Puerto Vallarta is an ideal setting for outdoor sports – the balmy weather, the glittering water of the bay and the lush natural surroundings seem tailor-made for getting out and playing. Some visitors, however book a Puerto Vallarta villa rental, not to work up a sweat, but to relax and enjoy the weather, the water and the natural beauty from the comfort of a lounge chair. If you’re one of them, here are two words that should bring comfort: spectator sports.

You Like to Watch
Puerto Vallarta offers plenty of opportunities to watch the action from a comfortable vantage point. Do a bit of research when you reserve your Puerto Vallarta villa rental and select dates that will give you access to some of the local live action. Here are a few events that might be of interest:

• Banderas Bay makes fishing competitions a no-brainer, and the biggest of them happens in November. The Marlin and Sailfish International tournament has been luring professional sport fishermen for several decades, offering prizes for tuna, marlin, dorado and more.


• Another high profile sporting event that owes its existence to the bay is the San Diego to Puerto Vallarta International Yacht Race in February. Open to qualified ocean racing boats, this one is part of the Mexican Ocean Racing Circuit (MEXORC), organized under the authority of the San Diego Yacht Club.


• The Pe?itas Surf Tournament, also in November, is yet another plug for Banderas Bay. The sport still has a modest presence in this part of the world, but it is gaining in popularity.


• CONCACAF (the organization that oversees North American, Central American and Caribbean football clubs) has held its annual beach soccer championship in Puerto Vallarta the past couple of years. The pitch is small, the action is intense and the score tends to be high. Check the calendar to confirm dates.


• In May, the Sidral Aga Puerto Vallarta Sports Classic attracts competitors for several days of physical activity. There are athletic events for professionals and amateurs, adults and children. Men’s basketball is the big draw, and the week-long event includes running events, tennis competition and youth soccer.


• Vista Vallarta Golf Club has a history of hosting professional and pro-am golf tournaments, including the EMC World Golf Championship in 2002. Take a look at their calendar of events to learn if they have something special in store during your visit. The Copa Vallarta is played in November.