As a well-loved destination for beachy vibes and captivating culture, Puerto Vallarta is a great spot to book an organized tour. Visitors will be spoiled with fun options for every type of adventure, from sand to sea and from zen to exhilarating.
Will you spot majestic whales in their natural habitat, sample some of the world’s best tacos, or take a dip in warm waters at a hidden beach? We’ve compiled the very best things to do in Puerto Vallarta to make your vacation planning a breeze.
Beach and Water Activities
You’ll find an array of beautiful beaches along the coast, with crystal-clear Pacific waters and adventure opportunities aplenty. Here are some of our top activities for travelers who were born to be by the sea.
Explore Puerto Vallarta's Beaches
Some of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta can only be reached by boat, and in some cases, only via a scheduled tour.
The only visitors to Las Caletas beach, for example, are those who book this private excursion through Vallarta Adventures. We’d argue it’s well worth it—luxurious hammocks, towering palm trees, exotic birds, and aquamarine waters await.
Boat and Snorkel Tour to Los Arcos
Boat and Snorkel Tour to Los Arcos is a guided boat tour from Puerto Vallarta to Los Arcos National Marine Park, a protected area made up of five stunning islands with endless natural beauty to discover. A quick bus ride will drop you off in Mismaloya, then it’s off to the islands you go.
This excursion will bring you up close and personal with awe-inspiring caves while teaching you all about the extraordinary bird populations that call Los Arcos home. To round out the day, you'll visit a calm and quiet beach where you can snorkel to your heart's content.
- Type of Tour: Boat + Snorkeling (Ecotourism)
- Tour Length: About 3.5 hours
- Cost: $50–$100 USD per person
- Best Time to Go: November to April (dry season)
- Age Requirement: 8+
Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist
Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist tours lets you search for stunning marine life at sea while learning from a seasoned biologist on this exciting educational tour, which lasts just under five hours and departs from the OPEQUIMAR marine center.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love this combination of up-close observation and conservation support. On the docket: humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins, and more!
- Type of Tour: Wildlife tour with expert guide
- Tour Length: 4.5h
- Price: $75–$150 USD per person
- Best Time to Go: December to March (whale season)
- Age Requirement: All ages
Circus Fun Awaits You!
Why juggle plans when you can watch the pros? Discover amazing circus shows in Puerto Vallarta Amazement guaranteed!
Sea Turtle Release at Sunset
Sea Turtle Release at Sunset is a magical experience available from July to December, turtle season in and around Puerto Vallarta. That means you'll have a golden opportunity to participate in a truly special activity: helping newly hatched baby turtles make their way to their new home: the ocean!
This family-friendly tour unfolds at sunset (start time is 5:00 p.m.). You'll hear from conservation experts about the essential work they're doing to protect local animal populations, and you’ll also be able to peek at the incubators and nests.
- Type of Tour: Conservation + Wildlife experience
- Tour Length: 1–2 hours
- Price: $20–$50 USD per person
- Best Time to Go: July to December (best August to October)
- Age Requirement: All ages
Full-Day Hike to Hidden Beaches and Snorkel
Full-Day Hike to Hidden Beaches and Snorkel is an expedition that will take you to six different beautiful oases, each one more gorgeous than the next. This full-day expedition will take you to six different beautiful oases, each one more gorgeous than the next.
Your tour will begin with a hike that snakes along the riverbank and sea, then into a tropical forest and down to your first beach: Colomitos. As you traverse through each one, you'll have time to swim around and even snorkel if the water is calm enough.
At your final stop, Playa las Animas, you'll dig into some mouthwatering local seafood to round out the beach day experience.
- Type: Hiking + snorkeling adventure
- Length: 6-8 hours
- Price: $100–$200 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April (dry season)
- Age Requirement: 9+
Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach
Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach whisks you away to a tucked-away paradise that can only be accessed via a swim-through tunnel (life jackets will be provided).
On the way there, you’ll enjoy a light continental bite to fuel your body through plenty of swimming and exploring. The operator will come equipped with snorkeling gear, so you can peer underneath the crystal clear waters and observe marine life in all its splendour.
- Type: Marine adventure with snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife watching
- Length: Half-day to full-day
- Price: $80–$150 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 10+
Luxury Sunset Sailing Experience
Luxury Sunset Sailing Experience gives you a front-row seat to some of Mexico’s most incredible sunsets from the comfort of a luxury sailboat. Departing from Puerto Vallarta’s marina, you’ll traverse Banderas Bay as the sun bids you all farewell.
On board, passengers can tuck into delicious hors d’oeuvres and help themselves to an open bar as they cruise past the buzzy boardwalk, the downtown strip, and other incredible sights that blend nightlife with nature.
