Tours & Activities

Tours & Activities

Boat trips, whale watching, hiking, and more.

✦ All 🤿 Water & Sea 🐋 Whale & Wildlife 🌿 Jungle & Land ⛵ Boat & Sailing 🏛 Cultural 🌮 Food & Drink 🧘 Wellness 🏄 Surf 🎣 Fishing 🍸 Nightlife

What's on · October in Puerto Vallarta

October — season turning: rain eases and crowds are still light. Whale season opens in December.

Sea Turtle Release peak now Bird Watching — Sierra Madre starts soon Colomitos & Las Ánimas Coastal Hike in season Beginner Surf Lesson — Sayulita in season

Vallarta's most recommended

PV Street Food & Culture Tour
from $49USD /person
PV Street Food & Culture Tour
Vallarta Food Tours
★ 5.0 (3,965) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
3-hour walking food tour through Centro and Zona Romántica. 8–10 tastings including tacos, birria, mariscos, agua fresca.
⏱ 3h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Malecón Boardwalk, Los Arcos amphitheater
Ages
6+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Whale Watching Tour
from $77USD /person
December–March
Whale Watching Tour
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.7 (190) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
3-hour guided whale watching in Banderas Bay. Humpbacks December–March. Hydrophone on board to hear whale songs.
⏱ 3h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta pier, 8am and 12pm
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Sunset Sailing Cruise
from $100USD /person
Sunset Sailing Cruise
Bahía Catamarans
★ 4.6 (456) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
3-hour sunset catamaran cruise along the Bay of Banderas. Open bar, light dinner, live music. Anchored swim stop near Los Arcos.
⏱ 3h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta pier, 6pm
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, family, groups
Book now →
Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach
from $120USD /person
Year-round (calmer May–Nov)
Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.8 (1,033) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Boat to the UNESCO-protected Marietas Islands. Snorkel, kayak, and — permit allowing — swim into the Hidden Beach. Blue-footed boobies. Book 3+ days ahead in high season.
⏱ 7h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta pier, 8:30am
Ages
6+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Rhythms of the Night — Las Caletas
from $130USD /person
Rhythms of the Night — Las Caletas
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.5 (2,091) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Evening cruise to a candle-lit, no-electricity beach cove for a dinner and a theatrical show inspired by ancient Mexico. PV's best-known night out.
⏱ 5.5h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Terminal Marítima, 6pm
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, family, groups
Book now →
Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ
from $142USD /person
Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ
Cirque du Soleil
★ 4.9 (317) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
The first permanent Cirque du Soleil production in Mexico — an immersive theatrical dinner where acrobats, live music and a multi-course tasting menu unfold around your table. Runs several evenings a week near the Marina.
⏱ 2.5h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Cirque du Soleil venue, near Marina Vallarta — evening seatings
Ages
8+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, groups, family
Book now →
Most people want
💞Couple's trip 🌅Date night 🧒Family with kids ⚡Adrenaline ✨First time in PV 🌮Food & drink 🌊On the water 🌧Rainy-day plan 💸On a budget

Plan the perfect day

Pick who's coming and your budget — the list re-sorts in place and factors in today's weather. Or tap a common trip above.

