Plan a CruisePuerto Vallarta offers a vibrant mix of traditional Mexican culture and luxurious resort amenities, making it a popular destination for cruise passengers. Your ship will dock at the Marina Vallarta Maritime and Cruise Terminal, located approximately three miles north of downtown. While up to three ships can dock at the pier, others may tender passengers to the same terminal. With 8-10 hours in port, you'll have ample time to explore the city's charm, relax on a beach, or venture out on an excursion.
Getting Around from the Port
The cruise terminal is about three miles north of downtown. Here are your transport options:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available. For the best rates, exit the port gates and use the yellow taxis, which are less expensive than the Federal Zone cabs found inside the terminal area. A taxi ride to downtown typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic, and should cost around US$5-7 (negotiable).
- Local Bus: Just outside the terminal, you can catch a local bus. The fare is 10 pesos per ticket; you'll need a new ticket each time you board as there are no transfers. US dollars are often accepted for 10 pesos, with change given in pesos. To reach downtown, look for any bus marked "Centro" (avoid those marked "Tunel," as they bypass downtown). For your return, take a bus marked "Marina" or "Walmart."
- Open-Top Bus: An open-top bus service operates from just outside the terminal exit, in the car park opposite the gas station. This is not a hop-on/hop-off service but offers an approximately 2.5-hour round trip through the main town and along the coastal road.
- Resort Day Pass: If you prefer a relaxing day, Hotel Krystall, not far from the cruise terminal, offers pool and beach access to cruise passengers. Simply show your cruise card and purchase food and drinks at the resort.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours, you can experience a variety of Puerto Vallarta's offerings:
- Explore Downtown: Take a bus or taxi to the city center. Walk the famous Malecon boardwalk, explore the charming old town, and cross the Rio Cuale bridge to the South Side, where you can enjoy drinks or meals right on the beach.
- Canopy Tours: For an adventurous family outing, Los Veranos Canopy Tours are a popular choice.
- Golf: If you're a golfer, Puerto Vallarta boasts seven championship golf courses, including designs by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, available year-round.
- Tequila Town: A short drive away lies Tequila, the birthplace of Mexico's iconic spirit, where you can see the agave plants cultivated for its production. This region is rich in local history and offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican culture.
Dining
While downtown offers numerous options, consider enjoying grilled marlin beachside for a local culinary experience.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), symbolized by "$." To avoid confusion, prices in US dollars are usually marked "US$." The exchange rate is approximately 17 pesos to 1 US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are not as universally accepted as in Europe or the USA, and some businesses may add an extra charge of around 5% for credit card transactions. Spanish is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Free WiFi is available for customers at several cafes in the Marine Terminal area, just across the street from the docks. Cyber cafes are also common, with rates typically ranging from 10 to 50 pesos per hour.