Wildlife· Puerto Vallarta· Mexico
American Crocodiles (Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta)
20° 39.8′ N · 105° 15.2′ W · approximate
American crocodiles live in the estuaries and canals around Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta and are regularly seen in the marinas. They are a protected species and a real hazard to swimmers.
Practical
Coordinate is Marina Vallarta (approx; sightings occur around the marinas, El Salado estuary and nearby beaches). On June 26, 2026 a 28-year-old tourist was killed by a crocodile while swimming near the Marriott in Marina Vallarta. Authorities advise obeying warning signs, not swimming near river mouths or estuaries, and staying out of the water at dawn and dusk. Do not swim from the boat in the marinas, keep pets on board and do not clean fish at the dock. A GPS-tracking monitoring station is planned in the El Salado estuary.
Best for
Knowing why you do not swim in the marinas
Nearby
- Marina VallartaRight here
- Marina Vallarta Thursday Art & MarketRight here
- Bacha's (Marina Vallarta)0.1 NM away
- Rincón de Buenos Aires (Marina Vallarta)0.1 NM away
- Puerto Vallarta Chandleries0.2 NM away
- Opequimar Marina and Boatyard (Puerto Vallarta)0.3 NM away
- Marina Vallarta Fuel Dock (Opequimar Pemex)0.4 NM away
- Puerto Vallarta Port Captain and Immigration0.9 NM away