Who
Just me Couple Family with kids Group of friends
Budget / person
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When
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62 experiences
Colomitos & Las Ánimas Coastal Hike
from $12USD /person
Year-round (hot midday Apr–Oct)
Colomitos & Las Ánimas Coastal Hike
Self-guided (water taxi)
★ 4.8 (614) Viator
Jungle trail from Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos (PV's smallest beach) and on to Las Ánimas. Hike one way, water-taxi back. No guide needed; bring water and reef shoes.
⏱ 4h 📍 Boca De Tomatlan
Details
Meet
Boca de Tomatlán trailhead
Ages
10+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
from $22USD /person
Year-round (best Nov–Mar)
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
★ 4.8 (135) Viator
Self-guided day at the botanical gardens 30 min south of town. Orchid house, jungle trails, river swimming hole, hacienda restaurant. Bus 'El Tuito' from Centro.
⏱ 4h 📍 Mismaloya
Details
Meet
Carretera 200 sur, km 24
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family
Book now →
Sunrise Beach Yoga
from $23USD /person
Sunrise Beach Yoga
Ocean Soul Yoga
✓ Free cancellation
90-minute sunrise yoga session on the beach. All levels welcome. Mat and water provided. Meditation and breathwork included.
⏱ 1.5h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Playa Los Muertos, 7am
Ages
12+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple
Book now →
El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary
from $25USD /person
El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary
Eco Tours Vallarta
Boardwalk tour of a mangrove crocodile sanctuary north of the airport — rescued crocs, iguanas, birds. Cheap, quick, shaded, and a hit with kids.
⏱ 1.5h 📍 Aramara
Details
Meet
Las Juntas y Los Veranos road
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family
Book now →
Butterfly Sanctuary & Museum
from $28USD /person
Butterfly Sanctuary & Museum
Jardín Mariposario
★ 4.9 (461) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
A small enclosed butterfly garden and natural-history museum a short drive from Centro — hundreds of native morphos and swallowtails, shaded paths, and a quick, cheap, kid-proof hour out of the heat.
⏱ 1h 📍 Las Juntas
Details
Meet
Las Juntas — a short taxi from Centro
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, family
Book now →
Night Street Tacos Tour
from $31USD /person
Night Street Tacos Tour
Taco Tour PV
★ 5.0 (515) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
2-hour guided walk to 5 of the best street taco stands in Centro. Eat birria, carnitas, fish tacos, and elote. Local guide, no tourist traps.
⏱ 2h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Malecón, 7pm
Ages
10+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Book now →
Downtown Art & History Walking Tour
from $31USD /person
Downtown Art & History Walking Tour
Vallarta Walking Tours
★ 5.0 (26) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
2.5-hour guided walk through Centro and Gringo Gulch: the church, the Malecón sculptures, the Elizabeth Taylor / Richard Burton houses, the Isla Cuale.
⏱ 2.5h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Plaza de Armas, 9am
Ages
8+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family
Book now →
Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus
from $33USD /person
Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus
Vallarta City Tour
★ 3.9 (709) Viator
An open-top loop past the Malecón, the Guadalupe church, Zona Romántica, the Marina and the lookout points, with a ticket that lets you get off and back on all day. The low-commitment way to see the city on your own schedule.
⏱ 4h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Malecón, roughly hourly from 9am
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental & Lesson
from $34USD /person
Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental & Lesson
Playa Los Muertos Water Sports
★ 5.0 (22) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
1-hour SUP lesson and 1-hour rental on Playa Los Muertos. Calm bay water, perfect for beginners.
⏱ 2h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Playa Los Muertos beach
Ages
10+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Sea Turtle Release
from $35USD /person
August–December
Sea Turtle Release
Eco Tours Vallarta
★ 4.9 (131) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Sunset release of newly-hatched sea turtles with a marine biologist, on a protected beach. August–December only. Low-key, moving, and a favourite with families.
⏱ 1.5h 📍 Nuevo Vallarta
Details
Meet
Beach location, ~5:30pm
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
LGBTQ+ Nightlife Tour
from $37USD /person
LGBTQ+ Nightlife Tour
Out in PV
✓ Free cancellation
3-hour guided bar crawl through PV's LGBTQ+ scene in Zona Romántica. 4 venues, welcome drink at each. Friendly, local guide.
⏱ 3h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Zona Romántica, 9pm
Ages
18+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Book now →
Glass-Bottom Boat — Los Arcos
from $40USD /person
Glass-Bottom Boat — Los Arcos
Ocean Friendly Expeditions
✓ Free cancellation
See the Los Arcos reef without getting in — a glass-bottom panga over the marine park, with time to snorkel if you want. Good for non-swimmers, grandparents and small kids.
⏱ 2h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Playa Los Muertos pier, hourly
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Raicilla & Agave Spirits Tasting
from $40USD /person
Raicilla & Agave Spirits Tasting
Vallarta Bar Tours
★ 4.9 (18) Viator
Raicilla is the Sierra's answer to mezcal — this tasting walks you through raicilla, mezcal and tequila side by side with a guide, at two bars in the Romantic Zone.
⏱ 2h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Zona Romántica, 6pm
Ages
