7 reasons to travel to Puerto Vallarta in the fall

Fall is here, and with it, the hot summer days are gone. One of the best seasons starts in Puerto Vallarta, with temperatures between 77° and 89°F (20° and 32°C), and days are as long as nights, so you can make the most of them whilst visiting. Rain is less frequent, there is less humidity and the surrounding mountains display a gorgeous green, so there is a chance of taking amazing pictures everywhere you go.

And of course, there are so many activities to do that go along with the natural scenarios, so here we share with you our top 7 reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta this time of year.

1- The best season for scuba diving

If you’ve been waiting for this season to scuba dive in mild waters, your time has arrived! Whether you’re a professional or just starting in this activity, you’ll be doing it in one of the best destinations. Scuba diving is one of the most gratifying sports to be in contact with marine life, and well, we all know that being in contact with nature reduces stress levels. Here are the three best spots for scuba diving in the area:

• Las Caletas Beach.

  This natural oasis can be reached only by boat; its crystal-clear waters are perfect for scuba diving. Once you’re in the water, you’ll be able to spot garden eels, tropical fish, stingrays, as well as olive ridley sea turtles which also live in the area. It’s the perfect place to learn how to scuba dive, since there is no need to dive at great depths to enjoy and admire the species that inhabit it.

• Los Arcos Marine Park.

  This spectacular marine park is booming with life, and you can encounter octopus, moray eels, and all kinds of colorful fish. Its name derives from the rock formations shaped like arches, that due to time and erosion, have formed caverns and tunnels that can be explored by expert divers. There are different depths on its waters, so they can also be explored by amateur scuba divers as well as beginners, and it’s also a great place for snorkeling.

• El Chimo. 

  El Chimo is a fishing town located 30 minutes south of Yelapa, perfect for scuba diving. There you’ll spot stingrays, turtles, and even humpback whales between December and April. You’ll admire spectacular rock formations that look like a church emerging in the water that creates an incredible landscape of shadow and light. Make sure to bring your underwater camera so you can share your adventures with us using the hashtag #RevivePuertoVallarta.

2- Whale-watching

Whale-watching season officially starts in December, when fall is coming to an end, but now is the time to consider this activity as part of your bucket list when you visit Puerto Vallarta. Every year, humpback whales arrive on our coasts to give birth to their playful young, making it an outstanding reason to visit us and live the experience of a lifetime. To do so, you must take a certified tour to visit them where they are frequently spotted. There, in the middle of the ocean, you’ll enjoy them at their best: the males singing to woo the females, mother whales jumping and splashing along with their calves, or simply swimming in the water. A must-do activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta! Make sure to bring binoculars to get a better view.

3- Tons of offers and promotions during the last quarter of the year

Summer has been left behind, and, you’ll not only have the ideal weather, but great offers and packages can be found almost everywhere, even airlines offer amazing deals. Now is the time to enjoy our destination and make the most of the activities and tours with special pricing. Check out our guide to tour operators and take a look at our special offers so you can pick your ideal hotel and favorite activities and spend a memorable autumn.

4- The best season for sport fishing

If you’re a fishing fanatic, then you need to visit Puerto Vallarta in November, when one of the best tournaments in the Pacific takes place: The 65th International Marlin and Sailfish Fishing Tournament, from the 10th to the 13th of November. Four categories will take place this year: Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, and Tuna, as well as Catch and Release. A not-to-be-missed event, make sure to participate or to support your favs!

Another important event that’ll take place is the Los Muertos Beach Fishing Tournament, on the 5th and 6th of November. This 2021 marks its 14th edition; an event that started between a group of fishermen and beach vendors. Just like last year, the categories will be Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, and Open Water (in this category no species should be in danger of extinction, in close season, or forbidden by the current fishing laws). Register now and participate in one of the best fishing tournaments in the beautiful Mexican Pacific.

5- End of turtle-release season

Being around nature and the species that inhabit it is a fundamental part in preserving our environment, that is why releasing baby turtles in Puerto Vallarta is an activity that you must certainly experience. We can happily say that the work that has been done up to now in preserving this species in the destination has successfully resulted in the olive ridley turtle being excluded from the list of endangered species. Be part of this activity along with your family and learn more about this fascinating species. The best times are early morning at sunrise or at sunset, accompanying the lovely baby turtles in their first adventure at sea.

6- Pamper your palate with the season packed with the best culinary events

As part of the end-of-year activities, Puerto Vallarta hosts major world-renowned culinary events, such as “Restaurant Week”, from September 15th to October 10th; “Viva el Vino” on September 29th; “International Gourmet Festival” from November 12th to 21st; and “Vallarta-Nayarit Gastronomica” from October 27th to November 2nd. Each of these festivals has its own signature, so you’ll find different proposals in each of them, but they all offer an unsurpassed culinary delight for sure. Be pampered with original recipes, traditional Mexican dishes with a gourmet touch, drinks that blend perfectly with your course, international menus by featured chefs and so much more. Open your palate to a new and unique culinary experience!

7- Sporting events and live music to end the year

You have surely heard before that Puerto Vallarta has the scenarios to carry out all kinds of sporting events, such as marathons, races, fishing, or soccer. That is why we invite you to join them, whether participating or cheering. Some events that’ll take place over the fall are the National Doctor’s Day Race on October 24th; the 38th edition of Vallarta Soccer from November 3rd to 7th; the 17th edition of the traditional Half-Marathon on November 7th; and the 3rd Vallarta Color Race on November 12th.

Don't forget fun is a great complement to your visit to Puerto Vallarta, so you’re invited to join the Brawny Bear Weekend from November 17th to 21st; five days of live DJs, a blend of beach and music from midday till dawn, an amazing week you’ll surely never forget!

As you can see, fall is just around the corner, and endless fun and activities are already waiting for you; one of the best seasons in the year that’ll make your trip memorable. Check out the events calendar for further details!

We’ll be waiting for you with open arms and lots to do!

Remember to tag us in all your pics whilst you enjoy this superb Mexican beach destination, using the hashtag #PuertoVallarta.