Puerto Vallarta by speedboat: Yelapa, whales and the jungle

You’re going to love Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is where the Sierra Madre mountains meet the Pacific: a cobbled old town with a lively seafront boardwalk, jungle-covered hills tumbling into Banderas Bay, and a mix of Mexican tradition and laid-back beach life. It combines the charm of a colonial town with golden beaches and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Banderas Bay is one of the largest bays in Mexico, and the best way to understand it is from a boat: you can reach beaches and villages that have no road, watch humpback whales in winter and see the sun set behind the mountains. Whether you sail, snorkel or just float, this is a destination made for the water.

The 5 best reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta

1. 1

   Humpback whales in winterFrom December to March, thousands of humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to breed and give birth, and are often seen from the boat.

2. 2

   A charming old townCobbled streets, white houses with red-tiled roofs, art galleries and the Malecón boardwalk with its sculptures.

3. 3

   Beaches and hidden covesFrom the city beaches of Playa Los Muertos to remote coves such as Yelapa and Las Caletas, reachable only by boat.

4. 4

   Mexican food and tequilaFresh seafood, tacos, ceviche and a lively restaurant scene, with the tequila region of Jalisco close by.

5. 5

   Warm weather and easy accessSunny most of the year, with an international airport minutes from the Hotel Zone and direct flights from the US and Canada.

What to do in Puerto Vallarta

• Walk the Malecón at sunsetA seafront boardwalk of about 3 km with sculptures, street artists, restaurants and a view of the bay as the sun goes down.
• Explore the Zona RománticaThe old district south of the river, with narrow streets, cafés, galleries and Playa Los Muertos and its pier.
• Visit the Vallarta Botanical GardenA garden in the mountains south of the city, with orchids, a river and a restaurant, about 30 minutes by car.
• Take a day trip to SayulitaA relaxed surf town about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, with beaches, shops and cafés.
• Go to the Marietas IslandsA national park with rocky islets and wildlife in Banderas Bay; access is regulated, so book with an authorised operator.