from $59 USD
PV Street Food & Culture Tour
Eight to ten tastings across Centro and Zona Romántica
⏱ 3h
✓ Free cancellation
Plan your trip
The best things to do
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Walk the Malecón
The seafront boardwalk through Centro, lined with bronze sculptures — including the Boy on the Seahorse — street performers and sunset views.
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Los Muertos beach and pier
The city's busiest beach, in Zona Romántica, with the sail-shaped pier where water taxis leave for the south shore.
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Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The crown-topped church that defines the Centro skyline, a block from the Malecón.
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Hill of the Cross viewpoint
A steep climb from Centro to a lookout over the old town and the whole bay. Go early or at sunset.
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Isla Cuale and its market
A shaded island in the Cuale River between Centro and Zona Romántica, with craft stalls, cafés and footbridges.
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Snorkel Los Arcos marine park
Granite arches rising out of the bay south of town — a protected marine park for snorkeling, kayaking and diving.
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Whale watching (December–March)
Humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to breed and calve each winter.
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Marietas Islands
A protected island group at the mouth of the bay, famous for the Hidden Beach and blue-footed boobies.
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Yelapa by boat
A car-free village on the south shore, reached only by water — beach, waterfall and fresh fish.
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Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Orchids, jungle trails and a river swimming hole in the hills south of town.
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The south-shore beaches
Small coves along the coast road toward Mismaloya — Las Gemelas, Mismaloya and more — quieter than the city beaches.
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Eat your way through Centro
Tacos, birria, mariscos and agua fresca — a walking food tour, or do it yourself with our restaurant rankings.
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A night at Las Caletas
An evening boat to a candle-lit cove for dinner and a show.
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Naval Museum
A small museum on the Malecón about Mexico's navy and the port's history — good on a hot or rainy afternoon.
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Day trip to Sayulita
The surf town up the Riviera Nayarit coast, with an artisan market and a lively beach.
Free
Free things to do
Public beaches, the Malecón, the viewpoint and Isla Cuale cost nothing.
Tours
With kids
Family-friendly tours, low to moderate effort, fine for young kids.
from $59 USD
from $135 USD
All-Inclusive Mega Catamaran: Yelapa & a Private Beach
Dance across the bay to Yelapa: open bar, lunch and a private beach
⏱ 6.5h
✓ Free cancellation
from $48 USD
Glass-Bottom & Sightseeing Boat — Los Arcos
Spot tropical fish around Los Arcos without having to swim
⏱ 2h
✓ Free cancellation
from $99 USD
⚡ Limited daily access — Book ahead
Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach
Boat to a protected island park: snorkel, kayak and blue-footed boobies
⏱ 7h
✓ Free cancellation
from $109 USD
Las Caletas Beach Day
Boat to a private jungle cove with kayaks, hammocks and open bar
⏱ 7h
✓ Free cancellation
from $79 USD
Tracked links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours are never ranked by commission.
Tours
When it rains (or it's too hot)
Plans that are indoors or in the shade.
from $134 USD
from $165 USD
from $63 USD
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop
Make your own chocolate bar from Mexican cacao
⏱ 2h
✓ Free cancellation
from $129 USD
Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ
World-class aquatic acrobatics paired with a multi-course dinner
⏱ 2.5h
✓ Free cancellation
from $78 USD
Tequila & Mezcal Tasting Tour
Taste eight tequilas and mezcals at three bars
⏱ 2h
✓ Free cancellation
from $299 USD
Tracked links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours are never ranked by commission.
Tours
At night
Evening and night departures.
from $98 USD
from $119 USD
⚡ High Demand — Books weeks ahead
Rhythms of the Night — Las Caletas
Cruise by torchlight to a cliffside dinner and Mayan-inspired show
⏱ 5.5h
✓ Free cancellation
from $59 USD
from $99 USD
⚡ High Demand — Books weeks ahead
Sunset Sailing Cruise
Sail into the sunset: open bar, light dinner and live music
⏱ 3h
✓ Free cancellation
from $94 USD
Bioluminescence Night Kayak
Paddle glowing plankton waters off Boca under dark new-moon skies
⏱ 2h
✓ Free cancellation
from $129 USD
Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ
World-class aquatic acrobatics paired with a multi-course dinner
⏱ 2.5h
✓ Free cancellation
Tracked links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours are never ranked by commission.
Tours
From the cruise port
Tours of 5 hours or less leaving from Marina Vallarta, where cruise ships dock.
from $79 USD
🐋 Whale season starts in about 4 weeks
Whale Watching Tour
Spot humpbacks and listen on the onboard hydrophone (Dec–Mar)
⏱ 3h
✓ Free cancellation
from $800 USD
Private Boat Charter — Half Day
Your own 4-hour private boat for up to 10 guests across the bay
⏱ 4h
✓ Free cancellation
from $415 USD
Sport Fishing — Half Day
Four hours on the bay chasing tuna, mahi-mahi and sailfish
⏱ 4h
✓ Free cancellation
Tracked links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours are never ranked by commission.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
The classics: Walk the Malecón, Los Muertos beach and pier, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Hill of the Cross viewpoint, Isla Cuale and its market, Snorkel Los Arcos marine park.
What can you do for free in Puerto Vallarta?
Free to enjoy: Walk the Malecón, Los Muertos beach and pier, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Hill of the Cross viewpoint, Isla Cuale and its market, The south-shore beaches.
What is there to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids?
Well-reviewed family picks: PV Street Food & Culture Tour, All-Inclusive Mega Catamaran: Yelapa & a Private Beach, Glass-Bottom & Sightseeing Boat — Los Arcos, Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach, Las Caletas Beach Day, Yelapa & Majahuitas Boat Day.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta when it rains?
Indoor or shaded plans: Mexican Cooking Class, Sierra Hot Springs, Massage & Grill, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop, Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ, Tequila & Mezcal Tasting Tour, Private Van & Guide — Custom Day.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta at night?
Evening plans: Food & Mixology Tour, Rhythms of the Night — Las Caletas, Night Street Tacos Tour, Sunset Sailing Cruise, Bioluminescence Night Kayak, Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ.