Day Trips and Tours from Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a popular resort city, located in Mexico’s Bahia de Banderas region. The seaside city’s golden beaches that frame the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean create the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled beach holiday.

While Puerto Vallarta is an amazing destination in its own right, there are many day trips and tours from Puerto Vallarta that allow you to see more of the region and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for the day.

Thanks to the city’s close proximity to islands, mountains, jungles and secluded beaches, there is a day trip from Puerto Vallarta to suit every preference.

Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands, located just a few kilometers off the mainland, are a group of uninhabited islands that are known for their striking natural beauty.

The islands are ideal for snorkeling, swimming and exploring, with the iconic Hidden Beach being a staple on most tour itineraries.

Day tours from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands are exceptionally popular and should be booked in advance. Hop aboard a speedboat or catamaran and make your way to one of the world's most beautiful island destinations.

Most tours include snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water and onboard commentary from a marine biologist.

Yelapa Beach

Yelapa Beach is a picturesque beach village just 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. The tropical cove is perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

The ‘hidden’ waterfall is just minutes from the shoreline and is a must-see for visitors to Yelapa.

Most tour operators travel from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa Beach via boat and you may see dolphins, whales and other marine life along the way.

Many day trips from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa Beach also take the time to visit the nearby beach of Majahuitas, which is known for its remote tranquility.

Sierra Madre Mountains

The Sierra Madre Mountains, which can be seen from the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, provide an exciting playground for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike.

There is a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from, including quad biking, horseback riding, hiking, ziplining, bird-watching and many more.

No matter what Sierra Madre Mountains tour you end up choosing, you’re bound to see an array of local plants, birds and wildlife.

The mountains are also home to several small Mexican villages, which provide valuable insight into the local way of life. Many tour operators stop in these villages for lunch and guided tours.

Majahuitas Beach

Tucked away and off the beaten track, Majahuitas Beach is the ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.

You’ll enjoy far more peace and quiet than you would on the busy beaches of Puerto Vallarta, with the tropical cove offering remote serenity to its visitors.

The beach is only accessible by boat and day tours from Puerto Vallarta to Majahuitas Beach begin with a short boat trip, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot dolphins and whales.

Majahuitas Beach day trip itineraries usually also include a stop at the nearby Yelapa Beach, which is known for its unique village and ‘hidden’ waterfall.

San Sebastian

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Sebastian provides insight into local rural life. Although day trips from Puerto Vallarta to San Sebastian are popular, the traditional town has remained largely untouched by tourism.

Tour itineraries usually include a guided walk around the town, which is steeped in fascinating history. You’ll learn more about San Sebastian’s past as you see some of the whitewashed ruins and other landmarks that the town is known for.

Most San Sebastian tours also include a delicious Mexican lunch, served at a local eatery.

Los Arcos

Los Arcos is roughly 10 kilometers from Puerto Vallarta, and while the area is accessible by road, most tour operators choose to travel to the nature reserve by boat.

The relaxing boat ride from Puerto Vallarta to Los Arcos provides scenic views, and there will usually be drinks and snacks available for tour participants.

The secluded location makes Los Arcos perfect for snorkeling, and the area is home to many wild dolphins and other marine life.

There is a wide range of day tours from Puerto Vallarta to Los Carlos, including sunset tours, dolphin encounters, diving tours, snorkeling tours and more.

Sayulita

Sayulita is a colorful and charming town, only 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, that is known for its laid-back atmosphere, golden beaches and funky street art.

Whether you’re interested in surfing Sayulita’s world-class waves, taking part in an ATV adventure, or simply strolling around the scenic beach town with a local guide leading the way, there is a day tour from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita that provides the perfect experience for you.

Visiting Sayulita is a unique experience that should not be overlooked when staying in Puerto Vallarta. The bright and friendly town of Sayulita is sure to make for many unforgettable memories.

Mascota

Although Mascota is a small town, there is no shortage of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Often referred to as the “Emerald of the Sierra”, you’ll soon see what makes Mascota so special.

A few of the town’s main attractions include the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Main Square and the Unfinished Temple of the Precious Blood of Christ.

Day tours from Puerto Vallarta to Mascota provide the ideal way to learn more about Mexico’s artistic and religious heritage.

Allow your tour guide to take care of all the travel arrangements as you sit back, relax and take in everything that Mascota has to offer.

Talpe de Allende

Surrounded by the pine-covered Sierra Madre Mountains, Talpe de Allende is known for its somewhat mystical atmosphere and for being a popular pilgrimage destination.

Make the most of your time in the Sierra Madre Mountains with a Talpe Allende tour.

Walk around the picturesque town of Talpe Allende with a local guide leading the way and showing you the best attractions, including churches, archways and even a maple tree conservatory. There are many interesting landmarks to be discovered!

Day tours to Talpe Allende from Puerto Vallarta typically visit the other ‘nearby Magic Town’ of Mascota too, which makes for a full-day adventure.