The whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta runs from December to April with multiple tours in Banderas Bayrunning every day during this time. Drag shows are fun and entertaining and involve someone dressed in drag usually lip singing to music. Another option is to head North towards the Hotel Zone. If you want to see more of Puerto Vallarta without walking all day in the heat, the hop-on-hop-off tour is a perfect choice! This would be the perfect place to drink if youre visiting Puerto Vallarta on your honeymoon. You must book this tour in advance and you can do so here. Some of the best things to do in Sayulita include surfing, a day trip to San Pancho, hiking, and eating lots of delicious food. Its theatrical and a whole lot of fun. Its the perfect way to learn more about the culture and history, including some great insider secrets into the city! However, it is possible to go to Tequila on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta. On top of that, they have personal hummingbird feeders, so we got to watch them eat right from our hands! Great article. The cruise sets off just in time to enoy that magical PV sunset from out on the water too. A parasailing tour costs around $60 USD per person and they last for around 15 minutes. Throughout Puerto Vallarta, everyone celebrates the birth of Christ with gatherings called posadas, where people re-enact Joseph and Marys search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. For an easy beach to hang out at this is the one. Touring the oldest tequila distilleries in the world is still one of the best things I did in Mexico! This national holiday is celebrated widely with fireworks and other special events you wont want to miss! Skydiving sounds scary, but thats the point! If youre traveling during these uncertain times, be sure that you have travel insurance! The Romantic Zone is the place I often choose to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Every single person seemed to have a great time. They have some of the best cocktails and drinks at this rooftop lounge the perfect addition to a romantic evening looking at the sunset. This specific tour takes you out to view these large creatures and includes lunch and drinks. As you can see, its an excellent opportunity to have some amazing local culinary experiences at a discount! Its a nice beach as there isnt much for waves and it is within walking distance from both the Malecon and central area. Some of these beaches include Playa Palmares and Playa Esmerelda. In fact, to me, it is one of the best things to do in all of Mexico! Browse all hotels in Puerto Vallarta here! Here are some of our other Mexico blogs that you might be interested in: I hope these amazing things to do in Puerto Vallarta keep you busy and help you have the best vacation possible! The hike starts at the foothills just outside of downtown and there are signs along the way. Luckily, after many visits to Puerto Vallarta, Ive just about done it all. We love Mexico and have traveled all over Mexico (on a couple of different occasions!) They also have an extensive wine list as well as tequila. Youll hear canons going off every morning to kick off the celebration. The tour will provide snorkeling equipment and take you out on a boat to visit a resident bottlenose dolphin group. It is the ultimate adventure experience in Puerto Vallarta and comes highly recommended by many travelers! To save some money, you can buy VIP passes to popular nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta that allow you to skip the line and have an open bar! And for that reason, your only option is to go on a private tour. If you head to the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, you will find the larger nightclubs. Browse all hotels in Puerto Vallarta here! Make sure to bring your own shade and snacks as buying these things will be nearly impossible here. The boat is also licensed for whale watching so you might get lucky enough to spot a humpback whale while youre out on the water too! Every other Friday from 6 to 10 pm (between early November and early April), several shops and businesses along the popular streets of Basilio Badillo and Constitucin have joined forces to create the South Side Shuffle. They follow the American standards for skydiving which means they have excellent safety standards. The same company we did our tour with also offers an evening tour. I was surprised at the wide variety of nationalities and ages of the people who decided to jump out of an airplane for the first time in Puerto Vallarta. You may also see dolphins and seals too. Their total migration route extends to about 5000 km (3000 mi). Its the perfect day out for nature lovers. I'm planning a trip in August. Some people would enjoy the many restaurants lining the beach as they provide services and lounge chairs/umbrellas for rent. During certain times of the year, you may even see whales! It clearly is a very popular thing to do for tourists from all walks of life in Puerto Vallarta! This vibrant destination celebrates the flavors of its cuisine, as well as regional, local, and national festivities, sporting events, and seasonal activities. On the way out to see dolphins, you may also get to see whales, turtles, or even orcas. The tour begins with a 7 pm check-in at the port, and we arrived back at around 1 am its a long night but great value for money. Every night of the week there are various clubs and bars open. All gear and bait are provided and your expert guide will teach you everything you need to know! The entrance to the gardens is 200 pesos per person, and once in, you can explore the many hiking trails and even enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Youll be able to release a baby turtle, who will return to one of our beaches to lay its eggs upon reaching adulthood. If you are a fan View more, The greatest