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ACTIVITIES IN PUERTO VALLARTA AND THE BAY OF BANDERAS:

There are so many things to do in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area, that you will never be bored.  Whether you choose to relax on the beach or on a pool chair in front of the pool at your resort, or tour the area either on your own or with a group, there is plenty to see and do.  Read on below for our top activities.

When you are ready to book your trip to Puerto Vallarta, send us an and let us know what activities you are interested in and we can schedule them for you.

For every excursion you book through us, we donate a portion of our commissions to a Puerto Vallarta non-profit charity.  Travel for a cause and help make a difference to one of Puerto Vallarta's non-profit charities!

1. Walk the Malecon Boardwalk - Starting on the north-side at Hotel Rosita, which is the oldest hotel in Puerto Vallarta, you can walk south along the water all the way to the Los Muertos Pier.  Note, there is currently construction to extend the Malecon north to Plaza Hidalgo, so pedestrians will have more shops to explore free of traffic.  Stay tuned!

  • Visit many of the souvenir shops, enjoy a margarita or local Mexican cuisine on the beach at one of the many restaurants or bars. 
  • Visit the Museo de Chocolate and learn how to make chocolate.  Fun Fact:  Chocolate was invented in MEXICO!  Take one of the Museo's classes and make your own chocolate and try cacao tea.
  • Watch the Voladores de Papantla (or Papantla Flyers) - This is a pre-Hispanic ritual ceremony where five men climb a tall pole and perform an aerial dance from the top of the pole back down to the beach.  If you enjoy the show, please leave the Flyers a propina (or tip).
  • Near Los Arcos (the arches), take a picture in front of our famous Puerto Vallarta letters, or during special occasions, enjoy one of the shows at the Amphitheater.  Or take a detour to the east and visit the Lady of Guadalupe church, the largest church in Puerto Vallarta.  If you like museums, check out the Naval Museum.  Its a great place to cool down in the hot summer heat and learn some of Mexico's history.
  • As you cross the Cuale River over the bridge, watch for Crocodiles, which frequently rest here at the end of the Cuale River.  Take a detour onto Isla Cuale and visit the many local artisans or have a bite to eat or a drink at one the restaurants on the island. 
  • Just outside of Oscar's Restaurant, enjoy a free tequila tasting opportunity and try some of their locally-made tequilas.
  • On the south-side of the bridge, you enter the Emiliano Zapata area of Puerto Vallarta, commonly referred to as the Romantic Zone.  Here you will find many restaurants and shops.  This area is also famous for the Saturday market from November to May.  If you are staying in Puerto Vallarta during this time, your visit is not complete unless you visit the market at Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas at least once during your visit.

2. Puerto Vallarta Choco Museo:  The ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit for chocolate lovers and curious travelers alike. Tucked in the historic center near the Malecón, ChocoMuseo is a hands-on museum and café where you can learn about the deep history of cacao in Mexico, see how chocolate is made, and even try your hand at crafting your own treats.

Visitors can join workshops — such as “Bean to Bar,” truffle-making, or even a mini session for families — where you grind cacao beans, temper chocolate, and mold bars or truffles to take home.  There’s also a café and shop offering a variety of chocolate products and treats, making it a fun, delicious, and educational experience for all ages.

3. Puerto Vallarta Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour:  The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a flexible, scenic way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic neighborhoods, beaches, and landmarks, allowing you to hop on or off at any of the official stops throughout the day. The route includes highlights like the marina, the historic Malecón, downtown streets, the beach areas of Conchas Chinas, Playa Palmares and Mismaloya, and special-interest spots such as Puerto Mágico (popular among cruise-ship passengers).

Buses run frequently from departure points such as the marina or the Malecón, with bilingual audio guides and comfortable, air-conditioned seating. This tour is a great option if you want an easy, all-in-one way to see the city’s culture, beaches, and sights — especially useful if you’re new to Puerto Vallarta or want a flexible sightseeing day.

4. Take one of the Pangas (water taxis) to one of the beaches you can only reach by boat and visit areas with a more rustic laid-back atmosphere with minimal development.

a) Yelapa:

Yelapa is a secluded fishing village accessible only by boat with untouched beaches, beautiful waterfalls, vibrant local culture, and unique activities.  Take a day trip to Yelapa and Majahuitas from Puerto Vallarta with Vallarta Adventures. 

