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Marina Vallarta
Summary
- Marina Vallarta is a trendy neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
- The Marina Vallarta area is delimited by the airport to the north, Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue to the east, the Puerto Vallarta harbor area to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest.
- There are many things to do in Marina Vallarta, including visiting the Marina Lighthouse, enjoying great restaurants and specialty stores, and relaxing on El Salado Beach.
- The area is home to several hotels, including Velas Vallarta, Marriott CasaMagna, and Vamar Vallarta Hotel.
- Los Muertos Beach, known for being LGBT-friendly, is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta and is located nearby.
- The Marina Vallarta area is a mix of old and new, traditional and modern, and is a fun place to explore.
Introduction
Marina Vallarta at night
Marina Vallarta is a bit like a resort within a resort, with an exclusive Marina filled with yachts, boats, and charters, plus a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Joe Finger.
It is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Puerto Vallarta and some 5 minutes away from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz.
The Marina boardwalk offers lots of good shops, a great range from inexpensive restaurants to fancy elegant dining options, delis, a Starbucks, spas, cafés, bakeries, and ice-cream stores too, even a little supermarket.
Vallarta Whale, Marina Vallarta entrance
The view and the relaxed atmosphere make it a great afternoon sunset stroll for couples and families, watching the yachts and boats. The Marina is close to the airport, but planes do not fly close so you actually don’t hear them unless you are on the north side.
There are many luxurious hotels and resorts in the Marina area, including the Marriott Casamagna, Velas Vallarta, Westin Regina, Casa Velas and many others.
The beach is a bit complicated to get to unless you stay at one of the beachfront resorts if not, use this guide to get to El Salado Beach.
A bit of history
The Marina area is more exclusive and a bit more expensive than other areas in Puerto Vallarta. It was built during the most active years of the city in the 1980s, specifically in 1986, by the Güitrón brothers Jorge and José Martínez Güitrón, they took a leap of faith and really planned big.
Cruise ships at Puerto Vallarta harbor, Marina Vallarta
The population of Puerto Vallarta had managed to nearly double between 1980 and 1990 due, in large part, to a sudden devaluation of the peso at that point in time, something that attracted many visitors from both Canada and the United States, due to their sudden purchase power increase.
Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta panoramic view
This sudden growth in tourism inspired the Güitrón Martinez brothers to start an important and visionary residential and business development, the one we now know as the Marina Vallarta, where you would be able to shop by the Marina and enjoy luxury hotels, condos, housing developments, private schools and top-level maritime amenities that could even welcome luxury yachts in what was at the time the largest marina in Mexico with 500 slips.
Marina Vallarta view, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco State, Mexico
They also had excellent marketing sense and convinced the famous actress Elizabeth Taylor, that already owned property in the city and lived many years here, to buy one of the first available condos by the Marina, which helped give it all some extra appeal, for sure.
Where is Marina Vallarta?
The Marina Vallarta area is delimited to the north by the airport to the east by Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue and the El Salado Estuary. To the southeast, the limit is the Puerto Vallarta harbor area and southwest the Pacific Ocean (Banderas Bay).
Things to do there
Marina Lighthouse
Marina Vallarta Lighthouse, Puerto Vallarta Mexico
[Currently closed] Marina Vallarta has its own little lighthouse, more for the show that really useful, surrounded by buildings that are higher than it is :-). At the top of the lighthouse, you can enjoy a drink at the El Faro bar.
The Marina Lighthouse offers a fantastic view of the Marina area, the Sierra Madre Mountains and wonderful sunsets (very romantic). At night they also have live music to take romantic to an even higher level.
Marina Boardwalk
Marina Vallarta boardwalk, Puerto Vallarta
Enjoy great restaurants, specialty stores, cafes and shops offering quality products around the Marina, the view is great, the ambiance, relaxed, great for a day out with the family.
Vallarta Whale Sculpture
Vallarta Whale, entrance to Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Another attraction for young and old is the bronze sculpture at the entrance to the Marina called “Vallarta Whale“. This sculpture was installed in 2001 as a tribute to the whales that visit the harbor and Banderas Bay each year, according to the locals it is the largest bronze sculpture in the world.
Art & Market Marina Vallarta
Art & Market Marina Vallarta, a colorful family-friendly event
Every Thursday, from October through May, you are invited to one of Puerto Vallarta’s trendiest neighborhoods, the Marina Vallarta.
Enjoy live music as you browse the local vendors’ stalls along the Marina boardwalk. There’s so much to see, and buy: fresh vegetables, honey, pastries, crafts, paintings, photos, unique clothing and even sculptures.
