🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Cruise Port Guide
A Pacific resort wrapped around Banderas Bay, blending cobblestone Old Town charm, the seaside Malecón and jungle-clad Sierra Madre foothills.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Puerto Vallarta
Best December-March, after the rainy/hurricane season (mid-May-November) ends and dry weather sets in; September carries the highest storm risk.
Getting back to the ship on time
Line up a return taxi from the Malecon by mid-afternoon, since traffic on the 3-mile route back to the terminal is the main way independent travelers miss all-aboard.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Malecón boardwalk
Stroll the seaside promenade past sculptures, galleries and street performers.
Zona Romántica
Explore cobblestone streets, cafes and the Los Muertos pier in Old Town.
Los Muertos Beach
Relax on the city's liveliest beach lined with palapa restaurants.
Banderas Bay cruise
Sail the bay to snorkel and reach hidden beaches like Las Caletas.
Sierra Madre zipline
Zip through jungle canopy in the mountains behind the bay.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Visit the crowned-tower church at the heart of downtown.
Popular excursions
Las Caletas beach hideaway
Boat-only cove escape with food, kayaks and jungle spa vibes.
Los Arcos snorkel cruise
Snorkel the granite arch marine park just south of the bay.
What to eat
- Fish tacos
- Ceviche
- Pescado zarandeado
- Tacos al pastor
- Birria
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Nov–May (dry season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 82° | 61° | 0.6" |
| Feb | 82° | 60° | 0.3" |
| Mar | 83° | 61° | 0.2" |
| Apr | 84° | 63° | 0.1" |
| May | 87° | 68° | 0.4" |
| Jun | 90° | 74° | 6.5" |
| Jul | 91° | 75° | 11" |
| Aug | 92° | 75° | 10.5" |
| Sep | 91° | 75° | 11.5" |
| Oct | 90° | 73° | 4" |
| Nov | 87° | 67° | 0.8" |
| Dec | 84° | 63° | 0.6" |
Local phrases
A little history
Puerto Vallarta gained global fame after the 1964 Hollywood film The Night of the Iguana was shot nearby.
The Malecón seaside promenade is lined with bronze sculptures and street performers.
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with its crown-topped tower, is the city's beloved icon.
Huichol (Wixárika) Indigenous beadwork and yarn art are prized local crafts.