Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Attractions

Los Arcos Banderas Bay El Malecon Yelapa Las Caletas Las Marietas Islands

Marina Vallarta. Mexico's most sophisticated marina and one of the most popular in the country, Marina Vallarta features a modern 500-slip boat marina, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a beautiful beach. Lining the Marina boardwalk are numerous shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. The Marina’s famous landmark, El Faro (the Lighthouse), offers spectacular views of the Marina and Banderas Bay.

Los Arcos. Los Arcos Amphitheater, or Aquiles Serdan Theater, is known for its four stone arches which have become a symbol of Puerto Vallarta. At this beautiful open-air theater, you can enjoy festive nightly performances, street venders that offer an array of native food and artisans. It is the perfect spot to watch the sun set behind the natural arches of Los Arcos and beyond to the horizon of Banderas Bay.

Banderas Bay. The largest and deepest natural bay in Mexico, Banderas Bay (Bay of Flags) is a horseshoe-shaped bay with gentle, emerald waters. Measureing 20 miles across with over 40 miles of coastline, the Bay is one of the deepest bays in the world with depths up to two miles. Framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains, the waters of Bahia de Banderas are protected from the open seas. With its deep, calm waters, Banderas Bay offers some of the best sport fishing in the world. Cruise out into the waters to encounter humpback whales, dolphins, giant sea turtles and manta rays that inhabitant the beautiful Bay.  [Top]

El Malecon. One of the most beautiful miles on Earth, Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon is a mile-long oceanfront boardwalk that follows the beach and runs along the main street in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Malecon begins at Hotel Rosita – the first hotel in Vallarta - and ends at a beautiful open-air theater known as Los Arcos, or The Arches. Puerto Vallarta's Malecon is a wonderful strolling, sightseeing and shopping destination, where art, culture, shopping, and dining are at your fingertips. On the city side of the boardwalk, Malecon is lined with trendy boutiques, downtown stores, gift shops, cafés, bars and wonderful restaurants that offer stunning views and gorgeous sunsets over Banderas Bay. Watch the rolling surf from the wrought-iron benches, take pictures of the famous Dolphin and Seahorse sculptures, or relax in a café overlooking the sea.

Yelapa. Nestled in the southernmost cove of Banderas Bay, the peaceful fishing village of Yelapa can be found.   Most accessible by boat from Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa's tranquility is ideal for those seeking a laid-back vacation. Covered in a blanket of golden sand, the beautiful beach is a superb place to swim, snorkel, or parasail. Relax in one of the numerous beach chairs, soak up the sun, and enjoy a cold drink.  [Top]

Las Caletas. Situated on Puerto Vallarta's Banderas Bay, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway. Enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Vallarta has to offer while cruising to a private cove where you will discover the wonders of the bay while kayaking, snorkeling, surfing or scuba diving. On land, you can explore the surrounding forest, meet a colorful parrot or relax in a hammock on the golden beach. Las Caletas offers a beautiful beach and waterfalls.

Las Marietas Islands. Originally made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970's, the Marietas Islands Marine Reserve is one of the most popular scuba diving areas in Western Mexico, with a great variety of caves, reefs, and drop-offs for exploring. This beautiful destination features a variety of tropical fish, mantas, turtles and whales (December to April).  [Top]

Photos by Mark Callanan http://www.callananphoto.com