Puerto Vallarta has the advantage of being sandwiched between the lovely Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre Mountains. This makes it both an eco-adventure landing pad as well as a modern beach resort with a ton of possibilities. Visit Puerto Vallarta and you have a chance to enjoy its vibrant exotic nature as well as absorb its warmth born out of the resort’s historical heritage. It is the only destination in the Mexican Riviera assures you of excellent ecotourism adventures, world-class restaurants as well as super relaxing beaches. Getting to the resort is a piece of cake as it is frequented by the major cruise lines.
Many Gripping Excursions and Activities Await You in Puerto Vallarta
In this port of call on your Mexican Riviera cruise you can combine more interesting and exciting activities all in one and have the fun of a lifetime. Las Marietas Islands have a thriving population of blue-footed booby birds that would attract any naturalist’s attention. You can have a go at spotting them then combine that with watching humpback whales in the Banderas Bay. A good day however will include homage to John Houston and Ava Gardner’s spot in making “The Night of the Iguana” and a snorkeling outing in either Las Caletas or Mismaloya beaches. Discover the many options for shore excursions and activities that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
1. ATV Adventure
Grab your wishlist and add an ATV adventure to your things to do in Puerto Vallarta list to get a guaranteed unforgettable experience on the bumpy Cuale Mountain road. No, don’t worry if you haven’t done it before because, on the base camp, the guide will equip you with all the ATV riding equipment, including goggles, bandana, helmet, and a proper safety briefing followed by a driving test for the beginners to make sure that no one gets hurt during this thrilling ride. And then the adventure begins! You can rush your 4-wheel drive to combat your fear of riding an ATV in the mountains. So, gear up to experience the thrill of riding an ATV on the unpaved road, dusty and uneven trails!
2. Las Caletas Private Beach Getaway
When you are in Puerta Vallarta, you can have a glimpse of paradise when your cruise sail to take you to secluded Las Caletas. Secluded Las Caletas is a beach framed by a lush green jungle, crystal clear waters, blue sky, and crystal sand. It is the best spot for a private tour where you can enjoy a delicious island buffet to fill your tummy before further exploration. You can enjoy a number of activities to add to your fun, including kayaking and playing with the water while paddle boarding or snorkeling. Also, don’t forget to treat yourself to some locals at the parrot monkey encounter. You can end your trip with a mild and fun clay-modeling class and a refreshing nature hike through the paths that were unknown to you before.
If you are a youngster full of zest and zeal, Puerto Vallarta has an exhilarating experience of free falling. So, don’t you miss it!
3. Tequila Tasting and Mayahuel Show
On your list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta, don’t forget to add Tequila Tasting at Viva Tequila Museum and treat your taste buds with the finest tequilas. A jolly master of his art, Tequila Master, will demonstrate to you how Mexico is the hub of producing the world’s finest tequilas. Get ready to enhance your knowledge about four different varieties of tequilas that Mexico serves the world with, including Oro (gold), Reposado (rested), Blanco (white), and Añejo (aged).
You won’t want to miss for sure the Mayahuel Show, where people gather to celebrate the Aztec culture and the legend of the goddess of Tequila. Here you can treat your eyes with brilliant circus-style acrobatics and your ears with original authentic music! Roll up your sleeves to be a part of a gathering where you all can see your taste buds dancing to the rhythms of pouring tequila into the glasses!
4. Whale Watching
Nothing can be better than seeing the biggest mammals in their natural habitat enjoying wildlife and being in the Zodiac is the best way to explore the exhilarating experience of wild water life. Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the incredible destinations for seeing whales and enjoying their jaw-dropping backflips to amaze the audience. There is no chance you will miss this splendid sight because there are sheltered bays along the coastline that are perfect for the whales to breed and calve.
Puerto Vallarta sees fantastic whale migration and can give you prime time for whale-watching and a nice experience to add to your list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
5. Jungle Adrenaline Adventure
Your ultimate adventure can never be perked up without you getting on your speedboat, cutting the fierce waves in half, and rushing towards secluded Boca de Tomatlan beach while you hold the map of the forest that you are going to explore! When you get there, a van or a 4WD vehicle awaits you to get you into the heart of the forest, which is a true sign of scenic beauty and the diverse ecological habitat of paradise. No worries if you haven’t done it before because you will be equipped with helmets, harnesses, and a safety guide to keep you safe throughout the exploration.
The adventure brings you so many new experiences, including trekking through the bumpy roads of wood, splashing the stream water, rappelling through the waterfalls, and soaring 200 feet above the ground via ziplines. Explore as much as possible, and don’t forget to pack your camera with you because the scenes, the moments, the days, and the nights spent there are always worth capturing!
6. Marieta Islands
Eco-discovery is one of the finest things to do in Puerta Vallarta that you can be gratified by on the Marieta Islands. The journey starts with a catamaran ride through crystal waters. You can let loose your Kayak or dive deep into the water for some unforgettable snorkeling experience through the open sea and caverns and “shake hands” with whales, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. Whip yourself into shape to snap on the Instagramable surroundings on the island!
