Category Archives: Beaches
Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride Week May 2024
LGBTQ+ Tourism Makes Up 40% of Vallarta’s Tourism GDP
Puerto Vallarta has always been a welcoming haven for LGBTQ+ travelers. Now, the undeniable impact of this community on the city’s finances is finally clear.
In 2023, a record-breaking 2 million LGBTQ+ tourists visited Puerto Vallarta, according to data released by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust. This influx injected a whopping $17 billion pesos into the local economy.
“Vallarta Pride stands as the most significant LGBT+ pride celebration on a beach in North America,” explained Raúl Alfaro Segovia, managing partner of RPA, the public relations firm managing the event. “Furthermore, Puerto Vallarta holds membership in the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), solidifying its commitment to this vital market.”
The upcoming Vallarta Pride boasts a diverse schedule, including:
- A flag raising ceremony and recognition of Kenya Cuevas as LGBT+ Activist of the Year (May 23rd, Lázaro Cárdenas Park).
- A retrospective fashion show by Mexican designer Armando Mafud (May 21st, Industry Club, Zona Romántica).
- The “Pride Sun Festival,” a social and commercial event running from May 23rd to 25th at Lázaro Cárdenas Park.
- The “Rainbow Pride” race, a 3km and 6km run along the Malecón (May 25th).
- The official pride parade, led by activist Kenya Cuevas, featuring over 55 floats (May 25th).
- The “Pride Beach Party” for community connection and celebration (May 25th, Olas Altas Beach).
- An art auction benefiting the Arte Vallarta Museo association (May 26th, Púlpito Street).
Surf Lesson’s and Hike’s in Sayulita with Adan Carano
How would you like to SURF???
and do the Hula Hoop?!
Visual artist ADAN CARANO can often be seen doing his amazing hula hoop show from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta.
Based in Sayulita, Adan gives surf lessons! 1 hr and 30 minute class costs $1600 pesos. (About $90 US at the time of this writing). Why not get a group of gays together for a day in beautiful Sayulita and get in some surf time too?
A little over an hours drive, Sayulita is known for beaches with strong surf, like the central Sayulita Beach. To the west, Los Muertos Beach is more sheltered, sandwiched between protective rocks. Galleries in Sayulita sell artworks by Huichol indigenous people.
Sayulita also offers great street food, street entertainers, spas, street bars, tattoo artists, beach restaurants and shops everywhere in the midst of a natural setting between mountains and sea… something for everybody.
He can take you or your group on a 3 hour hike to Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) ?
360 degree views from on top of the mountain! 3 hours / $1200 pesos
What about a BLACK SAND BEACH??
Patzcuaro is a gorgeous beach just southwest of Sayulita.
Playa Patzcuarito is one of Sayulita, Mexico’s most beautiful hidden gems, and is one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Nayarit region. The beach doesn’t see a ton of visitors, as it lacks any kind of good road access and lies a bit out of the way for most people. That being said Playa Patzcuarito is surprisingly easy to get to and takes only 25-30 minutes on foot through the jungle. It is located north of the larger Playa Patzcuaro and south of Playa Carricitos, which are both also well worth a visit but require a bit more effort to get to. 3 hours / $400 pesos.
Get all the details on his WhatApp page 5213221383682
Sayulita is an awesome day trip and Adan can be your gay guide!
Feel free to make a request, and he will create a customized package for you!
Nahuales – A Mystical Night – Sundays!
ESCAPE to a private island for this sexy show!
It has been getting RAVE REVIEWS!
Your ticket includes access to a boat ride (approximately 45 minutes), an open bar, and food, local Mexican performers on a private beach. $120 and EVERYONE agrees it is well worth the experience!
Inspired by a Mexican legend from the Mesoamerican folk region, a nagual (pronounced na’wal), is a human who has the power to shapeshift into their animal counterpart. The legend is tied to the belief that one can access power and spiritual insight by connecting with their animal counterpart within.
We’ve taken that legend and created Nahuales, a Mystical Night – a show where our performers will find their animal counterparts, amazing you with their acrobatic talents.
