For starters, there are various distinctive mammalian species that inhabit the lush forests that surround Puerto Vallarta. For example, there you can find White Tailed Deer, Wild Boars, Armadillos, Badgers, Coyotes, Skunks, and Rabbits. Most of these animals live deep within the jungle and avoid human contact so it’s unlikely that you will see them during your visit. However, many mountain bikers and hikers have come across these animals during outings into the mountains. In addition, there are a variety of cats that live in the Puerto Vallarta region including Jaguars, Jaguarundis, Pumas, Ocelots, and the smaller Margays. In the Sierra Madre jungle, there are countless other species of iguanas, too
Marine Life in Banderas Bay
Banderas Bay is the largest bay in Mexico and the 7th largest bay in the world. There, a wide variety of marine life exists that find home in the warm waters of Banderas Bay. As far as fish, you can find tuna, snapper, red snapper, blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, and seabass. In addition, a variety of sea turtles swim the bay and return to the shores of Banderas Bay each year to lay their eggs. In fact, female sea turtles actually return to the same spot they were born to lay their own eggs. In addition, jellyfish are seasonal visitors to Puerto Vallarta so you’ll likely encounter gelatinous blue blobs on the sand while you’re walking the beach in Puerto Vallarta. Jellyfish usually inhibit Banderas Bay during the spring and summer months. They are not very dangerous, but they may leave you with a painful sting.
Birds in Puerto Vallarta
There are many different birds that inhabit the area as well. In fact, there are more than 350 bird species found in the regions and ecosystems surrounding Puerto Vallarta. In the mountain area, you can find many bird species including parrots that are seriously endangered and sadly on the verge of extinction. The Gray Hawk is a medium-sized stocky bird of prey that is commonly found in the area and is quite unmistakable in its appearance. In addition, you can also find Cockatoos, Macaws, Pelicans, Seagulls, White Garzas, American Coot, American Kestrel, American Redstart, Hummingbirds, Baird’s Sandpiper, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, and Bat Falcons. Wondering where to bird watch? Head to the town of El Tuito, which is nestled in the green hills of Cabo Corrientes one hour south of Puerto Vallarta which is becoming a premiere birding destination.
Whales and Sharks
Are there sharks in Banderas Bay? The answer is yes, but they are rarely seen and not a threat to human life. Due to the fact that most Puerto Vallarta beaches are contained within the bay, the area is considered extremely safe for swimming and shark attacks rarely occur. As far as whales, more than 10,000 humpback whales travel each year from Alaska down to Hawaii each year. On the way, many whales stop to spend time in Banderas Bay to mate and birth their young. Each year from November through early May, Banderas Bay is one of the main congregation areas for Humpback Whales in the Mexican Pacific Ocean with around 500 whales spending the season near Puerto Vallarta. If you want to go whale watching, the morning is the best time to go. In addition to humpback whales, orca whales can also be seen in the bay from time to time, particularly in the fall and winter months when they hunt for turtles, dolphins, manta rays and even humpback whale calves.
We hope you enjoyed this article about animals in Puerto Vallarta. As you can see, the area is not only home to beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and a happening nightlife. It is also an oasis for a vast variety of species that call the area home. Why not take a tour into the mountains to increase your chances of getting in contact with nature at its best?
About Lemuria Real Estate
Ideally situated on Puerto Vallarta’s exclusive South Shore, Lemuria Residences is a new luxury condominium complex that belongs to a Master planned community designed by the prestigious Gensler Global Architecture firm. The ecologically planned themed property includes more than 1700 acres of preserved Sierra Madre jungle with stunning views of the mountains and Banderas Bay. The outstanding onsite amenities include multiple pools, BBQ areas, restaurants, a 2000 square meter spa, Sports Club, gym, tennis courts, pickleball courts, organic herb garden, and yoga spaces. There are also freshwater rivers and private hiking trails located nearby so it’s the ideal place to invest if you want to be close to nature. Contact Lemuria Residences today to learn more about our luxury beachfront condominiums for sale in Puerto Vallarta.