Top Puerto Vallarta Day Trips

Los Arcos National Marine Park in Banderas Bay has some of the best snorkeling spots in Mexico—if you’re able to reach them. This small-group tour begins in Puerto Vallarta's old center, includes a public bus ride to Mismaloya, and visits the park’s five islands, famed for sea caves and natural bird sanctuaries. Before returning, you stop at a historic site in the city, enhancing your experience.

Imagine a pristine private beach on Banderas Bay, reachable only by boat, far from the crowds. That's Playa Chica Locca — and your all-inclusive day pass is your ticket in. Open daily 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM, your day begins with a free boat ride to paradise. Truly All-Inclusive — No Fine Print A full premium open bar stocked with Bacardi, Jack Daniel's, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Malibu, sparkling wine, craft cocktails, fresh juices, and more. Start your morning with a fresh fruit breakfast, then feast on traditional chicken and beef fajitas, guacamole with blue corn chips, and vegetarian options — all prepared right there on the beach. Adventure Meets Relaxation Dive into the turquoise water with unlimited use of snorkel, kayak, paddle board, or float in our oceanfront infinity pool with a swim-up bar. Add an optional waterfall hike by ATV or horseback. Luxury Where You Least Expect It Live MC, shaded daybeds, air-conditioned bathrooms & Wi-Fi included.

Reach secluded beaches that most visitors never see on a guided adventure combining hiking, snorkeling, and coastal scenery. Follow trails to Colomitos Beach and other hidden coves, swim in clear waters, and end at Playa Las Ánimas before returning across the bay by boat. Combining land and sea travel reveals a quieter side of Puerto Vallarta.

Spend hours at your leisure in the forests, bays, and beaches outside Puerto Vallarta. This relaxing day trip takes you to the nearby villages of Yelapa and Majahuitas. A light breakfast is served on the boat where you’ll have access to sandy shoreline and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Cruise the Bay of Banderas by yacht catamaran during this full-day package excursion to Quimixto— a picturesque fishing village only reachable from the water. Enjoy an all-inclusive breakfast and lunch onboard the boat, plus a well-stocked open bar. Either hike to Quimixto Falls or spend your get-down stop on the white-sand beach. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and other gear are available free of charge.

Immerse yourself in the magical mysticism of Las Caletas by night with an enchanting evening excursion from Puerto Vallarta. Watch the sun sink into the shimmering sea as you sail to a secluded beach surrounded by rugged rock formations. Dine upon a gourmet buffet dinner by candlelight before watching the renowned Rhythms of the Night show, a stunning spectacle that transports viewers to a spiritual land that time forgot.

Create your own personalized itinerary for sightseeing in Puerto Vallarta on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You'll enjoy privileged views of the seaside city on the top deck, as well as the freedom to descend whenever an attraction catches your eye. Plus, your ticket includes tequila tasting, a lounger on Mangos Beach, and entry to a chocolate factory.

During this half-day, adventure-filled excursion, you’ll have a chance to whip down Jorullo Bridge—the longest suspension bridge in Latin America—on your own rugged ATV or RZR vehicle. Choose to go in groups of four, pairs, or alone as you enjoy panoramic views over the Sierra Madre. Shared tours include round-trip transfers from Puerto Vallarta and an optional tequila tasting.

Enjoy an intimate cruise capped at only 40 travelers during this luxurious half-day snorkeling adventure along the Bay of Banderas. Head onboard a deluxe Leopard catamaran as you cruise toward stunning Majahuitas beach. Snorkeling and paddleboard gear are provided, plus a tasty Mexican lunch, including guacamole and fresh fruit. Even better, this crew-staffed VIP experience includes an unlimited open bar.

Explore hidden coastal gems near Puerto Vallarta on our full-day hiking tour. Led by a qualified guide, hike through jungle paths and beautiful coastlines to discover the best beaches of vallarta like Colomitos and Playa Las Animas. This is a **challenging hike** with steep, rocky terrain through dense jungle and rugged mountain paths. Expect uneven surfaces, narrow trails, and demanding inclines. *Encounter a variety of reptiles, birds, animals, and native plants along the way. *Enjoy a picture-perfect hike without the hassle of navigation, with memorable highlights showcased by your guide. *Opportunity to swim in beautiful beaches if conditions are optimal. *End your journey with meal at the best seafood restaurant at Playa Las Animas, followed by a boat ride back to Boca de Tomatlán. (Don’t forget to bring water, swimwear, hat, and sunblock to stay comfortable and protected throughout the day.) - 4+ miles of hiking - Full sun exposure (summer is hot) - 6-8 hr total duration

Experience Puerto Vallarta's delicious food scene on this half-day food-focused walking tour. With an expert foodie leading the way, sample the city’s diverse array of edible delights, from tacos to sweets, on a culinary adventure. Stop at several spots to sample the food and learn more about Puerto Vallarta’s history. This small-group tour ensures plenty of personalized attention, and the chance to ask questions.

Get to Marietas Islands for a full day group trip out on the boat, including lunch, and make some new friends who are also out for a good time today. There are lots of options on the boat, from sunny or shady decks, waterslides, and a full open bar to enjoy. You’ll have it all here, with lots of active water sports to choose from, and also a delicious lunch.