This spectacular live performance features professional dancers and circus-like performances including a live fire dance. You’ll be amazed at the acrobatic performances held on a stage at a private beach.
The show is approximately 40 minutes long, and afterwards you’ll be able to meet and talk with each performer. A DJ will then take over and you can dance on the party stage and enjoy the evening on the secluded private beach. There are special guests planned for some shows, which may extend showtime.
Your ticket includes access to a boat ride (approximately 45 minutes), an open bar, and food prepared by authentic local Mexican residents of the island that you will visit.
When you arrive, the boat will dock at a pier, and once on the beach you can dance to music played by a local DJ, and watch the sunset while you enjoy an open bar, fruits, snacks and select one of three different types of Ceviches (including a vegetarian option).
After the sunsets the real show begins!
Your ticket to the show also supports local Mexican talent, since the show is produced and performed by all locals. Many of whom you may recognize from other local performances.
World’s Largest Catrina
From PuertoVallarta.net –
As 2022 draws to a close, November continues to bring us good news in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta has received 255 thousand guests on 109 cruise ships so far in 2022, double the number of those registered in the destination in 2021. Puerto Vallarta won resoundingly in the five categories in which it was nominated in the Travvy Awards 2022, considered the “Academy Awards” of the travel business in the United States.
the annual Day of the Dead celebration saw the unveiling of a huge Catrina that rose 22.67 meters above the city’s skyline and received the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Catrina. IN THE VIDEO, go to 37:00 to see the Catrina and just how tall it is!!)
THEIR blog is updated regularly with what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta. If you are planning a trip to PV, reserve, and plan it on their main website.
Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride and Parade 2023
Eight years ago, the first event looking to inspire, mark, and celebrate the LGBT community took place, and over the years it has become one of the best events to honor Gay Pride in Mexico, known as a world stage for celebration.
IT’S BECOME HUGE!!! BOOK EARLY!!
WE ALL KNOW Puerto Vallarta is THE BEST beach resort city in Mexico’s Jalisco state! It has a large LGBTQ community, with the majority of the city’s gay bars and nightclubs based in the charming cobblestone streets of the Zona Romántica neighborhood – all nicely summarised in our detailed gay guide to Puerto Vallarta. There is also an impressive number of gay hotels in Puerto Vallarta, which get completely booked out during PV Pride and other big events like the New Year’s Eve White Party.
Vallarta Pride is a week-long annual pride event.
It has become one of the leading pride celebrations in Latin America. Events include arts and cultural events, concerts, films, beach parties and a lot of fun outdoor performances to show the world the fabulous diversity of Puerto Vallarta.
Vallarta Pride was created to showcase all the unique elements that have made the resort town one of the top destinations for the international gay community.
- Events kick off with a opening parties across all of the resort’s main gay bars and clubs together with The Pride Week at Mantamar Beach Club from the 23rd to the 30th of May. The beach club is situated along the famed Los Muertos gay beach in charming Zona Romantica. Live acts will perform at the Eden Club, The Mantamar and at The Top Bar over 5 days.
- The Top Bar typically hosts The Pink Dinner on opening night with live DJ, fireworks, a four course dinner and the “Pride Vanguard Award” presented by the Vallarta Pride Committee.
- Industry Night Club will host Puerto Vallarta’s Circuit Pride Festival over 4 nights, from the 27th to the 30th of May.
- Will Gorge’s “Lust Puerto Vallarta“, a series of late night after parties, continue the celebration after the nightclubs have closed.
The Pink Dinner & After Party
- Wednesday, May 24th – Multiple Venues from 7.30 pm – Pink Dinner Official opening event for Puerto Vallarta Pride featuring a gourmet meal at The Top restaurant followed by an after party at One Six One restaurant.
The Main Parade
- Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 7 pm – To be confirmed Join the Vallarta Pride Parade which takes place from the Sheraton down the Malecon and into the Zona Romantica!
MORE DETAILS AT Gay Travel 4 U and Vallarta Pride !
