Puerto Vallarta Information
About Puerto Vallarta
Nestled along the panoramic shores of Banderas Bay at the foothills of the verdant Sierra Madre Mountains, the vacation destination of Puerto Vallarta is the ideal setting for a romantic tropical getaway. This bustling tourist mecca was once a sleepy little fishing village and port town for the state of Jalisco. This Pacific coast paradise allows visitors to explore both the lush jungle landscape in the nearby mountains as well as the amazing cerulean waters of Banderas Bay. This busy Mexican port is a standard stop for the big cruise lines as well as the United States Navy and Mexican Navy. This vacation oasis attracts couples, college students on spring break, and wealthy jet-setters as well. Vacationers can enjoy a wide range of fun-filled activities in Puerto Vallarta, from ecological adventures, to party cruises, to romantic escapes, and so much more. Puerto Vallarta has become so popular that it has expanded north into the neighboring State of Nayarit, where Nuevo Vallarta has become a thriving area unto itself.
Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal
The Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal, where the enormous cruise ships dock, is located about 3 miles north of Puerto Vallarta's downtown. There are also facilities for berthing private vessels, such as yachts and sailboats. Most of the Bahia de Banderas tour vendors, including fishing charter boats, scuba diving and snorkeling operators, and whale watching outfits, head out from Marina Vallarta. Cruise ship passengers can merely saunter down the dock from their vessel to depart on a fabulous Snorkeling excursion.
Los Arcos
If you are planning on traveling to the vacation destination of Puerto Vallarta, you do not want to miss snorkeling at the dive site with the widest biodiversity of underwater species in Banderas Bay: Los Arcos. This protected marine sanctuary is known for its dramatic granite islands that rise high from the surface of Bahia de Banderas. Los Arcos, or "The Arches" in English, is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the region. Its signature arches create tunnels both above and below the surface of the water. Underwater cavers are also carved into the granite below the surface. This marine preserve's unusual geology and geography make it a truly unique snorkeling and diving destination not only in Banderas Bay but in the whole world. Bird watching enthusiasts also venture to these rocky isles to witness a rare population of sea birds who make their nests here.
Mariettas Island
Located at the northern side of Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay), the Marietas Islands are the centerpiece of a wildlife sanctuary and aquatic preserve, where the rocky islands and the surrounding waters are protected by the Mexican federal government. The Marietas Islands’ surrounding waters, with thriving coral gardens, is home to a stunning amount of aquatic species, including a dazzling spectrum of tropical fish, as well as marine turtles, and massive manta rays.
Las Caletas
Las Caletas, a pristine beach in a remote cove on the Bahia de Banderas, was once the estate of the celebrated Hollywood movie director, John Huston. Huston arrived in Puerto Vallarta in the nineteen sixties to film his widely-acclaimed 1964 movie adaption of Tennessee Williams’ play, The Night of the Iguana. This film, shot on location in the relatively quiet port town of Puerto Vallarta, brought plenty of world-wide attention to the area. Huston played a crucial role in publicizing Puerto Vallarta as a worthwhile tourist destination. The publicity from the film, as well as the purchase of a vacation home by the movie’s star, Richard Burton, and his wife Elizabeth Taylor drew both tourists and developers to the once sleepy port town. To this day, Huston is still celebrated for his part in helping to make Puerto Vallarta an international vacation hotspot.
Majahuitas and Yelapa
Enjoy an exciting journey south over the cerulean waters of Banderas Bay (Bahia de Banderas) for an exhilarating adventure at two gorgeous coves. Because of their close proximity, tours to this area of the Bay usually visit both the secluded cove of Majahuitas and the coastal hamlet of Yelapa. The beach at Majahuitas, only accessible by boat, is known for its pristine beach and excellent snorkeling, while Yelapa offers visitors the chance to step back in time and visit a quiet fishing village where you can wander into the jungle to see remarkable inland waterfalls.