gourmet tradition in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. During Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer 3-course menus at a reduced price for three whole weeks. On this 1 hour cruise, you can enjoy a drink (or many drinks, as we did) onboard a catamaran while enjoying the famous PV sunset. You can go sport fishing in Puerto Vallarta and have the chance to catch fish such as wahoo, sailfish, skipjack tuna and dorado. Turtle liberation ceremonies are held daily during the season at participating hotel beaches and turtle camps. On the way back, we also got to enjoy a really cool tequila tasting! For first-time visitors though, the only problem with going to Puerto Vallarta is choosing all the amazing activities you want to do. Swimming with wild dolphins is a magical experience. This is an area of several untouched pristine tiny islands the perfect place to relax and explore some of the best natural beauty Puerto Vallarta has to offer. These are not low-key by any means, perfect for anybody looking to dance. You can ride the local bus to get there which is the cheapest option, but not the most comfortable or quickest. Keep up to date on upcoming events, festivals and celebrations in Puerto Vallarta. They have TV screens too that play popular sports games and youll often find the place packed. You can either book a few nights at an all-inclusive or even just book a day pass to use the amenities like pools, open bar, or buffet. Expect canons and fireworks and people jumping overboard. I have not only lived in Puerto Vallarta but often visit the city for amazing beach getaways! This half-day tour will take you out on a boat and provide snorkeling equipment. Thanks for the useful info, great description on things to do in Puerto V.! There are a few different options around for beaches depending on what you are looking for. Thats why deciding where to stay in Puerto Vallarta can be so challenging. It is definitely one most beautiful places to skydive in the world. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once youve left your home country we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport. It is located right on the beach and also offers an outdoor pool and on-site restaurant. Daniel did all of his Jumps with Skydive Vallarta. It is exciting, but its also beautiful! It is located in the heart of the Romantic Zone and is super affordable. We were very impressed with the dinner. Also, this area in Puerto Vallarta is very safe so dont worry about walking if thats what you want to do. This blog may contain affiliate links. Even if you arent staying in the Romantic Zone, Panchos Takos is worth the taxi or Uber ride there. While they may not be the best way to experience the culture of a new place, they offer pure relaxation! Youll also stop at Majahuitas Beach which is very secluded and tranquil. This particular excursion from Puerto Vallarta gives you the chance to swim with dolphins in their own natural environment. You can get meals like these at most places but my favorite is Mariscos el Colera in the Romantic Zone. Believe me, you cant miss them as you will hear their music a mile away. If you go for Happy Hour, 5:30-8:30 pm daily, you can get 2 for 1 cocktails! They also have a late night club with a DJ, tennis court, and gym. I recommend doing this as the taxi cuts off a lot of the uphill walking. Some top locations to stop at are Monzon Brewing located in Zona Romantica, Los Muertos Brewing (just down the street), or El Terrible Brewing, located downtown. Youll learn all about how chocolate is made and make your own unique creation. Wherever you end up, get a flight and try a few kinds! Each year Puerto Vallartas City Hall and the Cultural Center offer special altar exhibitions. The Rhythms of the Night tour is a full-on evening experience. Related Read: Swimming with wild dolphins is also one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. We got to watch hummingbirds and listen to the rainforest with a coffee in hand it was magical! We've actually been traveling non-stop for the last few years now, so we really are living a "destinationless" lifestyle! I definitely recommend taking a stroll along the Malecon (boardwalk) or relaxing at Playa Los Muertos, one of the best beaches in the city. The tour we did took us along a dirt road that was really muddy in places (it was the wet season.) Most people in Puerto Vallarta speak some English so getting around is quite simple. Its free to join and no registration is necessary. I actually spent two nights there so I could really experience what it had to offer visitors. 30 FUN Things to do in Edmonton in Winter, The specific tour actually visits Hidden Beach, book this tour in advance and you can do so here, visit the Bontanical Gardens on this guided tour, this company offers an amazing scuba tour, this introductory dive with a highly rated company, buy VIP passes to popular nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta, This particular excursion from Puerto Vallarta, the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has a large craft beer scene, best tours and excursions in Puerto Vallarta, hotel options in Puerto Vallarta seem endles. Home Destination Guides North America Mexico 33 Absolute BEST Things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Posted on Last updated: May 19, 2022 By: Author destinationlesstravel, Categories Destination Guides, Mexico, North America. To properly showcase each restaurants signature flavors, there are multiple options to choose from for every course. World Nomads is a good option for anybody looking for fully comprehensive travel insurance including things like trip cancellation and adventure activities. The pizzas are huge and easily can feed 3 or more people. The people are friendly and the drinks are cheap, so it easily makes for a fun night out on the town. TheRhythms