Nahuales “A Mystical Night” a new party / show at Secret Beach

Puerto Vallarta reopens with health and safety protocols
PUERTO VALLARTA REOPENS WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS
New standards helped State of Jalisco obtain WTTC ‘Safe Travels’ stamp
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — July 1, 2020 — The first visitors to arrive in Puerto Vallarta since the reopening of its hotels and beaches last week found not only a renowned tourism offering intact but also a destination engrossed in health and safety protocols to meet the realities of a world of Covid-19. Local officials put the entire city of Puerto Vallarta under quarantine starting in early March. It has since undergone a multi-phase reopening process led by local officials following state, federal and international protocols. The process ultimately contributed to the State of Jalisco obtaining the “Safe Travels” stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) last week. The measures implemented in Puerto Vallarta began at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport — the destination’s main “filter” — which, thanks to its own internal protocols to prevent Covid-19, received the WTTC “Safe Travels” stamp. Social distancing is being practiced by airport workers, and thermal video cameras are being used as people enter the immigration zone, where electronic documentation is currently taking place. Disinfectant mats are used at all airport entrances and exits. The health and safety of locals and visitors are of the utmost importance across Puerto Vallarta. In addition to the preventive and precautionary measures at the airport, the city is requiring extensive and continuous sanitization in hotels, public transportation, and public spaces. Restaurants must maintain physical distance between tables and patrons, and establishments must place disinfectant mats at entrances. Local officials are also distributing antibacterial gel and conducting temperature checks. More than 45 hotels have reopened to visitors, with a maximum 30% occupancy, and are offering modified access to on-site restaurants, pools and beaches. A second group of hotels will open before, or during July, for the summer, and the remainder will open in the last trimester of the year, facing the winter high season. Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Malecon waterfront promenade is not yet fully open to the public, only access points to restaurants and shops. Bars remain closed until the destination exits its current phase of the reopening process. Connectivity has improved in a notable way since last week. Mexican airlines are offering continuous flights to main domestic destinations, including Mexico City (CDMX), Guadalajara, Tijuana, Aguascalientes, and Monterrey. Internationally, four airlines are connecting U.S. cities with Puerto Vallarta. Alaska Airlines has daily flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco. American Airlines offers a daily connection to Dallas and Los Angeles. United Airlines maintains a daily flight to Houston. Delta Air Lines will restart daily services to Los Angeles from July 2nd. Other U.S. airlines are waiting for growth in demand, while Canadian carriers await Canadian government approvals. Given the dynamic nature of the situation, new measures are expected from Mexico’s federal and state governments, aimed at continuing to advance the reopening of activities in a gradual and safe manner. For more information, please visit www.visitpuertovallarta. |
Puerto Vallarta begins to Reopen!
On June 14, 2020 the official newspaper register of the State of Jalisco has published provisions for Puerto Vallarta Shopping Centers, Gyms reopen at 25% capacity and with measures of social distancing required. In this measure, The commercial shopping centers Galerías, La Isla or Macroplaza will be allowed to open which have been closed for three months now. However, shoppers of commercial plaza will not be able to use common areas such as children’s play areas, communal dining rooms, since fast food restaurants will only be able to deliver takeout products; parking lots will only receive 25% of their capacity. Movie theaters will remain closed for now.
Also June 15, 2020 public and hotel beaches are allowed to reopen in Puerto Vallarta per the the Jalisco governor Enrique Alfaro. He made it clear on Friday during his visit to Puerto Vallarta that hoteliers should take care of social distancing on their beach fronts, while the city municipalities monitor that public areas are not saturated with people. Hotel pools and common areas can also be open but now are reduced to 25% of their capacity, taking care that the common areas are not saturated and urging social distancing measures.
READ MORE AT GAY PV.com
Is Puerto Vallarta Dog Friendly?
One of the great joys of traveling is sharing the experience with loved ones – including pets. Whether traveling with a pet for companionship, service or comfort, visitors will find Puerto Vallarta’s pet friendly atmosphere and infrastructure, as well as diversity of offerings and services, make it easy to bring along four-legged friends.
