Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Jungle-covered mountains, a lively seaside Malecón and Banderas Bay, where humpback whales spend the winter. Here’s how to make one day in Puerto Vallarta count.
Mountains, jungle and the bay
Puerto Vallarta wraps around Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico, with the Sierra Madre rising straight up behind it. The old town has cobblestone streets, white-walled buildings with red-tile roofs and the crowned tower of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Along the water, the Malecón is lined with sculptures, restaurants and sunset views.
The day can go in a lot of directions: a boat to a quiet cove, zip lines in the jungle, a botanical garden in the mountains or whale watching in winter. Below are the cruise line favorites and the details that keep the day easy.
Where you’ll dock
Cruise ships dock at Puerto Vallarta’s Maritime Terminal, which can handle several large ships at once. Confirm your arrival details on your itinerary a few days before you arrive.
Maritime Terminal
Ships dock at the Terminal Marítima beside Marina Vallarta, north of downtown. The marina, with its boardwalk, restaurants and yachts, is a short walk from the pier, and most tours meet just outside the terminal. Downtown and the Malecón are about four miles south, so plan a tour or ask your advisor for guidance if the old town is on your list.
Used by: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, Holland America, Virgin Voyages, Disney and Regent.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late.
- Marietas Islands. A boat trip to a protected national park off the bay, known for seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, and snorkeling. Access is limited and some areas, like the famous hidden beach, have strict rules, so book through your cruise line.
- Jungle canopy & zip lines. Zip lines and suspension bridges over the rivers and forest of the Sierra Madre. Check weight and age limits before you book.
- Whale watching. From about December through March, humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to give birth, and boat trips head out to see them.
- City, tequila & food. Guided walks through the old town and Malecón, with tequila tastings or a taco tour along the way.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
The Malecón
The seaside promenade downtown, lined with bronze sculptures, restaurants and shops, with the bay on one side and the mountains on the other.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
The church with the crown-topped tower is the symbol of the city, a block up from the Malecón in the old town.
Marina Vallarta
Right by the cruise terminal: a boardwalk around the yacht harbor with cafés, restaurants and a small lighthouse. Ideal for an easy hour before you reboard.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back at the terminal an hour before all-aboard. Traffic between downtown and the marina can be slow.
- Itineraries can change. It’s one of the questions guests ask us most about this port. Cruise lines have skipped Puerto Vallarta at times in 2026, for security concerns in Jalisco and for hurricanes. Your cruise line decides on the day; ask your advisor for the latest before you sail.
- Plan around the heat. It’s warm year-round and humid in summer. Bring sun protection and water, especially for jungle or mountain tours.
- Traveling with mobility needs? Downtown has cobblestones and steep side streets. If you or someone in your party has mobility needs, tell your advisor when you book. Our accessibility specialist can help arrange the right support.
- Something new. Mexico announced plans in 2026 to make Puerto Vallarta a homeport where cruises can begin and end, with building expected to start in 2027. Dates can move, so ask your advisor for the latest.
Sailing to Puerto Vallarta
Most Mexican Riviera itineraries call here, often with Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas, sailing round trip from Los Angeles and San Diego. Some Panama Canal cruises stop here too.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
Ready for a day in Puerto Vallarta?
We’ll match you with the right Mexican Riviera sailing and help you plan the day ashore. There are never any booking or consultation fees.
