Bucerías: Home of the Sculpture “El Buzo”

Just 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta lies the picturesque town of Bucerías, a cultural treasure of the Riviera Nayarit. In addition to its beautiful beaches and coastal charm, this micro-destination offers a fascinating artistic gem that pays homage to its maritime past: the sculpture “El Buzo” (The Diver).

Situated on the boardwalk, next to Plaza del Viento, “The Diver” captures the attention of visitors with its imposing presence. This work of art, made of stainless steel and finished in bronze, was unveiled and installed in June 2014 to commemorate the brave divers who founded this enchanting town.

In the past, this corner of the Mexican Pacific was famous for its pearls. Divers explored the deep waters off the beaches, prying the precious gems from the rocks with their trusty metal crowbars. Many of them ventured without scuba diving equipment, simply holding their breath as they explored the seabed. The abundance of divers and pearls led to the naming of this town as Bucerías, which means “Place of Divers.”

The sculpture “The Diver” is the result of a collaboration between two talented artists: the renowned sculptor Octavio González and the local artist Luis Armando Solorio. Together, they created a captivating representation of a diver in the moment of extracting an oyster with a bar, capturing the essence of the activity that brought Bucerías to life.

What makes this sculpture even more special is that the face of the diver belongs to one of Bucerías’ most emblematic figures: Ramón Barraza. For over 40 years, Ramón dedicated himself passionately to fishing and gathering fresh seafood. His tireless work has not only supplied local restaurants with delicious oysters but also with fish, octopus, shrimp, and other seafood products. Ramón Barraza is a true fisherman, an outspoken opponent of frozen seafood.

When visiting the sculpture “The Diver” in Bucerías, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich maritime history of this charming coastal town. In addition to admiring this artistic masterpiece, they can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the boardwalk, explore the cobblestone streets, and indulge in the authenticity and flavor of the local cuisine, which is based on the freshness and quality of seafood.