Jalisco authorities said the 28-year-old was dragged into the sea Friday evening.
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — A 28-year-old man from Mexico was killed Friday evening when a crocodile attacked him near Marina Vallarta Beach and dragged him into the sea, Jalisco state authorities said.
The attack happened near the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa, a busy hotel area in one of Mexico’s best-known beach destinations. Police said search crews found the man’s body Saturday morning after an overnight search by land and sea.
Authorities said the attack happened around 6 p.m. local time while the man was on the beach in front of the resort. Police have not released his full name. Local reports identified him as a man from Mexico City who was in Puerto Vallarta for work or travel. Officials said his body was found about 300 meters offshore after crews searched through the night.
Witnesses said screams from the beach drew people from a nearby pool area. Jamie Yetter, a tourist from San Clemente, California, said she and her fiancé, Chris Bury, first thought the man had been caught in a rip current. Bury said he got into a kayak without paddles and tried to reach him with a life preserver, but the man was pulled underwater before he could be rescued.
Search and rescue teams later worked in the area to locate both the missing man and the animal. Authorities said a crocodile was found near Boca de Tomates, north of the attack site. The victim’s body was recovered early Saturday. Police have not said whether the crocodile found near Boca de Tomates was formally confirmed as the same animal involved in the attack.
The resort said in a statement that guest and worker safety is its top priority. Marriott Puerto Vallarta said it had signs, night patrols and red flags in place at the time. The hotel also said it reviews safety plans and works with authorities. “We extend our thoughts to the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time,” the resort said.
Local authorities said people should obey warning signs and avoid entering water where wildlife is known to be present, especially near estuaries and mangroves. The area around Puerto Vallarta includes river mouths and coastal wetlands where crocodiles can live. Officials have not announced charges or a public hearing tied to the death.
The death remained under review Monday as authorities continued to describe the attack as unusual. The next public step is expected to come from local police or state officials if they release more details about the victim, the animal or beach safety measures.
Author note: Last updated June 29, 2026.