Practical local updates that could affect your stay—beach conditions, weather, transport, airport news, safety notices and worthwhile changes around town.
Latest useful updatesChecked 27 September 2026
RED FLAGS & MARINE-ACTIVITY WARNING
Stay out of the sea and reconfirm north-bay boat trips and water activities
Puerto Vallarta Protección Civil reported red flags across all municipal beaches on Saturday 26 September because elevated surf remains unsafe for swimming. In neighboring Bahía de Banderas, lifeguards closed beaches from Nuevo Vallarta to Lo de Marcos because of rip currents and high surf; officials said the dangerous conditions could continue through Tuesday 29 September. On Sunday, the Cruz de Huanacaxtle port captain advised operators around Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, San Francisco and Lo de Marcos to avoid putting to sea and temporarily suspend tourist boat trips, diving, snorkelling, jet-ski and banana-boat activities while adverse conditions persist. Late Saturday, emergency crews began an active search at Playa de Oro after one of two women who entered the sea did not return; the other woman reached shore. Sunday’s official forecast keeps western Jalisco at 25–50 mm of rain and the coast at 2–3 metre waves, with gusts of 30–50 km/h possible. For Monday 28 September, SMN lowers the regional wave outlook for the Jalisco coast to 1–2 metres but still forecasts 25–50 mm of rain in southern and southwestern Jalisco.
What visitors should doDo not enter the sea in Puerto Vallarta or at closed Bahía de Banderas beaches while restrictions remain in force; Monday’s lower regional wave forecast does not itself lift any beach or marine restriction. Reconfirm any boat tour, diving, snorkelling or personal-watercraft booking directly with the operator before travelling. Obey lifeguards, keep clear of the Playa de Oro search area, stay away from river mouths and waves breaking over the Malecón, and never cross flooded streets or fast-moving water.
Saturday flooding disrupted roads and delayed Puerto Vallarta flights
Heavy rain on Saturday 26 September flooded roads in Las Glorias, Versalles, Díaz Ordaz and Marina Vallarta. Reports said Pablo Picasso and the laterals of Francisco Medina Ascencio were closed in Las Glorias, with another closure on Francisco Villa between the libramiento and Avenida Las Américas. Overnight, the Río Cuale reached roughly 80% capacity near Secundaria 84 in Buenos Aires; water entered Calle Manantial and authorities closed the road preventively. Airport staff also confirmed that several flights were delayed during the storm because of poor visibility. Conditions and closures may change as water levels fall.
What visitors should doCheck your flight directly with the airline before leaving, allow extra time for the airport journey and use a live navigation app for road conditions. Avoid Calle Manantial near Secundaria 84 and keep away from the Río Cuale and other swollen waterways. Do not drive or walk through standing or fast-moving water. Ask your accommodation or driver whether affected routes have reopened.
Flair adds weekly nonstop Montréal–Puerto Vallarta flights from 16 December
Flair Airlines has announced a new nonstop winter service from Montréal (YUL) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR), beginning Wednesday 16 December 2026. The route is scheduled once weekly, with advertised introductory one-way fares from C$269; optional services may cost extra and availability is limited.
Why it mattersMontréal becomes Flair’s fifth Canadian departure point for Puerto Vallarta, giving winter visitors another direct option. Confirm dates, baggage fees and the final fare directly with Flair before booking.
Helikon’s rule: useful, current and relevant to visitors. Crime is included only when there is an ongoing risk, an official warning or a clear effect on travel.
I’m Mark—a Welsh chef, writer and street-food obsessive. I walk, eat and talk my way through the city so you can find the places with character, not just a marketing budget.
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Food with a point of view
Street tacos, serious seafood and simple Mexican recipes, judged by a chef—not copied from a top-ten list.