Is Puerto Vallarta Safe to Visit in 2025?
If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, chances are your number one question is: “Is Puerto Vallarta safe?” The short answer is yes — Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Mexico.
Why Puerto Vallarta Is Considered Safe
Tourist-Friendly City:
Puerto Vallarta has been a top vacation spot for decades, and tourism is the backbone of the local economy. That means safety and hospitality are taken seriously.
Low Crime Rates: Unlike some parts of Mexico that make the news, Puerto Vallarta enjoys relatively low crime rates, especially in tourist areas. Violent crime is extremely rare, and incidents are usually non-violent or avoidable with basic precautions.
Visible Security: The city and state governments maintain a strong police presence, especially in busy zones like the Malecón, beaches, and popular nightlife areas.
Tips for a Safe Trip
Like any destination, being smart goes a long way:
Stick to well-lit, tourist-friendly areas at night.
Use official taxis or ride-share apps.
Keep valuables secure when exploring.
Book tours and activities with reputable local companies (like ours at Mismaloya Xtreme 😉).
Final Word
Puerto Vallarta is safe, family-friendly, and full of experiences you won’t forget. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset at Los Arcos, exploring hidden beaches, or walking the Malecón, you can relax knowing you’ve chosen one of Mexico’s safest destinations.
🌌 Swim in Glowing Waters: Discover the Magic of Bioluminescence at Los Arcos with Mismaloya Xtreme
If you’re looking for one of the most unforgettable and magical experiences in Puerto Vallarta, look no further than our Bioluminescence Night Tour at Los Arcos Marine Park. Offered exclusively by Mismaloya Xtreme, this 2-hour adventure takes you beyond the typical daytime excursions into a world of natural wonder that only comes alive after dark.
🌠 What Is Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon where tiny marine organisms, mainly dinoflagellates, emit a glowing blue-green light when disturbed by movement in the water. This mesmerizing glow creates the illusion of underwater stars and happens in very few places around the world—and Los Arcos, just off the coast of Mismaloya, is one of them.
🛶 Why Choose Our Bioluminescence Tour?
At Mismaloya Xtreme, we don’t just show you the bioluminescence — we immerse you in it.
✅ Small Group, Big Experience
We believe the best adventures are personal. That’s why we keep our tours small, ensuring everyone gets personalized attention, safety, and plenty of time in the water.
✅ Expert Local Guides
Our guides aren’t just trained—they’re locals with a deep connection to the area, and they know exactly where to find the best glowing spots inside the caves and coves of Los Arcos.
✅ Snorkeling in a Natural Light Show
Once the sun sets behind the mountains, we anchor near the islands and give you the chance to snorkel inside the caves—surrounded by glowing water with every movement. It’s like swimming in a sea of stars.
✅ Safe, Comfortable & Easy
Rated as an easy-level tour, it’s perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. We provide all snorkeling equipment, life jackets, water, soda, and beer (for adults), plus a stable boat with a ladder for easy entry and exit.
🌴 What You’ll See
Bioluminescent plankton lighting up around you 🌊
The dramatic silhouettes of Los Arcos’ iconic rock formations under starlight 🌌
Possible sightings of nocturnal marine life, such as manta rays and needlefish
Panoramic views of the sunset over Banderas Bay before the magic begins
📍 Where It Begins
All tours depart from our beachfront office in Mismaloya Beach, just 25 minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. We’re locally owned and operated, offering authentic, safe, and sustainable experiences off the beaten path.
🏷️ Book Your Bioluminescence Tour Today
This tour is only available on select nights, based on water clarity and moon phases, so don’t miss your chance! Book directly on our website to secure your spot and receive the best price—no middlemen.
Where Is the Best Place to Go Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and sparkling blue waters — but if you’re looking for the best place to go snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta, there’s one spot that truly stands out: Los Arcos Marine Park.
Located just south of downtown Vallarta, near the charming village of Mismaloya, Los Arcos Marine Geological Sanctuary is a protected area known for its dramatic granite islands, arches, caves, and abundant marine life.
Thanks to its calm, clear waters and rich biodiversity, it’s widely considered the top snorkeling destination in the entire Bay of Banderas.
When you snorkel at Los Arcos, you can expect to encounter:
Colorful tropical fish like angelfish, pufferfish, and parrotfish
Majestic eagle rays
Coral formations and dramatic underwater rock formations
Sea turtles, moray eels, and vibrant marine plants
Because Los Arcos is a protected sanctuary, fishing and anchoring are limited, which means the marine life here is thriving.
How to Visit Los Arcos for Snorkeling
While technically you can kayak or paddleboard to Los Arcos from nearby beaches like Mismaloya, the safest and easiest way to snorkel there is by boat tour.
Several local companies offer trips to Los Arcos, but for the best experience, we recommend small-group tours that focus on giving you plenty of time in the water without feeling rushed and guide you into the water to guarentee you make the most of your expierence.
👉 Pro Tip: At Mismaloya Xtreme, we offer personalized snorkeling adventures that take you right into the heart of Los Arcos, guided by passionate locals who know the area inside and out. We keep our groups small, provide high-quality equipment, and adapt the timing to the best sea conditions for maximum visibility!
Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta: Discover Hidden Adventures with Mismaloya Xtreme
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, skip the crowded resorts and dive into an authentic adventure just south of the city. At Mismaloya Xtreme, we take you off the beaten path—into the jungle, over the ocean, and through the cinematic history that made this place famous.Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, Mismaloya and the surrounding areas offer an unforgettable mix of culture, wildlife, and adrenaline. Here are some must-do activities to add to your Puerto Vallarta itinerary:
1: Take a Boat Tour to Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary
Los Arcos is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Puerto Vallarta, known for its towering granite islands, hidden caves, and vibrant marine life. On our Xtreme Boat Tour, you’ll get an up-close view of this protected sanctuary—ideal for snorkeling, birdwatching, and photography. You might even catch sight of sea turtles or manta rays!
2: Experience the Glow: Sunset & Bioluminescent Night Tour
One of nature’s rarest and most magical sights awaits just beyond the bay. On special nights, the waters around Puerto Vallarta come alive with bioluminescence—a glowing effect created by plankton. Join our exclusive night tour and witness this underwater light show for yourself—it’s like swimming in stardust.
3. Journey to Jungle Waterfalls in Quimixto
Accessible only by boat, the coastal village of Quimixto is your gateway to adventure. Follow a jungle trail through lush vegetation to a secluded waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip. This quiet, rustic village offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation far from the crowds.
4. Discover the Charm of Yelapa
Escape to Yelapa, a peaceful beach town with no roads and no worries. Wander through narrow paths, hike to a nearby waterfall, or enjoy a hammock nap by the sea. With its laid-back atmosphere and warm locals, Yelapa is a timeless slice of tropical paradise you won’t want to leave.
5. Dine with Your Toes in the Sand at Playa Las Ánimas
After a day of exploring, there’s no better reward than a beachfront lunch at Playa Las Ánimas. Enjoy fresh-caught seafood, ice-cold drinks, and stunning ocean views—all served right on the sand. It’s the ultimate way to unwind and savor the flavors of the Pacific coast.