Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, July 22, 2026 — Swimming and other recreational water activities were prohibited Wednesday at five sections of Puerto Vallarta’s shoreline after lifeguards raised red and purple flags near two river mouths and three beaches in the northern hotel and Marina Vallarta area.
The restricted zones were the mouths of the Cuale and Pitillal rivers, the shoreline in front of the Westin Regina and Marriott hotels, and Boca Negra beach, according to the city’s Wednesday beach-status report.
A red flag prohibits entry into the water, while a purple flag warns of wildlife that could pose a danger. The municipal report did not identify the animal responsible for each of Wednesday’s warnings, making it important not to assume that every purple flag represented a confirmed crocodile sighting.
The restrictions were limited to specific sections of the coast rather than a citywide beach closure.
Playa Holly, for example, was listed under a yellow caution flag in its principal swimming area, while the nearby Pitillal River mouth carried red and purple flags. Olas Altas and Los Muertos beaches also remained open under yellow flags.
Other yellow-flag beaches included Palmares, Conchas Chinas, Burros, the Malecón shoreline, Camarones Norte, Camarones Sur and Playa de Oro. Swimming was permitted in those areas, but lifeguards called for caution because of sea conditions and the possible presence of marine or wild animals.
The locations under the strongest warnings have appeared repeatedly in municipal beach reports during July. Red and purple flags have frequently been placed near the Cuale and Pitillal river mouths and along the northern shoreline between Marina Vallarta and the Ameca River.
Puerto Vallarta’s head lifeguard previously described the wildlife warnings at the river mouths and across the northern hotel zone as recurring or permanent precautionary measures during periods of increased crocodile movement.
The repeated warnings follow the fatal crocodile attack reported near Marina Vallarta in June, after which state and municipal agencies increased beach patrols, hotel warnings and monitoring around estuaries.
Researchers at the University of Guadalajara’s Centro Universitario de la Costa say crocodiles naturally move between rivers, estuaries, mangroves and wetlands around Banderas Bay. Rainy-season water levels make that movement easier, while decades of urban construction have reduced or fragmented some of the animals’ traditional routes.
A July report from university crocodile researchers said altered land use has increased the likelihood of crocodiles appearing in coastal and urban areas where sightings were once less frequent.
Boca Negra is particularly sensitive because its beach lies beside an estuary with an established crocodile population. River mouths also require added caution because they connect inland waterways directly with the bay, creating natural transit routes for wildlife.
Wednesday’s beach restrictions were issued on the same day that Vallarta Daily reported six crocodile deaths around Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas during the previous two weeks. Municipal authorities had not connected those deaths to Wednesday’s beach warnings.
Anyone who sees a crocodile or other potentially dangerous animal should keep a substantial distance, prevent children and pets from approaching, and call 911. People should not feed, surround, photograph at close range, or attempt to capture the animal.
Beach conditions and flag designations can change during the day. Swimmers heading to the Cuale or Pitillal river mouths or the Marina Vallarta hotel beaches should check the flags posted at the location and follow lifeguard instructions before entering the water.
