Visit the Puerto Vallarta website.

Puerto Vallarta is a premier, tourism-focused port, dedicated to serving both international and domestic visitors. In 2023, the port welcomed 543,609 tourists aboard 174 cruise ships at its three international docks. As part of the Riviera Mexicana route, most cruise itineraries span seven days. Beyond its iconic beaches, Puerto Vallarta offers diverse mountain landscapes that enhance its appeal with activities like hiking, off-road adventures, zip-lining, and horseback riding. These offerings position Puerto Vallarta as the leading port on the Riviera for pre-booked tours.

Nautical tourism and sport fishing are equally important sectors for the port, which served over 620,627 passengers through 37,105 tours in 2023. Highlights include stunning beaches, the protected natural area of the Marietas Islands, Los Arcos, whale watching, and breathtaking sunsets. These experiences, combined with the region’s rich culinary, architectural, and cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality of Vallarta’s locals, reinforce the port’s slogan: Puerto Vallarta – The Most Mexican Port of Innovation and Excellence.

Originally known as Puerto Peñas, Puerto Vallarta is located in Banderas Bay, in the state of Jalisco. It is bordered by Punta de Mita to the north and Cabo Corrientes to the south. The bay offers natural protection with calm waters and a sanctuary for boats, thanks to nearby islands and reefs, including Corbeteña and the Marietas.

Known for its natural beauty and cultural richness, Puerto Vallarta is a central attraction on the Mexican Riviera. Its port infrastructure is entirely tourism-oriented, offering services related to food, handicrafts, transportation, culture, and recreation within the port area.

The port’s history dates back to 1970, when the Mexican Federal Government built the first berthing position for cruise ships and a ferry terminal. Since then, Puerto Vallarta has catered to both national and international tourists seeking an authentic Mexican experience with a mix of culture, beaches, and gastronomy. Today, the port has three berthing positions and two anchoring positions, with tenders to shore. Beyond port services, Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal offers visitors a range of tourist and commercial amenities, including taxis, driver-guides, currency exchange, craft markets, restaurants, and tour boat tickets, all within a secure and efficient environment.

Puerto Vallarta’s alignment with cruise industry trends has positioned it as a key player in the market. The port benefits from proximity to an international airport, facilitating seamless embarkation and disembarkation for cruise passengers. The city is served by eight regular airlines and 74 charter flights.

• The port serves three main lines of business:
  Cruise industry: As a top port of call on the Mexican Riviera route—which includes Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta—the port primarily caters to seven-day cruises from California (Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego). It occasionally welcomes cruise ships on world tours. On Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta ranks as the third largest port in terms of passengers served, after Ensenada and Los Cabos.
• Domestic tourism: Banderas Bay, where the port is located, has seen a rise in tourism activities with Mexican-flagged vessels, offering services like boat tours, diving, water skiing, snorkeling, and parasailing. Each year, the port serves over half a million local, national, and international tourists. The port has specialized docks to accommodate this growing domestic tourism industry.
• Tourist marinas: The port features three tourist marinas serving recreational and sport fishing boats, catering mainly to tourists from the U.S. West Coast and regional markets. The port’s 684 slips for recreational vessels are fully occupied year-round, reflecting its popularity.
• In addition, privately managed facilities include a 353-berth marina, a dry dock, a workshop, condominium marinas, and two waterfront hotels.

Puerto Vallarta’s success as a leading tourism port is a testament to its strategic infrastructure, dedication to high-quality services, and a commitment to providing a unique and memorable experience for all visitors.

Contact

48333, H. Escuela Naval Militar 9, 
Área Militar de Vallarta,
48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Key staff:
Director General — Admiral Juan
Ortíz Guarneros (dirgral@puertodevallarta.com.mx)
Commercial Manager — Lic. Miguel Ángel Maya Álvarez (gcomercial@puertodevallarta.com.mx)