There are many things to do while you are in Puerto Vallarta. Some of them while satisfy the historian in you. Others the nature lover. And some will just be fun. Here are a few of the fun things we have done or heard about that you might want to consider during your visit.
Places to Go
Naval Museum Secretary of the Navy of Mexico
The written history of Banderas Bay where Puerto Vallarta is located goes back to the early 1500’s. The bay gets it name from the flags made from feathers the indigenous people flew when going into battle. The town of Puerto Vallarta grew out of one of the many fishing villages that lined the bay in the mid to late 1800’s. So, Puerto Vallarta has a long relationship with the bay and Pacific Ocean and the museum tells some of that story.
One of the things that we have heard about but never stopped at is the naval museum; which is pretty strange since we have walked by it hundreds of times. It is located on the south end of the Malecón’s main plaza. You can find it just beyond the arches and amphitheater.
The museum serves both English and Spanish speakers with several interactive exhibits. It traces the long relationship the Puerto Vallarta has with the ocean – both fishing and trade. There are many displays, some of them cross-sections of ships for you to view. There is also a café in the museum. Several people mentioned that this was a good stop to get out of the heat if you are walking the Malecón. The cost at the time of this post was $30 pesos for kids and $45 pesos for adults. At the current exchange rate that is about $1.50 and $2.50.
Plaza de Armas
This plaza is toward the south end of the Malecón. There are several local art displays there with constantly changing performers, small shops, and entertainment. There is also a small amphitheater for the occasional performance. If nothing is happening when you go, you can always step across the Malecón for a snack or adult beverage and check back later.
Botanical Garden
The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden is actually located south of the town. It is a 30-minute drive by taxi or Uber (there are tours available that can take you there on a bus if that’s more your speed). Plan to spend at least a couple of hours there. The flowers are gorgeous! Since Puerto Vallarta is in a tropical area, you will see some vegetation you have only seen in movies about exotic places. There is a restaurant on-site if you want to sit and relax with some food or an adult beverage.
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church
This church is a few blocks east of the Malecón overlooking the bay. It was built between 1930 and 1940 and is open most days for worshippers and visitors. It can be recognized by the crown at the top of the bell tower. It is located about three block east (up the hill) from the Malecón’s main plaza. Because it is still a working church, please be respectful during your visit.
Gringo Gulch – Taylor/Burton villas
from Wikipedia
Gringo Gulch is and area south of Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church that is a neighborhood many Americans and Canadians have purchased or rented houses in the past – hence the name. One of the more famous houses/villas is a pair that were rented by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor for the filming of the movie The Night of the Iguana. The story goes that Burton had a walkway built from his house to hers over the street so he could visit her at night.
Tours
Whale Watching
There are many companies that will take you out on a boat to try to find whales and/or other marine life. Banderas Bay is one of the wintering areas for Humpback Whales so if you go at the right time, chances are good that you will get to see whales. Note: we have had clients that saw whales sitting in an upstairs restaurant on the Malecón. Other wildlife tours may include porpoises, seals, etc.
Snorkeling
Another tour may take you to see fish, and other marine life while snorkeling. Both of these boat tours can be a little spotty as they can be affected by weather, migration patterns, jelly fish, and other things that may impact the tour.
Rhythm of the Nights
Finally, one of our favorite things to do or send clients to is Rhythm of the Nights. This is a 4-hour boat ride, dinner, and Cic du Soleil style show. The show often includes some of the indigenous stories and folk tales. If you have the chance to go, try to catch a night show as that will increase the magic of the experience.