Sightseeing & traditions in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta - Half-day snorkel and paddle-boarding tour from Puerto Vallarta

Make a beeline for Banderas Bay, one of Puerto Vallarta's top coastal spots, on this watersports-filled day. You'll head out into the bay on a snorkelling trip, swimming around Los Arcos, the huge arched rock formations that seem to float in the water. Then, test out your balance at the jungle-fringed Colomitos Beach as you go paddle-boarding across the peaceful bay. Your experienced guides will be there to keep you safe and point out the local wildlife, like colourful reef fish and perhaps even dolphins. Plus, from December to March it's peak whale-watching season, so you might be lucky enough to spot humpbacks in their Banderas Bay breeding grounds.

Puerto Vallarta - Six-hour sport fishing tour from Puerto Vallarta

Out on the waters of Banderas Bay, you're not just catching fish, you're chasing the thrill of landing the biggest prize of the day – and the bragging rights that go with it. From Puerto Vallarta, you'll head to the largest bay in Mexico, where you don't have cruise too far offshore to find deep water that's home to species like snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi and mackerel. Your experienced captain will steer you to the best spots for this six-hour, deep-sea adventure and share top tips, so whether you're a first-time fisher or an experienced angler, the crew have you covered.

Puerto Vallarta - Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ show in Puerto Vallarta

Creativity takes centre stage at Cirque du Soleil's LUDÕ, an immersive show inspired by the mystery of Mexico's jungle cenotes. Following the theatre director Ludovico's journey through imagination, memory and self-discovery, every moment combines storytelling with the artistry Cirque du Soleil is known for. The custom-built theatre transforms water into part of the spectacle, creating a setting where acrobatics, music and visual effects flow seamlessly together. We recommend arriving around an hour before the performance, and as there's no food or drink service during the show, it's worth planning ahead. There's also the option to pair the performance with a specially designed dinner. Each course has been created to reflect a chapter of the story, turning the meal into part of the performance through carefully crafted flavours, textures and presentation.

Puerto Vallarta - Puerto Vallarta adrenaline adventure with jet boat, ATV and parasailing

Ready to feel truly alive? This is Puerto Vallarta at its most exhilarating. You'll soar above sparkling waters while parasailing, grip tight during a heart-racing jet boat ride, then head into the Sierra Madre for the ultimate adrenaline cocktail. Think ziplining across one of Mexico's longest lines, free-falling on the Pendulum, tearing through jungle trails on a Polaris ATV, and experiencing the feeling of freefall in a wind tunnel. It's six epic thrills in one unforgettable day, with transport, snacks and safety gear included. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

Puerto Vallarta - Banderas Bay sea safari and horse ride ticket

See Banderas Bay from both above and below the waves on this jam-packed adventure. Zoom across Banderas Bay on a speedboat to explore the fishing village of Quimixto, visiting a traditional home where you'll get to try authentic tacos made with handmade tortillas, a true taste of the local cuisine. A riverside horseback ride is next, finishing at Pizota beach where you can snorkel or kayak among abundant marine life, before finishing the day with a beachfront BBQ.

Puerto Vallarta - Two Tank Scuba Diving at Marietas Island

Just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta lies an island where crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and a tropical uninhabited landscape make a great base for a day of scuba diving. You'll experience Banderas Bay's underwater world with waters teaming with wildlife including giant manta rays and whales as well as colourful indigenous birds.If you're a certified scuba diver then this day tour to Marietas Islands is ideal for getting up close to Mexico's diverse species. You'll set sail from Puerto Vallarta to the island where you'll then have time to dive into the water while keeping your eyes peeled for whales, giant manta rays, turtles and if you're lucky you might even spot dolphins and sailfish.What's more, even if you're not a certified scuba diver you can still join in with all the fun by kayaking or snorkelling. Afterwards it's time for a bird watching tour to spot all the incredible species such as the blue-footed booby and red-billed tropicbird before stopping for lunch and heading back to the mainland.

Puerto Vallarta - Vallarta Adventures Sayulita & San Pancho Tour

If getting to know authentic Mexico is high on your list, then this tour to Sayulita and San Pancho is a must. You'll get to know the local communities by helping out with projects, as well as discovering the hidden treasures strewn around these bohemian, culture-rich towns.As a world-renowned surfers' retreat, Sayulita is funky and cool. Your guide will take you on a walk around the colourful town, delighting you with its eclectic handicrafts, inviting beaches and tasty food.Next up is the ‘Magical Town' of San Pancho, just north of Puerto Vallarta. Here, you'll learn about the Entreamigos project – an initiative to recycle rubbish into art and help enrich children's lives – and taste the artisan chocolate on offer. You'll also swing by a local school before rounding off the tour with lunch at a nearby beach club.

Puerto Vallarta - Outdoor Adventure Ticket

This outdoor adventure runs through the full gamut of emotions – from a slow-paced mule ride to high octane ziplines and full throttle waterslides. An immersive rollercoaster ride loaded with challenges and non-stop thrills. Prepare to see Mexico's great outdoors like you've never seem them before.

