PUERTO VALLARTA – Gateway to Yacht Charters along the Sunny Mexican Riviera
My introduction to the Mexican Riviera was in the late 1960s … The long stretch of beautiful coastline was dotted with small villages and quiet anchorages. To purchase diesel on our first visit to Puerto Vallarta, we rowed ashore in a Mexican panga (small Mexican fishing boat), found a truck to take us to the local Pemex station, and purchased diesel at 12 cents/gallon. We then rowed the barrels back to the yacht and siphoned the diesel into the boat… It was an all-day event!
Today, Mexico’s west coast has grown to accommodate the needs of the cruising yachtsman. The sunny coastline of the Mexican Riviera from Puerto Vallarta to Acapulco is still dotted with hidden coves and impeccable beaches but now offers world class marinas and luxury resorts as well.
Marina Vallarta is home to most local charter yachts … It features more than 500 slips and is surrounded with a large promenade lined with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars.
Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful port to board your yacht for a cruise along the elegant Mexican Riviera to Acapulco. She is a colorful paradise with beaches, mountains, jungles, and hundreds of restaurants offering some of the best dining in Mexico. The town sits in the center of the Bay of Banderas, Mexico’s largest bay, measuring an amazing 26 miles long.
Before leaving the bay, be sure to visit Yelapa, a crescent shaped beach just 17 miles to the south. The small village has no cars, one paved pedestrian road, and only received electricity about ten years ago.
Take a hike along the waterfront path to “La Punta”, ride a horse through the jungle to a refreshing waterfall, or simply enjoy watersports on the beach. Be sure to savor a fresh seafood lunch at one of the palapa-topped casual restaurants on the beach!
