Day Pass Central – 2015 Edition!

There’s no denying it: if you are in Banderas Bay this time of year, it’s getting hot and humid out there! Unless our home features air conditioning, most of us look for creative ways to stay cool during the Summer months, particularly those days in which not even the gentle ocean breeze does the trick. For some, spending time at the local movie theaters or shopping malls is the way to go, and even grocery shopping at any of the large supermarkets in the area provides some respite from the heat.

An early morning swim in the ocean, before the sun rays get too intense to handle, is another option to pursue. However, as soon as the rain season begins, the water at most of the beaches near river outlets will seem less desirable than usual, with increased natural debris (branches and so forth) carried down by the currents.

For many, a day pass at any of the local hotels that offer them, is a comfortable solution, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to stay cool in a swimming pool while enjoying the hotel’s amenities. And if it’s an oceanfront hotel, guests can enjoy the extra bonus of being able to enjoy both ocean and pool time.

Day Pass options are as varied as the hotels that offer them, but most provide access to their facilities, including internet access, many hotels refunding your full or partial access fee with food and drink from the premises. All-inclusive hotels usually feature limitless access to food and drink with their day pass, but at a higher cost. In all cases, it’s advisable to call in advance to ensure that day passes are available on any given day.

Do you have a favorite place to enjoy a day pass in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas? If so, please share it with us via email, or our Facebook Page. We will conduct our own research and list the options in alphabetical order as we discover them.

Casa Iguana All Suites Hotel

• Cost: $200 pesos per person, children over 3 pay $150 pesos
• Location: Mismaloya, South Shore
• Beachfront: No
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Perks: The price includes a burger and a beverage. Groups of 10 people or more may get access to a room to change and shower. The kids pass includes a special meal and beverage as well.
• Contact: (322) 228-0186 • casaiguana.com.mx

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

• Cost: $350 pesos per person/$280 for locals with VIP card (see below)
• Location: Marina Vallarta
• Beachfront: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Perks: Marriott refunds $300 pesos ($200 for locals with VIP card) at their restaurants. VIP cards are available for local residents or those who spend six months or more in Banderas Bay are available free of charge. They can be requested in advance at the hotel.
• Contact: (322) 226-0000 • CasaMagna Marriot Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Matlali

• Cost: $295 pesos per person
• Location: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Riviera Nayarit
• Beachfront: No
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Perks: The $295 access price is applicable in its entirety to food and beverage. This spectacular hotel also has a beachfront Club, but the Day Pass promotion applies to their pool areas. They offer a special Spa promotion during your Day Pass experience: enjoy a 50-minute massage at their Makawé Spa for only $600 pesos.
• Contact: (322) 115-7700 • matlali.com

Pescador

• Cost: $100 pesos per person
• Location: El Centro (5 de Diciembre)
• Beachfront: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Perks: The $100 pesos are applicable to food and beverage. You must bring your own towel.
• Contact: (322) 176-1111 • hotelelpescador.com

Puerto de Luna

• Cost: $100 pesos per person
• Location: Hotel Zone
• Beachfront: No
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Perks: The $100 pesos are non-refundable, but you are allowed to bring your own food to the pool area if you so desire. Puerto de Luna is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in town, so you don’t have to leave your pooch at home. Groups of 10 people or more get access to a room for the day to change.
• Contact: (322) 225-0480 • puertodeluna.com