18+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, groups
Book now →
Beginner Surf Lesson — Sayulita
from $43USD /person
Year-round (Apr–Oct best)
Beginner Surf Lesson — Sayulita
Lunazul Surf School
★ 5.0 (94) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
2-hour beginner surf lesson in Sayulita with certified instructor. Boards and rash guards included. Best for first-timers.
⏱ 2h 📍 Sayulita
Details
Meet
Sayulita beach, 8am or 3pm
Ages
8+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Tequila & Mezcal Tasting Tour
from $43USD /person
Tequila & Mezcal Tasting Tour
Vallarta Bar Tours
★ 4.8 (273) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
2-hour guided tasting of 8 artisanal tequilas and mezcals at 3 bars in Zona Romántica. Expert guide explains production and regions.
⏱ 2h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Zona Romántica, 6pm
Ages
18+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Book now →
Downtown E-Bike Tour
from $45USD /person
Downtown E-Bike Tour
Vallarta Walking Tours
2-hour electric-bike loop — Malecón, the pier, Gringo Gulch, the Cuale island, 5 de Diciembre — with stops for photos and a snack. Pedal-assist, so the hills don't matter.
⏱ 2h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Centro, 9am or 4pm
Ages
12+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Yelapa & Majahuitas Boat Day
from $45USD /person
Yelapa & Majahuitas Boat Day
Boca de Tomatlán water taxi co-op
★ 4.4 (794) Viator
Panga from Boca de Tomatlán to the car-free village of Yelapa. Waterfall hike, beach time, fresh fish and the famous pie ladies. Return by mid-afternoon.
⏱ 6h 📍 Boca De Tomatlan
Details
Meet
Boca de Tomatlán pier, 10am
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Sea Kayak — Los Arcos
from $48USD /person
Year-round (calmest May–Nov)
Sea Kayak — Los Arcos
Playa Los Muertos Water Sports
✓ Free cancellation
Paddle a sit-on-top kayak from Los Muertos out to the Los Arcos rock arches — about 45 minutes each way, snorkel stop in the middle. No motor, small group, good workout.
⏱ 3h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Playa Los Muertos beach, 8am
Ages
12+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
PV Street Food & Culture Tour
from $49USD /person
PV Street Food & Culture Tour
Vallarta Food Tours
★ 5.0 (3,965) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
3-hour walking food tour through Centro and Zona Romántica. 8–10 tastings including tacos, birria, mariscos, agua fresca.
⏱ 3h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Malecón Boardwalk, Los Arcos amphitheater
Ages
6+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Quimixto Waterfall & Beach Boat
from $50USD /person
Quimixto Waterfall & Beach Boat
Boca de Tomatlán water taxi co-op
★ 5.0 (20) Viator
Panga to Quimixto, a tiny south-shore village. Walk (or ride a mule) 20 minutes to a jungle waterfall with a swimming pool, then lunch on the beach. Quieter than Yelapa.
⏱ 6h 📍 Boca De Tomatlan
Details
Meet
Boca de Tomatlán pier, 10am
Ages
6+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Bird Watching — Sierra Madre
from $51USD /person
Nov–Apr (migration season)
Bird Watching — Sierra Madre
Eco Tours Vallarta
✓ Free cancellation
5-hour bird watching tour in the Sierra Madre foothills. 200+ species possible. Expert guide, binoculars provided.
⏱ 5h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel zone pickup, 6am
Ages
8+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple
Book now →
Los Arcos Snorkeling Tour
from $54USD /person
Los Arcos Snorkeling Tour
Ocean Friendly Expeditions
★ 4.8 (41) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
4-hour snorkeling at Los Arcos National Marine Park. Sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays. Equipment included.
⏱ 4h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Playa Los Muertos pier, 9am
Ages
8+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Taco & Cerveza Bike Tour
from $55USD /person
Taco & Cerveza Bike Tour
Taco Tour PV
★ 4.8 (84) Viator
Cruiser-bike ride between four taquerías and a craft-beer stop, with a guide who knows which stand does the best al pastor. Flat route, ~3 hours, plenty of eating.
⏱ 3h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Centro, 5pm
Ages
16+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Book now →
Sierra del Cuale Jungle Hike
from $55USD /person
Year-round (best Nov–Apr)
Sierra del Cuale Jungle Hike
Eco Tours Vallarta
★ 4.7 (82) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Guided half-day hike up the Cuale river valley — swimming holes, birdlife, an old mining trail. Moderate, ~6 km, cooler under the canopy. Good for fit families.
⏱ 4h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, 7am
Ages
10+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Aquaventuras Water Park + Sea Lion
from $60USD /person
Aquaventuras Water Park + Sea Lion
Aquaventuras
★ 4.3 (3) Viator
Water-park day north of the airport: slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, plus an optional dolphin or sea-lion swim. A full easy day for families with a range of ages.
⏱ 7h 📍 Nuevo Vallarta
Details
Meet
Carretera 200, km 155 (transport add-on)
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
family, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Sayulita & San Pancho Day Trip
from $60USD /person
Sayulita & San Pancho Day Trip
Vallarta Walking Tours
★ 3.8 (74) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Guided day up the Riviera Nayarit coast: the surf-town buzz and artisan market of Sayulita, then quieter San Pancho for lunch. Transport and a local guide; skip the bus hassle.
⏱ 8h 📍 Sayulita
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, 8:30am
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Canopy Zip-Line Tour
from $63USD /person
Canopy Zip-Line Tour
Canopy El Edén
★ 4.8 (111) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
