DISCOVERING A NATURAL PARADISE BLESSED WITH ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND BEAUTY

Puerto Vallarta is located in Mexico’s largest natural bay, the Bay of Banderas. The horseshoe shaped bay, known for its exquisite deep waters and rich biodiversity is a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club, a select club regrouping the world’s most impressive coastlines. Banderas Bay shelters numerous diverse ecosystems, including tropical lagoons, rainforests, mangroves, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and spectacular mountains, making it a prime ecotourism destination.

Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins are a common site in the area’s waters, but for those visitors who would like an up close encounter with these fascinating animals, the town is also home to one of the best dolphin education and research facilities in the region. Banderas Bay is also the birthplace of the magnificent Humpback Whales. Every year, from December to April, humpback whales migrate to the area to breed, and visitors can watch in the whales play in the calm waters of the bay. The Olive Ridley marine turtle is also protected under a government sponsored conservation program. From July through November, Olive Ridley Turtles come to lay their eggs on Puerto Vallarta’s beaches. A hotel and government sponsored initiative invites children and adults to partake in the protection of this beautiful species in an annual nighttime ceremony in which the baby turtles are released into the ocean. 

The Sierra Madre Mountains are also a center of many ecological wonders, with its wide array of vegetation and wildlife including tropical flora, fauna, amphibians, reptiles, deer, hares, and mountain lions. Visitors also have the chance to explore high above the forest floor in a canopy tour offering up-close views of the areas native birds, including woodpeckers, parrots, yellow winged cacique, and parakeets. 

From the highly educated eco-tour guides to the government sponsored conservation programs for endangered species, Puerto Vallarta exemplifies a responsible ecotourism destination. Every September, the community joins together for its annual beach and underwater clean up and awareness day, an event which is organized by the local Center for Marine Conservation. A collection of rich ecosystems, and incredible diversity, the following is a compilation of just a few of the locations that Puerto Vallarta has to offer its eco-friendly travelers.

LAS CALETAS ISLANDS

In the southern section of Banderas Bay lies Las Caletas, a hidden cove made famous for being a favorite retreat for renowned film director John Huston. Las Caletas is a secluded paradise, with a spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains, beautiful beaches, and even a tropical reef. What’s more, Las Caletas offers visitors an endless number of activities, including snorkeling, sea kayaking, bird watching, and hiking through jungle trails to lovely orchid gardens. 

LOS ARCOS NATIONAL MARINE PARK

Los Arcos is another popular diving and snorkeling destination for visitors in Puerto Vallarta. Located near the small village of Mismaloya, this protected park consists of towering rock arches, caves, tunnels, and reefs full of marine animals including angelfish, butterfly fish, puffers, eagle rays, sea turtles, and giant mantas. For the adventurous travelers, Los Arcos offers an amazing opportunity to dive the “Devil’s Drop” underwater cliff, an approximate 1600 foot drop to a spectacular underwater mountain range. 

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