This spring and summer, Puerto Vallarta is offering visitors plenty of new dining experiences, adventure tours and activities to enjoy. Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the resort town showcases authentic Mexican culture. Here is what one can experience in Puerto Vallarta this year:
New Beach Clubs and Restaurants
- Akali Beach Club is just 45 minutes from Marina Vallarta by boat. The club, which opened in January, is located in an exclusive private cove with activities ranging from snorkeling to kayaking.
- Xalli Club, the newest culinary hotspot that opened on Puerto Vallarta's South Shore in late March, offers three distinct experiences for food and beverage enthusiasts. Visitors can take in views at Tapazolli Espresso Wine Bar, relax at the Xalli Beach Club, or enjoy a meal at Amixtli Restaurant, crafted by Chef Eduardo Osun.
- LGBTQ+ owned and operated Tunnel Bar opened in March in the city’s emerging East Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. Named for the tunnel next door that leads out of the popular Romantic Zone, Tunnel Bar incorporates the tunnel theme throughout its design, with artwork reminiscent of 1980’s New York subway graffiti. The cocktail bar features a menu of specialty drinks named after famous tunnels around the world, with happy hour every day from 3 to 6 p.m.
New Tours and Activities with Vallarta Adventures
- Experience the best of both worlds on the Extreme Adventure + San Sebastian Combo (USD$118 per person, USD$83 per child ages eight and up; 10-hour excursion) that combines two unique experiences: a morning walking tour of the century-old town of San Sebastian del Oeste, followed by an afternoon on the Extreme Adventure tour in Puerto Vallarta. The day begins with a walk-through history in this colonial town, an experience that feels like a journey back in time. Guests will stop by a small family-owned coffee plantation before enjoying a traditional local meal followed by a brief introduction to the town's architecture, history, and culture. The rest of the day can be spent ziplining, rappelling, water sliding, hiking, and riding UTVs in a natural reserve deep in the Sierra Madre mountains.
- Guests can also opt for Private Luxury Liveaboard (USD$11,200; eight guests maximum), an adventurous two-night journey in a spacious luxury catamaran yacht. Guests choosing the journey will explore deep into the Pacific Ocean towards a remote protected marine life sanctuary with crystal clear warm waters, surrounded by virgin tropical vegetation. Up to eight guests can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, or hiking before ending the day with gourmet meals prepared by an onboard chef.
Upcoming Festivals and Celebrations
- Celebrate human rights, equality, diversity, and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community at the Ella Mexico Lesbian Festival (May 18-21), Vallarta Pride (May 17-28), and Puerto Vallarta Lesbian Pride (May 22-29). Hosted at the Hotel Hacienda Krystal Vallarta, the four-day Ella Mexico Lesbian Festival includes conferences, networking, music, and arts to celebrate the lesbian community. Vallarta Pride celebrates the diverse LGBTQ+ community that lives in and visits Puerto Vallarta. The program of activities includes: the Pride Parade, which travels down Puerto Vallarta's main avenue and the Malecon, ending in Olas Altas Street at the Romantic Zone; and the ever-popular Block Party on Lazaro Cárdenas Street with DJs and live music. May wraps up with Puerto Vallarta Lesbian Pride, celebrating women from all around the world. Activities include Canopy River adventure tours, cocktail and themed parties, culinary experiences, and more.
- Puerto Vallarta’s popular Restaurant Week returns from May 15 to June 10 when many of the area’s most coveted restaurants will showcase innovative three-course menus offered at special prices. Participating restaurants include Café des Artistes, Daiquiri Dick’s on the Beach, La Leche, and many more.
- From May 26-28, Camarones Beach will host the Puerto Vallarta 2023 National Beach Volleyball Tournament, featuring Mexico's best up-and-coming beach volleyball players. Twelve of the most promising teams will compete for a grand prize within three different categories: Infantil Mayor, Juvenil Superior and Juvenil Men and Women. The event is free and open to the general public.
- Every year from July 1 - December 31, visitors and locals alike accompany sea turtle hatchlings from their nests to the shore where they begin their adventure to the ocean during sea turtle releases. Turtle camps and various hotels have their own conservation programs that host free releases that take place before sunset and are open to the public.
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