BANDERAS BAY (PUERTO VALLARTA, NUEVO VALLARTA, LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE, ISLAS MARIETAS)

Puerto Vallarta: boating safety

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Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast are a busy base for charters, sport fishing and cruising yachts, with marinas at Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Popular trips go to the Islas Marietas and along the Pacific coast.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 911
Call 911 and ask for the Navy (Marina). On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Mexico: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

Marina Vallarta works on VHF channels 18 and 16 and its office is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Marina Vallarta (official site) ▾
marina-vallarta.com.mx (2026-10-14): “Paseo de la Marina S/N Interior #3 Col. Marina Vallarta. 48335 VHF Ch 18 & 16 LAT: 20º 39′ N LONG: 105º 15′ W Our hours 24 Hours Monday – Sunday”

Weather

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) marine weather service publishes forecasts for the Pacific: a summary at 05:00 and forecasts at 08:00, 12:00 and 20:00, plus storm and swell warnings, split into regional forecast zones.

Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima · Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima ▾
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): “Pronósticos Golfo de México y Mar Caribe Síntesis 05 hrs. Pronóstico 08 hrs. Pronóstico 12 hrs. Pronóstico 20 hrs. Océano Pacífico Síntesis 05 hrs. Pronóstico 08 hrs. Pronóstico 12 hrs. Pronóstico 20 hrs.”
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): “La Secretaría de Marina a través de la Dirección de Meteorología Marítima, ha generado 18 regiones de pronóstico para el Pacífico Mexicano y 11 para el Golfo de México y Mar Caribe”

Hazards

The tropical cyclone (hurricane) season runs from 15 May to 30 November on the Pacific coast. Watch SEMAR and official warnings closely during these months.

Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima ▾
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): ““EL DÍA 15 DE MAYO INICIA LA TEMPORADA DE CICLONES TROPICALES EN EL LITORAL DEL OCÉANO PACÍFICO Y EL 1RO. DE JUNIO INICIA EN EL GOLFO DE MÉXICO Y MAR CARIBE, FINALIZANDO PARA AMBOS EL 30 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL PRESENTE AÑO””

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Puerto Vallarta?

Call 911 and ask for the Navy (Marina). On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Puerto Vallarta?

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) marine weather service publishes forecasts for the Pacific: a summary at 05:00 and forecasts at 08:00, 12:00 and 20:00, plus storm and swell warnings, split into regional forecast zones.

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doCold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

La Paz, Baja California Sur 352 nmSan Diego Bay 965 nmCancún / Riviera Maya MexicoFlorida Keys United StatesSan Francisco Bay United StatesMiami and Biscayne Bay United StatesNassau & the Exumas BahamasSan Blas / Guna Yala Panama

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