2.5-hour zip-line tour through the jungle canopy near the Cuale River, at the El Edén film location. 14 lines up to 250m. Transport from PV included.
⏱ 2.5h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel zone pickup, departs 8am
Ages
6+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
couple, family, groups
Book now →
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop
from $63USD /person
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop
ChocoMuseo
★ 4.9 (397) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Roast, peel, grind and temper your own chocolate bar from Mexican cacao in a two-hour hands-on workshop in Centro. Take the bars home. Works for kids and non-drinkers, unlike most of the food tours.
⏱ 2h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Centro workshop, sessions through the day
Ages
4+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Surf Guiding — Punta de Mita
from $66USD /person
Year-round (NW swell Oct–Apr)
Surf Guiding — Punta de Mita
Punta Mita Surf
★ 4.9 (93) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Boat-assisted surf session to the Punta de Mita point breaks. For beginner–intermediate surfers. Longboards and shortboards, water safety guide.
⏱ 3h 📍 Sayulita
Details
Meet
Punta de Mita, tide-dependent
Ages
12+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
ATV Jungle & Waterfall Tour
from $69USD /person
ATV Jungle & Waterfall Tour
Wild Vallarta Tours
★ 5.0 (40) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
3-hour ATV ride through the Sierra Madre jungle to a hidden waterfall. No experience needed. Helmet, goggles, guide included.
⏱ 3h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel zone pickup available
Ages
16+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
couple, groups
Book now →
Jorullo Bridge Extreme Adventure
from $69USD /person
Year-round (dry trails best Nov–Jun)
Jorullo Bridge Extreme Adventure
Canopy River
★ 4.9 (3,357) Viator
◆ Combo — 3-in-1 ✓ Free cancellation
An ATV or RZR ride up the Cuale river valley, a walk across the Jorullo suspension bridge (one of the longest of its kind anywhere), then a run of ziplines, a rappel and a water slide. The single most-booked adventure combo in the bay.
⏱ 6h 📍 El Jorullo
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, ~8am
Ages
8+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
couple, groups, family
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Tequila Distillery & Hacienda Tour
from $70USD /person
Tequila Distillery & Hacienda Tour
Vallarta Bar Tours
★ 5.0 (456) Viator
Reserve now, pay later
Visit a working agave field and distillery outside town — see the process end to end, taste blanco/reposado/añejo, lunch at the hacienda. More substance than the in-town bar tasting.
⏱ 5h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, 9am
Ages
18+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, groups
Book now →
Temazcal Sweat-Lodge Ceremony
from $70USD /person
Temazcal Sweat-Lodge Ceremony
Casa Karuna
✓ Free cancellation
Traditional pre-Hispanic sweat-lodge ceremony led by a temazcalero: heat, herbs, chant, and rest. ~2 hours. Not for pregnancy or heart conditions.
⏱ 2.5h 📍 Mismaloya
Details
Meet
South-shore location, sunset
Ages
16+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Book now →
Sunset Horseback Beach Ride
from $75USD /person
Sunset Horseback Beach Ride
Rancho El Charro
★ 4.9 (39) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Ride along the sand and into the surf as the sun drops, north of the marina. Calm, well-kept horses; short (90 min) and beginner-friendly. Photos included on most departures.
⏱ 1.5h 📍 Aramara
Details
Meet
North-shore ranch, ~5pm
Ages
8+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Bioluminescence Night Kayak
from $75USD /person
May–December (new moon)
Bioluminescence Night Kayak
Ocean Friendly Expeditions
★ 4.9 (402) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
After-dark paddle when the plankton glows — every stroke lights up. Runs on new-moon weeks, roughly May–December. Clear-bottom kayaks on some departures.
⏱ 2h 📍 Boca De Tomatlan
Details
Meet
Boca de Tomatlán, after dark
Ages
10+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Whale Watching Tour
from $77USD /person
December–March
Whale Watching Tour
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.7 (190) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
3-hour guided whale watching in Banderas Bay. Humpbacks December–March. Hydrophone on board to hear whale songs.
⏱ 3h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta pier, 8am and 12pm
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Mexican Cooking Class
from $80USD /person
Mexican Cooking Class
Vallarta Eats
★ 4.9 (715) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
3-hour hands-on Mexican cooking class. Visit the local market, cook 4 dishes including mole and ceviche, eat what you make.
⏱ 3h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Mercado Municipal, 9am
Ages
8+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Ceviche & Seafood Cooking Class
from $85USD /person
Ceviche & Seafood Cooking Class
Vallarta Eats
Hands-on class focused on the coast: three ceviches, aguachile, a whole grilled fish and a michelada to wash it down. Market visit first. Smaller and more relaxed than the mole class.
⏱ 3.5h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Mercado, 10am
Ages
10+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Book now →
Horseback Ride to a Waterfall
from $85USD /person
Horseback Ride to a Waterfall
Rancho El Charro
★ 4.6 (139) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Half-day trail ride into the Sierra Madre to a swimmable waterfall. Well-kept horses, matched to your experience level. Family-run since 1993.
⏱ 4h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Rancho El Charro, Las Palmas road (pickup available)
