Located on the Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta provides the perfect getaway with turquoise waters, a warm climate, and fabulous sandy beaches. For those arriving at Puerto Vallarta cruise port on a Mexican Riviera cruise, we’re sharing our top things to do.
With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sierra Madre Mountains on the other, cruise guests can tour the old town or take a shore excursion from the cruise terminal.
Cruise lines usually sail from San Francisco or Los Angeles cruise terminal, but you may also stop during a Panama Canal cruise. Cruise ships dock in the city allowing guests to begin their adventures immediately.
Whether you fly to Mexico to escape the winter weather, attend a wedding, or want to vegetate, consider staying in the romantic zone, a trendy area near the old town. Puerto Vallarta has some great hotels, and staying here puts you closer to the action.
1. Learn To Make Chocolate
If you’re a chocoholic (like me), stop by ChocoMuseo in downtown Puerto Vallarta. This little chocolate shop & museum is just off the Malecon. Taking a Bean to Bar workshop, allows you learn everything about cacao and chocolate making.
Alternatively, other classes such as the truffle, Mole Poblano, and a whole experience chocolate workshops may satisfy your needs.
This little shop also offers a free museum where you can see and feel a cacao pod. But the best part, of course, is the sampling of their chocolate products.
Their chocolate Mole sauce is heavenly, so pick up a few jars as gifts. While the Mexican peso is the official currency, this business and many others accept US dollars.
2. Walk The Malecon
In the downtown area, El Malecon is a lovely boardwalk offering ocean views on one side and patio restaurants on the other. It’s a popular spot to see a large selection of sculptures in the El Centro area.
However, the most famous statue on the Malecon boardwalk is four stone arches called Los Arcos. My favorite sculpture, The Rotunda of the Sea, depicts weird creatures blended into whimsical chairs.
Admiring the views of Banderas Bay, we witnessed some local artists and entertainers. Entertainers include human statues, rock balancers, sandcastle builders, and native dancers.
3. Tour San Sebastian
Nestled in the Sierra Madre, the 1605 town of San Sebastian oozes old-world charm. Discover its history as a silver mining town, marvel at its colonial architecture, and wander its cobblestone streets. A guided tour includes visiting a tequila factory, watching a silversmith demonstration, and stopping at local museums.
Wear sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes as the tour lasts eight hours. Before visiting an organic coffee farm, you’ll enjoy a traditional meal in a Mexican hacienda.
4. See The Dance Of The Fliers
Watching a performance of the volador “fliers” is incredible. The Dance of the Flier – La Danza del Volador is a ceremony performed by four men hanging upside-down by ropes on a pole.
They spin and uncoil the lines to the sounds of a flute and drum played by a fifth person on the ground. Descending the 150-foot pole is slow and graceful. With the Pacific Coast of Mexico as a backdrop, the ceremony is breathtaking.
Each day, the locals perform this ceremony to pray for rain to nourish the grounds. It was a tremendous treat to watch this age-old tradition. Today, the traditional ceremony is performed for tips from tourists.
5. Walk To Mirador Cerro de la Cruz Lookout
If you’re looking for fantastic aerial views of Puerto Vallarta, consider the walk to the top of the Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. At the peak, an observation tower provides 360° panoramic views of the Sierra Madre mountains and the Bay of Banderas.
If you’re not traveling by cruise ship, a sunrise or sunset stroll is doubly impressive. Depending on your fitness level and route, it takes 15-40 minutes to reach the top of Mirador Cerro de la Cruz.
The walk consists of a steep hill with lots of stairs. Like the El Faro Lighthouse hike in Mazatlán, it’s best to plan to walk in the early morning, when the temperatures are a bit more bearable.
6. Day Trip To Las Caletas
Las Caletas Beach makes a great day trip from Puerto Vallarta to escape the action in the city center. Las Caletas is one on the city’s hidden gems with snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
You’ll enjoy a stunning tropical scenery and can opt for a spa treatment. Boat tours to Las Caletas include an open bar and an authentic buffet lunch featuring local cuisine.
