When visiting Puerto Vallarta, Jason was all about finding and recording the animals in Puerto Vallarta. While this sounded like an obscure idea in a big city, he had solid reasoning behind his idea. He wanted to find the wildlife in Puerto Vallarta for stock shooting.
However, it turned into so much more than just that.
Being on the lookout for animals in Puerto Vallarta, we were forced to slow down and really take in the natural sights and sounds of the city. With us being nature lovers and not so into the big city feels, it offered an escape from the chaos of a city, even right in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
To be honest, we were quite surprised by how much wildlife is in Puerto Vallarta. We thought that many of the creatures we saw could only be found in the jungle. But low and behold, when the jungle meets the city, the jungle wildlife is in the city too! No need for any of the local wildlife tours. Just wander the city and view these animals of Mexico!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through one of our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure policy.
Where To Find The Animals in Puerto Vallarta
Along the Street
While you’d be lucky to see some of the wildlife in Puerto Vallarta walking down the city streets, it may be a surprise, that in the bushes lining the streets you’ll find loads of creatures!
As you walk down the streets, slow down and listen to the bushes and the trees. If there’s any noise of leaves ruffling, you’ll likely spot something unique! Take a closer look, as much of the wildlife in Puerto Vallarta does a great job blending into its surroundings!
You’ll also be quick to find things like stray cats and dogs along the streets too. Be aware of fleas and ticks on these fellers.
In Your Home
Yes, this one may be disturbing.. but while staying in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll very likely be greeted with creatures right in your vacation rentals, villa, and hotels! Check the walls around the lights at night for geckos. Look in crevices in the kitchen for cockroaches. And check your cereal bags for ants!
The Malecón
The Malecón is the main pedestrian walkway along the water in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Think, of a boardwalk in the states. Along the Malecón, you’ll find loads of birds dive-bombing into the ocean, and you just may see reptiles too.
Public Beach Access in Las Glorias
Oh my goodness, the public beach access trail from Las Glorias, find it here, was a dream come true. After finishing up our couple’s massage, we wanted to head to the beach and bam! We were greeted with so much wildlife on this trail. It’s truly the best place to head to find animals in Puerto Vallarta.
Domestic (ish) Animals in Puerto Vallarta
I say domestic with the (ish) here because these are animals that are domesticated in a lot of other places, and were at some point domestic animals in Puerto Vallarta too. However, with not many cats and dogs getting neutered or spayed, there are hundreds of stray dogs and cats on the streets.
Stray Cats
Skinny and scrappy cats are littered all over Puerto Vallarta. You’ll find them laying in the cool dirt begging for food or rummaging through bags of trash along the streets. We even had some under our feet at some of the not-so-clean taco shops around Puerto Vallarta.
Be careful with the cats, as they likely have fleas, and getting too close or sitting near them for a meal may lead you to get bit!
Stray Dogs
Just like the cats, there are so many stinking stray dogs around town. It’s so frustrating because even the dogs that have collars or are getting walked by their owners aren’t neutered… truly just adding to the massive dog problem in Puerto Vallarta.
As with the cats, dogs too have fleas and ticks. So, be careful being around them.
Most dogs in our experience were not aggressive, however, that’s always something to watch out for when passing strays on the street.
Horses
Thankfully, all the horses we saw were looking healthy and in good hands! Wander outside of the touristy parts of Puerto Vallarta and you’ll find horses on the beach and even walking up and down the streets!
Chickens and Roosters
In the most random places you’ll find chickens and roosters around Puerto Vallarta. Sometimes, the roosters can be the worst wake up call all day every day! But, often, they’re just hanging around and are great to eat the little bugs hiding out.
Marine Animals in Puerto Vallarta
Oh, the joy of throwing on some goggles and seeing what’s under the sea. Or shoot, depending on what time of year you visit, you’ll see turtles on the shore, whales on the bay, and even dolphins frolicking in the water. Banderas Bay is home to some amazing marine life!
Fish
You don’t have to go on some crazy snorkeling or fishing tour to see awesome fish in Puerto Vallarta. In fact, when swimming right in the city, you’ll likely get nibbled on or feel something slimy cross your legs!
Dolphins
Dolphins are one of the animals in Puerto Vallarta that you may have to be on a boat to see, but they are pretty prevalent out at sea. Especially if you are doing any kind of chartered fishing tour!
Whales
Whales are seasonal marine animals in Puerto Vallarta. You have to be in Puerto Vallarta between December and March to see the whale migration off the Pacific Coast. There are whale-watching tours that go out frequently right from the heart of Puerto Vallarta, but you may even see them on other tours you do!
Turtles
Like whales, seeing turtles in Puerto Vallarta is a seasonal thing, or rather, they’re more common to spot at certain times of the year.
To see mama sea turtles, visit in July and August, as they come to shore to lay their eggs. From late August through early October, you’ll have the chance of seeing baby sea turtles making their journey to the sea. Check out how you can volunteer to release sea turtles here.
Birds in Puerto Vallarta
With the ocean lining one side of Puerto Vallarta and the jungle on the other, it’s no surprise that you’ll find loads of birds in Puerto Vallarta. While you can find many of these birds within the general Puerto Vallarta area, visiting the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is also a guaranteed shot at seeing these birds and more!