Ages
8+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
couple, family, groups
Book now →
Whale Photo Safari (Small Boat)
from $95USD /person
December–March
Whale Photo Safari (Small Boat)
Ecotours de México
★ 4.9 (702) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Small-group humpback research boat with a marine biologist. Fewer people, closer to the science, better photos. Federal permit holder.
⏱ 4h 📍 Nuevo Vallarta
Details
Meet
Nuevo Vallarta marina, 8am
Ages
8+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Book now →
All-Inclusive Party Catamaran
from $95USD /person
All-Inclusive Party Catamaran
Bahía Catamarans
★ 4.8 (2,559) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Daytime catamaran with open bar, DJ, lunch, a Los Arcos snorkel stop and a beach-club stop. The classic PV booze-cruise — book the smaller boats for a better time.
⏱ 6h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta, 9:30am
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, groups, family
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
SeaTrek Helmet Dive — Los Arcos
from $95USD /person
Year-round (best viz May–Nov)
SeaTrek Helmet Dive — Los Arcos
Banderas Scuba Republic
✓ Free cancellation
Walk the sea floor at Los Arcos in a helmet that keeps your head dry — no swimming or certification needed. Good for non-swimmers and nervous snorkelers who still want to be underwater.
⏱ 3h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Boca de Tomatlán, morning
Ages
8+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, family, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Food & Mixology Tour
from $98USD /person
Food & Mixology Tour
Vallarta Food Tours
★ 5.0 (1,947) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
An evening walking tour built around drinks as much as food — tequila, mezcal, raicilla and agave cocktails paired with tacos, birria and street snacks across Centro. From the team behind the Downtown Food Tour.
⏱ 4h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Centro, ~5pm
Ages
18+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, groups, solo
Book now →
Marigalante Pirate Ship
from $99USD /person
Marigalante Pirate Ship
Marigalante
★ 5.0 (1) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Full-size replica galleon: day cruise with a beach stop, water games, open bar and a pirate show; or the evening dinner-and-fireworks sail. Loud, fun, unabashedly touristy — kids love it.
⏱ 6h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Terminal Marítima, 9am or 6pm
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Sunset Sailing Cruise
from $100USD /person
Sunset Sailing Cruise
Bahía Catamarans
★ 4.6 (456) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
3-hour sunset catamaran cruise along the Bay of Banderas. Open bar, light dinner, live music. Anchored swim stop near Los Arcos.
⏱ 3h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta pier, 6pm
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, family, groups
Book now →
Canopy Zipline + Tequila + Speed Boat
from $110USD /person
Canopy Zipline + Tequila + Speed Boat
Canopy El Edén
★ 4.9 (4,025) Viator
◆ Combo — 3-in-1 Reserve now, pay later
The classic Viator combo: zip-line circuit at the El Edén film location, a tequila tasting, then a speed-boat ride back down the river. Half a day, good value.
⏱ 5h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, 8am or 12pm
Ages
6+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
couple, groups, family
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Whale Watching + Snorkel Combo
from $110USD /person
December–March
Whale Watching + Snorkel Combo
Ocean Friendly Expeditions
★ 4.8 (413) Viator
◆ Combo — 3-in-1 ✓ Free cancellation
Morning humpback watching, then the boat drops anchor at a calm cove for a snorkel and swim before heading back. Best of both on one half-day; December–March only.
⏱ 5h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Los Muertos pier, 8:30am
Ages
8+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Scuba Diving — Los Arcos (2 Tanks)
from $110USD /person
Year-round (best viz May–Nov)
Scuba Diving — Los Arcos (2 Tanks)
Banderas Scuba Republic
★ 4.8 (107) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Two-tank guided dive at Los Arcos for certified divers. 15–25m, giant boulders, eels, octopus, seasonal mantas. Gear and nitrox available.
⏱ 4.5h 📍 Zona Romantica
Details
Meet
Boca de Tomatlán, 8:30am
Ages
12+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
San Sebastián del Oeste Day Trip
from $115USD /person
San Sebastián del Oeste Day Trip
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.3 (378) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Day trip to a former silver-mining town at 1,500m in the mountains. Colonial plaza, coffee and raicilla tastings, cool pine air. ~1.5h each way.
⏱ 8h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, 8am
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, family, groups
Book now →
Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach
from $120USD /person
Year-round (calmer May–Nov)
Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.8 (1,033) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Boat to the UNESCO-protected Marietas Islands. Snorkel, kayak, and — permit allowing — swim into the Hidden Beach. Blue-footed boobies. Book 3+ days ahead in high season.
⏱ 7h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta pier, 8:30am
Ages
6+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
UTV / RZR Off-Road — Sierra Madre
from $130USD /person
UTV / RZR Off-Road — Sierra Madre
Wild Vallarta Tours
★ 4.9 (154) Viator
Reserve now, pay later
Side-by-side UTV (not solo ATV) through jungle trails, river crossings and a hidden village, ending at a waterfall. Two to four per vehicle, so kids and non-drivers can ride along.
