Puerto Vallarta doesn't have a crocodile problem, it has a people problem (2024)

FAQs

Are crocodiles a problem in Puerto Vallarta? ›

Very few incidents have been reported in Puerto Vallarta over the decades, but each and every one gets a major amount of attention, even if it's only a crocodile crossing the road or cruising between yachts in the marina. The common species seen in the Puerto Vallarta area is the American Crocodile.

In Puerto Vallarta, the most common species of crocodile is the American Crocodile. Due to a change in their habitat from construction and the rainy season rains, crocodiles have begun to move out of estuaries and rivers into the sea. As they do, they end up crossing beaches and swimming closer to the shore.

The reason crocodiles are being seen more lately is that their natural habitat is being encroached upon and they have less space to live. Because of this, they find their way into recreational spaces such as marinas and golf courses. Is it safe to swim in Puerto Vallarta? Yes, it is very safe to swim in the bay.

Vice reported that the attack occurred at the Bocanegra Beach at Velas Vallarta Resort on 18 July, close to where a 10 foot long crocodile was captured and released by wildlife authorities last week. Several crocodiles attacks have occurred near the shores of the Pacific coast resort of Puerto Vallarta in recent years.

Puerto Vallarta is located on beautiful Banderas Bay where the waters are calmer than the Pacific Ocean. The bay and beaches are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Puerto Vallarta Water

Puerto Vallarta's water system is one of the best in Mexico. The water treatment plant is considered state of the art and wins many awards. The tap water in Puerto Vallarta actually tastes good too. You can feel absolutely confident brushing your teeth and showering in Puerto Vallarta.

As far down as Zihuatanejo, you will find sharks in the waters but there simply are none in the vicinity of Puerto Vallarta.

Yes, there are poisonous water snakes in Puerto Vallarta. And yes, we did encounter them two different times in the ocean. When the purple flags are flying on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, it's imperative that you stay out of the water.

Humpback Whales

Not only is it when you will find the perfect climate as it is not too hot or too cold. But you will see humpback whales almost daily as these mammals come to Puerto Vallarta during this season as they migrate and give birth to their sons.

Crocodiles are known to roam the area of Zihuatanejo, and other popular beaches in Mexico. There are three types including the Morelet crocodile, the American crocodile, and the Spectacled Caiman crocodile. #Mexico 🇲🇽🐊 Crocodile captured on the beach of #Zihuatanejo.

Do crocodiles come out at night? ›

Understanding crocodile behaviour

Crocodiles can stay underwater for over an hour and can be completely concealed, even in knee-deep water. Night, dusk and dawn—are when crocodiles are most active.

You can walk all the way to Los Muertos and Old Town Vallarta along the beach. There is a a well-marked path that takes you up and over a cliff. The hike along the Conchas Chinas coastline is a great walk; very interesting to see the multi-million dollar resort homes from the beach perspective.

In Puerto Vallarta, a cartel stronghold and popular beach town, Mexican hotel workers are routinely pressured by the criminal group to leak guest information, according to James Barnacle, the F.B.I. deputy assistant director overseeing financial crimes.

Morelet's crocodile can be aggressive toward people. Although reports of attacks are rare compared with those of other, larger crocodilians, nearly three dozen attacks on people were documented between 2012 and 2022 in Tamaulipas state in Mexico.

Crocodile attacks on humans are common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live. It has been estimated that about 1,000 people are killed by crocodilians each year.

Puerto Vallarta has a crime rating of 35.23. If we compare it to other Mexican hotspots, Puerto Vallarta has one of the lowest rates of all. For instance, Cabo San Lucas has a crime rate of 44.50, whereas the beautiful Cancun has a crime rate of 56.16.

Typically, the long-snouted creatures feed on fish or birds. Sometimes more than 13 feet (four meters) long and weighing upwards of 900 pounds, the crocodiles can live a century.

Crocodiles are known to roam the area of Zihuatanejo, and other popular beaches in Mexico. There are three types including the Morelet crocodile, the American crocodile, and the Spectacled Caiman crocodile. #Mexico 🇲🇽🐊 Crocodile captured on the beach of #Zihuatanejo.