🐊 Crocodiles in Vallarta’s Saltwater? Here’s What You Should Know

So, you’ve made it to Puerto Vallarta, slipped into your swimsuit, and you’re floating in the ocean like a blissed-out jellyfish when someone on the beach casually drops: “Did you hear there are crocodiles in the water?”

Wait... what?

Let’s clear this up.

🌊 Saltwater Crocodiles? Not Quite.

Yes, crocodiles are native to this region—but no, these are not “saltwater crocs” like the massive aggressive ones you’d see in Australia or the Nile.

What we have here in Vallarta are American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus). They live in freshwater rivers, lagoons, and estuaries, and only occasionally make brief ocean crossings—usually to move between rivers. They’re excellent swimmers, but they aren’t saltwater dwellers by choice.

So why are we seeing them more?

🏗️ Blame It on the Habitat Disruption

Urban development and construction have disrupted some of their natural wetland habitats, causing more crocodiles to pass through or even show up in unexpected areas like Los Muertos Beach, especially after storms or flooding.

One recent sighting involved a croc that had made it south past Mismaloya. Thankfully, it was safely captured and returned to a more appropriate (aka freshwater) location by wildlife authorities.

These incidents are rare—and they’re being handled.

✅ What You Can Do

There’s no need to cancel your beach plans, but a little awareness goes a long way:

• 🐊 If you see a crocodile, report it to local authorities—don’t approach it. They’re not looking to bother you, and they’ll usually just move along if left alone.

• 🚫 Don’t feed wildlife, ever. Feeding crocs (or any animal) increases human-wildlife conflict. Seriously. Here is a real problem: They’re getting more comfortable around humans. Feeding wildlife (even tossing scraps near the water) creates a dangerous situation—for everyone. Crocodiles that associate humans with food are more likely to show up where they shouldn't, and that’s how accidents happen. They’re not naturally interested in people—but they are smart. If food keeps showing up where the humans are, guess where they’ll go?

• 🚩 Heed warning signs on beaches or rivers. If lifeguards post caution signs—trust them.

• 🌅 Avoid murky rivers and estuaries—especially after storms or heavy rains. That’s croc turf.

💦 Still Totally Safe to Swim

Thousands of locals and tourists swim in the ocean daily—without incident. These crocs aren’t hunting beachgoers, and sightings in the open ocean are the exception, not the rule.

So float on, snorkel, paddle, and enjoy Vallarta’s incredible water—you’re just more informed now.

And hey, if you do see a croc on the beach, grab your camera (from a distance), notify the pros, and get ready to tell one heck of a story back home.