Cruise to Puerto Vallarta, México and you’ll be surrounded by the calm waters of the Banderas Bay on one side, and the Sierra Madre Mountain range on the other. On your Panama Canal cruise, Puerto Vallarta may be just one stop of many, but it's not hard to be enamored with its ease and proximity to lush rainforests just beyond the city limits.

Puerto Vallarta blends the vibe of a bucolic Mexican fishing village with a luxurious resort town. Downtown is a hub for nightlife, shopping, and some of the area’s top-rated restaurants. You’ll immediately recognize the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a landmark literally adorned with a crown, jutting out of the Puerto Vallarta skyline. Or head to Los Arcos for a photo op of you and preserved Romanesque arches overlooking the bay. Puerto Vallarta manages to capture everything you’d want in a destination—scenic beaches, plentiful chances for eco-excursions like horseback riding in the mountains, dolphin and whale watching, or swimming and sunbathing at Playa de Los Muertos.

Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises to Puerto Vallarta

Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

A top on many tours in Puerto Vallarta, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a symbol of the city—its tower is instantly recognized as the jewel of Puerto Vallarta’s skyline, and the church even features an elaborate sculptured “crown” at the top of the tower, glittering in the midday sunlight from wherever you are. Each year, there’s a 12-day festival honoring Guadalupe in December. 

Banderas Bay

Stretching across 62 miles of blue water and marine life, Banderas Bay is one of the largest bays in all of México, Puerto Vallarta is nestled within. While you’re on a Puerto Vallarta cruise, explore Banderas Bay for sport-fishing and wildlife, including whale watching, or take a boat along the bay, stopping in the small villages to look out at the ocean views. 

Dolphin Discovery Vallarta

Whether you’re in a group or by yourself, you can arrange an unforgettable opportunity to swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta. Tours are about 40-minutes long and they include plenty of time to play with dolphins and get an understanding for their habits, their quirks, and all the reasons why they’re one of the world’s most unique species. Perfect for kids and animal lovers. The Dolphin Discovery center is about six miles from the cruise port, so a taxi or car is the fastest way to get there.

Playa de Los Muertos

This beach tends to be crowded and bustling, ideal for an action-packed day of parasailing, water sports, swimming, and more. Playa de Los Muertos is one of the busiest beaches in this part of México, and you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants near the beach. When you get tired of the sun, seek shelter for a cold drink.

Los Arcos

These iconic arches welcome you to Plaza Morelos facing the ocean, and they’re one of Puerto Vallarta’s recognizable structures. Stop to take pictures at Los Arcos before continuing your jaunt down the boardwalk. It’s a free sight, and gives you a chance to look out into the Bay of Banderas as you continue on to cafes, restaurants, or shopping in the plaza. 

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