So you’ve enjoyed a few days in the sun, hanging out on the beach with some cocktails. But now you’re ready for something different? What do I do now? What else is there to do in Puerto Vallarta?
The Bay of Banderas
If you’ve been to the beach, you’ve gazed at the biggest attraction of all: The Bay of Banderas. One of the largest and deepest bays in the world (900 meters!), the Bay of Banderas offers a huge variety of activities.
On a sea excursion, you can watch whales, catch some enormous fish, visit secluded island beaches, and just enjoy the view from a different perspective.
Whale Watching
The above video was taken from a whale watching excursion offered by Vallarta Adventures, “Luxury Yacht and Snorkel”. I’ve been on this excursion three times, and though not guaranteed, I’ve seen whales every time. The harbor boats are always on alert to see whales, so they let each other know where they’re being seen. They are very respectful of the whales as well, and won’t get too close, so as to bother their feeding.
Whale season runs from about December through March, with the best viewing of humpback whales in January and February. Grey whales also appear on their migration from the arctic around December to April.
Deep Sea Fishing
The Bay offers some of the best sport fishing in the world. Red snapper, mahi-mahi, marlin, swordfish, and sailfish are the most common catches, but occasionally a yellowfin tuna will show up, too.
If you’re interested in true sport fishing, be prepared for a full-day excursion. You’ll need to go to the mouth of the Bay, and that’s a good two-hour trip on it’s own. You’ll most likely find yourself on a panga, unless you spring for a pricier (and certainly more luxurious) yacht excursion. Just be aware that the panga may not have a head, so be sure to ask!
For sport fishing, you can’t do much better than PV Sportfishing. They are a collective of boat captains who love to catch fish.
All of our Puerto Vallarta fishing charters include experienced captains that speak both English and Spanish and have fished in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “their whole life” and most importantly are friendly and love to catch big fish. We love to see everyone catch big game fish because we have been enjoying the thrill of fishing in PV for so long and want you to enjoy it too!
I’ve had friends go fishing and come back utterly exhausted. Throw a hook in, haul out a snapper, throw a hook in, haul out a snapper. And then other days . . . not so much. But that’s fishing for ya! You just never know what’s going to happen.
Boat Tours to the Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are a group of small islands just at the mouth of Banderas Bay. They are very carefully protected as part of a national park, so accessing them is restricted to just a few tour companies.
The islands are home to the blue-footed booby and the red-billed tropicbird, both of which are present in abundance. The larger island is also famous for the “hidden beach” which is only accessible at low tide. This beach was created after the island was used as a bombing range, and sea erosion collapsed a cave. Snorkeling near the island is very good, as the water can be clear and sea life is everywhere.
The trick to seeing the Marietas is finding a tour company that can legally take you. The tour hawkers on Olas Altas or near the pier will promise you the moon, but almost certainly will not include Hidden Beach. I recommend checking Viator or Tripadvisor for their reviews and descriptions of offered excursions.
Also, for a great, detailed description of her trip to the Islands, check out this article from A Southerner Says: “How to Take an Islas Marietas Tour + See the Hidden Beach (2024)”
Yelapa and Other Beaches
Besides the beaches near Puerto Vallarta like Los Muertos or Conchas Chinas, some beaches are only accessible from the sea. Yelapa is probably the most famous of these, and can be a lot of fun.
Yelapa is a small village of 1,500. There are no cars, no roads in, no ATMs, and spotty cell phone reception. But nothing tops it for “getting away from it all.”
Nightlife in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is home to dozens of bars and clubs and there is sure to be something that appeals to you.
There are several areas of town that specialize in late-night entertainment. One of the most well-known is the Malecon area – the boardwalk that runs all the way from Zona Romantica to the neighborhood of Cinco de Diciembre. As the sun goes down over the Bay, the nightlife heats up all along the Malecon, and your best bet is to just stroll along until something catches your fancy.
For my gay friends, it’s the Zona Romantica with bars and clubs to fit anyone’s style. I prefer a simple hole-in-the-wall with folks more my age – like Anonimo or Reina’s. The sunset crowd loves them some Blondie’s Loft Bar. But later in the evening the big clubs get going and you’ll always find a crowd at Industry to the wee hours of the morning.
Of course, any time you’re in an unfamiliar town, it’s important to stay safe. Have a plan for getting back to the resort or hotel before you start pounding down the drinks. And it’s always a good idea to buddy-up and take care of each other. Vallarta is a very safe town, so enjoy yourselves!
Restaurants and Snacks
This deserves an entire post by itself, as there are literally hundreds of great places to try in Puerto Vallarta, and new places open every year. Right now, I’ll give you just an overview of the types of places you’ll find in the various areas of town.
Zona Romantica is home to a number of established restaurants, and many of the newer, up-and-coming eateries. One of our favorites is Let’s Pho, a great Vietnamese place just off Cardenas park. Of course, if you’re wanting more traditional Mexican food, you can’t go wrong with La Palapa.
Further north across the Cuale in El Centro, is Trio – another established restaurant specializing in Mediterranean fare. And for a romantic evening, nothing can top either Hacienda San Angel or La Capella, for fine food and fabulous views.
Puerto Vallarta Offers Fun for Everyone
Part of the fun of travel is exploring and finding places you like on your own. It’s fine to get advice from others, but don’t follow the crowd! Check out that little mama y papi place around the corner, with the wobbly wooden tables and super-cold beer. Pop into that bar with the crowd singing “Livin’ Next Door to Alice” . . . because you’ll be singing along and laughing in no time. It’s time to make your own memories. See you there!
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