Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: DIY Cruise Excursions

Puerto Vallarta is an ever-growing resort city of Nayarit region, located along Bahia de Banderas, or Bay of Flags, which, as the story goes, got its name from Spaniards sighting colorful flags on the coast. Backed by lush Sierra Madre mountains, the first thing you notice arriving at the port are the hypnotizing blues and greens, then the color-splashed houses, murals, and papel picado flowing in the wind. The bay's depths teeming with life, verdant landscapes, and undeniable charm attract visitors from across the globe, making Puerto Vallarta one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

For us, Puerto Vallarta was one of the stops on our cruise of the Mexican Riviera. While there are numerous organized tours available, we opted to create our own Puerto Vallarta shore excursions, preferring to explore the area more intimately. The port of Puerto Vallarta is notably larger than that of Cabo San Lucas – able to dock three cruise ships simultaneously, which means the city can get quite congested during peak season. With that in mind, we compiled this guide to the best excursions in Puerto Vallarta to help you make the most of your time ashore. Pick and choose based on how much time you have in port.

Best Excursions in Puerto Vallarta

DIY Walking Tour of Puerto Vallarta

If it’s your first time in Puerto Vallarta and you want to keep things simple, a self-guided walking tour is the easiest option. The Malecón, a one-mile oceanfront boardwalk, showcases many of the city’s top attractions. It’s lined with unique sculptures and art installations, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

Just off the Malecón, at Los Arcos, a set of stone arches overlooking the bay, head two blocks inland to the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Church of our Lady of Guadalupe), a magnificent Renaissance-style church topped with a distinctive crown that dates back to 1903. Keep in mind this is an active place of worship and be discrete.

For those wanting to squeeze in an adventurous workout, from the church, you can hike up to the Mirador de laCruz (Hill of the Cross Viewpoint). The viewing platform offers panoramic views of the bay, and while the climb is steep, the reward is well worth the effort. The hike is moderate, taking about 20 to 30 minutes, so be sure to bring water and a camera to capture the incredible vistas.

The next stop is Zona Romántica, a charming neighborhood across the river known for its cobblestone streets, boutiques, and art galleries. Stroll through Lázaro Cárdenas Park, adorned with colorful mosaic art. The park is divided into four parts, meant to represent the four elements – earth, air, water, and fire, and the designs are inspired by geometry.

Then, make your way to the Los Muertos Beach Pier, Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic landmark. Skip the crowded Los Muertos Beach and head further along the coast to the more serene Conchas Chinas Beach and Gemelas Beach. For this last leg of the tour, you’ll need to grab a ride as the beaches are a 10 and 15-minute drive from Zona Romántica.

When hunger strikes, Ocho Tostadas is a must-visit for a local, no-frills seafood feast. This venue started out as a ceviche stand and grew into a restaurant loved by all. If you are craving something other than seafood, El Puerco de Oro, a tucked-away taqueria specializing in pork, is sure to hit the spot.

Los Arcos National Park

The best Puerto Vallarta day excursions revolve around the natural beauty of Bahia de Banderas. Los Arcos National Park is a cluster of small islands closer to Mismaloya than to Puerto Vallarta, but easily accessible by boat. This is an ideal spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The towering rock arches, blanketed in greenery, are home to various bird species, while beneath the surface, you’ll find caves, tunnels, and coral reefs teaming with tropical fish. Most tours take about four hours and often include stops at remote beaches along the way. You can pre-book through platforms like Get Your Guide or negotiate with local guides near Los Muertos Beach Pier upon arrival.

Islas Marietas National Park

For a bucket-list-worthy adventure, take a tour to Islas Marietas National Park, located about an hour away by boat. This former military testing ground became a National Park and then a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thanks to conservation efforts during the mid-1900s. The park is famous for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning beaches. Between December and April, whale sightings are common.

A secret of Islas Marietas National Park is Hidden Beach, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most famous attractions. This beach, located inside a cave with a large overhead opening, is accessible only by swimming when the tide is low. Due to a cap on the number of daily visitors, reservations are essential, but ultimately, access depends on sea conditions.

Day Tours from Puerto Vallarta

Sayulita

A day trip to the bohemian surf town of Sayulita is one of the best day tours from Puerto Vallarta. Located just an hour away, Sayulita is a designated Pueblo Mágico, a title given to towns with special cultural or historical significance. Once a tiny fishing village, it has since transformed into a popular tourist destination that swells in size during the winter months. The town is easily walkable – start your tour with coffee and a pastry from Paninos Express then wander the cobblestone streets around Sayulita Plaza that turn into sandy paths the closer to the beach you get. Around town, there are plenty of artisan shops and art galleries to browse. Join the lineup on the beginner-friendly waves, or hike from Las Cuevas Beach to Los Muertos Beach, marking the edges of town. For lunch, Mary’s Traditional Mexican Cuisine serves some of the best fish and shrimp tacos in town and if you need an afternoon pick-me-up, grab a signature coffee at drink at Miscelanea.

San Pancho

Just 15 minutes north of Sayulita lies San Pancho, officially known as San Francisco Nayarit. Despite being so close to Sayulita, connected by a jungle trail, San Pancho is a true hidden gem, remaining crowd-free even during peak tourist season. You can easily cover its dusty roads on foot, admiring murals and browsing shops. Soak in the laid-back, creative vibes before plopping yourself on the spacious beach, though the waves can be a little rough for swimming.

The intimate size of San Pancho makes it the perfect addition to visiting Sayulita on your day tour from Puerto Vallarta, allowing you to explore both towns in one go. Although the towns are small and walkable and frequent buses are running between, we hired a day driver to have the added flexibility and peace of mind.

Though you may not have time to stay for the famous Nayarit sunset on the beach, we hope these Puerto Vallarta cruise excursions inspire and help you plan your own adventure. Let us know your favorite in the comments!