Interesting Facts about Banderas Bay

Banderas Bay is one of the most stunning and desirable vacation spots in Mexico, and there is no doubt that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit provides the best base from which to sample all the delights of this region. If you read on you’ll find out some really interesting facts about Banderas Bay with which to impress your friends when you get together again.

Los Muertos Beach

Los Muertos beach is one of the most beloved beaches around Banderas Bay, but many people are a little put off when they realise that the name translates, literally, to The Beach of the Dead. Legend has it that, centuries ago, locals fought off a pirate raid on this beach, and did so with such ferocity that many pirates died on the sands. If you talk to locals in the bars they’ll happily tell you about how many skeletons were found when the first hotels were being built on the beach! Nonetheless, any party you have here is sure to be lively so don’t give Los Muertos the swerve!

Banderas Bay

Banderas Bay is the biggest bay in Mexico, but it’s also one of the deepest and largest bays in the world as a whole! Sitting at over 900 meters it is practically fathomless, and at 42 kilometres wide it is in amongst the 10 largest in the world. The name Banderas, too, has significance as it is based on the Spanish word for flag! It is said that the Spanish Conquistadores, upon arrival, faced 20,000 armed natives with feathered flags, ready to defend their territory!

Las Peñas

The town of Puerto Vallarta, that sites at the heart of Banderas Bay, used to be called Las Peñas, in the 1800s, but was renamed after state governor Ignacio Vallarta in the 1900s.

Source of Income

Today, Puerto Vallarta’s 9 billion peso economy is based most upon tourism and the service industry, but before it became such a hotspot the town was a fishing centre. In those days the main source of revenue for Puerto Vallarta was the export of Corn, Coconuts, Beans, and Bananas to the USA (and, of course, feeding the local market).

The Movie Industry

Many famous faces have graced the shores of Banderas Bay for business and pleasure, and Puerto Vallarta, arguably, became what it is today because of one special movie. The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton, put Puerto Vallarta on the map and the romance of Burton and Elizabeth Taylor made it infamous! This is, arguably, why so many big budget films (like 2011’s Limitless) have been filmed here since. These sands have seen the likes of Robert De Niro and Arnold Schwarzenegger!

Population

In the 1880s Puerto Vallarta had a population of around 1,500 people; today there are over 300, 000 inhabitants in Puerto Vallarta. The population boom was sudden and exponential. In the last 20 years the population has grown by a staggering average of 7.5% each year!

Mariachi Music

If you’ve been to Mexico before you’ll know that this is a culture which loves to party, and mariachi music is a key part of this! The state of Jalisco, where you can find Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta, is the epicentre of mariachi and in Puerto Vallarta alone you will find dozens of talented groups. There’s even a kids mariachi band in the city!

Recommended article: Top Tips for Finding the Best Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Are Foreigners Allowed to Purchase Real Estate in Mexico?

If you have been wondering whether or not you, as a foreigner, can buy property in Mexico then the quick and easy answer is yes. Foreigners can buy real estate in Mexico even if the land is in an area near the coast or foreign borders (areas considered federal zones).You may have heard that this is not the case, but that is merely a common misconception caused by the fact that foreigners who wish to purchase land or property within 31 miles of the coast and/or 62 miles of Mexico’s international borders must use a fideicomiso land trust in order to make their purchase legal. You will be pleased to read that the process of getting a fideicomiso land trust is quite straight forward and easy, and is a common service offered by many banks in Mexico.

Fideicomisos and Bank Trust Institutions

If non-Mexican citizens buy land or real estate in Mexico within the restricted federal zones, such as the popular beach destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit or Cabo San Lucas, a trust deed must be established with a Mexican national or institution (such as a bank). This institution then acts as a trustee on behalf of the foreigner wishing to purchase real estate in Mexico. While the bank acts as an intermediary, the benefactor (the foreign buyer) holds all the rights associated with ownership. In other words, the person who does the investing controls all the rights to the trust while the trustee oversees and manages the trust, and you enjoy the rights to occupy, rent, bequeath, and/or sell your real estate in Mexico.

