Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Puerto Vallarta? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ships Dock in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a popular cruise ship destination, and for good reason. The city offers stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. But where do cruise ships dock in Puerto Vallarta?

There are actually two cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta: the Vallarta Cruise Terminal and the Marina Vallarta Cruise Terminal. The Vallarta Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of the city, while the Marina Vallarta Cruise Terminal is located just outside of the city center.

Both terminals offer a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and bars. They also offer easy access to the city’s many attractions.

So, if you’re planning a cruise to Puerto Vallarta, you’ll have two great options for where to dock your ship. Whether you choose the Vallarta Cruise Terminal or the Marina Vallarta Cruise Terminal, you’re sure to have a memorable time in this beautiful city.

Cruise Line Ship Terminal
Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Conquest Terminal 2
Royal Caribbean International Adventure of the Seas Terminal 1
Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Breakaway Terminal 3

Puerto Vallarta is a popular cruise ship destination, with three cruise ship terminals located in the city. The terminals are located close to each other, making it easy for passengers to transfer between ships or to explore the city.

Cruise Ship Terminals in Puerto Vallarta

There are three cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Terminal 1
  • Terminal 2
  • Terminal 3

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is the largest cruise ship terminal in Puerto Vallarta. It is located on the Malecn, the city’s waterfront promenade. Terminal 1 can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers.

The terminal has a variety of facilities, including a duty-free shop, a restaurant, a bar, and a currency exchange. There is also a shuttle bus that runs between the terminal and the city center.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is located a short distance from Terminal 1. It is smaller than Terminal 1, but it can still accommodate ships of up to 800 passengers.

Terminal 2 has a duty-free shop, a restaurant, and a bar. There is also a shuttle bus that runs between the terminal and the city center.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the newest cruise ship terminal in Puerto Vallarta. It is located on the outskirts of the city, near the airport. Terminal 3 can accommodate ships of up to 2,000 passengers.

The terminal has a variety of facilities, including a duty-free shop, a restaurant, a bar, and a currency exchange. There is also a shuttle bus that runs between the terminal and the city center.

Location of Cruise Ship Terminals in Puerto Vallarta

The three cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta are located close to each other. Terminal 1 is located on the Malecn, the city’s waterfront promenade. Terminal 2 is located a short distance from Terminal 1. Terminal 3 is located on the outskirts of the city, near the airport.

Map of Cruise Ship Terminals in Puerto Vallarta

The following map shows the location of the three cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta:

[Image of map of cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta]

Distance between Cruise Ship Terminals

The distance between the three cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta is as follows:

  • Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: 0.5 miles
  • Terminal 1 to Terminal 3: 3 miles
  • Terminal 2 to Terminal 3: 2.5 miles

The three cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta are located close to each other and offer a variety of facilities. The terminals are also conveniently located near the city center and the airport.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Puerto Vallarta?

There are two cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Terminal Martima de Vallarta (also known as Terminal 1) is located on the Malecn, the city’s waterfront promenade. This terminal is the main cruise ship terminal in Puerto Vallarta, and it handles the majority of cruise ship traffic.
  • Terminal Martima de Mazatln (also known as Terminal 2) is located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Puerto Vallarta. This terminal is smaller than Terminal 1, and it handles a smaller number of cruise ships.

Accessibility of Cruise Ship Terminals in Puerto Vallarta

Both cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta are easily accessible by public transportation, taxis, and rental cars.

Public transportation

The Malecn is served by the city’s trolleybus system. The trolleybus stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The trolleybus fare is $0.50 USD.

The Malecn is also served by a number of bus routes. The bus stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The bus fare is $0.50 USD.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Puerto Vallarta. The taxi fare from the airport to Terminal 1 is about $15 USD. The taxi fare from the airport to Terminal 2 is about $20 USD.

Rental cars

There are a number of car rental companies located in Puerto Vallarta. The car rental rates start at about $25 USD per day.

Amenities at Cruise Ship Terminals in Puerto Vallarta

Both cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta offer a variety of amenities, including:

  • Restaurants
  • Shopping
  • Wi-Fi
  • ATMs
  • Currency exchange
  • Duty-free shops
  • Baggage claim
  • Customs
  • Immigration

The cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta are well-equipped and offer a variety of amenities to make your cruise experience as smooth as possible. Whether you’re arriving or departing, you’ll find everything you need at one of these convenient locations.

Where do cruise ships dock in Puerto Vallarta?

There are two cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta:

  • The Panoramic Terminal is located on the Malecn, the city’s waterfront promenade. This terminal is used by most major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises.
  • The Marina Vallarta Terminal is located in the Marina Vallarta resort area. This terminal is used by smaller cruise lines, such as Windstar Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Which terminal is closer to the city center?

The Panoramic Terminal is located about 1 mile from the city center, while the Marina Vallarta Terminal is about 5 miles from the city center.

How do I get from the cruise ship terminal to the city center?

There are several ways to get from the cruise ship terminals to the city center:

  • Taxi: Taxis are available at both terminals. The fare from the Panoramic Terminal to the city center is about $10, and the fare from the Marina Vallarta Terminal to the city center is about $20.
  • Bus: There are several bus routes that run between the cruise ship terminals and the city center. The fare is about $1 per ride.
  • Uber: Uber is available in Puerto Vallarta. The fare from the Panoramic Terminal to the city center is about $10, and the fare from the Marina Vallarta Terminal to the city center is about $20.

What are the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta?

There are many things to do in Puerto Vallarta, including:

  • Explore the Malecn: The Malecn is a popular tourist destination with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also a great place to people-watch and enjoy the sunset.
  • Visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most iconic landmarks in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a beautiful church with a rich history.
  • Take a boat trip to the Los Arcos National Marine Park: The Los Arcos National Marine Park is a protected area home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. It’s a great place to go snorkeling or scuba diving.
  • Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens: The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. They’re home to a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a few animals.

What are the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?

There are many great restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, including:

  • La Palapa: La Palapa is a popular seafood restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean.
  • El Dorado: El Dorado is a fine-dining restaurant that serves traditional Mexican cuisine.
  • The Rooftop Restaurant at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Spa: The Rooftop Restaurant at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Spa offers stunning views of the city and the ocean.
  • La Villita: La Villita is a casual Mexican restaurant with a fun atmosphere.
  • The Hungry Hippo: The Hungry Hippo is a popular burger joint with a friendly staff.

Where can I stay in Puerto Vallarta?

There are many great hotels and resorts in Puerto Vallarta, including:

  • The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Spa: The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort with a beautiful beachfront location.
  • The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta: The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta is a modern resort with a variety of amenities.
  • The Riu Palace Vallarta: The Riu Palace Vallarta is a family-friendly resort with a water park and a variety of activities.
  • Casa Velas Riviera Nayarit: Casa Velas Riviera Nayarit is an adults-only resort with a beautiful beachfront location.
  • Hotel Mousai: Hotel Mousai is a luxury boutique hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and stunning views of the ocean.

    there are three main cruise ship terminals in Puerto Vallarta: the Vallarta Cruise Terminal, the Marina Vallarta Cruise Terminal, and the Nuevo Vallarta Cruise Terminal. Each terminal has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs. The Vallarta Cruise Terminal is the largest and most centrally located, making it a convenient option for those who want to explore the city. The Marina Vallarta Cruise Terminal is smaller and more intimate, and it offers stunning views of the marina. The Nuevo Vallarta Cruise Terminal is the newest and most luxurious, and it is located close to the popular resort area of Nuevo Vallarta. No matter which terminal you choose, you are sure to have a memorable cruise vacation in Puerto Vallarta.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.