Many hotels and resorts across the city are pet friendly and offer convenient pet packages and doggie day camps; including the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta located in the Marina area, Hotel Puerto de Luna and the Sheraton Buganvilias in the Hotel Zone; Casa Cupula Hotel, Casa Kimberly in Downtown Vallarta and Casa Iguana Hotel and Vallarta Shores located in the South Zone; to name a few. Visitors should confirm rules and availability with hotels when booking.
Pets are allowed on some of Puerto Vallarta’s many beaches and visitors will often see dogs accompanying their owners on a run or meeting up with local residents and their dogs for some playtime.
One of the most popular activities is walking the pedestrian-only El Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic boardwalk and open-air gallery featuring dozens of sculptures and statues. The Malecon’s wide cemented path, approximately 1.5 miles in length, is an ideal place to go for a stroll, a meal or a bit of shopping accompanied by one’s pets. Many restaurants, cafes, sidewalk eateries and bars along the Malecon and the historic Downtown area welcome four-legged companions to join at an outdoor table and will serve them a bowl of cold water.
The city also has a number of resident veterinarians and 24-hour pet hospitals in case of an emergency and local stores such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club carry most pet food brands found in the US and Canada.
There are hundreds of direct flight to Puerto Vallarta from the US and Canada on a weekly basis; it is recommended that travelers check regulations and requirements for travel with dogs and cats as they vary from airline to airline.
Mexico is amicable to pets and does not quarantine cats and dogs arriving from the United States or Canada. However, pets must travel with an International Certificate of Good Health that has been signed by a certified veterinarian stating that they are healthy and free of internal and external parasites. Pets must be current on rabies, hepatitis and distemper vaccinations. A copy of the Rabies Certificate should be included, and they should also be tested for ticks & tapeworm prior to traveling to Mexico. All documents must be presented to an officer at the SAGARPA-SENASICA office located inside the Puerto Vallarta airport upon arrival.
For a complete list of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities, please visit www.visitpuertovallarta.com
Si Senor on the Beach in Puerto Vallarta
We love this place! Great food, great prices, great location!
Stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails and snacks. Try any of the savory Mexican dishes and you’ll taste how authentic food is supposed to be. The staff only uses the freshest ingredients to bring out the flavors of the many regions of Mexico. The menu features guacamole made to order table side, classic Oaxacan mole negro, and Pacific coast ceviche and seafood cocktails.
You can enjoy your meal on the beach at a dining table or relax in a chaise lounge chair. There are big umbrellas for your comfort. You can also be seated in the more formal dining room next to the beach.
Their History….
When the opportunity came to take over the restaurant space at Hotel Emperador, we took it. In a vacation destination city like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, it is all about location.
Si Señor Beach is the third Puerto Vallarta restaurant in the family owned chain and opened in October 2012. There is easy access from streets Rodolfo Gómez and Amapas and it is just one block south of the new Los Muertos Pier on Los Muertos Beach. Our views are simply awesome.
We took the time to craft a menu that gives you a full scope of what we are all about and use only the freshest ingredients to create truly authentic Mexican food. The cuisine we offer is both classic and updated preparations of the regional dishes of Mexico. Classic moles, braised and slow roasted meats in traditional marinades, tangy ceviche, fresh guacamole, creamy flan, are all examples of the colorful flavors of Mexico that we serve.
The same passion for quality is echoed throughout every element of our restaurant. The staff is courteous, attentive to your needs and will make sure your dining experience is the best. We have Mexican fare in a contemporary, casual atmosphere, which includes a variety of seating options and it’s the perfect place to start your vacation day, have a business lunch or a romantic dinner. Our house is your house, so come join the family for a meal.
FACEBOOK PAGE has some great videos and photos!
SiSenorBeach.com
Valentines in Romantica Zone Puerto Vallarta
February 14 – Friendship Day (Día de Amistad – Valentine’s Day); in Mexico, is not just for lovers, but friendship, as well, and is celebrated on February 14. Special menus in most the local restaurants and live music to dance in different latino ambience night clubs. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to reserve in advance if you don’t want to wait for hours for a table and get into a fight with your fiancee :-).