In The Trees
Slow down and look up, and you’ll surely see birds flying in and out of trees! Just be sure to keep your mouth closed and don’t look up for too long — nobody wants to get poop on their face!
In The Sea
All day long, along the waterfront, you’ll find birds diving into the sea to fish. It’s truly a remarkable site. We loved just sitting and watching the birds hit the water a lightning speed, to come up with mouthfuls of fish for the evening!
Along the River Walks
There are a couple of lovely river walks leading to different island markets like, Cual Island Market and more. These river walks are great places to find animals in Puerto Vallarta, especially birds!
Animals in Puerto Vallarta With Scales
Okay, the creepy crawly creatures with scales. And yes, Puerto Vallarta is full of them. These reptiles are everywhere, even on the Malecón!
Sea Snakes
On two different occasions, the beach was closed for us due to sea snakes being present in the water. Be sure to pay attention to the flags flying on the different beaches in Puerto Vallarta. If a purple flag is flying, do not go in the water, as this is a warning for dangerous marina fauna (animals) in the water.
Crocodiles
Yes, you read that right. There are alligators right in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Watch for signs warning you of alligators in the area, and be sure to be on the lookout on the bridge to the Romantic Zone, as one gator frequents the area.
There are also many alligator signs in Nuevo Vallarta, as there is loads of standing water there, making the perfect habitat for them.
Iguanas
Big and small. Fat and skinny. Brown, yellow, red, and green … iguanas are everywhere in Puerto Vallarta. Check in the bushes and even in the trees, and you’ll surely find a few.
Speaking of trees, when you decide to hang out under a tree for some shade, be sure to look up first! We almost got knocked out by an iguana falling from a tree literally inches from Jay’s face!
Frogs
Absolutely massive toads like the streets in places like Boca, and you’ll even find the cutest tiniest species of frogs on hikes in the area and all around freshwater sources!
Insects in Puerto Vallarta
I’m not sure if it’s the humidity, the jungle close by, the trash on the streets, or the ocean… but dang, the insects in Puerto Vallarta are alive and well!
Ants
The ground is crawling with them! Ants in Puerto Vallarta are a huge issue. I mean, I’m sure there’s a reason for them, however, they’re literally everywhere! Before you sit down, be sure to check for ants first.
Don’t think they’re only outdoors! You’ll certainly find them in the home too. Any kind of open sweet like cereal or cookies, and any drop of fruit juice will bring the ants coming. Make sure to keep your accommodation tidy, and always take out the trash at night or tie off the bag, as the ants will come running if not!
Cockroaches
Ugh.. I have the chills writing about these! In our first flat, we killed FIVE cockroaches! Yes, five of them! On the streets and in the home.. these buggers are nasty and quick.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos may just be the worst animal in Puerto Vallarta. They’re annoying and are anywhere there is fresh standing water. Take extra caution with mosquitos if you have any kind of autoimmune disease. The mosquitos in Puerto Vallarta have a special kind of protein in them that leads to major reactions for those with autoimmune disorders.
Jay got bit a couple of times, and one swelled his foot so much he couldn’t wear his shoes! The other on his leg made his leg swell from knee to ankle, red in the same areas, and so swollen he couldn’t bend his knee or foot! Grab some bug spray to avoid this from happening to you!
Flies
Annoying and downright disgusting, flies in Puerto Vallarta are everywhere. They are all over the garbage in the streets, and unfortunately, even all over food at some of the not-so-sanitary restaurants.
Be sure to watch the flies if you have any open wounds, as they’ll be super attracted to them!
Fleas
We mentioned fleas above when talking about the stray animals in Puerto Vallarta, but we’ll mention them again. Beware of the fleas on stray animals. They’ll eat you alive without you even knowing it! Especially, watch out for ones around restaurants that sit and beg for food!
Grasshoppers
Okay, yeah sure.. there are grasshoppers nearly everywhere on the planet. BUT.. did you know grasshoppers are a thing to eat in Puerto Vallarta? Find them in nature, and sample them at different restaurants in town.
More on Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta really stole our hearts. We honestly didn’t think we would like it as much as we did. Below you’ll find the tip of the iceberg to what posts we have for Puerto Vallarta!
Scams of Puerto Vallarta | and how to avoid them
San Pancho Travel Guide | a fantastic day trip from Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta Breweries | 5 craft breweries + what each uniquely offers
Grocery Stores in Puerto Vallarta | a complete idea of food prices in the city
Colomitos Hike in Puerto Vallarta | beach hike with a waterfall too
Waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta | all the waterfalls we found near PV
More on Travel
Best Travel Credit Card with No Travel Fees | hey-o happy hour at Oxxo all day long
25 Ways to Save Money to Travel Longer
In Flight Comfort Kit | Our DIY comfort kit for your comfort on all transportation
Not Heading to PV Just Yet? | save this post for later here
Did you like this post on Animals in Puerto Vallarta It truly helps us tremendously when you save and share our posts with others! It’s a great way to show this post was helpful and we should write more like it in the future. Use these pictures to pin this post on Pinterest! Want to support us in a different way? Find out how here.
