Your Ultimate Adventure Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of those magical places where you can stroll along the Malecón in the morning, soak up the sun on Playa de Los Muertos by midday, and watch the sky light up over the Bay of Banderas by evening. But while wandering on your own is fun, the real magic happens when you explore everything PV and the surrounding bay have to offer.
From cultural streetscapes to adrenaline-packed adventures, from hidden coves to sparkling waters, here’s our carefully curated guide to the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta, based on years of exploring, hosting guests, and yes, asking our clients what made them smile the most.
Family Building Sand Castles (well sand butterflies) on the Beach in Puerto Vallarta
Wander and Taste: Sightseeing Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Best way to get to know the city is through their food, so our number one recommendation for exploring Vallarta is on a Food Tour. The heart of the city is best experienced on foot — and preferably with something delicious in your hand. Our first recommendation? The Old Town Walking Food Tour. Forget aimless wandering: this is where you’ll find the best tacos, tamales, and street eats without spending hours guessing. Take this tour on your first day, and the rest of your trip will feel like a culinary treasure hunt.
Vallarta Food Tours are the Best Way to get to Know Local Culture
Want a little more adventure? Head south! Our favorite way to explore the South Side of Puerto Vallarta is on one of the super cool Sun Buggys tour. Cruise in super cute little convertible buggies all the way to Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. The gardens are a top attraction in Puerto Vallarta of course. But this complete day tour also includes snorkeling at Los Arcos, lunch on the beach, and a stop for Tequila tasting of course because we are in Jalisco after all.
One of the Most Fun Ways to Explore Puerto Vallarta – Sun Buggy!
Explore on Two Wheels: Puerto Vallarta Bike Tours
For those a bit more active, a bike tour in Puerto Vallarta is the best way to explore more. Traffic in downtown can really back up, but just smile and waive as you breeze by on a bike.
Sightseeing By Bike in Puerto Vallarta is a Great Way to Explore Local Hot Spots
Our top recommendation is a private bike tour you can customize according to the things that matter to you most. Murals, sculptures, history, secret spots only locals really know… customize however you please, or let the guides take you to their favorite spots. Puerto Vallarta now has bike lanes spanning all over the city making cruising around town a breeze. As it happens, the guides also have a passion for local brews too. So they also have Bikes n Brews tour that takes you to sample some local brews around town.
Dia De Los Muertos Bike Tour is a Special Treat Every Year
If you’re lucky enough to visit during Día de los Muertos, the special tour highlights cemeteries, bakeries making pan de muerto, altars, and Catrinas. It’s a cultural feast for the eyes — and you cover so much more ground on a bike than on foot.
Step Back in Time: Discover Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos
Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos are little pockets of culture, history, and magic. Jalisco has ten of them, and you can reach several in just an hour from PV.
San Sebastian del Oeste is a Pueblo Magico Just East of Puerto Vallarta But Years Away
San Sebastian del Oeste is a must-see — a mountain town frozen in time. Of course, Sayulita & San Pancho are classic beachside favorites. If you’re feeling adventurous, the lesser-known mountain gems of Talpa & Mascota are picture perfect and worth the visit. In the port town of San Blas, where you can explore the wildlife-rich canals of La Tovara National Park.
The Unique Canals Rich with Wildlife in La Tovara
Planning ahead? Don’t miss Tequila Town. The overnight trips we work with are like stepping into a storybook, complete with agave fields, tastings, and charming boutique hotels. Contact us for more information and available dates. If you are a group of 4 or more, we can typically work it out anytime of the year.
On the Overnight Tequila Tour from Puerto Vallarta You Can Participate in the Process
Ride Into the Wild: ATV Adventures in the Sierra Madre Mountains
Rain or shine, if you want to see a side of Puerto Vallarta most visitors never do, hopping on an ATV is hands down one of the best ways to do it. Just minutes east of downtown, the pavement disappears and the adventure begins — winding jungle trails, river crossings, and sweeping views of the Sierra Madre Mountains that frame the city.
The Sierra Madres Mountains Are So Much Fun to Explore on an ATV
For the best overall experience, we always recommend a Private ATV tour. While the minimum ride time is three hours, splurging on the five-hour option is absolutely worth it. More trail time means deeper into the mountains, more river crossings, fewer crowds, and time to actually stop and enjoy where you are — not just race through it. One of our favorite perks is the riverside stop at their own restaurant along the Cuale River, where you can relax, sample tequila, and maybe even pick up a bottle to take home as a very dusty souvenir.
