Limpia tu Mar: A Sustainable Destination in Action

Puerto Vallarta hosted the second International Trash Fishing Tournament, an eco-friendly event that exceeded all expectations for participation with a unique blend of adrenaline, environmental awareness, and commitment.

Limpia tu Mar Puerto Vallarta AC is the non-profit organization that has sponsored the International Trash Fishing Tournament since 2024. The second edition of the event, which took place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, attracted over 300 attendees.

The Los Muertos Beach pier in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone was the gathering point for brigade members, volunteers, and participating teams. All were ready to take action in favor of the seas of Banderas Bay.

Good Vibes, Great Energy, and Teamwork

The second International Trash Fishing Tournament was marked by a festive yet focused atmosphere. A total of 34 boats set sail with equipment including nets, gloves, trash bags, and the enthusiasm to make a difference.

The goal for the second edition of the tournament was to collect at least one and a half tons of waste, which is significantly more than the one ton collected in the first edition.

As the sun rose over Banderas Bay, the teams began their inverted "fishing" work. Instead of catching fish, they searched the waves and currents for floating debris, plastics and microplastics, glass, aluminum, Styrofoam, and bulky waste.

A symbolic moment occurred when the brigade leaders, appointed by Limpia tu Mar, declared that the activity was not a conventional competition, but rather "an alliance" among tourists, residents, and the local community to "clean up the sea that welcomes them."

Minor Steps, Major Accomplishments

The second International Trash Fishing Tournament concluded with remarkable results: a staggering 3.5 tons of marine debris were collected in the bay, far surpassing the initial target.

Awards were presented to the winning teams in each category as follows:

• PET category (recyclable plastic): The Sayan Beach team collected 254.9 kg.
• Glass category: The SEAT team amassed a total of 69.6 kilograms.
• Voluminous category (waste, big items): Tortuguero Camp of Boca de Tomates Nakawe AC took first place with 269 kg.

Beyond the technical records, these figures reflect a very visible collective effort, with each participant, gloves in hand, bringing the infamous "catch of the day" on deck, including bottles, Styrofoam, and other debris. However, it was satisfying to see that each bag gathered represented a decrease in pollutants in the ocean.

Allies and Amigos of the Sea

Rigoberto Pedroza Yaver, president of Limpia tu Mar, delivered a speech at the awards ceremony for the second International Trash Fishing Tournament that encapsulated the essence of the event. "The sea is voiceless, yet it has allies," he declared.

The objective of the International Trash Fishing Tournament in Puerto Vallarta, as emphasized by the event's organizers, is twofold: to remove, sort, and recycle solid waste from the sea, and to raise community awareness about marine pollution.

However, a representative of the environmental authorities noted that if every coastal city worldwide made a comparable effort to clean up and conserve, sustainable development would be achievable.

A Sustainable Destination in Action

Puerto Vallarta is clearly and decisively taking steps toward more responsible tourism with this and other important actions for protection, conservation, and awareness.

The second International Trash Fishing Tournament met and exceeded its original cleanup goal, showing that Puerto Vallarta offers much more than just sun and beautiful beaches.

Puerto Vallarta's designation as a green destination and sanctuary city offers visitors purposeful tourism and meaningful experiences, with opportunities for active engagement in environmental conservation.

Community-based programs like Limpia tu Mar (Clean Your Sea) encourage a fresh kind of travel to Puerto Vallarta that focuses on fostering a bond with the bay's marine life.

Puerto Vallarta is a prime example of a destination that prioritizes sustainability, integrating green initiatives, community involvement, and volunteering into its tourism offerings.

How to Get Involved as a Visitor

The young civil association Limpia tu Mar Puerto Vallarta AC, founded in 2022, is the driving force behind the International Trash Fishing Tournament and other marine cleanup actions, as well as beach and river cleanups in the region.

If you want to get more involved as a visitor or potential volunteer, consider the following actions:

• When planning your next trip to Puerto Vallarta, opt for tourism service providers that prioritize environmental sustainability. Look for hotels and resorts that have green or zero-waste initiatives and nature tours that encourage a love for and protection of the environment.

• Share your experience on social media if you participated in the tournament or any other conservation initiative. Use the event hashtags or tags. Photos and videos on social media can be used to spread awareness.

• Register as a volunteer. Make a monetary donation. Minimize the use of single-use plastics. The global impact of small actions is significant. The message from Limpia tu Mar encapsulates it perfectly: "We all benefit from the sea, yet we neglect to dispose of our trash responsibly."

The combination of nature, culture, and environmental commitment makes Puerto Vallarta a city where travelers enjoy unique experiences while contributing to the conservation of the destination.

In Puerto Vallarta, tourism is not just enjoyed—it's experienced with awareness. Your next visit is an ideal chance to support sustainable practices. These practices protect the environment while strengthening the local economy.