Renewable Bank Trusts

Initially the term of a Fideicomiso bank trust when buying real estate in Mexico as a foreigner is fifty years, renewable for a further fifty year term in perpetuity. If you choose to sell your property to a Mexican national the trust can be terminated, but if you sell to another foreigner it can simply be transferred. Of course the foreigner purchasing your property can set up their own fideicomiso if they wish to.

Appointing Beneficiaries for real estate in Mexico

Upon the finalization of the trust you will have to appoint a beneficiary/beneficiaries to receive all the rights of the trust should you pass away before the end of the 50 year lifetime of the trust. This takes away the stress of your heirs needing to follow any probate proceedings with the Mexican courts should you pass away unexpectedly. This will save them time and money, but more importantly, it will be one less thing to worry about if the worst came to pass.

For more information about purchasing real estate in Mexico, contact us toll free:

Cabo San Lucas: 1 877 499 1901
Riviera Nayarit: 1 866 843 7005

Activities for Young Children in Banderas Bay

The hotel beach and pool area are not the only places where your young children can have lots of fun while on vacation in Banderas Bay. There are other activities available to you if you want your toddler to explore more activities in Banderas Bay. The following is a brief list of some of the activities you might explore with your young children in Banderas Bay.

The Zoo

El Zoologico de Puerto Vallarta is about 30 minutes when traveling by car or taxi from Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta. It’s located in a mountainous jungle area between Mismaloya and Mismaloya beach, and it’s a great place for your young children to have lots of fun. Unlike a lot of zoos out there, this zoo will allow you to interact with the animals by petting some of them (like baby tigers) and feeding them. The zoo is not that big, so a whole trip’s journey can be completed in a few hours. Your young children will have plenty of colors and sounds to occupy their imagination while there.

Water Parks

Two major water parks where toddlers can play are located in the Banderas Bay area, both of which are about 10 minutes drive from Villa La Estancia. The largest park is called Parque Aquatica, and it has a smaller pool area with shallow water that is perfect for toddlers. There are also smaller slides fit for them that they can use to make a splash in the smaller pools. The other park, Splash, is not expensive as Parque Aquatica, and it also has a pirate theme. The pirate ship has slides coming from it that are suitable for older children and adults. The beach area (manmade) is ideal for toddler play and a great location for parents to enjoy. Both parks have marine creatures like seals, dolphins, and sharks, so that is also something else to keep your toddler entertained.

Equestrian Bucerias

In Bucerias, a small town just 15 minutes from Nuevo Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is an educational farm community that teaches young children about animal life. For a little less than $8, your children will enjoy hours of fun petting, feeding, and talking to the animals. They will also get a chance to ride a pony, which is sure to be a thrill for your child. Your toddler is sure to enjoy this adventure of fun and education.

Why Nuevo Vallarta is Great for Retirement

If you are looking forward to your retirement years, you have probably been weighing your options regarding where you would like to spend your time doing exactly as you please. Nuevo Vallarta happens to be a fantastic place to retire and enjoy your newfound freedom in the fabulous Bay of Banderas. The region is home to many expats from around the globe, many of whom are retired, making them able to truly take advantage of everything wonderful that Nuevo Vallarta has to offer.

Here are some of the best reasons Nuevo Vallarta is a great place to retire:

Lower Cost of Living

The more affordable cost of living is among the most attractive features for retirees in Nuevo Vallarta. Although housing costs vary greatly depending on what you might be interested in, day-to-day living costs can be substantially less than in places such as Europe, the United States and Canada. Impressive medical and dental care can be found for much lower costs than what most expats typically spend on similar procedures where they are from. Most groceries are cheaper too, and affordable fresh produce takes center stage here as many products are grown in nearby areas.

