Exploring the Mexican Pacific from Puerto Vallarta

The resort town of Puerto Vallarta has become hugely popular with visitors to the Pacific coast, and it’s a good jumpin- off point for exploring the region.

If the high-rise hotels of PV get too much, strike out for some of the smaller beach towns up and down the coast. Check out boho chic Sayulita, with its famous surf breaks and laidback atmosphere, or head further up the coast to the more family-oriented Rincon de Guayabitos.

To the south you can check out the sea turtle nesting sites along the beaches of the Costa Careyes, and check in at Barra de Navidad for an authentic Mexican beach experience. There are none of the kitsch tourist attractions of PV in this spot, popular with residents of Mexico’s second-biggest city, Guadalajara.

PV lies on Bahia de Banderas, the second-largest bay in the Americas, home to large whale populations from December to March each year. Plan your trip within these dates to see whales that come south to give birth in the bay. Book a whale-watching trip to Islas Marietas from Punta Mita, and keep your eye out for playful groups of dolphins, too.