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On Banderas Bay at the foot of lush tropical mountains on Mexico's Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta has retained much of its charm as it has evolved from fishing village into a hip resort town. There's no lack of things to do. Stroll on the town's malecon (boardwalk), take a boat trip to Los Arcos Islands, go on a canopy tour in the tropical forest. From January to March you can watch humpback and gray whales up close. Cap it all off enjoying some seafood and a michelada at La Palapa on the beach as the sun sets over the Pacific. |
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| RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES |
Puerto Vallarta has every sport and water activity you'd expect to find in a world-class destination. It is generally considered the best tennis resort in Mexico, and is also noted for parasailing. Golf is taking center stage following announcement of a 36-hole development called La Vista Vallarta. Designers Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf are working with Club Corp. on the project.
Golf
Los Flamingos Country Club
This older course (6,492 yards) has been carved from the ever encroaching jungle. A bit rough around the edges, but challenging for all skill levels. Located 13 km. north of the airport in the neighboring State of Nayarit. There is also inexpensive shuttle service from town, beginning at the Sheraton Buganvilias and heading north. Carts/caddies are optional.
Marina Vallarta Country Club
Joe Finger designed this par-71, 18-hole course with 6,500 yards; part of the $400 million Marina Vallarta megaresort, just north of town. Fairways are dotted with lakes, ponds and lagoons (water comes into play on 11 holes). Lots of scenic tropical vegetation. Carts and caddies are mandatory. Play is open to the public, although preferential starting times are given to guests staying at member hotels.
Tennis
No resort in Mexico beats Puerto Vallarta for tennis. Clay courts are common. In addition to the dozens of courts at area resorts, Puerto Vallarta has several fine tennis centers:
The Continental Plaza Tennis Center
At the Continental Plaza Vallarta.
Iguana Tennis Center
Covered courts, clinics, childcare.
Los Tules Tennis Center
In the Los Tules resort.
Water Sports
Banderas Bay
A natural haven for water sports of every variety. Since the water is generally quite calm, sailing, windsurfing and parasailing are exceptionally good.
Freshwater Fun
Mayan Palace Aqua Park
Two acres of wild water fun for everyone. Located in the marina area, just across from the Mayan Palace Resort, the park has four water slides and tubes, a large pool for swimming, a splashing pool for kids (with cartoon characters and animal figures), and a winding canal for drifting on inner tubes. Lifeguards throughout the facility. Open daily from 11am-6pm.
Splash
Located near the entrance to Nuevo Vallarta, this water park features the tallest water slide in Mexico along with eight other slides geared for all ages. There is a children's area with smaller slides and water games plus a dolphin and sea lion show included in the admission. Cafe, shopping, locker rooms and showers.
Beaches
Puerto Vallarta has three distinct beach zones and nearly forty different beaches. The area's beaches are typically of golden colored sand and water of a deep blue color. Note that during the rainy season - June to September - several rivers empty into the bay and cloud the sea.
North Of Town
Banderas Bay
To the north in neighboring Nayarit State, the beaches of Banderas Bay stretch out uninterrupted toward Punta Mita.
Punta Del Burro
Surf is good at Punta del Burro, and Punta de Mita.
Bucerias - Paraiso Escondido
Tranquil seaside village can be found at Bucerias and Paraiso Escondido.
Playa de Oro and the Marina
Where most of the area's newer resort development has occurred. This is a wide sandy beach, broken up by several jetties; some areas are a little rocky; lots of activity, water sports, and people-watching.
In Town
Playa de Los Muertos
Stretches along the city's palm-lined waterfront; lots of vendors, sunbathers and seaside restaurants.
South Of Town
As you leave the city heading south, the coast becomes a series of coves and bays, backed by jungle-clad, rugged hills - ideal for swimming and relaxation. Since few rivers enter the ocean here, the sand is whiter, water is clearer. The setting is quiet and serene.
Mismaloya Beach
A pretty cove that is now the home to a major resort development.
The area's once dilapidated movie set (from the 1963 film "Night of the Iguana") was recently restored and opened as a restaurant. There are two beachside restaurants, and some good shoreline snorkeling. Admission is free.
Boca de Tomatlána
A jungle-fringed beach and bay; boats can be rented here for visits to Yalapa, Quimixto and Las Animas beaches.
Diving & Snorkeling
Diving in Vallarta offers a spectacular assortment of underwater reef and rock formations plus giant mantas, dolphin sightings, seasonal whales and sea turtles. For the best experience, go beyond the standard Los Arcos excursion to Islas Marietas, or further to El Moro. The Quimixto coves and Caletas also offer good diving. Water conditions are generally best during the winter months. South of town is Los Arcos, a natural preserve with clear water. Best diving is around the gigantic rock archway from which the area derives its name. To the north of town (81 km.) is Punta Mita,
considered one of the area's best diving and surfing spots. Islas Marietas offer ideal conditions as well.
Fishing
Puerto Vallarta has never aggressively promoted itself as a world-class sport fishing destination. Nevertheless, its deep waters provide an excellent haul of sailfish, marlin and smaller game fish. October through February is the best time for sailfish and black or blue marlin. Smaller game fish, such as wahoo, tuna, dorado, and roosterfish are caught year round, with May-October being the better months. Fishing charters leave from the north end of the Malecón and from the Marina Vallarta docks.
Mountain Biking
Local operators offer excursions to the Sierra Madre foothills and surrounding areas for bikers of all levels. Both overnight and day trips are operated, all with bilingual guides and top-of-the line 21- speed bikes.
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