Puerto Vallarta is a resort city on Banderas Bay, Mexico's largest bay, on the Pacific coast of Jalisco, with the forested Sierra Madre rising behind its beaches. More about Puerto Vallarta →
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15% busier than a typical day in Puerto Vallarta. Busiest 08:00 – 18:00, when 1 ship is alongside.
Thousands of people in port, guests plus crew. Crowd level compared with a typical Puerto Vallarta day.
The crowd calendar shows every ship and how busy the port is, hour by hour, plus the quietest and busiest days for the next 90 days.
Ships dock at the Terminal Maritima run by the Puerto Vallarta port authority (API/ASIPONA), on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio at the entrance to the Marina Vallarta harbour, about 5 km north of El Centro and 3 km from the airport. Three cruise berths of about 200 m each let three ships dock at once, with a tender pier for smaller craft.
The terminal has taxis, a craft market, shops and money exchange. The Malecon is about 12 minutes away by car; walking takes close to an hour along a busy boulevard, so most passengers take a taxi, Uber or the 'Centro' city bus from the stop across the boulevard by Walmart.
5 km · ~10 min by car
The main shore-day route: south along Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio past the hotel zone to the Malecon and the Guadalupe church.
Typical prices, approximate. Fares change with demand, traffic and time of day.
Typical prices, approximate. Fares change with demand, traffic and time of day.
Mexican pesos are the local currency; port taxis quote in USD and many vendors accept dollars, but buses need peso coins. Taxis have no meters, so agree the fare before you get in. Puerto Vallarta uses Central Time (UTC−6, no daylight saving); Nuevo Vallarta across the Nayarit state line also uses it, but check your ship's time.
1 terminal
The city's only cruise terminal, on Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio km 4.5 at the entrance to the Marina Vallarta harbour, with three cruise berths (about 200 m each) able to take three ships at once, plus a tender pier. Services include taxis, a craft market, shops, restaurants and money exchange.
Puerto Vallarta is a port of call where passengers arrive by ship. No official or private cruise parking was found.
Pick the area first. Typical nightly prices, approximate.
Walkable to the cruise terminal
Typical hotel
Marina and beach hotels right by the cruise terminal and close to the airport.
Beach resorts near the port
Typical hotel
Beachfront resorts between the port and downtown.
Old Town dining and nightlife
Typical hotel
Lively Old Town by Playa Los Muertos, about 20 minutes from the port.
Port times are measured to the cruise terminal. Some Hotel Zone resorts price as all-inclusive.
Prices are approximate. Tap water isn't generally drunk; buy bottled water.
Seafront restaurants along the promenade.
Taquerías, cafes and beach restaurants near Playa Los Muertos.
Restaurants and cafes a short walk from the cruise terminal.
Old Town streets south of the Rio Cuale packed with taquerias, cafes and beach restaurants near Playa Los Muertos.
Puerto Vallarta is a resort city on Banderas Bay, Mexico's largest bay, on the Pacific coast of Jalisco, with the forested Sierra Madre rising behind its beaches. A fishing village until the mid-20th century, it became famous in the 1960s when John Huston filmed 'The Night of the Iguana' nearby. Its heart is El Centro, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses with red-tile roofs and the crowned tower of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the seafront Malecon promenade lined with bronze sculptures.
South of the Rio Cuale, the Zona Romantica has Playa Los Muertos, its sail-shaped pier, cafes and nightlife. Beyond the city are jungle-backed coves, the Los Arcos rock islands and botanical gardens. It is one of the busiest Mexican Riviera calls.
Stroll Puerto Vallarta's seafront promenade, lined with palms, bronze sculptures, the lighthouse and the Los Arcos amphitheatre, with views across Banderas Bay. It is free and links El Centro's shops and restaurants with the Zona Romantica.
Visit the city's landmark brick parish church, two blocks inland from the Malecon, whose bell tower is topped by a crown. Entry is free; dress modestly as services are held daily.
Cross the Rio Cuale into the Old Town's Zona Romantica for cobbled streets, cafes and the city's liveliest beach, Playa Los Muertos, with its sail-shaped pier. Water taxis to southern coves leave from the pier.