Puerto Vallarta - Extreme Adventure Ticket

If your holiday could do with a bit of the X factor, then this extreme adventure is just the ticket. You'll power your way into the jungle in a UTV for an exhilarating off-road trail, be able to try out the Maya climber, speed down a waterslide and then zoom over the treetops on Mexico's longest and fastest zipline.

Puerto Vallarta - Yelapa & Majahuitas Beach Boat Cruise Ticket

Just south of Puerto Vallarta lie remote jungle-fringed coves and villages. This boat trip visits the secluded Majahuitas beach and colourful Yelapa village. So, if you're looking to enjoy a day out surrounded by nothing but nature and tranquillity, then this tour is ideal for you.Explore the secret hideaways closely guarded by Banderas Bay as you set out from Puerto Vallarta early in the morning. We'll start at Yelapa, a remote fishing village where you'll find a picture-perfect golden beach and, in rainy season, a photogenic waterfall.Then it's on to Majahuitas beach, where you'll find a laid-back hippie chic style and a secluded sandy cove washed by clear emerald waters – ideal for snorkelling, swimming and kayaking. With a full day to explore, relax and have some lunch, you'll discover some of Mexico's most peaceful locations – an ideal day trip from Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta - Puerto Vallarta luxury sunset sailing cruise

Watching the sun set into the Pacific is one of those experiences that say: ‘This is Puerto Vallarta'. You'll sail on a luxury yacht to enjoy an evening sunset cruise, relax with your loved ones and see downtown Puerto Vallarta wind down for the evening. Nibbles are served on board and there's an open bar.

Puerto Vallarta - Puerto Vallarta Scuba Diving Ticket

You're in just the right place to either try scuba diving as a beginner or notch up your number of dives as a certified diver. Take your pick from a selection of dives in and around Puerto Vallarta that suit your level and explore the underwater world on Mexico's Pacific coast.

Puerto Vallarta - Rhythms of the Night show ticket

A romantic evening of cruises, candlelit dinners and a performance awaits at Rhythms of the Night. You'll sail from Puerto Vallarta to the secluded beach of Las Caletas, where you'll be served a dinner followed after a show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

Puerto Vallarta - Puerto Vallarta Inland Villages with Cooking Class

You'll get a real taste for the area inland from Puerto Vallarta on this tour. The fun begins at an organic cocoa farm, where you'll learn all about the bean the Maya turned into chocolate while enjoying tastings. Then you'll visit a couple of typical dusty villages, known locally as pueblitos. Buy fresh produce at the market and cook it all up in with the help of a local chef.

Puerto Vallarta - Ocean Mania Water Park

Adrenaline junkies are in for a treat on this action-packed day out at Puerto Vallarta's Ocean Mania. Board a speedboat across Banderas Bay to a secluded ocean cove, where you'll find a variety of activities to stir your senses. Plummet into the water on a zipline, test your fear of heights on the ‘Step-Up' or nosedive into the ocean at lightning-fast speeds on the ‘Thriller' – a jet boat to remember.

Puerto Vallarta - Puerto Vallarta Mountains & Old Town Tour

Combining the scenery of the countryside and the cityscapes of Puerto Vallarta, this full day tour is the best of both worlds. Spend the morning in the mountains, swinging in hammocks and tucking into breakfast, while the afternoon is reserved for exploring the cultural sights of the old town.

Puerto Vallarta - Puerto Vallarta Luxury Yacht & Snorkelling Tour

Sailing and snorkelling are always fun. But when you're doing so from a luxury yacht, you're talking gold standard. And that's what's on the menu during this fantastic morning excursion with the icing on the cake being a visit to the secluded Majahuitas cove.

Puerto Vallarta - Banderas Bay Luxury Sailing Ticket

The Pacific coast looks even more spectacular from the vantage point of this luxury sailboat. Soak up the vistas, sunshine and cooling sea breeze. From Puerto Vallarta, you'll hop on a sailboat – the ultimate in luxury and sleek design – and cruise through Banderas Bay. There's a swimming stop and lunch on board is included.

Puerto Vallarta - Aquaventuras Park dolphin encounter ticket

Your bucket-list dolphin moment awaits at Aquaventuras Park. This relaxed, platform-based experience is perfect for all ages. You'll start by hearing fun facts about dolphin behaviour and anatomy, then you'll enjoy cool interactions like the dolphin kiss, fin shake, swim-by and more, all with a marine mammal specialist by your side. Afterwards, there's time to dive into all the waterpark has to offer like water slides, zip-lining and marine shows.

Puerto Vallarta - Marietas Islands Catamaran Cruise Ticket

Just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, you'll find the secluded Marietas Islands – and the best snorkelling conditions in the bay. You'll cruise over by catamaran and discover the submarine beauty of this uninhabited archipelago, exploring the abundant marine life protected by the underwater national park status.You'll sail across Banderas Bay towards the Marietas. When the captain drops anchor, your guides will take you snorkeling and introduce you to all the creatures that call Marietas home. It's not hard to see why famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau fell in love with these islands and started the movement to protect them.Also included is a BBQ lunch at the exclusive Majahuitas Beach Club, which is located at one of the most secluded and beautiful beaches on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Amid all that natural beauty, you can relax at the club or enjoy activities like snorkeling, paddleboard and kayaking.