Click here to learn more and book or call us and we would be happy to provide more options.

b) Playa Colomitas:

This is a beautiful beach famous for its crystal-clear emerald waters and gentle waves. It is ideal for swimming, water sports like diving and snorkeling, or simply relaxing and sunbathing.

c) Playa Las Animas:  

Spend a full day enjoying Playa Las Animas, one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Banderas Bay.

The easiest way to get there is by water taxi, which you can board at the Los Muertos Pier in the Romantic Zone or from the small coastal town of Boca de Tomatlán, accessible by car or public transportation. Both departure points offer regular service—typically about once every hour. The ride from Los Muertos Pier takes under an hour, while the trip from Boca de Tomatlán is about 25 minutes.  Along the way, you’ll pass stunning hidden beaches such as Colomitos and Playa Caballo and enjoy beautiful views of the lush mountains surrounding the bay.  

If you prefer adventure, you can also hike the scenic coastal trail from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas, a favorite route for nature lovers.  

Once you arrive, you’ll find a variety of beachfront restaurants. Pick your favorite spot, settle in with a table right by the water, and enjoy a laid-back day in the sun.  

Playa Las Animas also offers plenty of activities to round out your visit, including banana boat rides, parasailing, paddleboarding, and opportunities to explore nearby beaches like Playa Caballo.

5. Canopy River Park:  Canopy River Park — often simply “Canopy River” — is a nature-adventure park in the jungle outside Puerto Vallarta where you can combine adrenaline with immersive natural surroundings. Visitors zoom through 11 zip-lines high above a river and rainforest canopy, explore forest trails, cross a dramatic hanging bridge, and end with a refreshing dip in the river or the park’s infinity pool.

Besides zip-lining, you can ride ATVs or RZR off-road vehicles through rugged mountain paths, take mule rides, visit a waterfall called “El Salto,” and enjoy extras like a tequila tasting or guided nature walks — making it a great full-day adventure if you love thrills, nature, and a bit of local flavor.

6. Do one of the many activities by boat:

a) Go Whale Watching
Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is one of the most unforgettable experiences the region offers. Each winter, majestic humpback whales migrate to the warm, sheltered waters of Banderas Bay to breed and give birth, creating an incredible opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close. Guided boat tours take visitors into the heart of the bay, where you may see whales breaching, tail-slapping, singing, or swimming alongside their calves.

What makes whale watching a must-do activity is not just the thrill of seeing these impressive creatures in their natural habitat, but also the breathtaking scenery, knowledgeable local guides, and the rare chance to experience nature at its most powerful and peaceful. It’s an enriching adventure suitable for all ages and a highlight of any trip to Puerto Vallarta.

Email us for more information, or to book your whale-watching excursion.

b)  Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling excursions in Puerto Vallarta offer an easy and exciting way to explore the vibrant underwater world of Banderas Bay. These tours take you to some of the area’s most beautiful marine spots—such as Los Arcos, Majahuitas, or Colomitos—where crystal-clear waters reveal colorful tropical fish, coral formations, sea turtles, and other marine life. Guided by experienced crews, guests can enjoy safe, relaxed snorkeling paired with stunning ocean views and often a scenic boat ride along the coastline.

Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta is a must-do because it combines adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable wildlife encounters all in one experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, it’s one of the best ways to appreciate the region’s rich marine ecosystem and make lasting vacation memories.

c) Go Diving
Diving excursions in Puerto Vallarta open the door to some of the most exciting underwater landscapes in the Pacific. The region is home to diverse dive sites—such as Los Arcos, Marietas Islands, and El Morro—where volcanic formations, underwater caves, dramatic drop-offs, and colorful marine life create a spectacular setting for both beginner and advanced divers. Guided by certified dive professionals, you can encounter tropical fish, rays, turtles, eels, and sometimes even larger pelagic species in the deeper areas.

Diving in Puerto Vallarta is a must-do activity because it offers a rare blend of adventure, natural beauty, and world-class marine biodiversity. The warm waters, stunning visibility, and unique underwater terrain make each dive unforgettable and a true highlight for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the ocean during their visit.

