When you travel to a tropical destination, those that were traumatized by Jaws in the 70’s immediately think “shark attack” and get a sinking feeling in the stomach, or maybe you saw the cheesy Sharktopus movie shot in Vallarta…
Do you need to be concerned about sharks in Puerto Vallarta or the Banderas Bay area?
The short answer is: No!
This is the closest you’ll be to a shark in Puerto Vallarta
The longer answer will require a bit more space and explanation, because you may wonder, as I did, why aren’t there any sharks and shark attacks, nor any reports of attacks anywhere near the area.
There’s a myth that you’ll find stating that the dolphins patrol the mouth of the Bay (quite a large one too) and kill any trespassing predator sharks to protect their young… yeah sure. Obviously, this “solution” to the mystery is too “Spielbergy” to be right (who would add a few ETs and UFOs and then shoot the movie).
Soldier dolphins patrol the Bay, yeah, right! 😉
More reasonable and believable is the theory that states that the sharks in the bay have been over-exploited and their population has never recovered. We must remember that Puerto Vallarta went through a shark-fin exporting period in the 1930s and ’40s where they ended up on the tables of Chinese Restaurants in the USA. During the Second World War, it was shark liver oil, that was used as a nutritional supplement (read more of PV’s history).
The most recent news involving sharks on the Pacific side were a few attacks at beaches north of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, quite some distance from PV and were associated to a “La Niña” event that modifies the water currents and temperatures, bringing along species that may be shark food and the sharks too.
One shark species that is a not so rare visitor in the bay is the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), a harmless plankton-feeding shark, the largest fish in the ocean.
Whale Shark
Another that you’ll find a bit further from the shores, at the Marieta Islands or outside the Bay are the silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), they can grow up to 2 meters long on the Western coast of Mexico, they live all over the world in the temperate and tropical waters, and there have been only been involved in 6 attacks in the International Shark Attack File, none fatal and none in Vallarta, of course.
So, then, are there sharks in the bay? Yes, either small ones that are not a danger to human beings, that, more often than not, end up on the table of the local fishermen, or big huge ones, that are “veggie”-sharks, well, plankton-eating sharks, the whale sharks.
Any reason to feel scared while you swim in Puerto Vallarta? Any pirañas, barracudas, or sharks ready to eat you up? Absolutely NO!
Author: M. A. Gallardo
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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