Outdoor Weather Year Round

Forget the snow shovel and down parka! The area is blessed with warm, sunny weather year-round so you can revel in the elements whenever you feel like it. This is a particularly big draw for retirees who have suffered through cold, awful winter weather for years on end!

Golf

Nuevo Vallarta is an excellent spot to settle into if you enjoy a good round of golf. The region is home to many extraordinary golf courses where you can work on your swing and get your competitive juices flowing while basking in the beautiful natural environment.

Fishing

Whether fishing for you is a hobby or an all-out passion, the Bay of Banderas and the open Pacific Ocean close by can make landing a dream catch a reality. An astounding variety of fish and several well-equipped outfitters are waiting for you!

Amazing Dining Options

Home to spectacular food options from humble street tacos to world-class gourmet restaurants, Nuevo Vallarta is sure to have whatever you might be craving at any moment. In the know foodies flock here because they just can’t get enough of the delicious food, so why not live amongst some of the best eateries in the world?

Busy Social Life

When you retire in Nuevo Vallarta, you can just about guarantee your social circle will expand with new friends from all over the place. Whatever interests you, from game nights to charity organizations to kicking back on the beach in a lounge chair, you’ll likely have lots of likeminded amigos to share your time with.

Banderas Bay Diving

Banderas Bay has amazing scuba diving options and the most breathtaking underwater opportunities for visitors to experience. A number of breathtaking natural underwater environments provide incredible tours to see marine life up close. Diving in Banderas Bay means that visitors can explore different volcanic formations, reefs, tunnels, covers, and rock arches. You don’t have to be an expert diver to experiences the enchanting elements below the water’s surface. Banderas bay diving provides some of the most exciting sea and marine life that includes sea turtles, eels, seahorses, octopuses, and some of the most beautiful tropical fish and rays.

Take a look below at what Banderas Bay diving tours can offer:

Los Arcos

The Los Arcos National Marine Park is the most visited landmark in Puerto Vallarta, especially for diving and snorkelling. The Los Arcos National Marine Park is protected by the Mexican government and has rock formations that are inspiring along with marine life and rare birds that include the Blue Footed Boobies. Los Arcos has long been a favorite spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are a variety of boat tours available during the day that will take divers down below the surface of the water where divers can enjoy beautiful tropical fish and many marine life that includes eels, seahorses, sea turtles, and even manta rays that are huge. About sixty feet further down there is a sandy patch that is called the Devil’s Mouth, and it leads to a 1,800 foot deep of the sea canyon that is absolutely beautiful.

Las Marietas

Las Marietas is located on the edge of Banderas Bay. There are two islands that are pretty large which also serve as a delightful marine reserve, perfect for diving and snorkel tours. In the 1960’s, Jacques Cousteau was left in complete awe of these two islands, putting them on the diving map. There are many underwater tunnels and caves that divers can explore. It doesn’t matter what level of diving you have as there are multiple diving areas: thirty foot, fifty foot, and the maximum depth is one hundred and ten! Divers will get their very own taste of underwater candy, seeing several different species of rays along with coral and fish. Their beauty will transform any diver. One of the most dramatic features located here is a rocky wall that sits vertically on the southern end of one of the islands. The rocky wall starts about one hundred feet above sea level, then immediately drops into the water.

Majahuitas

Your Banderas Bay diving experience isn’t complete unless you include Majahuitas. This dive spot is located to the south of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay and is another excellent place to go diving and snorkelling. Divers can see a variety of tropical fish that swim around the massive boulders that are in the sea. This area is a great place to see octopuses, eagle rays, and garden eels who enjoy slithering in the water or on the sandy patches. Sometimes divers can see huge manta rays that have a wingspan of 15-20 feet as they have been seen in this area.

Banderas Bay diving is world class diving for divers of any diving levels. The natural beauty that can be seen is breathtaking.

