21 Best Puerto Vallarta Excursions & Tours Worth Booking
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Use code NICK10 for a special price on all Vallarta Eats Food Tours! :)
One thing about Puerto Vallarta: you’re never bored — unless you choose to be.
My best friend, Joshua and I went ATVing and it was so damn fun! Here’s the exact tour we took.
Between the beaches, the bay, the jungle, and the surrounding pueblos, there is so much to do here that it can actually feel overwhelming when you’re planning your trip. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone has a “must-do.” And suddenly you’re trying to fit whale watching, tacos, waterfalls, tequila, and a boat day into three days.
Relax. I got you.
Me swinging at the Botanical Gardens in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
2026 Update
I refreshed this for 2026. Two things that changed how I'd book: popular tours (Marietas, whale watching, sunset cruises) sell out in high season, so lock them in before you land, and the Marietas Islands' Hidden Beach has strict, limited access, so always confirm your tour actually includes it.
Before You Book: My Quick Checklist
- Book boat tours for the morning. The water is usually calmer before the afternoon wind picks up.
- Check what's included. Open bar, lunch, snorkel gear and park fees vary a lot between tours that look identical.
- "Free" or super-cheap tour? Ask about timeshare. A lot of those deals come with a sales presentation attached.
- Bring cash for water taxis, tips and beach restaurants.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen for Los Arcos and the Marietas.
- Look for free cancellation in case the weather turns, especially June through October.
Top Excursions at a Glance
| Experience | Why book it | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Los Arcos snorkeling | Closest snorkel spot, half-day | See tours → |
| Yelapa catamaran | Lunch, open bar, waterfall | See tours → |
| Marietas Islands | Wildlife + the Hidden Beach | See tours → |
| Whale watching | December to March only | See tours → |
| ATV / jungle tour | Mud, views, adrenaline | See tours → |
| Sayulita day trip | Surf town energy | See tours → |
| San Sebastián del Oeste | Mountains & Pueblo Mágico | See tours → |
| Food or tequila tour | The tastiest half-day | See tours → |
My Digital Guide
The Ultimate GAY AF Puerto Vallarta Guide
Everything I learned living in PV, in one place: where to stay, where to eat, the bars, the beaches and the stuff nobody tells you before you land.
Get the Puerto Vallarta Guide →This guide breaks down 20 excursions and tours in Puerto Vallarta and nearby areas that are actually worth considering — whether you’re here for a long weekend, a full week, or somewhere in between. These are the types of experiences people consistently book, enjoy, and talk about after their trip.
Think of this as your “choose-your-own-adventure” list — not a checklist you need to complete to feel accomplished.
Boat, Island & Ocean Excursions
1. Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour & Snorkeling
Snorkeling around Los Arcos National Marine Park is one of the most iconic experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
A classic Vallarta experience with beach time, food, drinks, and ocean views.
Big yacht energy, spacious decks, and a more elevated cruising experience.
Perfect if you want a relaxed, romantic way to experience Vallarta from the water.
5. Whale Watching Cruise (Seasonal)
From December to March, humpback whales migrate through Banderas Bay. The best times to go are January-February. More information on whale watching here.
6. Bioluminescence Night Boat Tour
A surreal nighttime experience where the water literally glows.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Boutique Romantic / Gay-Owned Vibe
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Villa Premiere — Adults-only beachfront, butler service – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Casa Velas — All-inclusive luxury, adults-only escape – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hacienda San Angel — Michelin-key boutique, hillside romance – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Playa Los Arcos — Classic beachfront, longtime gay favorite – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐ Villa Lola — Intimate adults-only B&B charm – Click here for rates & availability
Nature, Jungle & Waterfall Adventures
7. Los Arcos, Ánimas & Quimixto Boat Tour
Snorkeling, beach villages, and waterfall hikes all in one day.
8. Vallarta Botanical Gardens + Tequila & Coffee Tour
A peaceful escape into the mountains with culture, nature, and tastings.
9. El Edén Waterfalls Tour
Lush jungle scenery and refreshing waterfalls outside the city.
10. Bioluminescent Kayaking at Los Arcos
Kayak over glowing water for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Get Travel Insurance (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
Look, I know insurance isn’t the sexy part of planning a trip. But I promise you do NOT want to be the person paying out of pocket for a hospital visit after a scooter accident, some bad street food, or a surprise trip to the ER in a country where you don’t speak the language. I use SafetyWing because it’s built for people like us who bounce from country to country, and you can sign up even after you’ve already left home.
Wildlife Experiences
11. Dolphin & Marine Wildlife Experience
A family-friendly and controlled way to experience marine animals.
12. Whale & Dolphin Watching with Hydrophone
Hear whales underwater while watching them in the wild.
13. Swimming with Sea Turtles (Seasonal)
A gentle and respectful way to observe turtles in protected waters.
Where I'd Stay in Puerto Vallarta
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Joint Boutique Hotel – My top pick – Book direct, code BGBA = 10% off
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Almar Resort – Steps from the pier – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Mercurio – Zona Romántica pool – Click here for rates & availability
Full breakdown by area in Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta.
Adventure & Adrenaline Tours
14. Zipline Canopy Tour in the Sierra Madre
One of the most popular adventure activities in Puerto Vallarta.
15. Zipline & Speedboat Combo Tour
High-energy jungle thrills paired with a fast boat ride.
16. Zipline & Snorkeling Combo Tour
Adventure plus ocean time without overdoing it.
17. ATV or Dune Buggy Jungle Adventure
Dusty, loud, and ridiculously fun — great for groups. Most come with a tequila tasting ;) makes it even more fun!
18. Outdoor Zipline & Adventure Park Experience
A structured adventure park with multiple zip lines and safety focus.
Culture, Food & City Experiences
19. Vallarta Eats Food Tours
Explore Vallarta’s taco scene with a local guide. Use my code NICK10 for a special rate on my exclusive food tour provider. I only use Vallarta Eats food tours! They are gay owned and the best in town :)
20. Downtown & Los Muertos E-Bike Tour
An easy way to see the Malecón, Romantic Zone, and historic areas.
21. Jet’s Naked Cruise
Get naked and enjoy the beaches in complete freedom, under the shade of palm trees, you’ll be escorted to a private beach where you’ll be allowed to do whatever you want… all NAKED. Use my code NICKG for a special price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Vallarta Excursions
Are Puerto Vallarta excursions safe?
Yes. Most tours are professionally run with trained guides and safety protocols, especially water and adventure excursions. Read more about safety in PV here.
Should I book excursions ahead of time?
Yes — especially for whale watching, catamaran cruises, ziplining, and taco tours. Booking ahead locks in availability and better time slots.
What’s the best excursion for first-time visitors?
A boat tour (Los Arcos or Yelapa) plus a taco tour with Vallarta Eats (use my code NICK10 for the discount) is a perfect introduction to Vallarta.
Are these tours good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Boat tours and food tours are especially social and great for meeting people.
Are excursions expensive?
Compared to many beach destinations, Puerto Vallarta tours are reasonably priced — especially considering transportation, food, and equipment are often included. Nothing really goes over $100 per person, which for a lengthy excursion, that’s pretty reasonable!
Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta offers way more than beaches. Whether you want jungle adventures, cultural depth, wildlife encounters, or a chill boat day, there’s an excursion here that fits your energy.
Choose intentionally — not competitively — and your trip will hit every time.