Everything you Need to Know about Nuevo Vallarta

On Mexico’s west coast, Riviera Nayarit covers miles of golden coastline, and for most travelers, Nuevo Vallarta is their destination for exploring the region. If you’re unfamiliar with this area, learning about it will tempt your imagination with visions of tropical beaches and luxury amenities. When you know where Nuevo Vallartais and if Nuevo Vallarta is safe, you’ll be ready to pack your bags for paradise.

Where is Nuevo Vallarta?

Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Nuevo Vallarta is located on Mexico’s west coast in the state of Nayarit, just a few miles north of Puerto Vallarta. It’s at the southernmost tip of Riviera Nayarit, which encompasses nearly 200 miles of the best beaches to visit in Mexico, luxury resorts, surfing towns, and lush jungles.

How Far is Nuevo Vallarta From the Airport?

When you look at where Nuevo Vallarta is, you’ll see that the Puerto Vallarta airport is the closest point to fly to. Most travelers want to know how far Nuevo Vallarta is from the airport so that they can easily plan their trips, and since it’s just about 20 minutes from the airport to the main resorts along the beach, you’ll be able to quickly bury your toes in the sand after landing.

What is the Difference Between Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta?

Since both cities are located in the Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta are two popular destinations, but to decide where to travel, you’ll need to know what is the difference between Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta has a longer history and a charming downtown that has preserved its traditions while embracing exciting nightlife and all-inclusive resorts. As the town grew more crowded, the expansive beaches to the north were developed into Nuevo Vallarta with luxury resorts and wide open spaces. For travelers wanting to stay on the best beaches to visit, Nuevo Vallarta is the top choice. However, because the two are so close, you can easily enjoy all the different things to do in Nuevo Vallarta and in Puerto Vallarta.

How to Get From Nuevo Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta?

When you see how far Nuevo Vallarta is from the airport, you’ll realize that downtown Puerto Vallarta is just a little farther. Depending on where you’re going and how you get there, it takes about 45 minutes. The quickest and easiest options for how to get from Nuevo Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta are taxis and Ubers, which are easy to get in both cities. The cheapest transportation is the public bus, but with several stops on the way and no air conditioning, it’s not the most comfortable mode of transportation.

Can You Swim in the Ocean in Nuevo Vallarta?

Nuevo Vallarta has the best beaches to visit in the Bay of Banderas, and they give travelers plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the best things to do in Nuevo Vallarta like throwing a frisbee, paddleboarding, surfing, and just lounging with a margarita and a good book. If you’re unfamiliar with these options for what to do in Nuevo Vallarta, you might wonder “Can you swim in the ocean in Nuevo Vallarta?” Because the waves are gentle and there aren’t steep drop offs, it’s a safe spot for families to splash and swim. However, you should still follow safety tips and avoid going out too far from shore.

What to do in Nuevo Vallarta?

The options for what to do in Nuevo Vallarta allow you to have active adventures or peaceful days of relaxing. Snorkeling at the Marietas Islands, hiking Monkey Mountain, and biking along the bike path are some of the most exciting things to do in Nuevo Vallarta, and travelers love exploring the surfing villages to the north. Afterwards, slow down and unwind in the city’s world-class spas or sip a margarita on the beach. When you look at what is the difference between Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, you’ll likely want to spend a day downtown to check it out and enjoy the nightlife, and with convenient options for how to get from Nuevo Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta, you can easily enjoy the best of both cities.

Is Nuevo Vallarta Safe?

Because every country has areas travelers should avoid, it’s important to research if Nuevo Vallarta is safe. The U.S. Department of State is the best resource for this, and they’ve given zero travel restrictions for Riviera Nayarit, including Nuevo Vallarta, because it’s so safe. The community is invested in making sure travelers feel welcomed and comfortable, and while you should follow common safety tips, you can relax knowing that it’s an incredibly safe area.

Once you know you can swim in the ocean in Nuevo Vallarta and see pictures of the tropical shores, you’ll be ready to jump in the waves and experience all that the city has to offer. While following common safety tips, you’ll have the vacation of a lifetime in Nuevo Vallarta.