Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Mexico, where thousands of tourists go swimming every year. You can have fun on its beaches, practice different water sports, and enjoy many other activities during the day.
In this article, you will learn all the information you need about Puerto Vallarta and discover how to get the best swimming experience when making a trip to this immense beach resort.
Is Puerto Vallarta a Safe Place to Go Swimming?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta is a safe place to go swimming and have fun with your family and friends since its beaches are perfect for any age group, and there are almost no accidents when swimming in this place.
The only thing that may surprise you is the existence of sharks and crocodiles in Puerto Vallarta. However, they are no threat to its visitors since there are only the harmless little sharks near the beaches, and crocodiles only stay in designated areas like Estero El Salado and El Cora.
When swimming in Puerto Vallarta, you also have to follow the Covid-19 safety rules when you arrive at the beaches and swimming spots to avoid any inconvenience with the local authorities.
The most important rule you need to pay attention to is the flag instructions at the beach since they will tell you if you can swim in that spot or if there is any danger you need to be aware of at this time.
Literally, after seeing beautiful places like the lake Como, crater lake and so many to count, can say, we should come out from our physiological reality to the beautiful existential reality.
River Vs Oceans Vs Lakes: Best Place in Puerto Vallarta to Swim?
Puerto Vallarta is popular for having fantastic oceans, rivers, and lakes where people can swim and enjoy an incredible time in Mexico. However, the best place to swim by far is the ocean, with wonderful beaches and clear waters.
Many of these beaches are located in Banderas Bay, the third largest bay in Mexico and ranked amongst the top 20 worldwide.
In the oceans of Puerto Vallarta, you can find a wide variety of beaches that are great for swimming, easy to access, and have everything you need when it comes to food and entertainment.
However, you still need to check which ones are open to the public since some of them had high bacteriological levels, according to the Jalisco Ministry of Health, due to a sewage pipe accident in 2019.
After creating content on many such swimming destinations, one thing I’ve noticed is that if we don’t act consciously then any beautiful beach can turn into the Salton sea, a great salt lake, or lake mead. It may take hundred years to reach that level of severity but once it touches that point it will be too hard to revert the process.
Any Water-Related Records in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta has achieved many records when it comes to lakes and rivers over the last few years, making this place even more famous worldwide.
One of its most recent records comes from the Canopy River, receiving recognition from the international organization Skal as one of the best tourist destinations in 2022.
Lake Chapala which takes about 5 hours to reach from Puerto Vallarta also received an impressive record in 2019 for being nominated as the 2nd best climate worldwide by none other than National Geographic.
We can also find other records in Puerto Vallarta, including the world Guinness record for the biggest Yellowfin Tuna ever caught in history from the angler Keith Drouet which weighed 450lbs and had 88×64 inches in size.
What is the Best Time of the Year to Swim In Puerto Vallarta?
The best time of the year to swim in Puerto Vallarta is between the winter and the spring season since the water temperature reaches 21º on average, making it perfect for swimming at any time of the day.
If you want to get the best experience, you need to travel to Puerto Vallarta during January, February, March, or April when it is not raining and the weather is more pleasant for both swimmers and people in general.
You can also make the trip any other time of the year. However, you will have different weather conditions during your trip and have either colder or hotter temperatures if you visit during the whole summer or the start of the winter season.
Is Puerto Vallarta Famous for Water Sports?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta is famous for hosting different water sports competitions and attracting many athletes, professionals, and beginners who enjoy practicing these sports every year.
You can go to the different rivers or lakes in Puerto Vallarta to practice fishing, rafting, or kayaking with the help of a certified expert and the company of many other people during the day.
You can also practice surfing on various beaches in Puerto Vallarta and have fun doing the following water sports.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- Sailing
- Jet Ski
- Parasailing
- Flyboard
If you like to practice water sports and want to try new and exciting activities, you need to visit Puerto Vallarta and discover new experiences with your family and friends.
Best Beaches/Places to Swim in Puerto Vallarta?
There are over 60 beaches in Puerto Vallarta you can choose from to swim during your trip, but the best ones on the list when it comes to beauty and entertainment are the following.
- Los Muertos Beach
- Las Gemelas Beach
- Conchas Chinas Beach
- Las Caletas Beach
- Los Camarones Beach
- Marietas Islands
Personally, the one that gives me chills in the spine is the hidden beach of Marietas Islands. Look at this photo, you can’t miss it if Puerto Vallarta is on your wish list.
Many of these beaches have crystal clear waters, beautiful scenery, and unique attractions that will make you want to stay swimming and have fun the whole day.
You can also visit other famous beaches available in Puerto Vallarta and experience everything they can offer since each one has a different appeal and provides you with something special that you can not find anywhere else.
Do the Beaches Here Offer Stay & Luxury?
Yes, the beaches in Puerto Vallarta offer you stay and luxury services to all its visitors throughout the different beach resorts and hotels around the area.
If you want the most affordable option, you can choose to stay at a luxury hotel with prices going from $50 to $120 per day. This option gives you decent accommodation and many different services that will improve your experience at Puerto Vallarta.
However, if you want the best of the best, you can stay at a luxury beach resort by paying between $150 and $800 per day. This option has many more advantages than hotels and provides a five-star experience from start to finish.
Can you Swim With Dolphins in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, you can swim with wild dolphins in Puerto Vallarta by going on private tours, and different water parks specialize in this type of experience.
All you have to do is choose the best place you want to go swimming with dolphins and follow the instructions of the tour guide when you come face-to-face with these animals.
You can also bring your wife or your kids for this activity since these dolphins are not dangerous and are placed in a safe environment.
Can you Swim With Sharks in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, you can swim with different sharks species in Puerto Vallarta if you dare to get up close and see them first hand.
This activity is conducted by professionals that will help you get in touch with these sharks and understand all the information about each species.
You can also swim with whale sharks by going to the Riviera Nayarit and booking a private tour to avoid any accidents.
Other Activities You Can Enjoy in Puerto Vallarta
There are many other things you can enjoy in Puerto Vallarta besides swimming and doing water sports during the day. Whether it is popular hotspots for entertainment or new adventures in hidden spots nearby, this place has everything you need.
You can start by walking down el Malecon where you will find many restaurants along the way, nightclub parties with many people, and famous bars like Señor Frogs. Then you can decide which other activities you want to do next.
- Go Sky Diving.
- Zip lining across the jungle.
- Visit Tequila town.
- Go to the Pirate Ship cruise show.
- Eat tacos at Panchos Tacos.
- And more.
I wish you a safe and adventurous journey to Puerto Vallarta. And don’t overlook those beautiful places and things to do that I’ve mentioned in this blog along with swimming on beautiful beaches.
Michael is heavily inclined towards traveling to natural places and documenting cultures/people from different parts of the world. He also loves hiking and camping and is spirited toward all outdoor activities. He will share his passion for outdoor life and brands or products we use outside our homes. He has good research skills, and that’s why you can see why his articles are packed with info that is factual and not readily available. He also has the vision to travel the whole world and share it with all readers of Outdoor Favor.
