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Puerto Vallarta lies along Banderas Bay, the second largest bay in the Western Hemisphere. It is located 352 kilometers (219 miles) from Guadalajara, the state capital of Jalisco, and it is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range. The region has many forests, rivers and waterfalls, with an average temperature of 27° C (80° F).
Of its many attractions we recommend Playa Mismaloya. This beach is a popular celebrity hangout. The impressive rock formations of Los Arcos emerge from the bay's crystalline waters, which are great for diving and discovering incredible underwater mountains and steeps. The city hall has murals painted by Manuel Lepe, and the Malecon (sea wall) is adorned with romantic bronze sculptures. What’s more, the streets of downtown offer shops and galleries that sell local paintings and sculptures of local artists. The city, known for its top-notch services, also has golf courses, boutiques and a marina, comprising of sail boats and yachts.
In Puerto Vallarta enjoy the exquisite regional cuisine of Jalisco and the terraces of open-air restaurants as you take in an incredible sunset. Sport fishing is just one of many activities you can do during your stay in Puerto Vallarta. Each year, during the month of November, the International Sailfish Fishing Tournament takes place. Because of that and so much more, Vallarta is the ideal place for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
ECOTOURISM
Puerto Vallarta has much to offer nature lovers: reserves, hiking, sea turtle sanctuaries, and an abundance of flora and fauna. The splendid natural scenery is one of the main attractions of the destination; this is supported by the wide variety of wildlife inhabiting its marshes, which serve as breeding grounds for fish and crustaceans. Crocodiles and birds also nest there, hiding in the foliage of the vegetation.
From November through April, you can take a boat out to see whales and their offspring. If you’re lucky enough, a curious young whale will come up to your boat and let you touch it. You can also have the captivating experience of swimming with sea lions and dolphins.
Colomitos - Located southeast of Puerto Vallarta and south of Boca de Tomatlan, this place offers the chance to hike among birds, butterflies, lizards and tropical trees.
Islas Marietas - Here you will find such superb indigenous species as the Blue Footed Booby and the splendid green Military Macaw, which unfortunately are in danger of extinction. You will also have the thrilling opportunity to see the Blackthroated Magpie Jay,(no OR) the Duck-Billed Frog, or even the simple green frog. From December through March, one can also go whale watching.
Los Arcos - This nature reserve with fascinating landscape is known for its three arch-shaped rock formations found on small islands. If you’d like to go sightseeing here, you will find all the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre: pines, oaks, Oyamel firs and junipers. There are also 366 species and 10 subspecies of birds, a real treat for bird watchers.
Boca de Tomates - The turtle sanctuary in this place allows you to actively contribute to Puerto Vallarta’s nature conservation efforts during the months of July and December. Both children and adults can help protect marine turtles and their offspring during the hatching process. The eggs recovered from the beaches are incubated in special nurseries, where they remain protected and safe from danger for 45 days, which is the average incubation time.
Boca de Tomatlan - Hiking trips for nature observing depart from this small villa
FISHING
Because such a wide variety of fish live in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta has become a leading destination for sportfishing. Between November and May, there are important fishing tournaments like the International Puerto Vallarta Sailfish and Marlin Tournament, which has been held since 1956 and attracts fishermen from all over the world.
Yelapa - Off this beach with emerald waters, enthusiasts can hook various species: sawfish, red snapper, tuna, marlin, dorado and sailfish.
Punta Mita - In the warm waters off this beach, experts and amateur fishermen can find sailfish, marlin, dorado and lobster, which lives amongst the coral reefs.
Mismaloya – During fishing season here you can catch such species as tuna, sailfish, dorado, seabream and bonito, just to name a few.
KAYAKING
The emerald-green waters of Puerto Vallarta are great for kayaking, which allows you to exercise at a leisurely pace while you enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Mexican Pacific.
Playa Majahuitas. Just 27 kilometers (17 miles) southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Majahuitas Beach can be reached by boat from the Playa Los Muertos in Boca de Tomatlan, or by taking an organized tour. Its rugged coastline with countless inlets and outcrops make it a beautiful location. Here one can explore the Cañon Submarino (an underwater canyon), where you can see various caves surrounded by black coral reefs and multicolored fish.
SCUBA DIVING
The clear and calm waters of Banderas Bay, the habitat of a varied and mysterious marine life, make it one of Mexico's favorite diving destinations. During winter and spring, most diving spots have an average visibility of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) near the surface and 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet) at greater depths. The average temperature during that time of year ranges between 19° and 23° C (66° to 73° F). In summer and fall, the best seasons for diving, water visibility ranges between 24 to 40 meters (78 to 131 feet) and temperatures fluctuate between 27° and 31° C (80° and 87° F). We recommend the following places in Puerto Vallarta to do this sport:
El Morro. Located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) west of the Marieta Islands on the edge of Banderas Bay, this is an ideal place for world-class certified diving. In its blue waters you will find a variety of rock formations with canyons, caverns and rocky arches, as well as a great variety of marine life.