What is the difference between taking a diving excursion versus a snorkeling excursion?  Diving and snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta both offer incredible experiences, but diving provides several unique benefits that go beyond what you can see from the surface:

  • Access to deeper, more diverse marine life - Diving allows you to explore reefs, volcanic formations, caves, and drop-offs that are far below snorkeling depth. This opens the door to seeing larger or more elusive species—such as rays, turtles, moray eels, and sometimes nurse sharks or pelagic fish.
  • More immersive, peaceful experience - When you’re fully underwater, the world becomes quieter and slower. You’re surrounded by marine life rather than looking down at it from above, which creates a deeper sense of connection and calm.
  • Unique underwater topography - Sites like El Morro and Los Arcos have dramatic features—swim-throughs, walls, pinnacles—that can only be experienced while diving. Snorkelers can enjoy the surface view, but divers get the full three-dimensional environment.
  • Better visibility away from the surface - Currents and surface activity can sometimes reduce visibility for snorkelers. Divers can descend below the surface layer to clearer, calmer water where colors and details are sharper.
  • Longer, more controlled time with marine life - Divers can hover, approach slowly, and stay at eye level with fish, rays, and turtles—interactions that are much harder to achieve from the surface.
  • A sense of adventure and accomplishment - For many visitors, diving adds an element of thrill and skill. Whether learning for the first time or building on experience, diving in Puerto Vallarta feels like a true adventure rather than a casual activity.

In short: snorkeling gives you a beautiful preview of Banderas Bay’s marine world, while diving lets you fully enter and explore it.

d)  Go Deep Sea Fishing
Deep sea fishing in Puerto Vallarta is an exciting way to experience the rich marine life of Banderas Bay, one of the most productive fishing grounds on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Guided by expert captains, these excursions take you offshore where you can encounter world-class species such as mahi-mahi (dorado), sailfish, marlin, tuna, and roosterfish. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, the thrill of the open ocean, the stunning coastal views, and the chance to reel in a trophy-sized catch make this adventure unforgettable.

Deep sea fishing is a must-do activity in Puerto Vallarta because it combines adrenaline, natural beauty, and an authentic connection to the region’s ocean culture. The waters are warm, nutrient-rich, and teeming with life, giving visitors a true taste of world-class sportfishing in one of the most scenic bays in the world.

What You Can Do With Your Catch:
Most fishing charters allow you to keep part or all of your catch (depending on the species and local regulations). Popular options include:

  • Have a local restaurant cook it for you – Many restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and the marina offer “You Hook, We Cook” service and will prepare your fresh fish as tacos, ceviche, or grilled plates.
  • Take filets home – Crews can clean and fillet your fish so you can take it back to your hotel or condo.
  • Catch and release – For sport species like marlin and sailfish, many boats encourage or require catch-and-release to protect the fishery.

Deep sea fishing in Puerto Vallarta is not only an exciting adventure but also a delicious and memorable way to enjoy the bounty of the Pacific.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Rhythms of the Night:

Rhythms of the Night is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most magical and immersive evening excursions. The experience begins with a scenic sunset cruise across Banderas Bay to the secluded beach of Las Caletas, where flickering torches and candlelit pathways set the tone for an enchanting night. Guests enjoy a gourmet beachfront dinner under the stars, followed by a world-class live performance inspired by ancient Mexican culture, mythology, and dance.  This unforgettable combination of ocean views, fine dining, and a breathtaking theatrical show makes Rhythms of the Night a must-do experience—perfect for romance, celebration, or simply enjoying the beauty and spirit of Puerto Vallarta.

8. Teatro Vallarta - Mayahuel

The Mayahuel show at Teatro Vallarta is a vibrant and captivating celebration of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Through stunning choreography, live music, colorful costumes, and powerful storytelling, the show brings to life the legends, traditions, and spirit of ancient Mexico—highlighting the myth of Mayahuel, the goddess of agave. The performance blends folkloric dance with modern theatrical elements, creating a visually spectacular and emotionally moving experience.  It’s an excellent choice for visitors who want to enjoy an authentic, high-quality cultural show in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

9. Take an Authentic Mexican Cooking Class

Taking a Mexican cooking class in Puerto Vallarta is a fun and flavorful way to connect with the local culture. Led by skilled chefs, these classes teach you how to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, regional ingredients—often starting with a visit to a local market. You’ll learn authentic techniques, discover the stories behind the recipes, and enjoy a delicious meal you helped create.

It’s an interactive, hands-on experience that lets you bring a taste of Mexico home with you, making it one of the most rewarding and memorable activities in Puerto Vallarta.