Puerto Vallarta’s Best Fish Tacos? We Tried 4 Spots So You Don’t Have To
We spent the day eating our way through Puerto Vallarta, trying four popular (and a couple underrated) seafood taco spots. Here's what we loved, what surprised us, and which one we think is worth the hype.
TL;DR – Our Fish Taco Tour Stops:
Mariscos Rafa
Marisma Fish Taco
El Tacón de Marlin
Camarón Express
Stop #1: Mariscos Rafa
📍 Aquiles Serdán 309, Zona Romántica
A small, no-frills street stand that feels as local as it gets—think plastic stools on the sidewalk. The chile relleno stuffed with marlin was the standout here: smoky, cheesy, and surprisingly filling.
Vibe: Low-key and local
Order again: Marlin chile relleno taco
Skip it if: You’re chasing more hype or crispy options
Stop #2: Marisma Fish Taco
📍 Naranjo 320, Zona Romántica
Marisma is one of Vallarta’s most well-known taco stands—and for good reason. Their fried fish and shrimp tacos are always solid, but this time we tried the crab (jaiba) and squid.
Order the jaiba. It’s lighter, not fried, and packed with flavor.
Skip the squid. Not bad… just not memorable.
Pro tip: These were the best tortillas of the day!
Stop #3: El Tacón de Marlin
📍 C. Honduras 145, 5 de Diciembre
📍 (Airport location for tacos: Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 8106)
Okay, not technically a taco spot—but we had to include it. The shrimp and marlin burrito here is a local legend. It’s huge, greasy, and full of flavor. Plus, the service is consistently warm and welcoming.
Want tacos here? Go to the airport location.
But honestly? Get the burrito. You won’t regret it.
Stop #4: El Camarón Express
📍 Plaza Genovesa, Zona Hotelera (Las Glorias)
This was our favorite of the day. Friendly staff, strong margaritas, and shrimp tacos absolutely swimming in buttery flavor. The grilled shrimp taco and the gobernador taco (stuffed with shrimp + cheese) were both standouts.
Warning: Not the spot if you’re avoiding butter.
Must try: Gobernador taco + a trip to the salsa bar
Final Thoughts
Each spot brought something unique to the table. If you’ve got the time (and the stomach), try them all and decide for yourself. Whether you love street tacos, crispy shrimp, or giant burritos, there’s something here for every kind of seafood lover.
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El Tacón de Marlin is *sort of* a taco spot, when they have their trompo fired up and they're slinging pescado al pastor. I prefer it to the burritos - but only because I can finish it 🤣.
Thanks for the reviews - I'll have to try some of these spots!