Fish and Marine Mammals

Shoals of fish abound in Puerto Vallarta [1]’s waters. Four billfish species are found in deep-sea grounds several miles offshore: swordfish, sailfish, and blue and black marlin. All are spirited fighters, though the sailfish and marlin are generally the toughest to bring in. The blue marlin is the biggest of the four; in the past, 10-foot (3-m) specimens weighing more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) were brought in at Pacific-coast marinas. Lately, four feet (1.2 m) and 200 pounds (90 kg) for a marlin and 100 pounds (45 kg) for a sailfish are more typical. Progressive captains now encourage victorious anglers to return these magnificent “tigers of the sea” (especially the sinewy sailfish and blue marlin, which make for poor eating) to the deep after they’ve won the battle.

Billfish are not the only prizes of the sea, however. Serious fish lovers also seek varieties of tuna-like jack, such as yellowtail, Pacific amberjack, pompano, jack crevalle, and the tenacious roosterfish, named for the “comb” atop its head. These, and the yellowfin tuna, mackerel, and dorado (which Hawaiians call mahimahi), are among the delicacies sought in Puerto Vallarta waters.

Accessible from small boats offshore and by casting from shoreline rocks are varieties of snapper (huachinango, pargo) and sea bass (cabrilla). Closer to shore, croaker, mullet, and jewfish can be found foraging along sandy bottoms and in rocky crevices.

Sharks and rays inhabit nearly all depths, with smaller fry venturing into beach shallows and lagoons. Huge Pacific manta rays appear to be frolicking, their great wings flapping like birds, not far off Puerto Vallarta shores. Just beyond the waves, local fisherfolk bring in hammerhead, thresher, and leopard sharks.

Also common is the stingray, which can inflict a painful wound with its barbed tail. Experienced swimmers and waders avoid injury by both shuffling (rather than stepping) and watching their feet in shallow waters with sandy bottoms.