In a tacit acknowledgment of the failure of the Islas Marías project, port authorities have announced the opening of a new ferry service departing from Puerto Vallarta.
The decision follows the disappointing results of the routes that, until now, have operated exclusively from the ports of San Blas, Nayarit, and Mazatlán, Sinaloa. This move seeks to correct the initial strategy, providing tourists and residents of the Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas conurbation with a long-awaited opportunity to visit the archipelago.
The results of the initial routes are discouraging. Figures from the Ministry of the Navy (Semar) show a 22% drop in visitor numbers in 2024 compared to the previous year. Low boat occupancy, often at less than half capacity, has forced the reduction in trip frequency from weekly to biweekly.
This bleak outlook underscores the premise that, without the volume of tourists that only a place like Puerto Vallarta can offer, the project was destined for stagnation.
Added to these visitor problems are the “snubs” experienced by the few travelers. The project, in which more than 1.7 billion pesos were invested, has received harsh criticism for the high cost of its tour packages (exceeding $9,220 per person) and for a poor visitor experience.
Testimonials point to a lack of activities, dirty pools, and an abandoned crafts market. Furthermore, silence remains regarding the supposed flights from Tepic, Nayarit, which never materialized, adding a layer of inconsistency to the overall management of the destination.
With this new route, the project has a second chance at success. However, for it to work, it not only needs a greater influx of visitors, but also a promotion and advertising strategy that has been lacking until now. The hope is that, finally, the appropriate measures will be put in place to prevent this new endeavor from navigating the same turbulent waters as its predecessors.
It was the Puerto Vallarta National Port System Administration (Asipona) that made the hasty announcement that the maritime route to the archipelago will soon be inaugurated, after executives from the Islas Marías Integrated Tourism Company (TURIIMAR) toured the Vallarta terminal facilities to oversee services, quality, and safety issues. However, start-up dates and costs have not yet been revealed.
Source: badebia.media
