A Pacific paradise where jungle mountains tumble into Banderas Bay — Puerto Vallarta blends cobblestone old-town charm with world-class beaches, adventure, and one of Mexico's most walkable seafronts.
Ships dock directly at Puerto Mágico Cruise Terminal in the Hotel Zone — no tender required.
💡 Pro move: A Walmart Supercenter is directly across the road from the terminal — handy for snacks and sunscreen before heading out.
All major cruise lines dock at Puerto Mágico Terminal on Pier 1; no tendering is used.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most major cruise lines | Puerto Mágico Terminal, Pier 1 — Hotel Zone📍 | Docked |
| Smaller expedition ships | Pier 2 or 3, same terminal complex📍 | Docked |
From snorkeling hidden sea caves to ziplining jungle canopy, Puerto Vallarta has adventures for every energy level — plus easy beach days minutes from the ship.
Boat out to the iconic granite arch islands of Los Arcos, a protected marine park teeming with tropical fish, rays, and coral. One of the best snorkeling spots on Mexico's Pacific coast.
Find Los Arcos snorkeling tours →Fly through the jungle canopy above the Sierra Madre foothills on a multi-line zipline course. Many operators combine it with ATV rides or a river swim.
Find zipline tours →Cruise to the remote Marietas Islands — a UNESCO-protected biosphere — and swim into the famous Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), a circular beach hidden inside an open-topped crater (created by early-1900s military bombing tests).
Find Marietas Islands tours →Explore Centro Histórico's cobblestone streets, sample birria tacos and fresh ceviche at the Mercado Municipal, and visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a local guide.
Find Old Town food tours →Banderas Bay hosts one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales on Earth during winter months. Fast-boat tours depart from the marina and often yield breaches and tail-slaps.
Find whale watching tours →Several beachfront hotels near the cruise terminal — including Hotel Krystal Vallarta and Hyatt Ziva — offer day passes with pool, beach, and food and drinks. Perfect if you just want to unwind.
Find resort day passes →The Malecón and Centro Histórico are the heart of a great shore-day walk — flat, shady in places, and full of life.
Start at the northern end of the Malecón boardwalk and stroll south past bronze sculpture installations, seafront restaurants, and the signature Puerto Vallarta letters. Continue into Centro Histórico to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
From the Malecón, head south past the Cuale River to Playa Los Muertos — PV's most popular beach. Rent a sunbed, grab fresh coconut water from a vendor, or wade into Banderas Bay.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 80°F / 27°C | 65°F / 18°C | 2 | 7:40 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Feb | 80°F / 27°C | 64°F / 18°C | 2 | 7:30 AM | 6:59 PM |
| Mar | 81°F / 27°C | 64°F / 18°C | 1 | 7:09 AM | 7:10 PM |
| Apr | 83°F / 28°C | 66°F / 19°C | 0 | 6:42 AM | 7:19 PM |
| May | 85°F / 29°C | 70°F / 21°C | 3 | 6:23 AM | 7:30 PM |
| Jun | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 15 | 6:20 AM | 7:42 PM |
| Jul | 88°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 24 | 6:29 AM | 7:44 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 6:40 AM | 7:29 PM |
| Sep | 86°F / 30°C | 76°F / 24°C | 26 | 6:48 AM | 7:03 PM |
| Oct | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 18 | 6:56 AM | 6:36 PM |
| Nov | 84°F / 29°C | 71°F / 22°C | 4 | 7:11 AM | 6:19 PM |
| Dec | 81°F / 27°C | 67°F / 19°C | 3 | 7:29 AM | 6:22 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
White federally authorized taxis at the pier with posted rates. To the Malecón runs about $16/car; to the Cathedral around $20/car.
Yellow taxis just outside the port gate are cheaper than official port taxis — negotiate the fare before you get in, no meters. Expect ~$10 USD to the Malecón for up to 3 passengers.
Uber, DiDi, and inDrive are all active in Puerto Vallarta and typically cheaper than taxis. Request from just outside the terminal gate where drivers can pick up.
Local buses with Centro on the sign stop near the cruise docks and run straight downtown. Exact change in Mexican pesos required; extremely economical.
Upcoming cruises that call at Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.