Top 7 Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta during December

December has begun and with it, the warm summer days will be behind us. One of the best times of the year begins, as the temperature in Puerto Vallarta ranges between 20° and 32° Celsius, in addition to the fact that the days and nights have the same duration and you can make the most of them. The rains are less frequent, the humidity is low, and the surrounding mountains are spectacularly green, allowing you to admire photo-worthy landscapes everywhere. And as there are always activities that combine with our natural landscapes, here we share the Top 7 reasons to travel to Puerto Vallarta at this time:

Top 7 Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta during December

1st THE BEST SEASON FOR SNORKELING AND SCUBA DIVING 

If you are waiting for this time to be able to dive in not so cold waters, your moment has begun! Whether you are a professional or if you just want to venture into this activity, you will be in one of the best destinations to do it. Diving is one of the most rewarding activities to be in contact with marine fauna and it is that contact with nature reduces stress levels, did you know? Here we tell you about three of the best places to dive:

Parque Nacional Los Arcos de Mismaloya. This marine park is full of life and you can find octopuses, moray eels and all kinds of colorful fish. It owes its name precisely to the rocks that compose it forming arches and due to the erosion it has suffered, it has caverns and tunnels that are perfect to be explored by expert divers. However, as its waters have different depths, it is also ideal for beginners.

Islas Marietas: These islands are accessible only by sea with few certified boats that can go there as the National Ecological Protection Organization has placed several restriction to protect the coral reef. Its waters are so crystal clear that they are perfect for this practice. Once you dive in, you will be able to find garden eels, tropical fish, manta rays, among other species, such as the olive ridley turtle that also resides in our waters. 

Playa el Chimo. El Chimo is a fishing village located 30 minutes south of Yelapa. Ideal for diving, as you will find diverse fauna, such as manta rays, turtles and even humpback whales between December and April. The place has rocky forms that look like a church emerging from the sea and that causes an incredible landscape of shadows and lights. 

2nd WHALE WATCHING

The whale watching season officially begins in December, when fall is coming to an end, but it is time to consider this activity as part of your vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Humpback whales come to our warm waters year after year to give birth to their playful young, a fact that positions us as an exceptional destination to live an experience that you cannot miss. For this you must take a boat tour that takes you to the place where they are frequently seen; there in the middle of the sea, you will be able to enjoy their wonderful behavior, be it the males courting the females; whale mothers jumping together with their calves; or just swimming along our waters. It is without a doubt one of the things that you should put on your list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta.  Ah! We recommend you bring binoculars to see them better.

3rd THE BEST SEASON FOR SPORTS FISHING

If fishing is your thing, Puerto Vallarta hosts one of the best tournaments in the Pacific during November. In December it will be to late to participate, but you can still venture to catch (or catch and release) many interesting fishes that live in the bay: Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, etc.

4TH RELEASE OF TURTLES

Living with nature and the species that inhabit it is a fundamental part of the work of preserving our environment, so living the experience of releasing turtles in Puerto Vallarta is an activity that you should certainly not miss. The conservation work carried out by this destination has been so important that we have proudly achieved that the olive ridley turtle that visits our beaches to nest, has been excluded as an endangered species. Give yourself the opportunity to participate with your family in this activity and learn more about this fascinating species. The most favorable hours are at sunset to accompany these beautiful little turtles on their first adventure at sea.

5TH LAS PEREGRINACIONES 

Starting on the 1st of December, local people that follow Catholic Religion involve their companies in 12 days of sunset parades in downtown as a tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The party ends on December the 12th, when the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated with Mariachi music and fireworks in the Guadalupe Church near the main square. It’s a great opportunity for tourists to enjoy a great variety of local food that the street vendors sell to the people participating in the parade.

6th Posadas and Christmas Celebration

Mexican are serious about celebrating Christmas. Traditionally they start with more than 2 weeks of pre Christmas parties called “Posadas” (To remember the weeks that Mary and Joseph spent asking for a shelter (Posada) before arriving to Belem). During these posadas you cand drink Ponche sin piquete (without alcohol) or con piquete (with alcohol) or eat Buñuelos, Tamales and endless mexican food. Also you can watch a Pastorela (A comical theatrical version of the shepperds searching for Baby Jesus and being tempted by the Devil) or break a Piñata.

7th SPORTS EVENTS AND LIVE MUSIC TO END THE YEAR

Events in Puerto Vallarta Surely you have already been able to verify that Puerto Vallarta has all the scenarios to carry out any type of sporting event, such as marathons, races, fishing or soccer. You will never forget how much fun you will have this week! As you will see, December is just about to begin, and endless activities and fun await you; one of the best seasons of the year with incredible experiences that will make your trip memorable every day.  We are waiting for you with a thousand things to do and with open arms!

Bibliography:
7 razones para viajar en otoño a Puerto Vallarta | Blog (visitapuertovallarta.com.mx)