Sure, there were signs to warn me that it was a crocodile habitat surrounding the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, but I didn’t know they came out to say ¡Hola! in the evening.

It didn’t move at all, but it was there. We scooped up our dog and crossed the street, giving the croc the space it deserves. I did not take the signs seriously. I was not expecting to see a croc.

After joking, “after a while, crocodile,” I got back to our condo at San Tropico hotel and immediately googled Crocodiles in Puerto Vallarta, where I learned they’re a common occurrence in the Marina Vallarta golf course area because of their habitat (rivers) being endangered. They hang out in the ponds on the golf course, moving across the green when they want to change their scenery.

This guy didn’t pose a danger to us at the time, but I could foresee a crocodile‘s interest in my Casa Prime ribeye leftovers. They are more active at night, which is why I saw my new friend on my way home from my steak dinner.

Legend has it, there’s also a crocodile that regularly visits the actual Marina Vallarta area, sunbathing among yachts and spilled ice cream. I’m not sure if they regularly attend the Thursday night market. All I saw was a Lamborghini-boat?

That said, don’t let this deter you from visiting the quiet Marina Vallarta area. It’s a nice respite from the busy-ness of the Zona Romantica.