⏱ 4h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel zone pickup
Ages
6+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
couple, family, groups
Book now →
Rhythms of the Night — Las Caletas
from $130USD /person
Rhythms of the Night — Las Caletas
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.5 (2,091) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Evening cruise to a candle-lit, no-electricity beach cove for a dinner and a theatrical show inspired by ancient Mexico. PV's best-known night out.
⏱ 5.5h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Terminal Marítima, 6pm
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, family, groups
Book now →
Sierra Hot Springs, Massage & Grill
from $139USD /person
Sierra Hot Springs, Massage & Grill
Hidden Vallarta
★ 5.0 (598) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
A day in the Sierra Madre foothills: soak in shaded natural hot-spring pools by a river, a short massage in the trees, and a Mexican grill lunch. Slow, quiet, out of the sun — a good rain-day or heat-day pick.
⏱ 8h 📍 Sierra Madre
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, ~8:30am
Ages
8+
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, solo, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ
from $142USD /person
Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ
Cirque du Soleil
★ 4.9 (317) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
The first permanent Cirque du Soleil production in Mexico — an immersive theatrical dinner where acrobats, live music and a multi-course tasting menu unfold around your table. Runs several evenings a week near the Marina.
⏱ 2.5h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Cirque du Soleil venue, near Marina Vallarta — evening seatings
Ages
8+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, groups, family
Book now →
Sea Lion Encounter
from $145USD /person
Sea Lion Encounter
Vallarta Adventures
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Shallow-water session with California sea lions and a chance to touch rays in a pool. Same site as the dolphin swim; gentler and cheaper, great for younger kids.
⏱ 2h 📍 Nuevo Vallarta
Details
Meet
Nuevo Vallarta, morning & afternoon
Ages
4+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Outdoor Adventure — Zipline, Rappel & River
from $150USD /person
Outdoor Adventure — Zipline, Rappel & River
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.9 (926) Viator
◆ Combo — 3-in-1 ✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Multi-activity day in the Sierra Madre: zip-lines, rappels, a mule ride, water-slides and a river crossing. Consistently PV's top-rated adrenaline tour.
⏱ 6h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, 8am
Ages
8+
Effort
demanding — active
Suits
couple, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Las Caletas Beach Day
from $155USD /person
Las Caletas Beach Day
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.5 (848) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Boat to a jungle-backed private cove reachable only by water. Hammocks, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, a spa menu, buffet lunch and open bar. A full relaxed day, not a rush-around tour.
⏱ 7h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Terminal Marítima, 8:30am
Effort
some walking / uneven ground
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Swim with Dolphins
from $160USD /person
Swim with Dolphins
Vallarta Adventures
★ 4.7 (726) Viator
✓ Free cancellation Reserve now, pay later
Guided in-water dolphin encounter at Dolphin Adventure — a trainer leads a small group, hands-on, with education about the animals. The single most-booked family experience in PV.
⏱ 2h 📍 Nuevo Vallarta
Details
Meet
Nuevo Vallarta, morning & afternoon slots
Ages
6+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you will get wet
Book now →
Sport Fishing — Half Day
from $200USD /person
Year-round (Nov–May best)
Sport Fishing — Half Day
PV Sport Fishing
★ 4.3 (14) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
4-hour sport fishing charter in Banderas Bay. Target: yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, sailfish. Bait, tackle, and captain included.
⏱ 4h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta pier, 6am
Ages
6+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
solo, couple, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Private Van & Guide — Custom Day
from $350USD /group
Private Van & Guide — Custom Day
Banderas Bay Charters
★ 5.0 (37) Viator
Reserve now, pay later
Your own driver-guide and air-conditioned van for the day — build the route: San Sebastián, the botanical gardens, a beach, lunch spots. Price is per group of up to 8.
⏱ 8h 📍 Centro
Details
Meet
Hotel pickup, your time
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
family, groups, couple
Book now →
Deep-Sea Fishing — Full Day
from $380USD /person
Year-round (Nov–May prime)
Deep-Sea Fishing — Full Day
PV Sport Fishing
✓ Free cancellation
8-hour charter offshore for marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado — further out than the half-day, better shot at the big pelagics. Captain, mate, bait and tackle included.
⏱ 8h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta pier, 6am
Ages
8+
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
groups, solo
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →
Private Boat Charter — Half Day
from $600USD /group
Private Boat Charter — Half Day
Banderas Bay Charters
★ 4.7 (47) Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Private 4-hour boat charter for up to 10. Set your own route — Los Arcos, Las Ánimas, Quimixto. Captain, fuel, snorkel gear, cooler included. Price is per group.
⏱ 4h 📍 Marina Vallarta
Details
Meet
Marina Vallarta or Los Muertos pier
Effort
easy — little walking
Suits
couple, family, groups
Water
you can stay dry if you want
Book now →