The Art & Market season starts off in October and ends in May, exact dates vary each year (in 2022, the start date is Thursday, October 27). Each Thursday it’s open from 6 PM to 10 PM.
We recommend visiting their FB page for updated information: https://www.facebook.com/artandmarketpv/
Phone: (322) 221-0503
Marina Vallarta Golf Club
Joe Finger Golf Course Marina Vallarta
Marina Vallarta Golf Course was designed by the famous American architect, Joe Finger, it’s an 18 hole course located in the marina area of Puerto Vallarta.
A marvellous mix of tropical ambiance with views of the Sierra Madre and the Banderas Bay. Offers a hacienda-style clubhouse right beside some of the most important hotels in Vallarta. The club each year hosts the International Pro-AM.
- Marina Vallarta Golf Course
- Designer: Joe Finger
- Holes: 18
- Length: 6701 yards
- Class: Blue, Professional White & Red · Operator: Club Corp
- Distance: 15 minutes.
- http://www.marinavallartagolf.com/
Plaza Marina
Plaza Marina, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta
Even though it seems that Plaza Marina has never really been 100% full, it does offer a number of very useful day-to-day stores and businesses, there are banks, a supermarket, a drugstore and various places to eat. It’s very useful for those that live in the area and as a place to pass the time when waiting for a flight to leave or arrive.
- Address: Gansos, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
- Phone: (322) 221-0060
- Website: http://www.plazamarina.com
Where to stay
Marina Vallarta offers many of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta and the area. You’ll find both international brands as well as the best Mexican hotels and resorts.
From north to south the lodging options here are:
- One Puerto Vallarta Aeropuerto
- Holiday Inn Express Puerto Vallarta
- Casa Ritual Hotel Boutique
- Quinta del Sol
- Comfort Inn Puerto Vallarta
- Holiday Inn & Suites Puerto Vallarta Marina & Golf
- San Trópico
- Casa Velas Hotels & SPA
- Flamingo Vallarta Hotel & Spa
- Velas Vallarta
- Marriott CasaMagna
- Vamar Vallarta Hotel
- The Hotel Flamingo Vallarta
- Meliá Puerto Vallarta
- Mayan Palace at Vidanta Puerto Vallarta
- Villa Vera Puerto Vallarta
- The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta
El Salado Beach (Marina Vallarta’s beach)
El Salado Beach (June 7, 2022 – Marina Vallarta)
Marina Vallarta hides the beach access…
If you have a hard time getting to the beach in the northern part of Nuevo Vallarta, finding your way to the Marina Vallarta beach takes things to a new level.
First off there were supposedly two access points to the beach, the one on the southern end, right by the mouth of the Marina, but it is now blocked by a condo development and there is no access at all!
The northern access point is past Bay View Grand condos and you continue on the street till you arrive at Paseo Bocanegra.
Access is available between 7 AM and 8 PM, the rest of the time they block the entry, I imagine to avoid noise, parties and similar issues in this residential area.
Go down Paseo Bocanegra for some 2600 feet and arrive at the bay and the edge.
The northern access point is past Bay View Grand condos and you continue on the street till you arrive at Paseo Bocanegra.
Access is available between 7 AM and 8 PM, the rest of the time they block the entry, I imagine to avoid noise, parties and similar issues in this residential area.
Go down Paseo Bocanegra for some 2600 feet and arrive at the bay and the edge.
Marina Vallarta Beach access through Paseo Bocanegra
There is an ugly beach to the right (north), where you’ll have planes taking off overhead and to the left is the nicer beach, though you can’t see it for the boulders.
I am sure there is a “technical” explanation for all the boulders, the sea, erosion, etc., but they are there just to make it hard to get to the beach, obviously, if you have mobility issues or find it hard to jump from one rock to another, you won’t get to the beach. Me, thanks to my billy goat genes, did the hike and it’s not too bad.
The public access point to the Marina beach is blocked with boulders
The Marina Vallarta beach is alright, the sand darker and hotter than the beaches in Nuevo Vallarta. It is wider than the beaches further south a bit less than the hotel zone beach, though. There are places where the slope is steeper slope.
In general, a good beach, there are no public access restaurants, bars or stores here on the beach, only resorts, hotels and condos and their offerings. So bring your food and drinks along, in any case, I’d recommend Nuevo Vallarta or Destiladeras more than this one.
You may be able to walk into some of the hotel restaurants. I know Velas Vallarta has the Andrea Restaurant that is open to the public, so if pressed, ask around.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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