Isla Corbeteña. Located 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Puerto Vallarta, this place is home to manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and is teeming with schools of smaller fish. It offers caves, arches and magnificent underwater cliffs for recreational diving.
Islas Marietas. Beneath these clear waters you will be able to enjoy a reef landscape that can be seen at a depth of 10 meters (33 feet). The infamous marine researcher Jacques Cousteau explored these islands.
Punta Mita. These emerald-green waters are home to multicolored fish and beautiful coral reefs, making this spot a diver’s paradise.
Los Arcos. In these shallow and tranquil waters, which are ideal for diving and swimming, you will find an underwater wall called the Quijada del Diablo and an underwater mountain known as El Bajo. You’ll also spot a great variety of marine species, some of which can only be seen at night, making night diving quite a treat.
SURFING
The beaches of the Mexican Pacific are among the most beautiful and idyllic for surfing. If the challenge of riding waves in Puerto Vallarta rouses your passion, thrill seekers should take note of the following recommendations:
BEACHES
Puerto Vallarta has more than 42 kilometers (26 miles) of beaches, where the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean caress the shore. The following beaches stand out from the rest:
Quimixto - Only 21 kilometers (13 miles) southwest of Puerto Vallarta and located on the estuary of the La Puerta River, this beach features an authentic Mexican-style villa overlooking the clear waters, which was built for film director John Houston. An excellent spot for diving.
Conchas Chinas - This beach is 3 kilometers (2 miles) southwest of Puerto Vallarta along Highway 200. Natural tide pools have formed between the rocks, which serve to hold back the surf in an area extending 220 by 50 meters (240 by 55 yards). The clarity of these waters allows a crystal clear view of the bottom of the sea and the creatures that dwell there.
Playa del Sol o de los Muertos – This long beach stretches nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Here you can hire boats for both tours and sportfishing ,paragliding and water-skiing are also available.
Las Estacas - Just 3 kilometers (2 miles) from downtown, this beach is about 600 meters (660 yards) long. It offers fine, light gray sand, green-blue water and gentle surf. Sports activities you can do here include paragliding, water-skiing and boating.
Las Glorias - Located on Francisco Medina Ascensio Boulevard, this beach offers moderate surf, fine gray sand, a moderately sloped beach, and blue-green waters. Each hotel has marked off its beach property with rocks, yet along the entire beach you can find services for water-skiing, paragliding, and boat rentals.
Las Gemelas - These are two beaches with fine gray sand, moderate surf and a slightly sloped beach; each one is about 100 meters (110 yards) long. They are located 9 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Puerto Vallarta. You can rent boats for water-skiing and touring.
El Salado - Located near the Vallarta Marina, you’ll find restaurants, hotels and golf courses along this beach’s 1.5-kilometer (1-mile) stretch.
El Malecon - Due to its proximity to downtown, this is one of the most visited beaches by both international travelers and Puerto Vallarta locals.
Islas Marietas - An entertaining one-day excursion will take you to this wildlife sanctuary inhabited by more than 40 different bird species. The waters around the islands are full of marine life, making it an excellent location for all kinds of water activities. From November to April, you can spot giant manta rays, turtles and whales.
Las Animas - This is a beach with down-to-earth accommodation and a high sense of adventure. The Bora Bora trimaran makes daily excursions to this beach from Puerto Vallarta.
Mismaloya - Surrounded by forested mountains, this beach was the famous location site of "The Night of the Iguana," of which some traces are still visible. This beach offers practically every kind of water sport including paragliding.
Playa de Oro - Palms line this 700-meter (770-yard) long beach offering such activities as surfing, paragliding, water-skiing and horseback riding.
Boca de Tomatlan - This small villa has great open-air restaurants with palm leaf rooftops and pools to take a refreshing swim.
Yelapa – Nestled in a cove in the southern part of the bay lies the hamlet of Yelapa. Though there is a road that goes to the town, it is easier to reach it by boat. Various restaurants along the beachfront serve fresh seafood and cold beer. A short walk leads to a waterfall 50 meters (165 feet) high in the middle of the forest. The golden-sand beach is a magnificent place for swimming, snorkeling and paragliding.
Boca de Tomates - A virgin beach with intense waves due to the shoals formed by the Ameca River and the favorable winds, making it a favorite spot for both beginner and advanced level surfers, as well as windsurfing enthusiasts.
Playa de Oro - This beach, which stretches 700 meters (2,310 feet), has the memorable landscape of fine light-brown sand and palms lining the coast. This slightly sloped beach has gentle surf, ideal for beginners.
Try a Canopy Tour--or--Zip Line tour here...... It's fabulous !