Trip ideas

Hand-picked combinations — book each one separately, we just chose the mix.

First-Timer's 3 Days
3 experiences · from $256 USD total

Never been? The water, the food, and the show — in a sane order.

See the 3 stops
Whale Watching Tour $77 Book
PV Street Food & Culture Tour $49 Book
Rhythms of the Night — Las Caletas $130 Book
Adventure Pass
3 experiences · from $400 USD total

Three days of adrenaline: off-road, canopy, open water.

See the 3 stops
UTV / RZR Off-Road — Sierra Madre $130 Book
Outdoor Adventure — Zipline, Rappel & River $150 Book
Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach $120 Book
Family Week
3 experiences · from $360 USD total

Kid-tested — animals, a slow beach day, and an easy boat trip.

See the 3 stops
Swim with Dolphins $160 Book
Las Caletas Beach Day $155 Book
Yelapa & Majahuitas Boat Day $45 Book
Romantic Weekend
3 experiences · from $295 USD total

Sunset sail, a cooking class for two, a mountain-town day trip.

See the 3 stops
Sunset Sailing Cruise $100 Book
Mexican Cooking Class $80 Book
San Sebastián del Oeste Day Trip $115 Book
Marina Vallarta
Off the Malecón

The good stuff is
a boat ride away.

Humpback whales from December, the Marietas Islands, a panga to Yelapa for lunch and a waterfall. Book direct with the operator where you can — more of it stays in town.

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Tell us your dates, budget, and what you like. We'll put together a day-by-day plan using live data — open restaurants, upcoming events, current beach conditions.

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Hand-picked, not paid placements. Recommendations are a plain rule — party, budget, and live weather — and we show you the reason. Some “Book” links earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you; it never changes what we list or the order.

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