Day Trips Beaches There are 26 miles of beaches in Puerto Vallarta. From crowded and rowdy to secluded and private, there’s a beach for everyone. Playa de los Muertos is the most popular and crowded beach in Puerto Vallarta. Vendors walk the beach selling tablecloths, jewelery, kites and statues. The majority of the most expensive shops and restaurants are located here. At several stands you can rent beach toys. In a sheltered cove with clear water, Playa Mismaloya is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Vendors sell drinks and snacks. Las Animas, Quimixto and Yelapa are only accessible by boat. You can hike to nearby waterfalls or dine at one of the restaurants.
Scuba Diving and SnorkelingLos Arcos, an underwater preserve, is the best spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are several coves and reefs that are also popular spots. Several companies offer PADI certified courses, guided dives and equipment rental. FishingTrips can be arranged through the Cooperativa de Pescadores or at the marina. Rates generally include gear, tackle, lunch and drinks. GolfAn 18-hole course, designed by Joe Fingers, is located at the Marina Vallarta Golf Club. This is a private course, but if you are staying at a hotel with a membership you’ll generally be able to play. There is also a restaurant, bar and professional golf shop. The 18-hole course at Los Flamingos Club de Golf is open to the pubic. On the premises is a snack bar and professional golf shop. The newest course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is located at the Four Seasons Punta Mita. There are professionally guided golf tours offered by American Golf Tours. They can arrange accommodations, personalized packages and equipment rental. Mountain Biking and HikingGuided biking and hiking tours up the Rio Cuale are offered by Bike Mex. Prices include bike, gloves, helmet, lunch, water, shorts and insurance. Horseback RidingArrangements for guided tours can be made at travel agencies or at local ranches. The US$45 fee includes breakfast and lunch. For a more elaborate tour try the "Fly-away to a Hide-away in San Sebastian." A 15-minute flight will bring you to San Sebastian, a 17th century mining town, where a guide will meet you with horses. Rate includes a gourmet breakfast and lunch at the Hacienda Jalisco and an elaborate tour of the town. An overnight stay can be arranged at the hacienda. Boat ToursThere are several companies that can arrange boat trips that include sunset cruises and trips to distant beaches. Vallarta Adventures offers a tour to Caletas, a cove where John Huston lived. Huston’s home has been restored to include spa facilities and the beach has been landscaped for snorkelers. Aboard the Marigalante, a replica of Christopher Columbus’s Santa Maria, you can experience a "pirate’s cruise" which includes a barbecue and treasure hunt or an evening dinner cruise which includes fireworks and a folkloric dance show. Whale-watching ToursFrom mid-November to March humpback whales migrate to this bay to reproduce and give birth. Open Air Expeditions offer excursions in specially constructed soft boats. Land ToursThere are several companies that offer all sort of land tours. Vallarta Aventures offers an excursion in special Mercedes ATV to jungle trails. These tours include a nature walk, swimming and lunch. Tukari Tours offers bird-watching trips, shopping trips or a day trip to Rancho Altamira. Air ToursSan Sebastian Air Adventure offers plane tours to some of the remote areas of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Hot-air balloon trips over beaches, jungle, farmland and along the coast are offered, weather permitting, by Day-Off Hot-Air Balloon Tours. SpaTerra Noble Art & Healing Center is a mountaintop day spa and art center. Other ActivitiesParasailing, water-skiing and surfing are becoming popular along the shores of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches. Rental equipment for these activities are available at several shops. Many hotels have their own tennis courts and there are two tennis clubs. Return to top |
