Puerto Vallarta: Where Stunning Coastline Meets Vibrant Culture

The Area Natural Protegida Estero El Salado is an urban estuary that is home to a wide variety of fish, reptiles, and other animals. More than 100 different species of birds are known to reside here, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers of all skill levels. The water is an important egg-laying site for many different kinds of fish, and other interesting inhabitants of the water include the river crocodile, the green iguana, and the garrabo. Opossums and raccoons are frequently spotted in the mangrove. Guided boat tours are available at specific times Tuesdays through Saturdays, and reservations must be made in advance.

Av Francisco Medina Asencio S/N, Villa Las Flores, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Phone: +52-322-201-7361

Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Bahia de Banderas is known as the largest bay in the country. There are plenty of things for visitors to do here, but the most popular activity is simply sailing around the bay on one of the many charter boats. One of these boats, known as the Marigalante, is a replica of Christopher Columbus's ship the Santa Maria, and it features an on-board museum that displays various artifacts from the time of the conquistadors. Excellent snorkeling can be found here as well, particularly in the tunnels and coral reefs around the granite Arches Islands.

More than just a park, Islas Marietas National Park is a dedicated part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve and a RAMSAR site. Fishing and hunting are not permitted on the islands, so the area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including whales, seabirds, manta rays, dolphins, and thousands of species of tropical fish. Only select tour companies are permitted to bring guests to the islands, but visitors looking for some fun in the sun can head to the sandy white La Nopalera beach, where they can hop in the water to kayak, surf, snorkel, or stand-up paddleboard.

Located to the south of Puerto Vallarta, Las Caletas is a 3/4-mile-long beach that can be reached only by boat. The land is leased by the tour company Vallarta Adventures, and visitors are only granted access to the beach as part of one of the company's tours. Las Caletas is famous for having been inhabited by Hollywood director John Huston, but today nobody lives here, and visitors can peacefully enjoy the nature trails, spa, and dining areas. Two different tour options are available; one is a full-day excursion while the other includes a sunset cruise, dinner on the beach, and a theatrical performance.

Situated in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone, Los Muertos Beach is the most popular and best-known beach in the area. The beach is a great destination for people of all ages; adults can relax under an umbrella with a cold drink, while children can spend the day splashing around in the waves and building sandcastles. More adventurous visitors can even go parasailing, and the beach also has a wonderful 200-foot pier that makes for a lovely stroll. The beach is known for its beautiful sunsets, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars that are open all day and late into the night.

Formerly known as the Paseo de la Revolución, the Malecon is a seaside promenade that stretches for approximately 11 blocks through the downtown core of Puerto Vallarta. More than 80% of the Malecón is completely reserved for pedestrians, so visitors can stroll along and take in the sights without having to worry about the traffic. The view of the ocean is enough to make the Malecón worth a visit, but there are plenty of appealing shops, restaurants, local vendors, and bars as well. The space is decorated with local artwork, including sand sculptures, regular sculptures, and intricate Huichol motifs on the ground.

Made from more than 30 species of tropical wood, the Marigalante is an authentic Spanish galleon is built in the exact image of Christopher Columbus's ship the Santa Maria. The ship consists of four decks, can hold up to 240 passengers, and boasts an air-conditioned dining room as well as a fully stocked bar. Several tours are available, including an all-day option with family-friendly activities such as snorkeling and an evening sunset cruise with fireworks and music for dancing. All cruises include meals, an open bar, and an exciting pirate show that is performed in both English and Spanish.

Paseo Díaz Ordaz Local 4, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Phone: +52-80-02-69-44-45

Located on the Isla Río Cuale, Museo del Cuale offers an excellent collection of pre-Hispanic ceramics that date back to between 5000 and 2000 A.C. The collections give a good archaeological introduction to the indigenous peoples who lived in western Mexico during this time, and other items of interest include hunting and gathering tools, various pieces of artwork, and a tomb that was excavated out of Sayula Zacoalco in Jalisco. The information panels on the exhibits are in both English and Spanish, and admission is free of charge.

Isla de los Niños, Local 1-A, Col. Centro, CP 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Phone: 33-36-14-54-16

Founded by oceanologist Oscar Frey, Ocean Friendly Whale Watching Tours offers environmentally responsible whale watching tours that take into consideration the well-being of the whales as well as the safety of the guests. All of the tours are led by a marine scientist fluent in both English and Spanish, who is assisted by bilingual naturalists. The boat is manned by knowledgeable crew members who have received special safety training. Most tours are either 4.5 or 5.5 hours in length, but customized charter tours can also be arranged. The whale-watching season takes place from December 1st to March 23rd.

Muelle Los Peines, 48328 Puerto Vallarta, Phone: +52-32-22-25-37-74