What to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Over the last 15 years, our family has been compiling this list of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Follow our tips and you’ll be guaranteed to have an amazing vacation in this little piece of paradise. If you decide to book one of the vacation rentals we offer, we will also send you our Beach Please Mexico tour guide book which has even more hidden gems and local secrets for planning your trip!

Things to Know About Puerto Vallarta Before Your Trip

Weather and Rainy Season

Rainy season falls between the months of June, July, August & September. On average, the warmest month is August, and the coolest is February. The best time to visit is between April and June when the weather is amazing and it is still considered low season. However, if you’re interested in whale watching visit between December and March.

How to Get There

By Air

The main airport is Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). It is well connected to all of Mexico, USA, and Canada. It is served by many major airlines such as Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United, and Delta.

By Taxi or Uber

From the Airport, there are two options: Uber (~ $200 MXN) or Taxi (~ $300 MXN). However, Uber isn’t allowed to get passengers at the airport pick-up area, but a quick walk over to the other side of the road via the pedestrian bridge solves this. Once you exit the building, just walk left towards the road and you’ll see the bridge. The Uber app will also help you find the pick-up zone. Otherwise, grab a taxi for a little less of a hassle, but make sure you agree to the price before jumping in (they sometimes try to charge $400 MXN or more). You can also purchase a taxi voucher near each exit.

Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Must-See Attractions

Downtown & Old Town Vallarta

After walking down the boardwalk, El Malecon, cross the swinging rope footbridge to the Cuale River Island & Market to buy all kinds of Mexican crafts and souvenirs. Keep walking south through Old Town and the Romantic Zone until you reach Los Muertos Pier, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic landmarks.

The views from the end of the pier are great so be sure and have your camera ready! Also walk down Basilio Badillo Street in the heart of the Romantic Zone which is filled with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. To finish off the day, cool off at the local craft brewery, Los Muertos Brewing, with amazing beers and delicious pizzas.

Whale Migration

Season: December – March
Each winter the majestic Humpback Whales migrate from the arctic to breed and reproduce in the sheltered coasts of our bay. These gentle giants can be seen breaching out of the water as parents instruct their baby calves in the ways of the watery world. Each year, between 300 and 500 Humpback Whales are registered in the area! There are daily tours leaving from the nearby marinas in La Cruz (Marina Riviera Nayarit), Nuevo Vallarta, and Marina Vallarta.

Release Baby Sea Turtles

Season: June – December
This is definitely on the top of our list for things to do in Bucerias as a family. The area’s coastline is one of the most important breeding grounds for multiple species of sea turtle, and Bandera Bay’s preservation program ensures that sea turtles will thrive for years to come. Liberation ceremonies are held daily at multiple volunteer-run camp. Release ceremonies change every day depending on availability, so make sure to check out release dates & times below. 

Unique Things to do

Marietas Islands National Park

Explore this group of small uninhabited islands while snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Dolphin encounters are a regular occurrence, but during the winter months, it is common to see humpback whales in the bay since this is a centuries-old breeding ground. In addition, you can visit the “hidden beach”, where you swim through cave formations and rock archways to an extraordinary oasis of white sand and crystal clear water.

Eat & Drink

Puerto Vallarta takes eating and drinking very seriously. While visiting, you should too. The culinary scene in Puerto Vallarta has always been amazing, but it really exploded over the past couple of years, allowing visitors to delight in a diversity of cuisines and experiences. See our curated list of the best Puerto Vallarta restaurants & bars.

Go Hiking

If you are interested in doing a hike, we have some detailed instructions and maps to follow! Monkey Mountain is our favorite hike on the north side of the bay, and the Las Animas beach hike from Boca de Tomatlan is our favorite hike on the south side (past Puerto Vallarta).

Puerto Vallarta Free Walking Tour

Puerto Vallarta is only a 20 – 30 minute drive, and if you have never been, you should definitely spend at least an afternoon. Start the self-guided walking tour by strolling down the Malecon, the boardwalk that is full of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. Afterward, cross the wooden suspension footbridge to the Cuale River Island flea market to buy all kinds of Mexican crafts and souvenirs. Keep walking south until you reach the Romantic zone and Los Muertos Pier, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic landmarks. Download the map of the free walking tour below:

Kitesurf & Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

The wind season is usually from January – June, and Bucerias hosts the International Kiteboarding Competition sometime around May. You can also rent stand-up paddleboards by the hour for a very reasonable price.

Due to its geographic & climatic conditions (including strong winds and moderate waves), Bucerías is one of the best kiteboarding destinations in Mexico. It is also very popular for windsurfing and hydrofoil kiteboarding.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

A must for nature lovers, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a 30-minute drive south of Downtown Puerto Vallarta, but well worth the visit. Tucked into the Sierra Madre hills, this stunning ecological park has multiple trails and winding mountain walkways that showcase orchids, butterflies, and hummingbirds across its 79 acres. We walked all the trails in one afternoon, and they are all great, but if you only have time for one, our favorite was the Jaguar Trail which leads to a small beach and river swimming spot.

Go Surfing

The Pacific Ocean along Mexico’s western coast is known for having year-round surfable conditions. Winter surf season is great because the North Pacific swells hit, and during the rainy season there are summer storms that bring strong currents and big waves. There are some great surf spots near Puerto Vallarta such as Sayulita, San Pancho, and more.

