Sail into the calm Bay of Banderas for a warm Mexican welcome in Puerto Vallarta, a former fishing community turned vacation destination. A popular stopping point on ships bound for the Caribbean, Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port—which has the capacity for three liners at any one time—is the gateway to Puerto Vallarta and the coast of Jalisco.
Puerto Vallarta’s number one attraction is its beaches. After docking at the cruise port, head for the downtown to stroll the malecón and relax on Playa Los Muertos, or opt for a guided walking or street food tour of the charming city. Alternately, take a boat out to see dolphins or sea lions; set sail for snorkeling and swimming at the Marietas Islands; or venture into the mountains for treetop adventures and ziplining.
Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port offers free Wi-Fi, tour guides, taxis, ATMs, cafés, stores, and restaurants.
Don’t forget your bathing suit and towel if you plan to hit the beach.
The sun is unforgiving in Puerto Vallarta (especially in summer), and tours tend towards activity; wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Puerto Vallarta is in the state of Jalisco, so it’s a great place to pick up some tequila.
You’ll dock at the Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal, 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of the city center. Taxis line up to take you downtown; negotiate the fare before you head off. Alternatively, cross the street to the Sam's Club, where buses depart for the center—it's preferable to pay with correct change.
Puerto Vallarta is a popular cruise port frequented by most major cruise lines. While Spanish is the local language, English is widely spoken. The local currency is the Mexican peso, although US dollars are accepted—keep in mind that you'll receive change in pesos and it’s usually cheaper to use pesos rather than US dollars. There are ATMs throughout Puerto Vallarta.