Best Nearby Towns
- Sayulita: Just a short drive from Bucerías lies the vibrant beach town of Sayulita. Known for its bohemian atmosphere, colorful streets, and lively surf culture, Sayulita is a haven for surfers, artists, and travelers seeking a laid-back vibe. Spend your days lounging on pristine beaches, browsing eclectic shops and galleries, or catching waves at one of Sayulita’s renowned surf breaks.
- Yelapa: For a more secluded escape, consider a visit to Yelapa, a tranquil coastal village accessible only by boat. Nestled between lush jungle and sparkling waters, Yelapa offers a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explore hidden waterfalls, relax on secluded beaches, and immerse yourself in the local Huichol culture for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
- San Pancho (San Francisco): A short drive north of Bucerías brings you to the charming town of San Pancho, also known as San Francisco. This quaint pueblo offers a laid-back atmosphere, pristine beaches, and a thriving arts scene. Explore the town’s colorful streets, visit local art galleries, or simply unwind on the tranquil shores of Playa San Pancho.
- San Cristóbal: Nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains, San Cristóbal offers a glimpse into Mexico’s rich indigenous heritage and stunning natural beauty. Explore traditional markets, admire colonial architecture, and embark on outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback riding, or birdwatching in the surrounding mountains.
Best Day Tours from Bucerias
Las Marietas
The best way to see Las Marietas Islands is taking your very own private tour with a licensed Captain and guide.
Description
Off the Grid Tours offer the following package:
- Going onto the Nopalera and Hidden Beach
- Guided snorkel tour (we provide masks, fins, and life jackets)
- Bird Watching (see the Blue-footed booby!)
- Sightseeing including “Puente de Piedra”.
- Fresh Ceviche or guacamole (made on the boat).
- Drinks (water, soft drinks, or your favorite Mexican beer).
- Complimentary digital pictures sent via a Dropbox link.
- History of the Islands & wildlife information.
- Flexible departure time. We prefer to start our tours during off-peak hours. We also keep tide conditions in mind for the best access to the Hidden Beach.
- Free transportation between the areas of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerias, & Nuevo Vallarta!
Sport Fishing Charters
We recently took the 4-hour bay fishing tour with Manuel Santana, and they were excellent. 6 of us fit perfectly on the boat, and we caught 3 Pacific Crevalle Jack that put up a great fight. We also caught about a dozen Bonitos, which were a bit too easy to reel-in and the filets had a lot of bones, so I wouldn’t recommend keeping them.
They also offer a 10-hour deep sea fishing expedition to catch Marlin, Swordfish, and Yellowfin Tunas. In my opinion, they are the best bang for your buck! They also can customize your tour and include things like whale watching, snorkeling, or tours to Yelapa.
All tours include water, sodas, and a few Corona beers. All the fishing equipment, bait, snorkeling equipment, and licenses are included.
Best Day Trips From Vallarta
Tequila, Jalisco
In the area around the town of Tequila, Jalisco, greenish blue fields of Agave stretch out kilometer after kilometer over the rugged, hilly terrain which has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. All of the tequila in the world is produced in this region that also includes regions in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacan, and Tamaulipas. In 1978 the “Appellation of Origin Tequila” was instituted, decreeing that agave-based drinks made anywhere else may not be labeled tequila.
There are multiple tequila haciendas and distilleries worth visiting such as:
- Casa Noble
- Hacienda Herradura
- La Alborada
- La Cofradia
- Hacienda La Fortaleza
- Hacienda Tequilera La Perseverancia
- Destilería La Rojeña
- Casa Orendain
- Hacienda del Oro
Enjoy guided tours through some of the original haciendas and learn the step-by-step process of how the agave plant is transformed into tequila. Finally, try different varieties of the spirit. Bring good walking shoes!
Santa Maria del Oro
Santa María del Oro is a picturesque crater lake located 150 kilometers northwest of Guadalajara in the state of Nayarit and easily reachable in two hours via toll road 15 heading for Tepic. While there are a good number of crater lakes in Mexico’s Volcanic Belt, this one, I think, wins the prize for sheer beauty.
Best Tour Operators in the Area
Chuck’s
Named ‘Best Tour Guide’ by Vallarta Tribune in 2018 & 2019, they specialize in Marietas Island expeditions, whale watching, or sport fishing.
Website: facebook.com/chuckstoursmx/
Bici Bucerias
Bici Bucerias offers bike rentals and bicycle tours in Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, & Sayulita. Tours start at around $300 MXN per person. They even have a 3-hour food tour where you can sample locally roasted coffee, local cuisine, and mouthwatering tacos. Highly recommended!
Website: https://veloguide.com/veloguide-hubs/bucerias/bici-bucerias
Vallarta Adventures
This is the biggest and most professional tour company in the bay. We highly recommend the Rhythms of the Night tour! Discover zip lines, scuba diving, snorkeling, ATV tours, swimming with dolphins, and more.
Website: https://www.vallarta-adventures.com/en/
Off the Grid Tours
Skip the tour from corporate companies and go with Javier for a more personalized experience. Very knowledgeable about the entire Banderas Bay area and all the best attractions. Great for hiking, snorkeling, and Marieta Island tours.
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