On a Private ATV Tour You Cam Go at Your Own Pace and Never Eat a Strangers Dust!
Traveling with family or a mixed group? The Waterfall Quest in a Viking UTV is a fantastic option. These comfortable UTVs hold up to six passengers, making it easy for everyone to ride together — or mix things up so thrill-seekers drive their own ATVs while kids or non-drivers ride along. The tour finishes at a set of beautiful waterfalls, complete with a recently updated restaurant that’s perfect for cooling off, refueling, and soaking in the jungle surroundings, and even leaping into a waterfall before heading back to town.
Bring the Whole Family on an Offroad Adventure in Puerto Vallarta
Sail, Snorkel, and Discover: Banderas Bay by Boat
The Bay of Banderas is home to some of Mexico’s most famous attractions — yes, we mean the Hidden Beach at the Marietas Islands. Once a social media darling, the islands are now carefully protected, which is why we love tours with responsible operators.
Puerto Vallarta’s Iconic Hidden Beach – Playa de Amor
The Marietas by Sailboat tour is our top pick: relaxing, small groups, plenty of snorkeling, and moments when it feels like you have the beach all to yourself. Short on time? Try the Express Marietas Tour for a fast-paced adventure to one of the best snorkeling spots in Puerto Vallarta.
Sailing in Puerto Vallarta is our Favorite Way to Explore the Bay
The south side of Banderas Bay is, without question, the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Puerto Vallarta. Here, lush jungle spills down into the sea, dotted with hillside villas, hidden coves, and secluded beaches that can only be reached by boat. It’s no surprise that this part of the bay has become a favorite for boat tours, with several iconic destinations along the way. Below are our top picks for exploring the southern coast.
Las Animas is Only Accessed by Boat, but Fills Up Daily with Tourists
Las Animas, Los Arcos & Quimixto – This is a very economical boat tour that caters to locals, but the cost including food and beverages, snorkeling, and visiting two of the most popular beaches on the south side makes this is a really good deal. But if you do not want to spend a full day, the Cielito Lindo Bay Cruise to snorkel Los Arcos and visit the charming little Colomitos Beach is a real favorite in town. This boat also has a special departure catering to the LBGTQ community.
Kids Watching Dolphins on Cielito Lindo: A Great Small Boat Tour to Less Visited Beaches
Not sure which destination to choose? Well if snorkeling tops your list, then we invite you to check our blog on all the Top Snorkeling Spots in Puerto Vallarta for some good tips to help you choose.
Seasonal Spectacle: Whale Watching in Banderas Bay
If you visit between December and March, you’re in whale season paradise. Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to give birth or find mates, and almost every boat tour offers sightings.
Whale Breaching in Puerto Vallarta
For a more intimate experience, we recommend Sailing with Whales — silent sailboats let whales get closer naturally. Other favorites include the Trimaran Whale Watching tour or private speedboats with special whale-watching permits like this 35′ Luhrs which has the perfect setup for wildlife viewing.
Sailing With Whales in Puerto Vallarta
We have a lot of whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta to choose from. So if you are having trouble choosing, we invite you to take a look at our blog that goes more in depth about Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta.
Giddy Up: Horseback Riding on the Beach
Imagine trotting through a quaint town and then galloping along the shoreline — yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. This is why the Puerto Vallarta Beach Horseback Ride is our top pick of horseback riding tours in Puerto Vallarta. Experienced riders can gallop full speed; beginners can enjoy a relaxing saunter on the beach. Bonus: several proposals have happened on this tour, and we love helping with champagne, flowers, and other little extras.
Horseback Riding on the Beach in Litibu is a Truly Incredible Experience in Puerto Vallarta
Want more adventure in the same day? This tour departs from the Vista Paraiso Adventure Park in Punta de Mita. You can combine your beach horseback ride with ATV or canopy tour for the ultimate outdoor excursion.
Discover the Magic of Bioluminescence at Los Arcos
If you’re looking to take your ocean adventure to the next level, the Los Arcos Bioluminescence Paddle Tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the most unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Available almost all year round, this tour operates at sunset or sunrise, depending on the moon phase — and for good reason. Bioluminescence is best seen on darker nights, which means bioluminescence is not visible during a full moon, when the sky is simply too bright.
