Podcast: Whales, Elizabeth Taylor, and El Rey’s Story

The latest episode of The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show weaves together the wonder and reality of life in Puerto Vallarta, from the return of humpback whales to tragic reminders of nature’s power. The episode opens with sobering news: an American expat, Linda Height, was killed in a freak whale collision off Olas Altas Beach on December 5th when a surfacing whale struck her small boat. While whale-related deaths are extraordinarily rare, Barry encourages listeners not to let this tragedy overshadow whale watching season, which runs through March with January and February offering the most spectacular viewing.

Puerto Vallarta continues evolving its iconic waterfront. The Malecón extension near Hotel Rosita will surprisingly reopen to traffic rather than become pedestrianized, while the southern extension progresses beautifully with new benches and gathering spaces. Most exciting: the Marigalante II galleon approaches the bay, promising to restore beloved pirate-themed shows and fireworks displays.

In a touching tribute following his father’s passing, Barry shares how his parents’ brush with Elizabeth Taylor indirectly led to his own Puerto Vallarta love story. His parents attended high school with the young starlet, and years later, remembering Taylor’s connection to Puerto Vallarta through “The Night of the Iguana,” they recommended the city for Barry’s romantic getaway. That 1984 trip changed everything—Barry proposed to his wife Debbie at La Casita restaurant.

The episode features Lawrence Goodwin, who operates El Rey Bar and Grill and The Office PV in Colonia Versalles. Lawrence champions the neighborhood as Puerto Vallarta’s emerging gastronomic hub, encouraging visitors to explore the walkable area. The neighborhood plans New Year’s Eve street closures and ongoing cultural expansion beyond its thriving dining scene.