of the Night dinner showis the most highly rated show in all of Puerto Vallarta, and therefore, one of the absolute best things to do! A taco at Panchos will cost you around 20 pesos, but theyre loaded with meat. This celebration honors the memory of those who sailed out in the ship Tabasco in Veracruz the first Mexican merchant ship along with all sailors whove lost their lives on the sea. The Rhythm of the Night show was actually conceived by the co-founder of Cirque de Soleil, so it is an impressive combination of acrobatics, theatrics, and music and dance. Some of the most popular include La Vaquita and Zoo Bar. Just head to the end of Abasolo Street and you will see the stairs. Youll enjoy exploring the city and scenic views from the top of a double-decker bus. Puerto Vallartas Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (Parroquia de Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe) is a gorgeous cathedral that dominates the skyline of the city truly postcard perfect. You can easily visit Sayulita on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta. It also stops at San Pancho (another gorgeous beach) and includes an hour surf or boogie board rental in Sayulita! However, there is one place in Puerto Vallartas Romantic Zone that just about trumps them all. This fishing tour takes you out on a specialized fishing boat with your own group (4 people max.) It starts with a sunset dinner cruise in the Bay of Banderas. Sayulita is a famous surfing destination and it is very close to Puerto Vallarta, which means theres no reason you cant go to this annual event that draws surfers from all over the world. On just about every street around the Malecon, you can find tons of vendors selling everything from jewelry to clothing. One downside to this beach is how busy it is. One of the most popular spots is The Flamingo which always has a full dancefloor, or, head to The Margarita Grill for live music and a seat at their bustling bar. One of the most popular tours in Puerto Vallarta is the Pirate Ship Cruise and Show. Some of the highlights are exploring different caverns and archways by kayak or paddleboard and then seeing fish, turtles, and other sea life while snorkeling! The restaurants architecture is stunning and a must-see attraction all on its own. We stuck to cocktails and a bottle of wine when we visited, but other tables around us were ordering some very fancy bottles of tequila. We highly recommend the taco tour we did with Vallarta Eats Food Tours. The tour also includes lunch! This taco tour weaved its way through the less touristic streets of the La Zona Romantica in Puerto Vallarta visiting individual families street stalls as well as to local hot-spot restaurants (check out the restaurant Cisneros for the best seafood tacos!). Afterward, explore the neighborhoods many fine bars and restaurants. One of my favorite places to shop, though, is at the Cuale Island Flea Market in town. Regardless though, riding an ATV in the jungle near Puerto Vallarta is really one of the most exciting things to do! They come highly rated and visit some of the most beautiful and remote spots. From ATV tours to exploring nearby beaches, the list of activities Ive done in Puerto Vallarta just keeps growing. It takes about two hours and youll be led by a certified guide through the historic downtown area. Just over an hours drive from Puerto Vallarta is the beachside town of Sayulita. Make sure to ask about the brewing process, inspirations, and favorite brews to learn a bit more about what makes Mexican beer unique. After the show, youll be taken to one of the many restaurants on the beach to enjoy a romantic candle-lit buffet dinner. Puerto Vallarta is located on the west coast of Mexico and so the sunsets every night are simply stunning. and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. Also, in the small south shore community of Quimixto, a flotilla of decorative fishing boats makes its way down the shoreline. The price is about 980 MXN ($50 USD) and includes trying plenty of chocolate. Behind hotels (like the Plaza Peninsula) there is a large stretch of beach that is never very busy. You can also stay in the same building as the restaurant at the luxuriousCasa Kimberlyhotel. There are a lot of great snorkeling areas in and around Puerto Vallarta, but Los Arcos National Park is one of my favorites! This meant it was only a 10-minute walk up. Parasailing is when you get toed by a boat and sail through the air. You are welcome to go inside and check it out if youre interested, or just enjoy looking at the beautiful architecture and taking some pictures from the surrounding streets. There is no doubt that Puerto Vallarta is recognized worldwide as an LGBTQ mecca that receives both national & international gay visitors, and Vallarta Pride is the most important LGBTQ event in the region! This is when youll hear cries of Viva Mexico followed by an amazing firework display, music, dancing, an abundance of food, and a great atmosphere. Prices for the tour are around 1,600 MXN ($85 USD). The company is committed to the research and conservation of the dolphins in this area so you can feel good about this ethical tour. From the Romantic Zone, a taxi costs 350 pesos. You can also buy the insurance in advance in case your travel plans are interrupted, or, while youre already on the road. Its a convenient, flexible way to see the city! Processions travel to designated homes to ask for lodging in song, and the party begins when the host throws open the door. Though Daniel skydives by himself, this same company specializes in tandem jumps for people who want a thrill of a lifetime attached to an experienced professional. Puerto Vallarta is without a doubt one of my favorite places in Mexico. Check out the Puerto Vallarta Fishing Charters we most recommend. One of the best things to do here is to head out and watch a drag show.