- Type: Private yacht/group sailing
- Length: 2–3 hours
- Price: Starts at $100 USD per adult
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 12+
Bioluminescence and Sunset Boat Tour
This bioluminescence and sunset boat tour experience is one of the most unique tours on this list. Departing at sunset, your panga boat will take you on a tour of the bay, then head to Los Arcos once darkness falls to observe amazing glowing plankton.
Once there, you can swim and snorkel through shimmering clouds beneath the water’s surface—it truly must be seen to be believed.
- Type: Nature + evening boat tour
- Length: 3–4 hours
- Price: ~ 350$ USD for 4 people; ~ 50$ USD for additional adult and ~ 40$ USD for additional children. Free for kids under 4 years old.
- Best Time to Go: May to November (new moon)
- Age Requirement: All ages
Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling
Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling offers a spectacular luxury excursion aboard an all-inclusive mega-yacht. Destination: a guided tour to Yelapa Falls, where you can take a dip after a quick hike through the forest.
On board, you’ll have access to a premium open bar, fresh Mexican fajitas for lunch, and tasty snacks. You’ll also be able to snorkel and paddleboard straight from the yacht, and if the timing lines up, spot some whales in the distance!
- Type: All-inclusive yacht + adventure
- Length: 6 hours
- Price: ~ $135 USD adults / $115 USD children; Free for kids under 3 years old
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: All ages
ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience
ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience lets you zip along the world’s longest suspension bridge—470 meters long and suspended 150 meters above the ground, if you’re counting!—as well as dirt trails on this heart-pumping tour traversing the Sierra Madre mountain range.
With five convenient pickup spots to choose from (many of which are near hotels), you’ll enjoy a (non-boozy) welcome drink along the way and a tequila tasting during the tour itself. All the equipment you need will be provided by the tour company.
- Type: Off-road adventure
- Length: 2 hours
- Price: ~ $135 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 18+ for driver ; 6+ for passenger
Jungle Zip-Line and Canopy Adventure
Jungle Zip-Line and Canopy Adventure gives you the chance to soar high above the jungle canopy, feeling the breeze rush by and the sun on your skin. This adventurous tour will take you beyond the treetops on 11 different ziplines.
From your bird’s eye vantage, you’ll get unbeatable views of Puerto Vallarta’s Banderas Bay and the lush Sierra Madre mountains. Once you’re done zipping around, a tequila tasting will welcome you back to solid ground.
- Type: Zip-lining and treetop exploration
- Length: 4.5h
- Price: ~ $160 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 4+
Private ATV Tour with Waterfall and Tequila Tasting
Private ATV Tour with Waterfall and Tequila Tasting is an action-packed half-day adventure featuring an exhilarating ATV ride, a brilliant waterfall, and a tequila cheers to wrap it all up—with the Sierra Madre mountains as your stunning backdrop.
Get geared up and start riding through the range’s foothills, pitstop at a breathtaking lookout, rip through some streams, and take a dip in the falls. There’s a certain freedom to off-road riding that’s impossible not to love!
- Type: Private off-road + cultural experience
- Length: 4–5 hours
- Price: Not specified
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 6+
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Visiting a new place invites curiosity about the local culture, customs, and history. Mexico is a hotbed for art, food, architecture, and so much more—don’t miss your opportunity to get totally immersed in what makes this country supremely special.
Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour
Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour in Puerto Vallarta lets you explore the city at your own pace. It's all in the name: purchase your pass, board the bus at any stop along its route, hop off to explore whenever you want, and get right back on when you're ready to keep touring.
These double-decker buses stop at essentially all of the major attractions you'd want to see, from the popular Malecón Boardwalk and Old Town (Zona Romántica) to the Los Muertos pier and beach.
- Typer: Flexible city sightseeing
- Length: 3–4 hours (loop)
- Cost: $30–$35 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: All ages
San Sebastián del Oeste day trip
San Sebastián del Oeste day trip takes you on a scenic journey through the Sierra Madre mountains to a historic village surrounded by cloud forest dotted with whitewashed buildings.
You'll visit a centuries-old coffee plantation, an 18th-century church, a silversmith workshop, and artisan shops. The tour ends with a three-course Mexican grilled meal and a local distillery, featuring a tasting and crafting workshop!
- Type: Cultural/historical town visit
- Length: 8 hours
- Price: $80–$120 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to May
- Age Requirement: 6+
Food and Drink Tours
Sink your teeth into some of Puerto Vallarta’s most delicious food tours, from taco joints to mixology classes! Trust the locals to guide you around the very best spots in town and sample all of the region’s most quintessential bites.
Food and Mixology Tour: Tequila, Tacos, and Cocktails
This food and Mixology tour is a whirlwind four-hour tour will pair your small group up with a local guide—and the itinerary is off the charts. First, munch your way through the city's downtown with a next-level taco lineup that will make your tastebuds sing.
On the sipping side of things, you'll try tequila, mezcal, racilla, margaritas, and local craft beer made by a master Mexican mixologist. Cheers!
