Puerto Vallarta is Mexico’s Pacific Coast crown jewel — a city of cobblestone streets, white-washed buildings with red tile roofs, an extraordinary natural bay (Banderas Bay, one of the largest natural bays in the world), world-class whale watching, excellent food, and a gay-friendly, artistically vibrant culture that distinguishes it from the typical beach resort strip. When VV’s Brilliant Lady calls at Puerto Vallarta on its Mexican Riviera sailings, it delivers one of the most multidimensional port days on the West Coast routing.
The Old Town (Zona Romántica)
Puerto Vallarta’s historic center is the Zona Romántica — the Romantic Zone — a neighborhood of art galleries, independent restaurants, beachfront bars, and the famous Malecón waterfront promenade. The Malecón is a 2-kilometer oceanfront promenade with bronze sculptures, performance spaces, and the character of a Mexican city that genuinely enjoys being by the sea. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the north end of the Malecón, with its distinctive crown tower, is PV’s iconic image.
Banderas Bay and the Whales
Humpback whales congregate in Banderas Bay from December through March to breed and calf — the bay’s warm, sheltered waters are a primary wintering ground for North Pacific humpbacks. Whale watching tours from PV’s marina deliver some of the best humpback encounters accessible from any port in the VV network. If you are sailing the Mexican Riviera in winter, this is a top-tier Shore Things priority.
The Food
PV’s food scene is excellent and genuine. The taco stands along the Malecón and in the Zona Romántica are superb. El Barracuda, Archie’s Wok, La Palapa, and the fish taco stands at the Malecón consistently draw the best reviews. The Mercado Municipal has excellent street food. Birria de res (beef birria tacos) are the current obsession and PV does them extraordinarily well.
Adventure Options
The surrounding Sierra Madre mountains, the jungle canopy, and the bay itself offer exceptional adventure Shore Things: zip lining through the jungle canopy, ATV tours through mountain villages, surfing lessons at Sayulita (accessible day trip), river kayaking, and the extraordinary Las Caletas ecological reserve accessible only by boat.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- December through March: prioritize whale watching. Banderas Bay humpback encounters in winter are world-class. Book the whale watch as your primary Shore Thing on this sailing.
- Walk the Malecón from the cruise terminal. The port is adjacent to the Malecón. Everything in the Zona Romántica is walkable from the ship.
- Las Caletas is the best VV Shore Thing in PV. A private ecological reserve accessible only by boat. Snorkeling, hiking, zip lining, and beach time in a genuinely protected natural environment.
Ready to Sail the Mexican Riviera?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. The Brilliant Lady Mexican Riviera sailings are among the most exciting new itineraries in the fleet.
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