Rent a Scooter

The greatest part of a motorcycle or scooter rental is the flexibility. You basically get priority parking wherever you go, and it works out to be a much better value than using taxis or Ubers. Plus, it allows visitors to fit lots of different attractions into a single day.

Drive around Old Town’s cobblestone roads or take the curvy highway south which follows the coastline towards Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya, and Boca de Tomatlan. Another great ride would be to head North towards Bucerias, Sayulita, and San Pancho. If you’d prefer to head into the mountains, grab the East highway towards the charming town of San Sebastian. The best part is the freedom to set your own itinerary and go as you please!

Fun Things to do

Rhythms of the Night

CRUISE, DINNER, & SHOW! Book a tour to the magical beach of Las Caletas by night. Watch the sun sink into the shimmering sea as you cruise to a secluded beach surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. Dine upon a gourmet 3-course meal by candlelight before watching the renowned Rhythms of the Night show, a stunning spectacle that promises to transport viewers to a spiritual land that time forgot.

Get a Massage

There are many spots along the beach that offer massages. The prices range between $300-500 MXN for 1 hour. Treat yo’ self!

Fishing Charters

Banderas Bay offers some of the best sport fishing in Mexico. Mahi Mahi and Marlin season is best from September to February, but Red Snapper and Jack Crevalle fishing are great all year! See a list of all our favorite fishing charters.

Pick a Golf Course

There are many golf courses in the Bay to choose from. We highly recommend checking out El Tigre in Nuevo Vallarta, which was named one of the most challenging golf courses in Mexico. It is impeccable and surrounded by lush greenery.

Have a Spa Day

Leave your cares at home and enjoy a pampering spa treatment while on vacation. Puerto Vallarta has a large selection of excellent spas, including some world class resort spas, as well as top-notch day spas.

Hidden Gems

Yelapa, Jalisco

Yelapa is a tiny fishing village with a gorgeous, secluded bay and is still relatively untouched by tourism. It is the southernmost cove of the Bahía de Banderas, and you can only reach it by boat. The businesses in town are all locally run, and you’ll still see locals fishing from the pier. Grab your towel, and take to the sand to top up your tan. To get to Yelapa, most people drive to Boca de Tomatlan where you can easily get one of the water taxis to take you there for a small fee.

San Sebastian del Oeste

Step back in time at this picturesque mountain village. It is considered one of Mexico’s best-preserved colonial towns. It has a completely different atmosphere than Puerto Vallarta, since it is 1400m (4500ft) above sea level. On the way up through the mountains, the jungle turns into pine trees and the air becomes crisp and clear.

Playa Gemelas

This small beach is located 10 minutes south of Downtown amid condo and beach rental properties. It is a very nice place to break away from the more crowded beaches, but it can get quite full on the weekends. Entry to the beach is free, but remember to pack a picnic as there are no vendors.

Weird Things to do

Gamble at a Casino

There are multiple locations to choose from, but most casinos do not have live table games. Instead, they mainly have slots and Bingo machines. Our favorites are:

• Winclub – This casino directly on El Malecon is small but has a good selection. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Food and drinks are complimentary if you are playing.
• Emotion – This casino is in the mall and is one of the most modern casinos in the area with all the Las Vegas machines and an electronic Roulette and Black Jack. They also have live Bingo in a separate room.
• Incanto, Bucerias – Brand new 5,000 m2 casino that offers many options for gaming and entertainment such as craps, poker, various card tables, slots, a sportsbook, bingo, and 300 shiny slot machines. Try their buffet from 9 am to 12 pm for $99 MXN or the Executive Buffet from 3 pm to 6 pm for $70 MXN.

Go Skydiving

This is a great idea for anyone wanting to experience their first tandem skydive. Imagine a 20-minute flight with the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and Sierra Madre Mountains, and then jumping out at 12,500 ft! The team at the Skydive Vallarta dropzone has over 12,000 jumps and over 20 years of experience.

Get a Tattoo

Cleanliness, sterilization, and professionalism have all come up leaps and bounds in the past decade. There are many world-class tattoo artists in town that have immaculate parlors. Also, the pricing is usually a third of what you would pay in the US or Canada for the same work.

Go to a Bull Fight at the Plaza de Toros

Puerto Vallarta is one of many Mexican cities to engage in the bullfighting traditions of the colonial Spanish culture. Bullfights occur Wednesdays from 5 pm – 6:30 pm from December 15 through April 15th only. They are held at the Paloma Bullring across from the Maritime Terminal.

Puerto Vallarta Excursions & Tours

• Tequila tour – visit a Tequila distillery & see the Blue Agave plantations
• Food tours – find the best tacos & authentic Mexican food
• Rhythms of the Night – cruise to Las Caletas beach with dinner & a show
• Guided ATV tours – explore the jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains
• Hidden beach excursion – discover the Marieta Islands
• Yelapa boat ride – cruise along the beautiful southern coast
• Marigalante Pirate Ship – cruise to Mahahuitas Island or have dinner & a show

Other Information

• Call 911 for any sort of emergency.
• Tourist Police (bilingual officers who serve tourists): 329-291-6666
• Police Department: 291-0049 or 291-0666.

FAQ