Puerto Vallarta is often introduced through beaches and sunsets, but some of the most memorable things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico happen beyond the shoreline. In the mountains, jungle, and open water surrounding the city, outdoor adventures and guided experiences reveal a quieter, wilder, and more immersive side of the destination. This guide focuses on nature-driven experiences and unique tours—the best things to do near Puerto Vallarta Mexico for adding depth, perspective, and unforgettable moments to your trip.

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Choosing the Right Adventure for You

With so many outdoor and tour-based things to do near Puerto Vallarta Mexico, it can be hard to choose what fits your travel style. If you want a quick comparison, use the table below to match your pace and preferences. For more details about each experience, keep reading.

Traveler Type	Best Picks (things to do near Puerto Vallarta Mexico)
⚡ For active travelers	ATV tours (epic canyon crossing on the Jorullo suspension bridge) Sayulita (go on a surfing adventure)  Yelapa (2–3 hr jungle hike round trip to Yelapa Waterfall — swim reward at the end)
🌿 For nature lovers	Whale watching (seasonal wildlife encounters) Marietas Islands (snorkeling + hidden beach)  Hot springs (mountain relaxation)
🏝️ For beach lovers	Yelapa (mega yacht + easy hike to waterfall + snorkeling) Sayulita (surf town + zarandeado seafood grill)
✨ For immersive experiences	Rhythms of the Night (sunset cruise + private island + show + dinner)
☯️ For balance	Combine one high-energy adventure with one slow, restorative experience

Experience Rhythms of the Night

If you do just one activity in Puerto Vallarta, it has to be Rhythms of the Night. It’s not just an experience—it’s a spectacle. The journey begins with a cruise across the bay as the sun sets, painting the water in gold and pink. This perfectly sets the tone for the night ahead: dark water, distant lights, and salt in the air. By the time you arrive, you’ve already stepped out of normal travel mode.

Once on the island, candlelight and glowing lamps create a magical atmosphere. Sit by the beach for a candlelit dinner, then wander to explore the island up close. The centerpiece is the Alama show—energetic, dramatic, and unapologetically theatrical. You don’t go for subtlety here; you go for atmosphere. Let yourself soak it in, and it becomes a night you’ll remember, not just a checkmark on your itinerary. Even the return cruise keeps the energy alive with music and performances, making the ride back part of the celebration.

This one experience provides so much: a sunset boat cruise, access to a private island, an unforgettable evening including a candlelit dinner by the ocean, and a stunning theatrical performance. It’s absolutely worth your time and money, and booking early is key. No wonder it’s one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

👉 Don’t miss Puerto Vallarta’s most unforgettable night—book Rhythms of the Night now

Beach Towns Beyond Puerto Vallarta

If you want to truly appreciate Puerto Vallarta, step outside the city for a day. Two favorites that give very different vibes are Yelapa and Sayulita.

Yelapa feels like a quiet secret tucked at the edge of the bay. There’s no road in, only boats, and the pace reflects it. Walk along sandy paths, explore the village on foot, and if you’re feeling adventurous, head toward the waterfall. There’s a short, easy walk to the lower falls near town (perfect if you just want a quick nature break), but you can also go bigger with the longer jungle hike (about 2–3 hours round trip) up to Yelapa Waterfall / Yelapa Falls. The trail winds through tropical greenery with uneven paths and a cool waterfall pool that feels like a reward after the climb.

After that, slow it all the way down at tiny beachside cafés where the menu is whatever the cook decided that morning. You can spend hours just letting the sun, water, and relaxed rhythm work their magic. You can absolutely do this trip on your own, but if you’d rather have everything handled, check out the guided all-inclusive Yelapa tour below for a smooth, all-in-one experience.

Sayulita, on the other hand, has a bohemian, surf-town energy. Colorful streets, street art, cafés, and surf shops line the town, and the beach is wide and alive. It’s perfect for wandering, grabbing a fresh juice, or renting a board to ride small waves. It’s busier than Yelapa, but that energy is part of the charm.

If you’re planning to surf, it’s best to explore Sayulita on your own so you can rent a board and take your time in the water. But if surfing isn’t your priority and you still want to soak up the town’s vibe without worrying about logistics, check out this guided Sayulita day tour for an easy, curated experience.

Both trips are doable in a day from Puerto Vallarta, but they feel completely different: Yelapa is about slowing down, Sayulita about soaking up a playful, colorful vibe. Either way, stepping outside the city gives you a fresh perspective and adds variety to your list of things to do near Puerto Vallarta.

Snorkel on Marietas Islands and Explore Hidden Beach

A trip to the Marietas Islands feels like stepping into a storybook version of the ocean. The waters are impossibly clear, the fish are curious, and snorkeling here is more than just swimming—it’s exploring an underwater playground full of vibrant colors, and playful schools of fish. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, the way the sunlight filters through the waves here makes it feel new.

And then there’s the Hidden Beach—a small, crescent-shaped cove tucked inside a crater- accessible only through a water tunnel. This tour provides with a good chance of visiting this Hidden Beach.

🌅 Make this your most unforgettable ocean day—book Marietas Islands tour now

Go Whale Watching (When the Season’s Right)

If you’re in Puerto Vallarta during whale season (early December through late March), this is one of those experiences that quietly rearranges your sense of scale. Boats head out into the bay, engines low, everyone scanning the water more intently than they expect to. Then it happens—a slow rise, a breath, a tail slipping back under the surface. No music, no narration needed. Just a shared moment where everyone onboard goes silent at once.

What makes whale watching here special isn’t just the sightings—it’s how close the city feels even when you’re out on open water. Mountains behind you, coastline stretching along the horizon, and these massive creatures passing through as if it’s no big deal. Dress for wind, and don’t worry if you don’t see nonstop action. The pauses are part of the experience, and this adventure is another standout on any list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

⏳ Whale season is limited—book your whale watching tour early

Cross Jorullo Bridge by ATV

Crossing the Jorullo Bridge—the longest suspension bridge in Latin America—is one of the most adrenaline-filled things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

Suspended high above a river canyon, the bridge is typically reached via ATV tours that wind through jungle trails and mountain terrain. Some experiences combine the crossing with waterfall stops, tequila tastings, or food-focused tours, blending adventure with local flavor. Even for non-ATV riders, walking the bridge alone is an unforgettable moment.

🔥 Go full adrenaline—book the ATV tour to Jorullo Bridge now

Relax at Natural Hot Springs in the Sierra Madre

Hidden in the mountains east of Puerto Vallarta, natural hot springs offer a completely different pace. These warm mineral pools sit alongside rivers and jungle trails, creating one of the most restorative things to do in Puerto Vallarta for travelers who want to slow down.

Most hot spring experiences are guided and include transportation through the Sierra Madre, time to soak, and often a traditional Mexican meal or light massage. It’s the perfect counterbalance to busy beach days and sightseeing.

♨️Hot springs + a traditional meal—book your restorative Sierra Madre mountain escape with Sierra Madre hot springs tour

Final Thoughts

Outdoor adventures and guided tours show a side of Puerto Vallarta that many travelers miss. They add scale to the landscape, quiet to the experience, and perspective to the destination. If you’re looking to move beyond the obvious and experience some of the most meaningful things to do near Puerto Vallarta, these nature- and experience-focused adventures are where the city truly opens up.

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