Puerto Vallarta, Jal.— Puerto Vallarta welcomed tens of thousands of holiday‑makers during Holy Week (April 14 – 20), pushing hotel occupancy to a preliminary 83 percent, according to figures released by local tourism authorities. The influx arrived by road, air and sea, filling hotels, vacation rentals and tour boats as travelers sought sun‑soaked beaches at the start of Mexico’s spring break season.
Tourism officials said the week’s strong occupancy rates translated into a substantial economic windfall for the bay‑side city, where hospitality businesses rely on the Easter period for a large share of annual revenue. Authorities had hoped to close the holiday with a saldo blanco—a “white balance” indicating no fatalities—but that goal was shattered by two separate drowning deaths.
- Ameca River tragedy – A 17‑year‑old local resident was swept under while swimming in the Ameca River, which forms the boundary between Jalisco and Nayarit states, and could not be revived despite an extensive search by Civil Protection divers.
- Flamingos Beach drowning – On Thursday, April 17, 44‑year‑old Francisco Manuel N., a tourist from León, Guanajuato, died after entering the water near Flamingos Beach. Witnesses told rescuers the victim had been eating and drinking shortly before swimming; lifeguards pulled him from the surf but were unable to restore vital signs. Ground News
Municipal officials urged visitors to heed lifeguard instructions, avoid alcohol before swimming and respect river currents that intensify during the spring runoff.
Holiday security resources were also tested on Sunday afternoon, April 20, when a 50‑foot pleasure yacht burst into flames in Bahía de Banderas, close to Caballo Beach. Passengers and crew jumped into the water while deck hands fought the blaze with extinguishers until rescue launches arrived. No injuries were reported and the vessel was later towed to port for inspection; an electrical short is the suspected cause.
The flow of visitors shows little sign of slowing. Hoteliers forecast average occupancy above 83 percent for the second holiday stretch—Easter Week—from April 21 to 27. Tourism liaison director Rocío Flores said extra lifeguards and patrol boats will remain deployed, while health brigades continue distributing hydration packs and sunscreen at main beaches.
Officials reminded travelers that free safety information is available at the city’s modulos de información turística and through the 911 emergency line. With reinforced precautions, authorities hope to finish Easter Week with no further incidents—and preserve Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as one of Mexico’s safest and most popular seaside escapes.
