Even when your stop at Puerto Vallarta cruise port is short, this authentic Mexican city on the coast has plenty to offer near the cruise port. So, don’t let lack of preparation get in the way of seeing the town and the beach on your adventure here. Here are things you can do to make the most of your time at Puerto Vallarta cruise port.
Port Overview
The Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal has room for three cruise ships and also places you about three miles (or just under five kilometers) from the city center of Puerto Vallarta.
Luckily, given the volume of cruise port travelers, the Puerto Vallarta cruise port is well-connected to the city center of Puerto Vallarta. It also has activities and resorts nearby that you can find right when you step off the ship.
However, no worries if you would rather stay close to the ship. There are plenty of resorts near the port where cruise passengers can show their cruise cards and enjoy deals on activities for the day.
Sightseeing & Activities
Puerto Vallarta offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re the foodie, the history buff, the armchair ethnographer, or another type of traveler, there’s something for you here.
The bay’s best sightseeing is on El Macelon, where you can gaze at the beauty of Banderas bay, sculptures, and traditional craft wares and hear Mariachi music float out to you from the streets and restaurants.
After a walk down El Macelon, you can easily take a winding adventure through the streets of downtown and see the stunning Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This masterwork attracts visitors all year.
Afterward, appreciate the view overlooking all of Puerto Vallarta’s gorgeous Banderas bay. When you’ve finished taking in the sights, stop into one of the restaurants or taco stands as you admire the old city and its authentic markets.
If this does not tickle your fancy, do not worry. There is plenty of shopping, beach time, golf, and water sports, all found here.
Shopping & Food
Puerto Vallarta cruise port puts you near some of the best shopping in Mexico. With options like the Municipal Market Downtown and the Art and Market Marina, you can find genuine crafts and souvenirs that you will find nowhere else.
For those looking for other attractions and great restaurants, you can also opt for the Gallerias Vallarta, just near the cruise terminal, or the Plaza Caracol. For the undisputed best food in the city, head to Los Muertos for delights such as La Palapa, the Blue Shrimp, and other local favorites which feature live Mariachi music.
Nearby Beaches To Check Out
Your typical beautiful beaches of the Mexican Pacific coast, with blue water and alabaster sand, will require transport from the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal. However, access to these pristine beaches will take no longer than ten minutes to reach.
Los Muertos beach is the most popular in Puerto Vallarta because of its family-friendliness and glut of seaside shops, bars, and restaurants.
Playa de Oro is another popular option because of its generous parasailing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding offerings. However, for those looking for a quieter, more peaceful beach, Conchas Chinas is a better option where one can see marine life at play in tide pools.
Other Things To Do
Puerto Vallarta offers a further wealth of activities, such as tequila tasting, golfing, walking, driving, or boat tours (and many other water activities). As a city on the Jalisco coast, the tequila in Puerto Vallarta’s artisan tequila bars comes straight from the source in the Jalisco highlands, allowing you to try several varieties recommended by tequila experts.
Puerto Vallarta’s tours also offer several options for a single day’s or night’s visit. Historical heritage tours will inform you of the city’s turbulent but fascinating history. Others will transport you outside the town for snorkeling in crystal clear lagoons or for UTV off-road tours to show you the natural beauty surrounding the city.
Puerto Vallarta’s world-class golf course may be more suitable for those seeking more relaxed activity. Buy a golf pass, and you can spend the day enjoying links designed by several former golf greats.
Currency
Mexico uses the Mexican peso. After conversion, a single dollar (USD) typically translates to an amount near 20 Mexican pesos (MXN). Use a currency conversion tool to check the current exchange rate at any time.
Many travelers report their purchasing power post-conversion is surprisingly high here despite Puerto Vallarta’s growing tourism sector, which is great news for cruise travelers. Many vendors near the Cruise port will accept USD but give you your change in pesos, which is a handy way to acquire initial cash.
However, we do not recommend this because the vendors will ultimately charge more if you pay in USD. Instead, we recommend walking to the shopping center near the port and taking out cash from an ATM at a bank, as you won’t be charged a commission, and you can get your hands on cash for your entire stay in Puerto Vallarta.
How To Get to Puerto Vallarta From the Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port
Any bus driving south except “Tunel” will bring you to the city center in a matter of minutes and for a mere 10 pesos. Just take one of the yellow taxis outside the port for an even faster connection.
You’ll have to negotiate your fare, but the trip to the center should cost no more than $7. To get back from the city center, you can take the bus labeled “Walmart” or “Marina” or take a yellow taxi. You can also try an Uber, which is often cheaper than a taxi. However, they may not be able to pick you up directly from the port.
Cruise Lines That Sail to Puerto Vallarta
Over a dozen cruise lines sail to Puerto Vallarta. The best one for you will certainly depend on the location.
For people located in the United States and Europe, the most famous lines that sail here are as follows:
- Carnival
- Princess Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America
- Royal Caribbean
- Norwegian
- Viking
- Oceania
- Crystal
- Celebrity Cruises
Most cruises depart from the United States and sail down the western Mexican coast to reach Puerto Vallarta cruise port.