7. Visit Our Lady Of Guadalupe
The church of Our Lady Guadalupe is called “one of the most endearing” structures in the city. As we approached the church, we noticed its tower, topped by a wrought-iron crown held by angels.
Although the foundations of the church began in 1903, the “Crowning glory” on the top of the tower happened decades later, in 1965. The original crown was designed and sculpted by José Esteban Ramirez Guareño. But over time, that crown suffered damage due to weather and erosion.
So, in 1981 a replacement was erected. Later, in 1995, the second crown fell off due to an earthquake and was unrepairable. The current crown viewed today is the work of the famous artist Carlos Terres.
While some might admire this beautiful church from the Malecon, do take time to admire its architecture. If you can manage a trip, mid-afternoon is best when not many people are there. Be sure to go inside “la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” as known by the residents.
If you travel to Puerto Vallarta in December, you can witness the Virgin of Guadalupe Festival, a celebratory event which takes place at this cathedral.
8. Visit A Tequila Factory
If you are new to tequila, take a day trip to Chico’s Paradise in the Sierra Madre foothills. While the tour has many stops, it also visits a tequila factory where we learned about this liquor.
Visitors learn about the process of growing, pulping, and cooking the agave to extract the juice. Of course, no tour of a tequila factory is complete without sampling. We learned how to drink tequila without feeling the burn, and after seven samples, most left with quite a buzz.
9. Shop At Isla del Rio Cuale
If you’re looking for a bargain souvenir, head straight to the market at River Cuale. Getting to Isla del Rio Cuale requires walking across the shaky footbridge over a river! The tropical jungle atmosphere is low-key and provides excellent shelter from the sun.
Tourists can find authentic Mexican handmade goods at reasonable prices at the market. Bargain with the locals if the price is more than you want to pay. After all, it is Mexico, and the locals expect it.
10. Have A Fish Pedicure
Having a fish pedicure is a novelty and relaxing experience. Also, it might be one of the craziest things to do in Puerto Vallarta. While the idea of fish eating the dead skin off your feet might gross some people out, I wanted to give it a try.
The pedicure was inexpensive and the treatment lasted 20 minutes. Here is Brian enjoying his first fish pedicure. From his smile, you’d never know he fears fish.
Before entering the tank, the attendant washes your feet. During the “fish pedicure,” the Garra rufa fish nibble at your feet. It does not hurt in any way; it actually tickles.
It’s important to note the health concerns of having a fish pedicure because the same water is used for each procedure.
In the United States and Canada, most places have now banned the use of this treatment. However, if you’re not squeamish or too concerned, give a fish pedicure a try. It’s been more than 10 years since my pedicure, and I did not catch any infections, and I still have all my toes, lol.
11. Zip Lining
Zip lining in the Sierra Madre offers great views of Banderas Bay and is fun for everyone, from first-timers to adrenaline junkies. For a thrilling experience, check out Extreme Zip Line Adventure. It features nine lines through the tropical canopy, including the “Superman,” one of Mexico’s longest.
Safety is a priority, with experienced instructors and double-safety wires. As a daredevil, I even tried hanging upside down—definitely disorienting!
12. Take A Day Trip To Islas Marietas National Park
Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas) are a group of picturesque islands formed by volcanoes. Large species of seabirds, including Blue Footed Boobies, inhabit the islands, and travelers can see dolphins, tropical fish, and manta rays in the waters.
As a UNESCO reserve, visitors cannot step foot on the land, but they can observe from a boat. When the tide is low, a hidden beach called Playa del Amor appears in a crater.
Vallarta Adventures offers tours to this pristine area at a reasonable price. They will collect and return you to the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal.
13. Go Whale Watching
Puerto Vallarta offers whale-watching tours in the winter months. Between December to March, whales gather along Baja Mexico to give birth. While thousands of humpback whales flock to Banderas Bay each winter, you could see grey whales too.
It doesn’t require a day trip. Most tours last two to three hours and are roughly half the price of similar whale-watching tours in Alaska. Morning tours are best when the waters are the calmest.
On a previous trip, we enjoyed a tour to see whales in Cabo, and it didn’t disappoint. We witnessed continual breaching and whales slapping the water with their fins for over an hour.
