Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The long-awaited Boca de Tomatlán Pier was officially inaugurated today by interim mayor Pepe Martinez, alongside Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, Governor-elect Pablo Lemus, Municipal President-elect Luis Ernesto Munguía, and local deputy Yussara Canales. This project marks a significant step forward in the sustainable tourism development of Jalisco’s coast, despite being delayed by five months.
The pier, initially set for completion earlier this year, had faced setbacks in its construction. However, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony today, the government reaffirms its commitment to improving maritime infrastructure along the coast. Governor Alfaro Ramírez emphasized the importance of this project in the context of the broader Maritime Connectivity Model, which aims to enhance tourism and connectivity along Jalisco’s coastline.
Project Delays and Initial Announcement
In 2022, the Government of Jalisco announced a $180 million peso investment aimed at promoting sustainable tourism development through improved maritime connectivity. A key part of this initiative was the reconstruction of the Boca de Tomatlán pier, with an estimated budget of $30 million pesos. The project was intended to address urgent issues of maritime infrastructure deterioration, including a lack of maintenance, insufficient maritime signaling, and poor beach management.
By June 2023, the Regional Port Authority issued a warning to halt operations at the Boca de Tomatlán pier due to its dangerous condition. The pier’s structure had been severely affected by environmental factors such as seabed erosion, high salinity levels, and strong waves during cyclone seasons. Vice Admiral José Heribán Arreola Gómez, Regional Port Captain of Puerto Vallarta, officially urged nautical tourism providers and passenger transport services to cease using the pier until further notice.
The letter detailed the urgent need for intervention, noting the “latent and imminent risk” posed by the pier’s gradual deterioration. All vessels were advised to embark and disembark at alternative locations to ensure the safety of passengers and tourists.
The Maritime Connectivity Model: A Broader Vision
The Boca de Tomatlán pier is one of several maritime infrastructure projects designed to improve Jalisco’s coastal areas. As part of the Maritime Connectivity Model, the government has focused on developing port infrastructure, installing maritime signaling systems, and addressing the poor condition of existing piers.
Beyond Boca de Tomatlán, the project also includes plans for piers in Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Yelapa, Pizota, Chimo, Bahía de Tehuamixtle, Punta Pérula, and Bahía de Navidad. Governor Alfaro Ramírez highlighted that the region has already seen significant improvements in coastal towns. In 2019, Quimixto saw the reconstruction of its walkway and dock, while in 2021, Las Ánimas benefited from a partial rehabilitation of its tourist dock. Additionally, Punta Pérula saw the construction of a boardwalk and fishermen’s wharf between 2019 and 2021.
These efforts, totaling $114.5 million pesos, are part of a broader strategy to create sustainable, accessible, and safe maritime routes for tourists and locals alike. The government’s ambition is to consolidate Jalisco’s coast as a prime destination, ensuring both the livability of its communities and the visitability of its attractions.
A Safer and More Modern Pier
The newly inaugurated Boca de Tomatlán pier has undergone extensive renovations, with a focus on long-term sustainability. The new structure is built from concrete, designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, and includes a platform for boats with improved lighting for nighttime navigation. This marks a vast improvement from the deteriorated wooden structure that previously posed a risk to tourists and operators.
Governor Alfaro Ramírez also announced that, as part of this development, the government would establish beach orientation systems and conduct public life studies in areas surrounding the docks. The goal is to ensure that the piers are not only structurally sound but also fully integrated into the local communities and tourism ecosystems.
Moving Forward: Long-Term Impact on Tourism and Development
With the pier finally complete, local officials are optimistic about the future of tourism in the region. Interim Mayor Pepe Martinez noted that the new pier would significantly boost tourism in Boca de Tomatlán and surrounding areas, as visitors will now have safer and more efficient access to maritime routes. Martinez also stressed that the completion of this project is a major milestone in the broader development of Jalisco’s coast, which is becoming an increasingly important part of Mexico’s tourism landscape.
Governor-elect Pablo Lemus echoed these sentiments, stating that the pier is a critical step in realizing Jalisco’s vision of becoming a world-class tourist destination. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing the work begun under Governor Alfaro Ramírez, ensuring that the state’s coastal development remains a priority.
As Jalisco moves forward with its Maritime Connectivity Model, the inauguration of the Boca de Tomatlán pier symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter for the region. With enhanced infrastructure and a commitment to sustainable tourism, the state is poised to strengthen its position as a top destination for visitors from around the world.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The long-awaited Boca de Tomatlán Pier was officially inaugurated today by interim mayor Pepe Martinez, alongside Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, Governor-elect Pablo Lemus, Municipal President-elect Luis Ernesto Munguía, and local deputy Yussara Canales. This project marks a significant step forward in the sustainable tourism development of Jalisco’s coast, despite being delayed by five months.
