Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is known for its beaches, water sports, and nightlife scene. Its cobblestone streets are home to boutique shops, restaurants, and bars! Below are 21 things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

My Experience:

Where did we stay? We stayed at an all-inclusive resort to celebrate my friend’s birthday! It was a wonderful time as we relaxed on the beautiful beaches and enjoyed unlimited margaritas, piña coladas, strawberry daiquiris, and mudslides. The best part of the resort was the pools overlooking the ocean and the outstanding customer service. I also loved that we had a free yoga session accessible near the beach every morning.

Excursions? We did a few super fun excursions. We went on a boat ride to Yelapa and witnessed a beautiful waterfall. The tour also took us snorkeling and kayaking. The best day trip from our all-inclusive resort was to explore Zona Romantica.

Fun Facts About Puerto Vallarta:

1. Puerto Vallarta is the second-most visited tourist destination in Mexico. The most visited place happens to be Cancun, Mexico.

2. Puerto Vallarta has tropical-forested mountains and mineral-rich volcanic slopes.

3. In Guadalajara, a large plaza is devoted to Mariachi bands showing off their hats, costumes, and musical talents.

1- Swim at the Beautiful Beaches:

A. Yelapa Beach-

The beautiful golden sand beach is breathtaking. Be careful when swimming because I got stung by a creature in the ocean and got an allergic reaction. The Yelapa boat tour will bring you to swim at the Yelapa beach, snorkel, kayak, and hike to a waterfall. The excursion also provides food and drinks.

B. Los Muertos Beach–

Los Muertos Beach is located in the Romantic Zone area and is very close to downtown. You find an iconic pier with an outstanding view and a roster of restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries.

C. Conchas Chinas Beach–

This beautiful beach is located 10 minutes by car from downtown and is absolutely worth the drive. It offers natural pools made of rock formations and is super romantic, as it is a top wedding location in Puerto Vallarta.

D. Las Caletas–

The private beach is super relaxing and magical. The only way to get to this beach is by boat. You can go on a day trip to Las Caletas. The beach resorts have hammocks by the sea and a spa at the top of the cliff.

E. Las Animas Beach–

This remote beach is only accessible by boat or an hour-long hike. There are a variety of restaurants and bars along Las Animas Beach that have authentic seafood.

F. Colomitos Beach–

The hidden beach, surrounded by exotic mountains, is the smallest in Mexico. There are no restaurants at this beach, so if you plan to spend the day, do not forget to bring a snack!

G. El Caballo–

The beach is home to exotic nature, rocks, sand, and turquoise waters. There are no restaurants or facilities. It is super beautiful and quiet.

2-Go for a Swim at Yelapa Waterfall:

The best waterfall to visit is in Yelapa. The only way to get to Yelapa is by a 45-minute boat ride or water taxi. This island has a ton of golden sand beaches. There is a hike to the waterfall, where you will reach a natural pool to swim in. The 30-minute route to the waterfall is through the mountain, passing through shops embedded in nature. This tour will take you to Yelapa waterfall.

3- Stroll Along Zona Romantica:

The nightlife in Puerta Vallarta is happening at Zona Romantica, as there are trendy bars and nightclubs. You will find live music performances and special events from dusk till dawn. This neighborhood is known as the LGBT area.

4- Admire the Huichol Art Galleries:

Puerto Vallarta is rich in history, traditions, art, and culture. Huichol art, crafts, and galleries feature colorful art pieces from an ancestral community. Huichol is multicolor beads that seamlessly blend together to look like animals, pottery, or even jewelry. The art also features sacred objects such as prayer bowls. The Tierra Huichol art gallery features Huichol crafts.

5- Boat Trip to Los Arcos Marine National Park:

Los Acros is also known as The Arches and is home to a group of beautiful granite islands that look like large rock formations. These arches, rocks, or islands did not exist several thousand years ago. They were hills that were a part of the mountainous coastal range. The sea wore down these hills and mountains. Multicolored fish and other species abound below the surface.

