Puerto Vallarta has been named one of 10 finalists for Best International Tablecloth at the 2026 Hotel&Mantel Awards, joining destinations such as Bangkok, New York, and Parma in a celebration of culinary travel and regional flavors from around the world.
Puerto Vallarta will add its own coastal touch to Jalisco’s Festival de las Ánimas, October 24 through November 2. With about 28 activities, a monumental Catrina, and events along the Malecón, the city will celebrate Día de Muertos by the sea, with fishing and Banderas Bay at the heart of the festivities.
After years of neglect, work is finally underway to restore Puerto Vallarta’s Olympic-size pool at the Alfonso Díaz Santos Sports Complex, better known as La Bobadilla. The 50-million-peso first phase includes pool, locker room and facility improvements, with completion planned for 2026.
Puerto Vallarta is making it easier for shoppers and vendors to stay hydrated. SEAPAL Vallarta is installing its first public drinking fountain at the Emiliano Zapata Municipal Market, bringing free, purified water and bottle-refill options to the center.
Mexico’s Twelfth Naval Zone joined Puerto Vallarta officials in a cleanup at Punta Negra Beach, where 16 naval personnel collected approximately 185 kilograms of inorganic waste, including glass, metal, plastic and driftwood, as part of a national coastal conservation campaign.
Sea turtle season continues on Banderas Bay beaches, and Puerto Vallarta’s first hatchlings are ready for the Pacific. The city invites families, schools, and groups to Holi Beach to help release baby turtles, learn about conservation, and drop off needed supplies for the municipal animal shelter.
A proposed change to Mexico’s federal maritime law could bring new rules for commercial advertising at sea. Federal Deputy Bruno Blancas is preparing legislation after giant advertising screens appeared on vessels in Banderas Bay, raising concerns about visual pollution and the marine environment.
Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas is adding an unexpected stop in Puerto Vallarta on September 29 after Hurricane Polo prompted changes to its Mexican Riviera itinerary. The 3,990-passenger ship will arrive alongside Carnival Panorama, creating the second double cruise arrival in Puerto Vallarta this month.
Puerto Vallarta is elevating its emergency response with industrial drone technology. In a field exercise with Sky Projects MX and Dron DS, the Fire Department tested thermal imaging, night vision, and long-range audio to boost search-and-rescue efficiency.
Puerto Vallarta earned three top nominations at the 2026 Ángel del Turismo Awards for its exceptional travel and convention appeal. The public can vote online now to support the destination before winners are announced at the October ceremony in Puebla.