7. Horseback Ride Experience
Push your limits when you are in Puerta Vallarta with a thrilling Horseback ride experience. A riding is the best way to explore the picturesque landscape of Mexico and indulge yourself in the regional cultural charm. A whole caravan awaits you in the Mascota River canyon, along with your ride guide, to introduce you to the past quaint villages. In addition, your guide will equip you with knowledge about the natural ecosystem. Also, you would never want to miss steering your way to the tucked-up Doña Engracia hacienda, a place where you can learn the process of cooking, fermenting, distilling, and aging Mexico’s most famous spirit.
Pluck up your courage for this horse ride experience, where you can also sip on the world’s finest tequilas, wonderful beers, and refreshing margaritas from an open bar! Sounds delicious? Of course, it is!
8. Jeep Safari
Treat yourself to the scenic Mexican countryside, cultural highlights, and seaside peace and relaxation by gearing yourself up for a jeep safari! Hop on the driver’s seat, fasten your seat belt and get ready to have a thrilling ride through the picturesque Sierra Madre Mountains, where you serve your eyes with past quaint Villages, fruit gardens, and jaw-dropping natural landscape that makes Mexico a true synonym to Paradise. Then, unwind your leisure with the action-packed jeep safari when you drive up your jeep to a luxury mountain villa, “La Dulce Vista,” to capture so many beautiful memories in an incredible natural reserve, Patrimony of the Humanity.
So, harden your heart for this rip-roaring jeep safari experience because it is your sign to discover the best of Mexico and untamed beauty on a 4WD tour with your homies!
9. Luxury Sailing & Snorkel
Luxury sailing and snorkeling are one of the most rewarding things to do in Puerta Vallarta, where you can soak in the brightest sun, sail through the crystal-clear water, and spend quality time on a luxury yacht. Inaugurate your journey through Banderas Bay and luxuriate in the finger-licking delicious food, yummy drinks, snorkeling, and wildlife sighting. If you haven’t had such an experience before, the lifeguards and attentive guides will always have your back. You can also get your hands on the wheel of a sailing vessel, and your seasoned captain will help you learn how to steer it.
You can rest your eyes on the luxurious scenery and admire nature’s gift in the form of jaw-dropping seascapes. Wind up to take a dive in turquoise-tinged Pacific Ocean water to greet sea creatures that you just saw on the screen up until now!
10. Sayulita & San Pancho Village
Let’s have a look at another one of the best things to do in Puerta Vallarta, which is embracing the relaxed sun and a vibrant seaside vibe at Sayulita & San Pancho Village. This whole adventure dazzles you with cooking lessons, treats you with a delicious lunch feast, and offers a guided walk flamboyant culture center of San Pancho. You can continue enjoying the whole vibe by driving in a luxury air-conditioned van to the eclectic, hipster ambiance of Sayulita, where surfers from the world breeze in to catch the perfect wave. Don’t forget to put your feet on the ground of the “Crown Jewel” of Mexico, which is this laid-back beach town. It is the cultural heartthrob of Mexico, fenced in the dense forest.
Every mile is a new story so put yourself through your paces to sip fresh coconut water, learn to cook authentic tacos, and take your hats off to the tranquil beachside appeal of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit!
11. Canopy Adventure
The Canopy Adventure is one of these enthralling events you can partake in. Zip lines span through the forestry as you travel with a small team through intimate locales high above the ground floor.
12. Sea Lion Encounter
Yet fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta is not all about soaking up the sun, traversing through the forest, and indulging in the more comfortable parts of life. Events for the whole family include an inspiring seal bathing pool where families can swim with the local sea life and watch them perform. This is not some forced confinement, for the seals swim naturally and remain lively.
13. Rhythms of the Night Dance Show
The Rhythms of the Night show takes things right through the sunset and into the evening. Featuring an exquisite dining area right there in the cabana expanse of the restaurant, musicians perform local music and out of this world dishes are served surrounded by torches, performance artists and rich Mexican culture.
14. Dolphin Encounter
For fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta, cap everything off with its famous dolphin swim. All ages are welcome to dance with the dolphins in their own intimate and secluded way.
Captivating Vacationers for Decades
Puerto Vallarta is perhaps the most iconic vacation spot in the entirety of Mexico. Located a few hours north of Colima and halfway down the country, this beachside resort is almost an entire vacation town unto its own. Vacationers have helped mold the town into their perfect idea of a getaway over the last few decades, and it has slowly evolved into a perfect encapsulation of beach retreats, elegant cocktails and incredible events.
Cruise to Puerto Vallarta
Taking a cruise to Puerto Vallarta is fun whichever way you look at it. It can elevate a simple honeymoon to ecclesiastic heights and leave you with indelible memories. It also is a fun way of making lifelong friends while enjoying the pleasure of stunning scenery.
When to Visit Puerto Vallarta
Being a subtropical region, this Mexican port is welcoming almost all months of the year. The months of April, May, and June however are the most preferable as the weather is very pleasant. The resort is bearable during the other months of the year, and the only limitations are the shore excursions and activities you are interested in. During the wet months of July through to September, the heavy rains prevent much sightseeing.
Regardless of your travel time, booking now will entitle you to very fair rates. Book your Mexico cruise now!