6- Go Snorkeling:

A luxury yacht snorkel tour is an adventure you will not regret adding to your trip. Not only do you get to set sail on a catamaran, but you will also snorkel. The friendly crew knows the best places to go sightseeing and provides delicious food and drinks. Look for marine life, such as dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish! You can see humpback whales from December through March.

7-Take a Surf Lesson

The best beaches to surf in Puerto Vallarta are Sayulita, San Pancho, La Bahia, and Punta Burros. Sayulita is one of the most iconic spots because of its friendlier surf breaks. The waves are not too big, fast, or heavy. We recommend taking a surfing lesson if you are a beginner.

8- Go Scuba Diving

The best place to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta is at Las Caletas or Marietas Islands. Book a scuba diving tour to find incredible wildlife and shipwrecks. The certified divers are super friendly!

9-Swim with Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is the ultimate underwater adventure. The excursion we recommend is a 40-minute adventure where you swim with WILD dolphins and learn about their behavior and communication patterns.

10- Enjoy Kayaking or Paddle Boarding

The best tour to go kayaking, snorkeling, and chasing a waterfall in Yelapa is the one I have listed previously!

11- Go Jet Skiing to Los Arcos

Jet skiing in Puerta Vallarta is a thrilling activity that will give you that adrenaline rush. Riding the waves and making quick turns along Los Arcos is an adventure that will exceed your expectations. There is no experience required. The jet skiing tour to Los Arcos is one that you will never forget!

12- Book a Flyboarding Adventure

Flyboarding is perfect for thrill-seekers searching for a unique, adrenaline-pumping adventure. Flyboarding looks difficult; however, certified professionals show you how easy it is.

13- Go Zip-Lining

The best way to experience the beautiful mountains, rivers, and waterfalls in Puerta Vallarta is to go zip-lining through it. Many certified companies offer zipline tours. Canopy Zipline is the safest, best zip-lining tour for you if you are on a budget!

14- Book a Horseback Riding Excursion

The horseback riding tour will also take you to ride an ATV and go zip lining. Exploring Puerto Vallarta on a horse is the perfect way to discover the wonders of nature.

15- Go Hiking to Hidden Beaches or Waterfalls

The hiking trails have breathtaking views because Puerto Vallarta is super mountainous. We recommend booking a hiking tour to several waterfalls or a hiking tour to 6 hidden beaches.

16- Go Rappelling in Sierra Madre Forest

Rappelling down waterfalls is an adventure meant only for adrenaline seekers. The best way to experience rappelling in Sierra Madre forests is with a professional tour guide who provides the proper gear, leads the way, and makes you feel safe and comfortable.

17- Sky Diving

Sky diving is also an adrenaline rush adventure, as you will board a plane that will take you 9,800 feet above the ground.

18- ATV Tour

The best way to experience the Sierra Madre Forest is by driving an ATV through it with a professional tour guide. This half-day adventure will take you through jungle rivers and villages. Both morning and afternoon departures are available.

19- Pirate Ship Dinner Cruise-

Enjoy dinner while on a ship in the sea with Live Music, fireworks, and entertainment. Characters on the boat wear specialized make-up and dress up as pirates. The pirate cruise has delicious dinner options, excellent service, an open bar, and a pirate tavern with special effects!

20- Vallarta Botanical Gardens-

The best way to experience the Sierra Madre Mountain tropical forest is to visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. A few sections of this garden include the Cactus Garden and the Tropical Fruit Orchard. The jungle is where you will cross the hanging bridge and admire the magnificent trees that inhabit the area.

21- Shopping

The best markets to visit are Isla Rio Cuale, a place for souvenirs, and the Old Town Farmers Market, which opens every Saturday at Lazaro Cardenas Park. You can purchase local produce, handicrafts, and delicious snacks at the farmer’s market.

Guided Tours:

• Tour to Yelapa Waterfall
• Pirate Ship Dinner Cruise
• Zip Lining Tour
• Snorkeling and Kayaking Tour
• Scuba Diving Tour
• Swim with Dolphins Excursion
• Flyboarding Lesson
• Horseback Riding
• ATV Tour

We listed 21 things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! Have you ever been to Mexico? Please comment below about your experience.

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Photos from my experience: