We’re up early enough to watch Island Princess slide into Puerto Vallarta port just after dawn and already it’s feeling hot and humid. The ship pulls in alongside a well appointed quay and hoards of passengers disembark, seeking adventures and bargains in the sweaty Mexican heat.
We take our time, dawdling off the gangway on deck 4, where we are ushered into the cruise terminal proper past a woman with a suspicious-looking blue macaw.
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To the right, there is a small flea market, housing 25 or so stalls. There are ponchos and leather goods, silver jewellery, tacky tourist t-shirts and dozens of counterfeit sports jerseys. The merchandise all looks reasonable and is suitably over-priced for the cruise passengers.
After some gentle haggling, Linda buys a large sun hat from one of the stalls for $15 USD. Probably still over-priced for Mexico, but it’s well constructed and suits her, so we have no complaints.
What is infuriating, is the pushy, border-line aggressive tone of the stallholders, all desperate to hawk their goods. We understand that these stalls are their livelihoods, but the shopping experience is less-than-enjoyable.
There’s also a shopping mall attached to the cruise terminal. It is filled with more stores selling tourist tat, tequila, beauty salons and cut-price medications for the Americans. And of course, a Diamonds International outlet.
Exiting the mall, we head south, in the general direction of the Romantic Zone. This is the picturesque part of town for which Puerto Vallarta is best known. There’s also an escape room located about one mile from the port which we would like to check out.
Sadly, we only make it a few blocks, stymied by the heat and atrocious pavement conditions. This is not a town for mobility scooters.
Somewhat disheartened, we’re forced back to the ship. Our first Mexican adventure has lasted less than an hour.
Accessibility info
Batteries used: -66%
Terrain: Highly variable. Very smooth at the marina, mostly broken cement, high kerbs and lots of traffic everywhere else. Once you leave the cruise terminal, you’re on your own.
Public transport: There are dozens of buses that will transport you to the centre of Puerto Vallarta for a few dollars. However, these vehicles are very basic. You will have to climb stairs to get onboard and there is nowhere to store a scooter.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. There are many larger vehicles around the terminal area which have plenty of space for scooters and luggage.
Overall accessibility rating: 2 out of 5
Did you get a passport stamp?
No. “We don’t do that any more.”
Would we re-visit Puerto Vallarta?
Given the aggression of the local vendors, no.
Other things to do in Puerto Vallarta
If you’re more mobile than we are, these look activities look great:
Baby Turtle Release in Conservation Area
Discover the wonders of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline with a guided visit to a local turtle conservation area, where vital efforts are made to protect the endangered olive ridley turtle. After meeting your guide, enjoy a short scenic walk to the nesting site and learn all about these remarkable creatures, from their life cycle to the delicate process of collecting and incubating eggs to ensure the species’ survival. You’ll gain fascinating insights into how conservation workers patrol the beaches, safeguard the nests, and prepare the hatchlings for release.
As the sun sets over the bay, the experience becomes even more magical. With golden skies and the ocean shimmering before you, witness one of nature’s most moving sights—the hatching of baby turtles. Under the guidance of the conservation team, you’ll then take part in the unforgettable moment of releasing the tiny hatchlings into the ocean, giving them the best start in life.
This unique blend of education, conservation, and natural wonder offers a profound connection to Puerto Vallarta’s coastal ecosystem, leaving cruise ship visitors with lasting memories of both its beauty and the vital importance of its protection.
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Seafood Lover’s Food Tour
Savour the flavours of Puerto Vallarta on a guided three-hour seafood tour through the city’s charming Old Town. As you wander past historic architecture, colourful markets, and along the lively pier at Muertos Beach, your local guide will share fascinating stories about Vallarta’s history, culture, and the characters who helped shape it.
Between sightseeing, you’ll stop at hidden local eateries and family-run restaurants where the city’s freshest seafood takes centre stage. Off the usual tourist trail, these authentic venues serve up traditional dishes brimming with flavour. From spicy stuffed jalapeño tacos and zesty shrimp tostadas to tangy ceviche, sizzling calamari, fried octopus, and refreshing aguachile, each tasting stop offers a new culinary delight.
Blending history, culture, and great food, this experience is a feast for both the senses and the soul—perfect for cruise visitors looking to immerse themselves in Vallarta’s local life while indulging in some of the best seafood the Pacific has to offer.
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Canopy Zip Line, Jorullo Bridge, & Tequila
Soar high above Puerto Vallarta’s lush landscapes on an adrenaline-filled adventure through the Sierra Madre Mountains. After meeting your driver at a convenient pick-up point, you’ll arrive at a scenic facility surrounded by tropical vegetation, where friendly guides will get you geared up and ready for an unforgettable day.
Your adventure begins with not one, but 11 exhilarating zip lines—the highest, safest, and fastest in Puerto Vallarta. Feel the rush of wind in your face as you glide across stunning canyons and treetops, with panoramic views of the mountains stretching all around. Each ride promises a new thrill, making this an experience you’ll remember long after your holiday ends.
Once you’re back on solid ground, the fun continues with an optional tequila tasting, where you can sample Mexico’s most famous spirit. If you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s also the chance to enjoy delicious traditional cuisine at the on-site restaurant (meal cost not included). It’s the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and flavour—ideal for cruise guests seeking a truly memorable day ashore.
Book now
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