- Typer Culinary tour + mixology
- Length: 4 hours
- Price: $130 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 18+
Pueblos culinary tour
Pueblos culinary tour is designed for foodies at heart, beginning with a journey through the Sierra Madre foothills flanked by corn and mango fields.
You'll visit an organic cacao farm to taste dark chocolate and a traditional cacao drink, then a honey shop for some samples and learn about some of the world’s tiniest hard-workers: bees.
You'll cook up tortillas, Mole Negro, salsas, and sopes, then sip a chilled beer or mix tequila and mezcal cocktails at the outdoor bar. End the experience with a delicious al fresco meal, prepared by you!
- Type: Regional food and culture
- Length: 6.5h
- Price: $100–$120 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 6+
José Cuervo distillery tour
José Cuervo’s La Rojeña is one of the world’s foremost distilleries where you’ll learn the amazing art and science of blending aromas and create your very own sip to take home.
You'll tour agave fields with a jimador, explore the family reserve cellar, and enjoy a guided tasting of three different tequilas. Wrap things up with a gourmet meal at La Antigua Casona, where each dish will be paired with—of course— tequila!
- Type: Tequila distillery visit
- Length: 10h
- Price: From $1250 USD for 2 people (group packages available)
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement : 18+
Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour
Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour packs eight full-size tastings into three hours! From tacos and mole to ceviche and more, you’ll visit local eateries, and get tips on where to eat and drink like a real Vallartense.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the foods that have shaped Mexican culture while admiring Puerto Valllarta’s many architectural and historical marvels. A cultural experience not to be missed.
- Type: Walking food tour
- Length: 3.5h
- Price: $45-$60 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: All ages
Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop
Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop at the Chocomuseo offers a deliciously immersive experience into Mexico’s culinary history. Its hands-on bean to bar workshop will take you through the entire chocolate-making process!
Learn to prepare three traditional drinks, make your very own take-home chocolate, and learn all about the history of cacao in Mexico.
- Type: Culinary workshop
- Length: ~2 hours
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 4+
Horseback Riding: Tequila Tasting and Mexican BBQ
Horseback Riding: Tequila Tasting and Mexican BBQ is an unforgettable excursion that matches you with the perfect horse for a scenic ride along the Mascota River, surrounded by lush, beautiful countryside.
Cool off with a swim—maybe even with your horse—before heading to La Dulce Vista for a premium tequila tasting. Then, indulge in a traditional Mexican lunch with unlimited margaritas. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options available.
- Type: Adventure + culinary
- Length: ~5 hours
- Price: $100 USD
- Best Time to Go:November to May
- Age Requirement: 18+ (for tequilla tasting portion of the tour)
Mexican Cooking Class and Tequila Tasting
Mexican Cooking Class and Tequila Tasting at La Dulce Vista is a hands-on culinary adventure. Learn to craft authentic dishes like salsa, guacamole, and enchiladas using local ingredients—including hand-made tortillas you’ll prepare yourself!
Next, sample some mezcal and organic, small-batch tequilas, and cap off the day with a visit to the pool, jacuzzis, or hammocks.
- Type: Culinary class
- Length: 3–4 hours
- Price: $90 USD
- Best Time to Go: November to April
- Age Requirement: 18+ (for tequilla tasting portion of the tour)
Seafood Lover's Food Tour
Seafood Lover's Food Tour is all seafood, all the time. Tostadas, ceviche, tacos…you’ll sample it all as your knowledgeable guide walks you through Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town. Between bites, you’ll learn about Mexican food culture from the locals who know it best.
- Type: Culinary seafood tour
- Length: 3 hours
- Price: $60 USD
- Best Time to Go:November to April
- Age Requirement: All ages
Mole Poblano Workshop
Mole Poblano Workshop at the Chocomuseo is another wonderful event where you’ll head to a local market to collect your ingredients, then learn to prepare this classic Mexican sauce while learning about its history.
You’ll enjoy your creation over a traditional lunch and make some extra to bring back with you. With classes typically limited to five people, this is a wonderfully intimate experience.
- Type: Traditional cooking workshop
- Length: 3 hours
- Best Time to Go:November to April
- Age Requirement: 12+
Tacos, Tequila, and Mezcal Tour
Tacos, Tequila, and Mezcal Tour in Puerto Vallarta showcases some of the world’s best tacos and spirits. There are tons of foodie tours available for every type of traveler—from morning excursions to after-dark visits, and from alcohol-free jaunts to tipsy taco nights.
Discover the Best of Puerto Vallarta
Making memories is a guarantee. The only question is, which tour will you do first? Many of these adventures sell out fast, so be sure to book your excursions and tickets in advance.
Speaking of tickets—catching one of our shows in Puerto Vallarta is a must! Whether you’re a family, a couple, a group of friends, or even a solo traveler, our world-class performers will take your breath away.
Cover image by Chris McQueen on Unsplash.