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Puerto Vallarta is expanding its maritime tourism offerings with two new attractions scheduled to launch in early 2026, adding long-distance eco-tourism and family-oriented entertainment to the resort city’s lineup on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Beginning in the second half of January, Puerto Vallarta will serve as the official departure point for a new weekend tourism route to the Islas Marías, a federally protected archipelago recently opened to visitors. The islands, located about 130 kilometers off the coast of Nayarit, are known for their biodiversity and their history as a former penal colony.
The new route will operate as a three-day, two-night package, combining round-trip ferry transportation with guided activities and accommodations on María Madre Island. The high-speed ferries have a capacity of more than 190 passengers and will dock at Puerto Balleto, the main settlement on the island.
Tour packages include lodging designed to minimize environmental impact, buffet-style meals and recreational programming. Guided excursions will introduce visitors to the island’s natural and cultural features, including tours of former prison facilities now converted into an ecological and educational center. Other activities include hiking, snorkeling, wildlife observation and themed workshops focused on conservation.
Ahead of the formal launch, limited holiday departures are scheduled for Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, allowing travelers to spend Christmas or New Year’s on the islands.
In a separate development, Puerto Vallarta will soon debut La Marigalante II, a new pirate-themed tour vessel that will operate in Banderas Bay. The ship replaces the original Marigalante, a longtime tourist attraction that was retired after sinking in an incident that resulted in no injuries.
La Marigalante II will offer daytime and evening cruises featuring live entertainment, music and theatrical performances inspired by pirate lore. Some itineraries will include stops at beaches such as Majahuitas, where guests can participate in optional activities including snorkeling, kayaking and organized beach games.
Cruise packages will include meals, beverages and onboard entertainment designed for families and mixed-age groups.
Tourism officials say the additions reflect a broader effort to diversify Puerto Vallarta’s attractions by combining nature-based travel, cultural experiences and family-friendly entertainment. Both tours are expected to become permanent fixtures in the destination’s maritime offerings, further positioning Puerto Vallarta as a regional hub for ocean-based tourism on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
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