Puerto Vallarta is synonymous with fun! Visitors can choose from an abundance of activities, from excursions to secluded beaches, floating parties, scuba diving expeditions and romantic dinner cruises to hiking, biking, eco-tours, swimming with dolphins, whale watching and 4-wheeling. How about parachute rides over Banderas Bay or a quick plane ride to a mountain village for lunch? Puerto Vallarta is also known as an artists' mecca with its world-class galleries and organized evening art walks. There is always something exciting happening in this lovely tropical city.
In the Spotlight America's Cup Tour: Although I’d worked as a “two-stripe” officer on the largest cruise ship in the world prior to returning to Puerto Vallarta, I had never stepped onto a sailboat before. All I knew about America’s Cup sailboats was that they were racing vessels with gigantic sails. Clearly, I was a rookie. However, by the end of the day, I knew the difference between jibbing and tacking.
Best New Paved Roads: Sayulita and San Sebastian: These two popular daytrip and overnight destinations have been begging for discovery for years. New access roads make this easier than ever. If driving to Sayulita, consider taking the Punta Mita route instead of Carr. 200 Norte. Once on the Punta Mita road, take a right onto the new Litibu road that connects with the recently paved Sayulita back entrance.
Best Way to Occupy Your Green Thumb: Vallarta Orchid Society: Did you know that there are about 240 indigenous species of orchids growing wild in the greater Puerto Vallarta area? TJ Hartung, founder of the Vallarta Orchid Society, does. This society was inaugurated in 2006 with the goal of educating people about orchids, as well as rescuing and preserving the existing orchid species in our area.
Best Way to Pamper Yourself: Mexico Boutique Hotels: There are many ways to honor that special someone in your life, but beyond the traditional gift ideas, why not surprise and amaze them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience they will cherish and talk about forever? Mexico Boutique Hotels is the guide to selecting upscale getaway destinations, which are maintained to the most stringent standards. Here are some local choices, guaranteed to impress.
Best Public Art Installation: The Art of Chase: “Recuerda Quién Eres” (Remember Who you Are), reads the message in a colorful mural located on the right just as you enter El Centro from the north. It was created by Chase, a successful Belgian artist, along with his talented colleague, Blue. In just 10 days, these graffiti artists transformed four previously neglected public walls around town, covering their rough surfaces.
Best New Maritime Adventure: Sea Lion Encounters: The Vallarta area is well known for animal adventures such as swimming with dolphins and whale watching, but you may not know that you can now interact with sea lions and even go snorkeling with them.These grand whisker-faced creatures are extremely social, comical and mischievous by nature. They love to interact and play with humans, and being close to them is an exhilarating experience.
Best New Animal Conservation Group: Guacamayas Siempre: Guacamayas are as emblematic in Mexico as bald eagles are in the United States. Can you imagine Mexico without the guacamayas (Military Macaw)? Well, neither can Bob Price, founder of the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, or any of the other members of the newly formed conservation group Guacamayas Siempre (Guacamayas Forever).
