La Cruz Fish Market
A vibrant Sunday market and charming fishing village offering fresh seafood, artisan crafts, and local flavors by the marina.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch & vibrant atmosphere
La Cruz Fish Market
Best Time
Freshest catch & vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Sunday market and charming fishing village offering fresh seafood, artisan crafts, and local flavors by the marina.
"This is the best market I have ever been to. There are so many people selling items they created, it is impressive."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest seafood and best artisan goods by arriving early on Sundays.
💰 Shop Around for Deals
Vendor prices can vary greatly; compare options before purchasing crafts or food.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Seafood Haul
Market stalls
Score the freshest catch of the day – shrimp, fish, tuna, lobster, and more – directly from local fishermen.
Artisan Crafts & Goods
Market stalls
Discover unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs from a wide array of talented local artisans.
Delicious Local Eats
Food vendors
Indulge in a variety of local delicacies, from ceviches and seafood botanas to chilaquiles and baked goods.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunday Market Buzz
Budget-Savvy Shopping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest seafood and best artisan goods by arriving early on Sundays.
💰 Shop Around for Deals
Vendor prices can vary greatly; compare options before purchasing crafts or food.
🚗 Consider Uber for Transport
Uber is a convenient option from Puerto Vallarta, though it's a 45-minute drive.
🎣 Offshore Fishing Trips
Inquire about offshore fishing excursions for a memorable day on the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Beat the crowds and get the freshest seafood and best artisan goods by arriving early on Sundays.
💰 Shop Around for Deals
Vendor prices can vary greatly; compare options before purchasing crafts or food.
🚗 Consider Uber for Transport
Uber is a convenient option from Puerto Vallarta, though it's a 45-minute drive.
🎣 Offshore Fishing Trips
Inquire about offshore fishing excursions for a memorable day on the water.
📱 Check Market Status
Confirm market operating dates, especially if traveling outside peak season, as it can close for the year.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Cruz Fish Market is celebrated as a vibrant hub with impressive artisan crafts and delicious food, making it a main attraction. While many enjoy the fresh seafood and unique finds, some visitors note that prices, particularly for crafts, can be unreasonably high. The market's popularity means it gets crowded, especially on Sundays, and travel from Puerto Vallarta requires a significant commute.
"This is the best market I have ever been to. There are so many people selling items they created, it is impressive. At the end there is a great variety of different food. Everything I had with amazing. Overall, this is a main attraction."
ryan berg
"It’s a nice market on Sundays at this marina. A lot of people, mostly tourists, come here to shop and eat. Some of the vendors are unreasonably expensive, for example, for one small hand made hair bow, a vendor asked for $200 pesos! In any other Mexican context, this price would be insane.
Some food vendors were charging a lot as well. So shop around if you are on a budget. We eventually ended up eating at MIXIOTE MACHETES which offered amazing food at a reasonable price.
We are staying at Puerto Vallarta. So if you are staying in PV and want to go, it is quite far, approximately 45 min drive. We went there using Uber. If it’s too far, many of the same vendors would attend the Thursday Puerto Vallarta marina market as well.
Overall, we really enjoyed the market!"
Dave Chen
"Very nice market with lots of vendors. Lots to choose from and some good deals."
Lori Wojack
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The La Cruz Fish Market is approximately a 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta. Many visitors opt for Uber for a convenient journey.
Alternatively, you can drive your own vehicle and explore the scenic route along the Riviera Nayarit.Parking is generally available near the marina and market area, especially during weekdays. On busy Sundays, it might be more challenging to find a spot close by, so arriving early is recommended.
While specific public transport routes directly to the market can be limited, local buses often run along the coastal highway connecting towns like Bucerías and Punta Mita to La Cruz. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
La Cruz Fish Market is a short drive from Punta Mita, typically around 30 minutes, making it an accessible day trip for those staying in the area.
Yes, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is located approximately 20 km north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), making it a convenient destination after arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is typically no entrance fee to visit the La Cruz Fish Market. It's a public market, and you only pay for the goods you purchase.
The market is most vibrant on Sundays, with many vendors setting up shop. Some food vendors, like Cuquita's ceviche stand, operate primarily on Saturdays and Sundays.
It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal closures or specific vendor hours.To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting on a weekday afternoon. Sundays are the busiest, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The market itself is a lively event, especially on Sundays, featuring artisans, food, and a great atmosphere. Occasionally, there might be local music or cultural events.
No, tickets are not required for entry to the La Cruz Fish Market. It operates as a walk-in market.
