Things to do nearMarina Vallarta

Marina Vallarta was developed in the late 1980s as Puerto Vallarta expanded northward along Banderas Bay. What was once a mangrove estuary transformed into one of Mexico's most polished marina complexes, complete with hundreds of deep-water slips capable of accommodating large private yachts and sportfishing vessels. The development brought with it a championship 18-hole golf course, luxury hotels, and a residential community that draws both Mexican nationals and international residents year-round.

Visitors come to Marina Vallarta for the water above all else. Fishing charters depart regularly from the docks, targeting the Pacific's prized billfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Those who prefer a slower pace can join boat tours that venture out into Banderas Bay for wildlife watching and coastal sightseeing. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular along the calmer interior channels.

The marina's promenade is lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants where chefs lean on the day's local catch. Nearby, Lazaro Cardenas Park offers a green respite just a short ride south. Marina Vallarta rewards visitors who linger, revealing a side of Puerto Vallarta that is polished, unhurried, and genuinely connected to the sea.