Top 15 Puerto Vallarta Tours You Can’t Miss

Puerto Vallarta is a renowned tourist destination situated in Jalisco state, Mexico, along the Pacific coastline. Known for its lively nightlife and stunning landscapes, it also offers numerous attractions in the surrounding region.

Art installations adorn the picturesque Malecón, while the impressive Sierra Madre mountains elegantly frame the town. Additionally, there are many traditional fishing and mining villages in the vicinity.

A remarkable way to explore the town and its surrounding areas is by participating in a guided tour. Below are the 15 most recommended tours available in Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings.

1. Whale Watching Boat Tour

This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts interested in observing marine life just offshore from Puerto Vallarta.

An experienced guide will accompany you on the water, assisting you in spotting nearby whales. The excursion includes a brief visit to the Marietas Islands, where you can swim underneath the Playa de Amor archway.

Snorkeling gear is provided for your underwater exploration in the crystal-clear waters, and complimentary breakfast and an open bar are also part of the experience.

2. Vamonos Nightlife Tour with Open Bar

This tour offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the nightlife of Puerto Vallarta by visiting the finest clubs in the city.

The package includes convenient pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel, accompanied by a licensed tour guide to ensure safety. You will explore three clubs throughout the town, enjoying VIP access and an open bar.

The selected venues brilliantly showcase the dynamic nightlife that Puerto Vallarta has to offer, along with lively street parties where you can relish live music and dancing under the stars.

3. Puerto Vallarta City Tour

This half-day tour is an excellent choice if you wish to explore the city’s most notable attractions and landmarks.

You will be guided along the waterfront promenade, visit significant religious sites, and navigate through the largest local market. Meals including lunch, tequila, and various Mexican culinary samples enhance your cultural journey.

The bus will pick you up from your accommodation, and the local tour guide is fully certified. Additionally, you will have some free time to shop at your leisure within the market.

4. Marietas Islands Snorkel and Sail Day Trip

The Marietas Islands are a stunning cluster of islands located a short boat journey from Puerto Vallarta. This tour allows you to snorkel in their stunning surrounding waters.

You will have leisure time on one of the island’s most secluded beaches. A continental breakfast and a light lunch are included in the tour package. Following your snorkeling adventure, you will have access to an open bar.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and there will be multiple stops for picturesque photo opportunities amidst the breathtaking natural scenery.

5. Pirates of the Bay Dinner Cruise

Experience a unique dining setting aboard a replica pirate ship during this dinner cruise through Puerto Vallarta’s bay.

This engaging performance illustrates various facets of local history and culture through a pirate theme. This experience not only provides excellent entertainment but also offers insights into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic culture.
A three-course dinner is served on board, accompanied by an open bar. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.

6. Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Adrenaline Adventure

This half-day tour incorporates all the key exhilarating activities available in the region.

Your adventure begins with a speedboat ride, followed by a 4×4 expedition through the Sierra Madre Mountains. While in the mountains, you will undertake an exciting trek that features rope bridges, zip lines, and mule rides.

This tour is designed to be environmentally conscious, making it suitable for eco-aware travelers. Light snacks are provided, and you will conclude your adventure with a refreshing swim in natural pools.

7. Yelapa and Majahuitas Beach Adventure

This boat excursion departs from Puerto Vallarta, transporting you to Majahuitas Beach.

During your time there, you will have full access to snorkeling and kayaking equipment for exploring the clear waters along the pristine shoreline. A continental breakfast is served on the beach before your snorkeling activity, with a light lunch provided afterward.

The tour proceeds to Yelapa, where you can hike through lush forests. An open bar is available on the return trip to Puerto Vallarta.

8. Las Caletas Beach 7-Hour Tour from Puerto Vallarta

Las Caletas Beach is a tranquil spot offering the ideal environment to relax amidst breathtaking scenery.

The tour begins with a brief catamaran ride from Puerto Vallarta to Las Caletas. While on the beach, you may either unwind or partake in various activities included in your tour.
Popular options include paddleboarding, cooking classes, and mezcal tastings, with activities designed for both children and teens, making it an excellent choice for families.

9. Beaches, Botanic Garden and Bakery Tour

This tour provides an opportunity to experience various aspects of local life, offering a more cultural perspective than typical beach outings. You will begin with a tour of the Botanic Gardens to explore native flora and fauna.

Following that, you will visit a local bakery and distillery to learn about the production of bread and La Raicilla, a traditional liquor from the region.

Tastings of baked items and beverages are included. A visit to the fishing village of Tehuamixtle concludes the tour, ending with a stop at Playa de Amor beach.

10. Canopy River Zip Line Tour

Discover the lush forests of Mexico in style with this exhilarating zip line tour. A comprehensive safety briefing will precede your adventure, which includes over 11 distinct zip lines and stations.

After your zip line experience, you will visit a local tequila factory for a sampling of the renowned Mexican spirit.

A 20-minute mule ride is included to wrap up your tour, along with transportation from Puerto Vallarta.

11. Full-Day Tour To San Sebastian

For those seeking a more authentic experience, this tour to San Sebastian presents an ideal option. This historic mining village is rich in character, and the tour provides insights into the history and culture of Jalisco.

You will have the opportunity to partake in a tequila tasting and enjoy a comprehensive lunch at a traditional Mexican establishment.

A visit to a coffee hacienda allows you to gain firsthand knowledge of the industries supporting the region. Pick-up and drop-off from central Puerto Vallarta hotels is also included.

12. Exclusive Mexican Cooking Class with a Local

Renowned globally for its diverse flavors, Mexican cuisine can be intricate to master. This class aims to teach you the fundamentals of crafting a delightful Mexican meal, blending local traditions with contemporary cooking techniques. The session is conducted by a team of highly skilled chefs.

Your meal will conclude with a wine tasting experience, and you will receive the recipe to recreate the dish at home.

13. Aquaventuras Park Day Admission and Lunch

Aquaventuras is a well-loved attraction for families, featuring a vast water park filled with enjoyable activities.

Your ticket grants full-day access to the park along with a complimentary lunch. With 12 water slides and a lazy river, as well as multiple dining options and attractions, it is perfect for families traveling with children. Additionally, there is a spacious swimming pool area for adults to relax.

14. Puerto Vallarta River Hiking Tour

Immerse yourself in the captivating natural beauty surrounding Puerto Vallarta through this three-hour hiking tour. You will encounter lush vegetation, tranquil waterfalls, and diverse wildlife as you explore the El Nogalito Eco Park.

This tour is ideal for environmentally conscious visitors, as it aims to preserve the local ecosystem while funding conservation efforts. A snack, water, and a complimentary tequila tasting are also included.

15. Sierra Madre Jeep Safari with Lunch

The striking Sierra Madre mountain range is a vibrant area abundant with traditional villages, dense forests, and breathtaking views.

This off-road journey allows you to explore the region in a jeep, departing from Puerto Vallarta. The excursion includes a traditional Mexican lunch, a small tequila tasting, and a continental breakfast.

You will witness locals preparing traditional foods and learn about their compelling stories. The tour concludes at a secluded beach where you can relax and enjoy an open bar while unwinding.