Since opening its doors in 2006, the Puerto Vallarta Naval Museum and Naval Historical Center has devoted itself to educating visitors about the wide-reaching positive effects Mexico’s Navy has had on the country, with a goal of exhibiting and preserving its rich culture and history. Ideally located in a colonial-style building right next to Los Arcos on Puerto Vallarta’s famed Malecon boardwalk (which has also served as the Port Authority office, the Navy Hospital, and local Navy Headquarters in the past), this fascinating museum is a terrific place to take a break from the sun and explore for an hour or so. Allow yourself to get lost for a while!
Maritime History of Mexico
The museum will introduce you to the maritime history of Mexico, which dates back as far as pre-hispanic times. You will also learn about the local history of Puerto Vallarta as a port city including exhibits about the city’s past encounters with Nao ships which journeyed here from China. Documented sea journeys, important history regarding trade with other ports, and how the bay was defended during wartime are all subjects that are highlighted as well. Five exhibition rooms within the museum show off an amazing assortment of artifacts belonging to its permanent collections which include maps, photos, paintings and documents. You can see an in-depth study on the evolution of the naval history within Mexico, and seeing the variety of uniforms that have been used by sailors throughout the years makes it all come to life.
Interactive Exhibitions
Interactive displays include several audiovisual exhibitions and a special five-screen navigation simulator that gives everyone a chance to see what it feels like to maneuver a large ship through many types of environments and conditions. Detailed scale models will give you a new perspective as you view replicas of old and modern vessels, forts and the topographic layout of Mexico featuring many prominent ports. If you have always dreamed of sailing the open seas, you will love the chance to see the navigation instruments and charts on display. Learn about one of the most important historical events in Mexico, which occurred on April 21, 1914 when a group of young men bravely defended the port of Veracruz against the naval school during the second North American Intervention. On a lighter note, you will see how sailors kept themselves entertained with a long-held custom of placing terrifying mythological creatures within navigation charts to give other sailors a good scare and keep everyone on their toes.
The museum is open all year round, and every week is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Entrance fees are quite inexpensive ($45 pesos general admission, $30 pesos for children, students, teachers and senior citizens), and children under the age of 6 years, as well as anyone with a disability, will receive free entry.
Explore the marine spirit of Mexico with a visit to the Naval Museum in Puerto Vallarta!
