I have been visiting Puerto Vallarta for the last five years. Each time I’m in the city, I take a long stroll out to the Marina. When there, I usually see one of the crocs in the water. However at the Thursday Market this past week, I saw 2 massive crocodiles at the Marina! It was an incredible sight and I feel so lucky that I was witness to these beauties.
Vallarta Marina
The Marina area is located just south of the airport and north of the hotel zone in Puerto Vallarta. It is a distinct neighbourhood and a boat lovers delight. There are some beautiful upscale hotels here and a lot of residential condominium style buildings, both older and new.
Many good restaurants are in this area, it’s a nice place to walk and stop for a bevvie or two. The view of the boats bobbing in marina at sunset together with the large lighthouse is very picturesque.
Crocodiles
When you enter the marina and approach the water, there is a long walkway that goes both to the left and the right. This path forms a ‘U’ shape around the outer ring of the docks. Almost immediately to the left, there is a taped off area right at the waters edge. This space is frequented by a resident crocodile. However I have yet to see one here.
Turning right, and walking down the marina in the opposite direction, you come to another taped off area. The area cordoned off here is larger, and includes metal fencing. This is where I have seen the large crocodile residing. Each time I visit, I like to see if I can spot this somewhat elusive creature. I have only ever seen him resting under the cool water near the rocks, with this eyes and snout peeking out.
Thursday Night
This past Thursday evening I walked to the Marina for the Thursday Night Market. This market is very similar to the Lazaro Cardenas Saturday market and in fact has many of the same vendors.
Since I was at the marina, of course I had to have a peek in the water and see if the croc was visible. Well, to my astonishment, not only was he visible, but he had a comrade! And that friend was out of the water, displaying his large and foreboding set of teeth!
Because all of the vendors were lined up against the edge of the walkway, it was very difficult to see that the crocs were indeed putting on a show. To my delight, a very friendly coffee vendor, allowed me to come in behind his booth so I could see the massive beauties and get some photographs.
I cannot express how excited I was to see these creatures so close! I was probably standing 5 meters away, up on the path above the jagged rocky ledge that drops off into the water. It was an incredible experience for me, one that I will not soon forget.
How lucky am I? I tell you, I just cannot believe it.