Live in Rivera Nayarit

15 Great Reasons to Live in Riviera Nayarit

Need convincing about Riviera Nayarit for your second home? See these 15 great reasons to move to Riviera Nayarit and call Banderas Bay your home. Call us toll free on 1 866 843 7005 for more information and to find out if you are eligible for our Try and Buy promotion.

    15 Great Reasons to live in Riviera Nayarit:

  1. Cost of living is much lower than in the USA and Canada in Riviera Nayarit.
  2. The best beaches in Mexico.
  3. Riviera Nayarit enjoys on average more than 300 sunny days per year and winter temperatures are an average of 80ºF.
  4. Surrounded by stunning jungle covered mountains.
  5. Located on the largest bay in Latin America – Banderas Bay
  6. Just 10 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport.
  7. Cheap direct flights to the USA and Canada.
  8. Great fine dining restaurant scene and bars.
  9. Good bilingual schools for your children.
  10. Good private hospitals and affordable private medical cover.
  11. Housekeeping services are highly affordable.
  12. Your friends and family will want to come and visit regularly.
  13. Banderas Bay is full of gyms, yoga schools, crossfit centers and other ways to stay fit.
  14. Both Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta boast a great number of art galleries.
  15. Just 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s malecon boardwalk.

Can you come up with anymore great reasons to live in Riviera Nayarit?

Leave your comments below and share why you love Banderas Bay.

Raising a Young Family in Banderas Bay

If you’re looking to relocate to Mexico and have a young family in tow, finding somewhere that’s child friendly and full of potential is absolutely paramount. Banderas Bay, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, could be one of those places which presents a great choice for you and your loved ones. Here’s why…

Climate

People who live in colder, wetter climates are well-used to the reality of kids being stuck indoors for days at a time due to poor weather, but in Banderas Bay this is less of an issue. Very rarely will your kids ever have to stay in with only the TV and games consoles for company here; the climate and weather are perfect for exploration and adventure. Banderas Bay does, in fact, benefit from year round sunshine and ideal temperatures from November to mid-April with no rain clouds in sight. Summer can see heavy rainfall, but generally it is only for a few hours a day.

The environment

Banderas Bay is a fairly small area to be found on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and has a long stretch of sandy beaches and coves that will delight children of all ages. The waters are safe to swim in, and the temperature is fair year round; you could swim, surf, and make sandcastles in a new place every weekend for months and never be bored.

Banderas Bay is also lucky enough to be surrounded by the stunning Sierra Madre mountains which are not only stunning, but offer a wealth of pastimes to enjoy. You could go hiking, zip-lining, mountain-biking, or horseback riding if you wished. You could even choose to live close to the river; this river is often calmer than the sea shore and is great for swimming in. your kid need never be bored when there’s so much of the great outdoors to explore here.

Activities

Raising a family is far from dull, and it can often be stressful, but in Banderas Bay there’s a huge amount to get excited about. There are so many clubs, activities, sports and groups for your kids to get involved with here that you might start to miss them! You could get involved, too, of course. Why not take up paddle-boarding or surfing? Learn to salsa, or just pick up some of the hobbies that fell by the wayside at home? There are also plenty of sports on offer at the local stadium.

Childcare and schooling

Childcare is much more affordable in Banderas Bay than in the USA and Canada; you’ll probably be able to afford hiring a full-time nanny if you wish. As a Villa La Estancia owner you will also be able to call upon the resort’s babysitting services if and when you’re stuck for childcare. This is a real plus if your kids are younger than school age and/or you need a break. There are also a few good bilingual, private schools to be found in the bay which vary in location and price; there’s no reason why you shouldn’t find the right one for you and your family.

The culture on Banderas Bay

If everything we’ve already mentioned doesn’t convince you that living in Banderas Bay is a good thing for you and your family then the culture should. This is such a diverse country that you can be sure your children’s eyes will be opened to many different ways of life. They can learn a second language, which will be good for future career prospects, and learn from their teachers and new friends in a way that will help them to grow into open-minded and accepting people.