Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Microstar (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Shack, Monica Piedrahita Echeverry, arcelia jimenez, Marcos Ravelo, David Wu · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Mexico
- Region:
- Mexico & Pacific Coast
- Coordinates:
- 20.6413° N, 105.2233° W
About Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort city on the Pacific coast of Jalisco, serving as the second largest urban agglomeration in the state. The city sits on Bahía de Banderas and functions as the government seat of its municipality, which extends from Boca de Tomatlán to the Nayarit border.
Visitors to the port can explore a range of attractions within the Puerto Vallarta area. Los Muertos Beach Pier is a popular spot with a 4.7 rating across 14,694 reviews, whilst Hill of the Cross Viewpoint offers panoramic views with a 4.8 rating from 6,641 reviewers. The iconic Los Arcos monument has attracted 6,010 reviews at a 4.7 rating, and the Malecon Boardwalk Vallarta provides a scenic waterfront experience.
Things to see and do
Beyond the main boardwalk, cultural attractions include the traditional Voladores de Papantla performance, rated 4.7 by 111 visitors. For those seeking natural beauty, Palo Maria waterfall offers a 4.7-rated excursion. The neighbourhoods of Gringo Gulch, with its 4.5 rating and 461 reviews, provides local character and dining options.
Puerto Vallarta also connects well to nearby cruise ports including Cabo San Lucas, Los Angeles, and San Diego for those planning multi-port itineraries.
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort city on Bahía de Banderas of the Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Puerto Vallarta is the second largest urban agglomeration in the state after the Guadalajara metropolitan area. The city of Puerto Vallarta is the government seat of the municipality of Puerto Vallarta, which comprises the city as well as population centers outside of the city, extending from Boca de Tomatlán to the Nayarit border. The city is located at 20°40′N 105°16′W. The municipality has an area of 681 square kilometres (262.9 sq mi). To the north, it borders the southwest of the state of Nayarit. To the east, it borders the municipality of Mascota and San Sebastián del Oeste, and to the south, it borders the municipalities of Talpa de Allende and Cabo Corrientes.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Nain Celis · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Los Muertos Beach Pier
4.7 (14,694) 4.8 km from port
Large ocean pier boasting a sleek, contemporary design & picturesque coastline views.
Near: Hotel Marsol (3 m) · Cuates y Cuetes (13 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Every time I go to Puerto Vallarta I go to Los Muertos Beach Pier. I enjoy walking from the entrance…” — Juan Hernandez
- 5 · “Los Muertos Beach Pier in Puerto Vallarta is the great spot to relax after a busy day wandering the city…” — Sam Mortazavi
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Photo: Alejandro Anotzin · via Google Maps Observation Deck
Hill of the Cross Viewpoint
4.8 (6,641) 3.6 km from port
A climb up steep steps leads to panoramic views at the top of this contemporary, open-work tower.
Near: Inicio Escaleras Al Cerro de La Cruz (23 m) · Restaurant & Bar El Panorama (196 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “A good way to see the city and a view of the entire bay. Highly recommend suggest going in the…” — Nathan T
- 5 · “This is a great local thing to do. Pick a cloudy day and earlier in the day if you can.…” — Alex&Slavko Djukic
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Photo: Allan Birkett · via Google Maps Monument
Los Arcos
4.7 (6,010) 3.8 km from port
4 stone arches on a bayside promenade, the backdrop for an amphitheater & a sunset vantage point.
Near: Fuente de la Amistad (Delfines) (37 m) · Domino's Vallarta Centro (41 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “June 2026 - Nice view on the walking pier” — Penguin Penguin
- 5 · “A nice place to walk around, during the day or evening. Sometimes there is some entertainment happening in the area.…” — Norayr Hajian (Norman)
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Photo: Carlota · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Gringo Gulch
4.5 (461) 4.0 km from port
Upscale hillside residential area named for foreigners who lived there, including Elizabeth Taylor.
Near: Centro Cultural Cuale (70 m) · Instituto Vallartense de Cultura (76 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Nice walk. Very clean and great views.” — Chris G.
- 5 · “Nice homes, a breeze, little landmarks and visuals made for a nice walk. Saw Casa Kimberly former home of Elizabeth…” — Mike Monteleone
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Tourist attraction
Palo Maria waterfall
4.7 (449) 10.7 km from port
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Tucked away like a little secret, this small waterfall feels almost unreal. The water is crystal clear, gently cascading into…” — Екатерина Омельченко
- 5 · “This is a gorgeous place to visit and go for a swim in a natural pool at the bottom of…” — Greg Domagala
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Tourist attraction
Malecon Boardwalk Vallarta
4.7 (139) 3.4 km from port
Near: Restaurante Bar La Chata (33 m) · La Dolce Vita Malecon (36 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
- Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
- 5 · “So much art and a beautiful place to walk. Get lost in the streets and enjoy the views.” — Allison Pellegrini
- 5 · “Always beautiful for a stroll anytime of the day or evening. Picturesque, entertaining, many shops, bars, restaurants, money exchanges and…” — Jan M
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Tourist attraction
Voladores de Papantla
4.7 (111) 3.3 km from port
Near: NNB Malecón (No Name Boutique) (29 m) · Paradise Burger (41 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “We showed up just as they were starting. Super cool! Gave the guy going around, tip money for the performance.” — Chris G.
- 5 · “We have seen this performance a few times now and I always want to stop and watch. Always worry about…” — Kelly K
Map of Puerto Vallarta and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Puerto Vallarta
Deals update daily — see all Mexico & Pacific Coast cruises.
