A medium-sized crocodile was filmed walking among tourists on Holi Beach in Puerto Vallarta, reigniting worries about human–wildlife interactions after recent feeding incidents at the Pitillal River mouth.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco (May 30, 2025) — A medium-sized crocodile, measuring under three meters in length, was captured on video this Friday as it calmly walked among bathers on Holi Beach before entering the sea, while onlookers looked on without intervening. The one-minute clip, shared on social media by user Damy Arcigá, quickly went viral, drawing renewed attention to the growing frequency of human–crocodile encounters in this popular tourist zone.
In the footage, the reptile can be seen moving from the hotel-front strip toward the shoreline. No bathers appeared alarmed or attempted to distance themselves; instead, several tourists and local vendors followed the animal with their gaze or approached it to record on their cell phones as though it were an attraction. This passive reaction underscores how interactions with wildlife at Holi Beach have become normalized, despite clear risks.
Concerns about these encounters were first raised on May 12, when Tribuna de la Bahía reported visitors deliberately approaching the river mouth at the Pitillal River—just steps from the same section of Holi Beach—to feed a crocodile. Witnesses described tourists requesting fish directly from riverbank fishermen to toss to the reptile, ignoring warning signage. Although the area where the river meets the sea is officially marked as a protected zone to prevent exactly this kind of close contact, human-crocodile interactions continue unabated.
The species involved is the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), a saltwater-tolerant reptile found throughout southern Mexico and in brackish coastal habitats across the Americas. These crocodiles inhabit mangrove swamps, river mouths, lagoons and even venture into open sea waters when temperatures and water levels fluctuate. In Jalisco, freshwater bodies like the Pitillal River serve as primary habitats; seasonal variations can drive them onto sandy beaches favored by tourists.
Wildlife specialists warn that conditioning crocodiles to human presence through feeding can have long-term consequences. “If the crocodile begins to associate people with a food source, it may lose its natural fear of humans, increasing the risk of aggressive encounters,” noted local fauna experts. Unregulated feeding can lead to habituation, where animals roam freely into heavily trafficked areas in search of handouts. The potential for tragedy is high if uninformed visitors, especially children, approach these apex predators unaware of the danger.
To date, no injuries or attacks have been reported in connection with this week’s sighting or prior incidents at Holi Beach. Nonetheless, municipal authorities have reiterated through previous advisories that, while crocodiles typically avoid humans, they will defend themselves if threatened or provoked. Signs warning of crocodile presence remain posted at river access points and along the sand, yet compliance has been low.
Holi Beach, known for its tranquil river-sea channel and laid-back atmosphere, attracts both domestic and international visitors seeking a less crowded alternative to Puerto Vallarta’s main shorelines. Local tourism operators emphasize that coexistence with wildlife is part of the region’s appeal but stress the importance of respecting safety guidelines. “Our guests enjoy the unique ecosystem, but we must balance visitor experience with conservation and public safety,” said one hotel manager, echoing recent calls to maintain a safe distance and refrain from enticing wildlife.
Environmental groups have urged the municipal government and federal agencies such as SEMARNAT (Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales) to increase patrols, reinforce educational campaigns and strictly enforce feeding prohibitions. Previous initiatives included informational kiosks and leaflets distributed at beachfront businesses, but officials admit that enforcement resources are stretched thin.
A medium-sized crocodile was filmed walking among tourists on Holi Beach in Puerto Vallarta, reigniting worries about human–wildlife interactions after recent . . .