Join us on a fascinating journey to the charming coastal towns of Sayulita and San Pancho from Puerto Vallarta. In Sayulita, immerse yourself in its bohemian atmosphere as you explore its cobblestone streets full of craft shops and charming cafes. Then, in San Pancho, relax on its golden sand beaches and crystal clear waters, perfect for surfing or simply enjoying the sun. Feast on delicious local cuisine and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of these picturesque coastal towns. A day full of adventures and discoveries awaits you on our Sayulita and San Pancho tour! At the end of the day, we return to Puerto Vallarta with our hearts full of unforgettable memories and the promise of visiting these charming coastal towns again in the future. Join us on this exciting tour and discover the magic of Sayulita and San Pancho in Puerto Vallarta!

This isn’t just a tour — it’s a curated experience designed exclusively for your group. We combine the lively surf-town spirit of Sayulita with the relaxed elegance of San Pancho, offering a seamless journey that blends culture, beach vibes, shopping, and laid-back charm — all on your own terms. From door-to-door pickup at your hotel, villa, or Airbnb to private air-conditioned transportation with a certified local guide, everything is tailored for your comfort. In San Pancho, a quieter coastal gem with uncrowded beaches, boutique galleries, and a peaceful energy that offers a true escape. Then unwind Sayulita, stroll the colorful streets, discover artisan shops, sip a cold drink in the vibrant plaza, and soak in the town’s surf culture. We include complimentary refreshments, insider tips, and an attentive host who treats you like family — not just a passenger.

Soar over the treetop canopy during a zipline tour in Puerto Vallarta. Designed with adventure seekers in mind, this tour guides you through 11 different ziplines that vary in length, speed, and scenery, to give you the best birds-eye views of the sprawling rainforest. Plus, you can choose from several start times to suit your schedule.

If you have never visited downtown Vallarta, it is likely that when you see them you will not believe that a place like this existed in Mexico. We will observe hundreds of beautiful places within the city that will truly surprise you. A professional guide will guide you to explore the best of Puerto Vallarta on our captivating city tour. We begin on the lively Malecón de Vallarta, where the sea breeze mixes with the cultural bustle. Then, we headed to the imposing Municipal Palace, a witness to history and local government. The majestic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe awaits us with its emblematic architecture and its rich spirituality. And for a unique sensory experience, we visit the Tequila Factory, where you will discover the secrets of this national drink. From the energy of the boardwalk to the serenity of the church, each stop immerses you in the vibrant essence of Puerto Vallarta. A cultural adventure that will leave a lasting impression on your heart!

This half day tour will give you an in-depth look at the beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta. Beginning at the Marina, this tour takes you to the resident’s area where our local guide will show you the wildlife and ecology of the area – you could even spot a crocodile! There's plenty to photograph as you walk on the Malecon Boardwalk and cross the suspension bridge to Isla Cuale.

This isn’t just a tour — it’s a private journey into the heart of one of Jalisco’s most historic mountain towns. We focus on creating a deeper, more meaningful connection with San Sebastián del Oeste, allowing you to step back in time and experience the culture, architecture, and traditions that shaped this region in the 18th century. As a fully private experience, it’s just you, your group, and our certified local guide, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace without the pressure of a group schedule. You’ll walk cobblestone streets, visit historic landmarks, and discover hidden gems most visitors miss — all while learning the stories behind them from someone who truly knows the area. Along the way, you’ll enjoy authentic flavors, stop for a traditional meal, and even have time to capture the beauty of the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains.

Discover wildlife in their natural environment with this half-day tour in Puerto Vallarta. Climb aboard a boat with a biologist guide and utilize a hydrophone to find dolphins based on their sounds. Go swimming with wild dolphins and keep an eye out for a range of marine life including turtles, rays, and more. Support marine ecology research with this wildlife-focused tour.

This Yelapa Waterfalls and Snorkeling Yacht Cruise offers two different starting locations when booking, so you can find the place that’s most convenient for you to meet. This cruise features a fun day with all-inclusive, open-bar access, a fajita lunch, and activities such as kayaking and massages. Plus, the yacht has comfortable seating with shaded options available, too.

See the highlights of Puerto Vallarta on a full-day tour that explores downtown, Los Arcos, and Mismaloya Beach. With an expert guide to lead the way, you’ll stroll the Malecón, see gorgeous coastal scenery, and visit a tequila distillery for a tour and tasting. This Puerto Vallarta tour is a great choice for first-time visitors, and it includes pickup and drop-off at local hotels.

Experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Madre on a horseback riding tour from Puerto Vallarta—a great choice for nature lovers and first-time visitors. Enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation as you travel through the countryside with ease and go on horseback to a cascading waterfall in the jungle. Your tour includes lunch, domestic open bar, and round-trip transportation from Puerto Vallarta.

Discover the captivating charm of San Sebastián del Oeste, a Pueblo Mágico nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains. This 6-7 hour tour takes you on a journey through lush coffee plantations where you can learn about coffee production and enjoy premium tequila tastings at a local distillery. Stroll through the cobblestone streets to admire the stunning 18th-century San Sebastián Church and explore artisanal shops for unique souvenirs. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the town square, surrounded by colonial architecture and bustling markets. - Duration of approximately 6-7 hours - Visit a traditional coffee plantation and local tequila distillery - Explore the historical San Sebastián Church and charming streets - Transportation provided from Puerto Vallarta in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles