallarta and a protected marine park to boot. There are even underwater tunnels beneath the rocks (best left to the pros). Experienced snorkelers will see brightly colored fish, sea turtles, dolphins, giant manta rays, moray eels, starfish, sea horses and much more. Other great places to slip on a mask include Las Caletas and its clear, calm waters, where you can snorkel with sea lions; and Playa Los Colomitos, one of Vallarta’s most secluded beaches.
Make Your Own Movie Magic
You may or may not have heard of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (ha), but this is where they had their scandalous affair in the 60s while he was filming “The Night of the Iguana.” Casa Kimberley, their old love nest in town is today a very hip hotel open to the (hip) public. The set where the film was made is in ruins, but Playa Mismaloya is still one of the loveliest spots in town. Set on a beautiful little cove with a view of Los Arcos, it’s also a great place to snorkel and dive.
