Puerto Vallarta is an stunning resort town that’s located along the Pacific coast of Mexico. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything during your next vacation, we have made a list of the best tours in Puerto Vallarta that you must experience!
The city exudes undeniable tropical beauty with luscious green jungle that’s contrasted beautifully with an ocean teeming with exotic sea life and striking coral reefs, making it a water explorers haven.
As well as being a playground for exploration, Puerto Vallarta is a very cultural city that celebrates Mexico and its unique culture. The city features numerous art galleries, artisan markets, and live shows, as well as showcasing some of the best street food in all of Mexico.
It’s such a diverse part of the world that is bursting with opportunity to explore and exceed your wildest expectations!
Rhythms of the Night
Experience an unforgettable evening of adventure, romance and world-class entertainment at one of the top attractions in Puerto Vallarta! The Rhythms of the Night is a 5-hour long excursion that was rated Puerto Vallarta’s #1 Dinner and Show by the New York Times. The award-winning acrobatic show was founded and produced by Giles Ste-Croix, co-founder of Cirque de Soleil and put together by Vallarta Adventures.
The set of Rhythms of the Night is tucked deep in the tropical jungle of Las Caletas, a pristine cove which is only accessible by boat. Enjoy a one-hour sunset cruise on a luxury catamaran, where you can enjoy a range of beverages and light snacks. Upon arrival, step off the boat into the mystical paradise and be escorted to the outdoor amphitheater where an extravagant show awaits!
Delight in delicious gourmet-style buffet dinner and unlimited drinks, including signature Mexican cocktails, such as mojitos and margaritas, as the unforgettable show commences. The show itself is based on the lifestyle and rituals of ancient tribes that once inhabited the area.
The Rhythms of the Night is an unforgettable evening that cannot be missed during your vacation in Puerto Vallarta!
Zip Line through the Jungle
Get your adrenaline pumping and heart-racing by immersing yourself deep into the luscious green jungle of the Sierra Madre jungle and glide over the mountain tops on a series of thrilling zip lines!
Fly from mountain to mountain, over rivers, hike trails and canyons, on a circuit of 11 zip lines. Experience breathtaking 360-degree views and marvel at stunning tropical flora and wildlife while on your limitless adventure! You’ll be given an informative safety brief by qualified and experienced guides before you depart home base, whom will also assist you on the trail.
There are several zip line tours offered in Puerto Vallarta, some of which feature more perks than others. Canopy River offers one of the most popular zip line tours in Puerto Vallarta, which features a welcome drink, a mule ride, tequila tasting and access to the infinity pool and stunning eco-park area once completing the tour.
Swim with Dolphins
Bahia de Banderas (the Bay of Banderas) is one of the largest bays in the world and is vibrant with the most marvelous and exotic marine life. Dolphins, for one, can be seen all-year round, regally launching themselves out of the water and putting on a show for spectators in their natural habitat. The species’ that are most commonly found in Bahia de Banderas are the spinner dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and the spotted dolphin.
Experience dolphin watching on a whole new level by diving into the ocean and swimming in the wild with the gentle and friendly creatures! The Wildlife Connection tour is one of the most highly recommended in Puerto Vallarta, as it allows you to get up close and personal with wild dolphins in the most humanitarian, respectful, and safest way. The group also works to protect the life and environment of wild dolphins, so you can expect interesting educational talks led by the professionals and an opportunity to marvel at their research.
It’s a truly incredible and unique experience that not only creates lifelong memories, but allows you to connect with one of the ocean´s most loved creatures!
Visit Marietas Islands
Marietas Islands feature some of the most scenic and iconic landscapes in Mexico! The stunning group of uninhabited islands were formed by underwater volcano eruptions, which resulted in the spectacular natural wonders, including a hidden beach, “Playa del Amor’.
The Islands, which are a registered UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, are located a short distance from the shore of the Bay of Banderas and are only accessible by boat. The Mexican government has strict laws in place to protect the abundant wildlife and the exotic marine life, as well as preserving the pure beauty of the area.
The area offers an array of exploration and adventure, including snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and swimming to the famous hidden beach! It’s the perfect day trip, where you can set out in the afternoon and return in the evening as the sun sets over the horizon.
It’s advised to book a registered tour guide to take you to Marietas Islands, especially to the hidden beach, as it can only permit a certain number of visitors each day and only authorized companies are granted access!
Go Diving at Los Arcos
Los Arcos is a well-known diving spot in Puerto Vallarta bursting with exotic marine life. It features an underwater landscape that is patterned with colorful coral reefs and fascinating sea plants. It’s the ultimate paradise for those who love water sports and exploring the underwater kingdom!
Los Arcos (The Arches) is a National Marine Park that’s located south of the Bay of Banderas between the two beaches, Mismaloya beach and Las Gemelas. The stunning rock formations are home to an incredible array of wildlife, caves, and striking coral reefs.
The stunning location is a diver’s playground! It features perfect diving conditions, especially during the morning period, and so much to marvel at and explore when underwater. The water isn’t too deep either, which makes it the ideal temperature.
If you’re an avid scuba diver or wish to take the plunge for the first time, you must take a day tour to Los Arcos! We recommend Scuba Diving with a 5-star PADI Center in Puerto Vallarta for the best all-round experience. You can book a private tour and receive one-on-one training from a qualified and experienced professional, as well as enjoying a provided lunch.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is rated as one of the best tours in Puerto Vallarta that is sure to create lifelong memories. The whale watching season runs from mid-December through until late March. Each year, the mighty humpback whales begin their annual migratory route down to Puerto Vallarta where they’ll spend the winter in the tropical waters of Mexico to birth and raise their calves.
The gentle giants can be seen breaching the waters, where they launch themselves out teaching their baby calves the moves! It’s a spectacular show and experience, especially when you’re close to the action. It’s also not uncommon to catch sight of a pod of Dolphins majestically dancing through the waters!
Take a tour from Puerto Vallarta and enjoy a day on the boat with the most magnificent sights! There are several trusted whale-watching tour guides to use throughout the city who are guaranteed to offer a wonderful experience.
Explore the Trails
The wondrous thing about Puerto Vallarta is that it is just so diverse. It has the city, the jungle, and the ocean all tucked in to one beautiful segment of the world.
The mountainous jungle features an abundance of exploration and activity, especially for those who enjoying hiking and connecting with nature. The jungle of the Sierra Madre Mountain is rife with lush tropical plants and flora, peaceful rivers that trickle through the enchanting tangle, and beautiful hidden waterfalls that offer incredible photo opportunities.
There are several hiking trails available for all levels of ability, with the most popular being the hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Beach. It’s a scenic route with some steep inclines and rocky beach crossings along the way. You’ll catch sight of wild birds, lizards, and insects as well as marveling at unforgettable ocean and jungle views.
Las Animas beach features several restaurants, all of which serve delicious Mexican cuisine, such as fish tacos and ceviche, as well as serving thirst-quenching beverages. The best reward after a long hike!
We hope our guide of the best tours in Puerto Vallarta helps direct your vacation experience and helps in discovering firsthand some of the city’s finest hotspots and treasures!