Everything about Puerto Vallarta lends itself to romance: The blue water and green mountains, the cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, the brilliant colors and music. So planning a romantic Valentine’s Day in Vallarta is amazingly simple.
Puerto Vallarta in 360 Collection
The same technology used by Google Maps to allow users to experience 360º street views of locations around the world is now being used to bring people closer to previously unavailable places. Many of us have seen Google’s conspicuous vehicles traveling through the city, collecting imagery that can be incorporated into their mapping system.
Advances in their equipment now allows for a portable version of the same camera system. Worn like a backpack, Google Maps in now able to open our eyes to places we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago.
In recent months, Google staff has visited our destination, creating beautiful images of the Marietas Islands, Marina La Cruz, Vallarta Adventures’ Dolphin Center, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Las Caletas, among others. These locations now form part of Google’s Special Collections-Mexico, an increasing collection of landmarks located throughout the country.
Vallarta Lifestyles’ Managing Editor, Paco Ojeda, has been creating 360º spheres in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas for many years. His personal collection also resides in Google, and has been visited over 190,000 times. Feel free to explore his images by clicking here.
Fox News Names Puerto Vallarta Best Beach Town!
FOX NEWS says PV is one of the worlds Best Beach Towns!
Crystal blue water, vine-hung foothills and waterfalls and an idyllic old town have
made Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s most popular travel destinations.
For years Puerto Vallarta lived in relative obscurity, eclipsed by
more popular resorts like Cancun and Acapulco. But over the last 50
years, word of Puerto Vallarta’s beauty has gotten out!
Beaches
Puerto Vallarta boasts miles of pristine beaches. From secluded
sanctuaries to hopping hotspots, the resort can meet any expectations.
One of the town’s most famous and popular beaches is Los Muertos,
located in the Zona Romántica (Romanic Zone). Don’t let its name
(translated as the beach of the dead) deter you.
Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Is there a BEST BEACH in PV?
Not really! It’s all pretty fabulous!
The gay beach
is primarily, Playa Los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) – Col. Emilio Zapata – the city’s
largest public beach. Legend has it the beach’s name (Dead Men’s Beach)
stems from a battle between pirates and local miners after which bodies
remained strewn on the beach, but it’s a legend, since there were never
any miners in Vallarta The South Side of the beach is a popular
gathering spot for gay and lesbian tourists. The North end is frequented
mostly by locals, and national tourists. The city has recently tried to
change the name of the beach to Playa del Sol.
However, if you want explore more beaches –
Playa Camarones (Shrimp Beach) – Col. 5 de Deciembre (vicinity of Av. Paragua – Hotel Buenaventura. This is the northernmost public beach in the City of Puerto Vallarta proper. It is named after the shrimp fisherman that once landed their launches on the beach to unload their catch.
Playa Olas Altas (High Waves Beach) – Col. Emilio Zapata – the beach extends from the Cuale River South to the fishing pier. In spite of the name, the waves offshore are not particularly high, and the beach is a popular place to swim, especially for locals and national tourists. The beach is lined with outdoor restaurants.
Playa Boca de Tomates (Mouth of Tomatoes) – a beach located near the mouth of the Ameca River. The beach is not very popular among international tourists due to the rocks that come ashore especially in the summertime. Also watch out for Crocodiles. Its proximity to the Ameca River which carries muddy rainwater in the summertime causes the water to lose its clarity making it appear dirty.
Beaches South of Puerto Vallarta
- Playa Gemelas – an undeveloped beach just North of the mouth of the
Mismaloya river. The beach lies close to Los Arcos Marine Natural Area
and can be used for access to the park from shore. - Playa Mismaloya – at the mouth of the Mismaloya River. The beach was featured in several scenes from Night of the Iguana and the main set was located on hillside to the South of the beach. The beach is developed with a number of restaurants. (if you make it to Mismaloya, you MUST check out the hidden waterfalls and springs in the Jungle!!)