🍽️ 🎣 Fishing & Seafood
The La Cruz Fish Market is the prime spot to buy incredibly fresh fish, shrimp, lobster, and other seafood directly from local fishermen.
Yes, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a good starting point for offshore fishing trips. You can inquire locally about chartering a boat or joining an excursion.
You can expect a wide variety, including fresh fish, shrimp, tuna, lobster, and oysters, depending on the day's catch.
Absolutely! Many food vendors at the market serve delicious seafood dishes, from ceviches to grilled fish. Cuquita's stand is highly recommended for seafood botanas.
Yes, beyond raw seafood, you can find vendors offering prepared dishes like ceviches, shrimp cocktails, and other fresh seafood preparations.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Crafts
The market features a diverse range of handmade crafts, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, artwork, and unique souvenirs created by local artisans.
While some vendors may be open to negotiation, especially for higher-priced items, it's best to shop around first. Some prices can be quite high for crafts.
To find good deals, compare prices among different vendors. Some food stalls also offer more budget-friendly options compared to certain craft vendors.
While the Sunday market is the main draw with numerous stalls, there are also permanent shops and boutiques, like Foreva Jewelry, located near the marina.
Keep an eye out for locally made jewelry, unique textiles, handcrafted home decor, and regional art pieces that reflect the Nayarit culture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the fresh ceviches and seafood botanas, especially from vendors like Cuquita. Also, look for local specialties like chilaquiles and baked goods.
While seafood is the focus, some food vendors may offer non-seafood options like chilaquiles or baked goods. It's best to ask individual vendors about their offerings.
MIXIOTE MACHETES is a food vendor at the market praised for offering amazing food at reasonable prices, making it a good option for budget-conscious visitors.
Yes, you can find breakfast items like chilaquiles and baked goods from various vendors, especially on Sunday mornings.
Food prices can vary. While some vendors offer great value, others can be more expensive. Shopping around and looking for places like MIXIOTE MACHETES can help find affordable options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant market scenes, colorful artisan crafts, fresh seafood displays, and the picturesque marina. The beach areas like La Manzanilla also offer beautiful shots.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products, especially if you're not purchasing anything.
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination for photography. Late afternoon can also provide nice golden hour shots, especially with the marina backdrop.
The lighthouse (Faro) in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a notable landmark. The marina itself, with its boats and waterfront, also provides excellent photographic opportunities.
If you're lucky enough to spot marine life, like the sperm whale mentioned in a TikTok video, capturing those moments can be incredible, but always maintain a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for food vendors offering simpler options like baked goods or perhaps some of the more accessible seafood dishes. While the market is generally welcoming, keeping a close eye on children is advised due to the bustling environment. The open-air nature of the market and the marina provide space for kids to explore, but always prioritize safety.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday when crowds are thinner and vendors might be more open to negotiation. Public transportation or carpooling can also help reduce travel costs if coming from further afield. Enjoying the atmosphere, the marina views, and the general buzz of the market are free activities that add immense value to the visit.
🎣 Anglers & Seafood Enthusiasts
Beyond buying, consider arranging an offshore fishing trip from La Cruz. This allows you to experience the thrill of angling in the rich waters of the Bahía de Banderas and potentially bring back your own catch. Even if you don't fish yourself, the market offers an incredible array of prepared seafood dishes, from ceviches to grilled specialties, allowing you to savor the local bounty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of La Cruz: The Sunday Market
Visitors often rave about the quality and variety available. However, it's worth noting that some vendors, particularly for crafts, can be on the pricier side. This has led to advice from seasoned visitors to shop around and compare prices to find the best value. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the market is a 'main attraction' and a highly enjoyable experience, especially for foodies and those looking for unique souvenirs.
When planning your visit, remember that Sundays are the busiest days. Arriving early is key to experiencing the market at its most vibrant and securing the best selection before it's gone. The market's location by the marina also adds to its charm, offering scenic views and a pleasant atmosphere for browsing.
Beyond the Market: Exploring La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
For beach lovers, Playa La Manzanilla is a highly recommended spot within La Cruz, known for its clean and crystalline waters, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The area is also gaining attention for its real estate, with boutique condo developments like Playa Cruz and Álik offering modern living spaces with ocean views, often situated conveniently close to the marina.
While the Sunday market is a major draw, the town offers opportunities for other activities. For those interested in angling, La Cruz is a good base for inquiring about offshore fishing trips. The proximity to other popular Riviera Nayarit destinations like Bucerías and Punta Mita also makes La Cruz a convenient stop or base for exploring the wider region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit