Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has a wider activity range than most Pacific resort towns — the bay, the jungle, and the old town all offer distinct options.

Whale watching (December–March)

Humpback whales migrate into Banderas Bay in significant numbers each winter to breed. The bay’s size and the whale density make Puerto Vallarta one of the most reliable humpback watching destinations in the Pacific. Half-day tours (3–4 hours) leave from the Marina Norte and Los Muertos Pier. The whales are close to the boat — breaching, tail-slapping, and mother-calf pairs are regularly sighted.

Marieta Islands (Las Islas Marietas)

A national marine reserve 35 km northwest of the city in open ocean. The islands have the Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach) — a beach inside a volcanic crater, accessible through a tunnel only at low tide. The surrounding reef is protected and snorkelling is good. Day tours run from the Marina; entry into the reserve is limited by permit. Book at least several days in advance.

Remote beaches

Several beaches south of Puerto Vallarta are accessible only by water taxi from Los Muertos Pier: Las Ánimas, Quimixto (with a short hike to a waterfall), and Yelapa (a small village with a permanent population, a waterfall, and no road access). The boat trip takes 30–90 minutes depending on destination. Yelapa is the most atmospheric — day trip or overnight.

Jungle activities

The mountains directly behind the city rise steeply. Los Veranos and Vallarta Adventures run zip-line canopy tours through the jungle with views of the bay. The La Colomilla trail is a free hiking option. Boca de Tomatlán (30 minutes south by bus) is the departure point for water taxis and for hikes into the Sierra Madre.

Zona Romántica

The old town neighbourhood south of the Río Cuale has the best restaurant and bar concentration, the main gay beach (Los Muertos), and the most atmospheric streets. The Malecón boardwalk runs north from the Río Cuale and has the main sculpture collection. The Los Arcos amphitheatre at the northern end of the Malecón hosts free evening performances.

Sayulita and the Riviera Nayarit

45 km north — a surf village with a consistent beach break, good tacos, and a more relaxed pace than Puerto Vallarta. Easy half-day from PV. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (35 km north) has a Sunday artisan market and a marina with fishing boat access.