Bioluminescence Glow at Night at Los Arcos National Marine Park
You’ll paddle out from Mismaloya just as the light begins to fade (or before sunrise), gliding toward the dramatic rock formations of Los Arcos. As darkness settles in, every paddle stroke, splash, or movement in the water ignites a shimmering glow — like floating through a sea of stars. Guests can choose between kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, depending on experience level, and may even have the chance to explore caves and arches or snorkel beneath the glowing surface. Surrounded by jungle cliffs, calm water, and complete ocean silence, it’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring adventure you won’t soon forget.
Paddling Los Arcos at Sunrise
Zip Through the Jungle: Canopy Tours in Puerto Vallarta
Canopy tours in Puerto Vallarta have come a long way over the last 20 years, and today the region offers some of the best ziplining on the entire Mexican Riviera. In fact, if you’ve ever ziplined in Costa Rica, you’ll feel right at home here — Puerto Vallarta’s canopy tours are the closest in style to those original jungle adventures that started it all.
Kids Love the Los Veranos Canopy Tour in the Jungle & Wildlife Sanctuary
The pioneer of ziplining in Puerto Vallarta is Canopy Los Veranos, and it remains one of our longtime favorites. Set deep in the jungle, this tour stays true to its eco-roots and even includes an animal sanctuary, making it especially popular with families. Guests staying in Riviera Nayarit or arriving by cruise ship also get a complimentary zodiac boat ride along the coastline — a fun little bonus before the adventure begins.
You Can Spend an Entire Day at Canopy River Adventure Park
If you’re looking to turn ziplining into a full-day affair, Canopy River is more than just a canopy tour — it’s an adventure park. Along with soaring ziplines, you’ll find rappelling, mule rides, ATV and RZR tours, a massive palapa restaurant, and the longest suspension bridge in North America. It’s the perfect place to book a combo and spend the entire day in the mountains. And if adrenaline isn’t your thing? A simple day pass lets you lounge by the infinity pool with sweeping views all the way to Banderas Bay.
Hammock Heaven at Edenva Eco Park – Now That is What We Call Vacation in Paradise!
Down in Mismaloya, you’ll find several excellent canopy options with very different vibes. Canopy El Edén, built on the Predator movie set, is famous for its year-round 2×1 specials and classic jungle setting. Edenva offers a calmer, eco-park atmosphere where the hammocks after the tour are just as appealing as the ziplines themselves. And for something truly unique, EcoOrbit (near Chico’s Paradise) turns ziplining into a nighttime adventure, adding an extra thrill as you fly through the jungle under the stars.
Zipping Through a Ring of Fire? Eco Orbit Just Brought Ziplining Up to a Whole New Level!
Catch a Wave: Learn to Surf
While downtown PV isn’t great for surfing, the North Bay is perfect for beginners and seasoned wave-chasers alike.
Learning to Surf at La Lancha, Puerto Vallarta’s Best Beach to Learn to Surf
Our very favorite place to learn to surf is La Lancha. This is a popular spot for the locals, but because it is not easily accessed, you will not have hundreds of beachgoers out swimming or vendors on the beach. It is just you and the surf. But of course, if you check Trip Advisor, Sayulita is all the rage. For us it is a bit crowded to learn to surf in Sayulita at times, but the charming surf town can make the visit worth it.
Sayulita is an Extremely Popular Surfing Town
Best of all, the surfing trips from Puerto Vallarta are all private. This means we can adjust the time to match your cruise ship itinerary as well.
Waterfalls, Jungle & Incredible Views: Hiking in Puerto Vallarta
There is no shortage of jungle trails to explore in Puerto Vallarta. In fact you can spend a week seeking out a different waterfall every day here. Then there are the incredible views of the entire bay from Monkey Mountain and even right downtown Puerto Vallarta. If you are an active traveler, contact us and we can set you up with a local hiking guide so you can safely explore all the amazing trails surrounding Banderas Bay.
El Salto Waterfall is a Short Hike Just Minutes From Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta truly has something for everyone — from the adventurous to the laid-back, the foodie to the nature lover. This is just a sample of our favorite things to do in Puerto Vallarta. If you think we missed something, please add it in the comments and we will be happy to look into it. But trust us, you can spend weeks here and never get bored. We have experienced nearly everything around the bay.
Los Muertos Beach & Iconic Pier
We’ve tried nearly everything ourselves, so if you need recommendations or help planning, we’re happy to guide your journey — after all, it’s our favorite thing to do.