Are you planning an out-of-town/country getaway with your family and friends this coming weekend or for a spring break holiday? If you haven’t decided where to go yet, you might want to consider visiting the beautiful island of Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is a lavish resort town in Mexico situated on the breathtaking Banderas Bay in Jalisco State. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations all over the world because of its abundant marine life, thrilling water sports, and spectacular white sands and beaches.
The best time to visit and experience some of the most exhilarating Puerto Vallarta excursions and adventures is during April, May, and June. This is when the weather is great and accommodations are most affordable.
It’s also a great idea to visit Puerta Vallarta during winter (November to December); Mexico has pleasant, sunny weather at this time of year. However, the prices will be much higher than usual since it’s peak season. Also, it’ll be more difficult to find a place to stay because most hotels are likely fully booked.
WHAT IS IN THIS POST
Best Outdoor Activities In Puerto Vallarta
If you decide to visit Puerto Vallarta on your next vacation but don’t know what to do there, here’s a list of fun and exciting outdoor activities you might want to try:
1. Snorkeling And Diving
Puerto Vallarta prides itself on its abundant marine ecosystem. To get the most out of its marine wildlife, you should try snorkeling or diving.
If you’re looking for where to snorkel or dive, you should check out Los Arcos, a famous rock formation inside the Los Arcos Marine Park. When you enter the area, you’ll see flocks of birds flying over the blue water.
When you dive into the water, you’ll see different species living under the sea. These include sting rays, tropical fish, manta rays, trumpet fish, moray eels, and sea turtles. Thanks to the national park’s efforts, these creatures are able to thrive.
2. Watching Whales And Dolphins
Watching whales and dolphins is a common attraction to Puerto Vallarta. You shouldn’t miss this, especially when visiting between December and March.
Every winter, humpback whales travel from north to south to breed. This makes Puerto Vallarta a great place to encounter such stunning creatures up close.
During the tour, you’ll see some whales swimming and playing around your boat. You might also be able to encounter a couple of dolphins and orcas—if you’re lucky enough.
3. Jet Skiing
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-rushing experience, you should try jet skiing along the spectacular coastline of Puerto Vallarta. This is a great way to explore and discover the beauty of other beaches around the area.
A jet ski resort in Puerto Vallarta allows you to visit Malecon and admire its rich history and culture. From there, your next stop will be the Mismaloya beach—you’ll see the natural rock formation of Los Arcos Marine Park on the way.
4. Surfing
There aren’t many surf spots in Puerto Vallarta. But don’t worry—nearby places like San Pancho and Sayulita make great surfing areas. These places are perfect for day trips, and all you need to do is to rent surfboards, which come at an affordable price.
If this is your first time surfing, you might want to schedule a surfing lesson to learn the basics. Also, don’t forget to take as many pictures as possible so you won’t forget this memorable experience.
5. Explore The Best Beaches In the Puerto Vallarta Area
Puerto Vallarta is known for its great beaches, so it would be a great loss not to visit at least one. This is perfect for beach bums who love to lie down on sand under the sun and explore hidden hideaways.
Here’s a list of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta for your next beach-hopping trip:
- Las Caletas: This is one of the world’s best private beaches. It’s covered in a lush tropical forest, and you can only visit the area by boat.
- Majahuitas: This is a hidden beach club vibrantly decorated with hippie chic accessories and designs. However, there aren’t many opportunities to surf compared to other areas. But it’s ideal for hiking and nature walks—thanks to its lush tropical landscape.
- Yelapa: As you walk across its narrow lanes, you’ll discover colorful souvenirs and street art. Also, there are hidden waterfalls and rivers in the nearby mountain that are worth looking at.
6. Visit The Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church
One of the most iconic places worth visiting in all of Puerto Vallarta is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this iconic church to admire its beauty and rich culture and to take a trip down memory lane. And while you’re here, don’t forget to take as many pictures as possible to remember this stunning landmark forever.
7. Hiking
Hiking is one of the best activities to do in Puerto Vallarta. This will help you discover some hidden gems the island has to offer, such as pristine waterfalls, hidden coves, and rough trails.
Here are some of the best places to hike in Puerto Vallarta:
- Mirador La Cruz Viewpoint
- Lindo Mar Beach Walk
- Monkey Mountain
- Yelapa, Quimixto, and Nogalito Waterfalls
- Animas Beach Hike
- Vallarta Botanical Gardens
- San Pancho Hike
Furthermore, don’t forget to bring hiking essentials—such as food, water, a multitool knife, map, compass, and first aid kit—for a safer and more enjoyable hiking experience.
8. Zip-Lining
Do you want to appreciate the beauty of Puerto Vallarta from a bird’s-eye view? If you do, you should try zip-lining, an exciting and adrenaline-rushing experience you don’t want to miss. With this, you’ll see the lush tropical forestry from above at exhilaratingly high speeds.
9. ATV Riding
If you’re looking for a great way to explore the magnificent Sierra Madre, you may try renting an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). During the ride, you’ll discover hidden jungle rivers and pass through old-fashioned villages.
Final Words
Puerto Vallarta is a stunning resort town filled with fascinating beaches, underwater reefs, natural rock formations, waterfalls, rivers, etc.
When you visit the island, try all the outdoor activities available to get the most out of your vacation. These include snorkeling, diving, ATV riding, zip-lining, hiking, surfing, whale-watching, jet skiing, and beach-hopping.
I hope this inspired you to plan your next beach trip to Puerto Vallarta!
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