Sharks & Crocodiles – Is it Safe to Swim in Puerto Vallarta?

When planning your visit to Puerto Vallarta, a popular concern that comes up is whether it’s safe to swim due to the presence of sharks or crocodiles. The good news? Yes, it’s generally very safe to enjoy the waters here! While Puerto Vallarta is home to some incredible wildlife, including sharks, crocodiles, and other marine life, the likelihood of an encounter is extremely rare. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to feel confident about swimming and enjoying your vacation.

Sharks in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re wondering, “Are there sharks in Puerto Vallarta?” the answer is yes, but there’s no reason to worry. The types of sharks found in Banderas Bay are either small, non-aggressive species or plankton-eating sharks, which pose no threat to humans.

Despite some alarming headlines, shark attacks in Puerto Vallarta are virtually non-existent. The last reported attacks in the region happened in 2008, near Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, about 10 hours south. These isolated incidents were related to unusual ocean conditions caused by La Niña, but shark attacks in Puerto Vallarta itself are extraordinarily rare. In fact, sharks were heavily overfished in the early 20th century, and their populations have never fully recovered in this region. It was cruel and unsustainable.

If you’re still concerned, rest assured that the chances of encountering a shark while swimming in Puerto Vallarta are extremely slim—almost non-existent. Swimming here is as safe as any beach destination in Mexico.

Crocodiles in Puerto Vallarta

Another common question is, “Are there crocodiles in Puerto Vallarta?” Yes—but sightings and attacks are very uncommon and are typically limited to rivers, estuaries, mangroves, canals, and lagoons, where the native American crocodile lives.

The highest likelihood of sightings is in Nuevo Nayarit, around El Cora and its surrounding lagoons; Downtown Puerto Vallarta, near the mouth of the Cuale River; and the Ameca River outlet, including the Vidanta and Boca de Tomates area. During the rainy season (June–October), heavy rains can occasionally bring crocodiles closer to river mouths, and they are most active at night.

In contrast, many of the bay’s most popular beach destinations are well away from crocodile habitat, including Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta Mita, Sayulita, San Pancho, and the South Shore beaches of Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, and Yelapa.

Although attacks are extremely rare, they can occur when people swim near crocodile habitat, particularly at night. A notable example occurred in July 2021, when a tourist was attacked near the mouth of the Ameca River and made a full recovery.

Local authorities closely monitor crocodile activity and temporarily close beaches if one is spotted. The best way to stay safe is simply to avoid swimming near river mouths, estuaries, and mangroves—especially after heavy rains or after dark. Millions of visitors safely enjoy Banderas Bay’s beaches every year.

If there is a high risk of crocodiles or if one was sighted, hotels will close the beach and set the flags to blue or black:

Jellyfish Season

Some beach destinations are home to extremely dangerous jellyfish, but fortunately Puerto Vallarta is not one of those. The ones that we do see are only around for a short amount of time, as they are simply passing through. They are seasonal visitors to the area, usually around the spring and summer months. They are not very dangerous, but they may leave you with a painful sting.

The pain can vary from person to person and it depends on the jellyfish species, but we have heard of some rashes lasting for weeks. Other people that are stung are hardly bothered at all and consider it little more than an annoyance.

If you see a blob in the sand while you’re walking down the beach, avoid it and keep an eye out for any more after that. If you accidentally step on one, their sting can be very painful, even if they are already dead.

General Swimming Safety

Banderas Bay keeps Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas very safe from many things. The mountain range protects us from strong hurricanes. The shape of the bay also protects us from strong waves, making it great for swimming and water activities. The best surf spots are mostly north, outside of Banderas Bay (like Sayulita) where it is open ocean.

Travel Insurance

When traveling, it’s always wise to consider travel insurance. We recommend coverage that includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and trip interruptions to ensure your vacation is stress-free. A plan like InsureMyTrip allows you to compare options and find the right fit for your needs.

• Medical emergency insurance: Your health plan back home may provide zero or very little coverage in Mexico. This type of insurance may reimburse you for medical expenses you incur because of an illness or accident that occurs during your trip.
• Trip cancellation insurance: This covers non-refundable expenses such as tours, excursions, hotels, etc. For example, if a storm hits your vacation destination and forces you to cancel the trip, this insurance can cover 100% of the non-refundable trip expenses that you prepaid. It also covers cancellation due to diagnosed illness before traveling.
• Trip interruption coverage: This is in case you need to cut your trip short and return home sooner than expected. These benefits apply if you or a traveling companion become ill or injured during a trip, for example.

We personally use InsureMyTrip since they are the largest unbiased travel insurance site that allows you to compare prices across dozens of providers and filter for only the specific coverage options you want. Every program is different and it’s important to review the terms of the insurance policy to determine if the plan is right for your needs. To get a quick estimate, click the button below:

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