Some tour operators have a hydrophone, allowing guests to listen to the whale communicating underwater.
14. Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Vallarta Botanical Gardens offers a serene escape from the city. Located just south of Puerto Vallarta, the garden offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush landscapes and diverse plant life. You can wander on trails, and discover plants such as orchids, agave, and vibrant tropical flowers.
The garden also features scenic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, a visit to the river, and delicious food at the on-site restaurant.
15. Visit Mismaloya
Mismaloya Beach gained fame when Richard Burton filmed Night of the Iguana with Elizabeth Taylor. Their romance blossomed there, and Burton bought Casa Kimberley for Taylor, now a luxury hotel.
Guests can stay in the Flora Suite or the expansive Elizabeth Taylor Suite. Across the street, Burton’s home was connected to Taylor’s by a bridge, still visible today.
Nearby, Los Arcos de Mismaloya’s striking granite formations stand in the ocean, and the Vallarta Zoo offers a chance to see local and exotic wildlife.
16. Take A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
If you’re limited on time, consider taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Depending on your preference, the tour can last for as little as a few hours or all day.
As the name suggests, you jump off at a point of interest. Popular stops include Mismaloya, Playa de los Muertos, Puerto Magico, Playa Las Gemelas, and Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The buses operate from 10 am until 9 pm, and the route has about 20 stops. A bus ticket lasts the whole day, regardless of how many stops you get off.
17. Visit San Pancho
Located an hour south of Puerto Vallarta along the coast, San Pancho is a quaint town in Riviera Nayarit. The town oozes a Bohemian vibe and has a laid-back feel. It’s far less touristy, and if you stay here, you’ll understand the sense of community.
In San Pancho, a marine turtle nursery aims to protect Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles as their numbers have declined. You could watch a magnificent turtle release if you visit from July to December.
San Pancho Beach has some serious waves and isn’t suitable for swimming. However, if you’re into surfing, head over to the beach to ride some big waves.
18. Hang Out In Zona Romantica
Zona Romantica, also known as the romantic zone, is a popular city area that offers a little of everything. The diverse neighborhood is eclectic and vibrant, from the LGBT bars and drag queen shows to the intimate patio bars.
It’s the most walkable area in the city. Visitors can choose from the best patio restaurants in Puerto Vallarta to one-dollar tacos. The dining options are endless. Nearby, the beaches are great for swimming, and from the modern pier, tour operators sell water-based excursions.
Steps from the beach are grocery stores, galleries, and coffee shops. The romantic zone is forever evolving. New highrises offering ocean views add a modern element to the traditional stucco red roof buildings.
Puerto Vallarta has some great hotels, and staying here puts you closer to the action.
Los Muertos Beach offers a popular hangout and the most visited beach in Puerto Vallarta. While crowded, it’s a great place to people-watch, drink beer, and go parasailing.
19. Be A Pirate For A Day
Ahoy, ye mateys! Are you ready for some pirate fun? Consider a pirate ship tour if you’re looking to do something out of the ordinary in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll board an authentic-looking pirate ship at the Puerto Vallarta cruise port and sail out into the ocean for some squash-buckling fun.
Pirate recruits can choose from day and evening trips. The tours include a buffet, drinks, and plenty of pirate fun.
20. Go Parasailing
If you have no fear of heights, grab a few friends and take to the skies on a parasailing tour. Parasailing is fun and an inexpensive activity in Mexico. Parasailing tours don’t require a reservation. Expect to pay USD 40 to 45 for a single ride.
I’ve gone parasailing several times on my own and enjoyed a duo parasailing excursion in Cabo San Lucas with my husband, Brian. The romantic zone, south of River Cuale, is a popular place to parasail. While the time spent in the sky isn’t long (maybe 15 minutes), it’s enough to savor the views of the Pacific coast below.
When traveling to Mexico by cruise ship, you should be aware that Puerto Vallarta is in a different time zone to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan. Sometimes cruise ships change their clocks one day and back the next.
It’s important to know the time in port and when you need to return to the ship.
