Nuevo Vallarta is a planned resort zone on the Nayarit side of the Ameca River, between Puerto Vallarta airport and Bucerías. It has long, wide beaches, large hotels and all-inclusive resorts, marinas and golf courses.
For visitors staying in Bucerías, it is mainly a departure point — several Marietas and whale-watching tours leave from its marinas — and the site of sea-turtle conservation work: in the nesting season, programmes on these beaches protect nests and release hatchlings.
Nuevo Vallarta: the top things to do
Join a turtle release
In the nesting season, roughly summer into late autumn, conservation programmes invite visitors to help release olive ridley hatchlings. See our turtle-release tours.
Walk the long beach
The beach continues for kilometres between the river mouth and Bucerías — a good long walk.
Leave from the marinas
Marietas tours, whale cruises and sailing trips depart from Nuevo Vallarta’s marinas.
Resort day
Some resorts sell day passes; ask at reception.
Getting there: Nuevo Vallarta
- By taxi or car: about 15 minutes from Bucerías.
- By bus: local buses on the coastal highway stop at the entrances to Nuevo Vallarta.
- From the airport: about 15 minutes — the closest resort area.
Insider tips
- Never disturb marked turtle nests on the beach.
- Distances inside the resort zone are long; take a taxi.
- Check tour meeting points — Nuevo Vallarta has more than one marina.
- Resort restaurants are more expensive than in Bucerías.
Bookable experiences to pair with Nuevo Vallarta
These are the real, bookable experiences that fit best around a visit to Nuevo Vallarta:
Turtles from US$38 Puerto Vallarta: Baby Turtle Release in Conservation Area
A visit to a sea-turtle conservation area where you learn about the work and, in the nesting season, help release olive ridley hatchlings to the sea. Inexpensive, family-friendly and very well reviewed. Releases depend on nature.
- Visit a turtle conservation camp
- Release hatchlings in season
- Most reviewed experience on our list
Turtles from US$75 Puerto Vallarta: Sea Turtle Release at Sunset
A small-scale turtle release timed for sunset, with an explanation of conservation work. Seasonal and dependent on hatchlings being ready.
- Sunset-timed release
- Conservation talk
- Rated 5.0
Boat tour from US$166 From Nuevo Vallarta: Marietas Islands Hidden Beach Tour
A Marietas Islands tour from Nuevo Vallarta, 15 minutes from Bucerías, focused on the Hidden Beach — the sandy cove inside a collapsed crater that you reach by swimming through a short tunnel. Access is limited and controlled by the national park, so read the conditions on the listing carefully.
- Built around a visit to the Hidden Beach
- Snorkelling around the islands
- More than 80 reviews on GetYourGuide
