Wondering what to do in Puerto Vallarta beyond the beach?
You are in the right place. Puerto Vallarta sits between the Pacific Ocean, Banderas Bay and the tropical Sierra Madre Mountains, creating an incredible playground for wildlife encounters, snorkeling, hiking, bird watching and outdoor adventures.
If discovering nature is part of your vacation plans, here are some of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta with Ecotours Vallarta.
Go Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta
Visiting during winter? Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is one experience you should not miss.
Humpback whales visit Banderas Bay seasonally, providing an opportunity to observe these remarkable animals in the wild.
Ecotours Vallarta’s Humpback Whale Watching Tour explores the bay in small groups accompanied by knowledgeable naturalist guides, combining wildlife observation with environmental education.
Perfect for: wildlife lovers, photographers and families.
Look for Wild Dolphins in Banderas Bay
Dolphins live in Banderas Bay year-round, making a wild dolphin encounter one of the most exciting nature activities around Puerto Vallarta.
The Wild Dolphins & Snorkeling Combo combines a search for dolphins in their natural habitat with time to swim and snorkel in the bay.
No pools. No staged encounters. Just the possibility of meeting marine wildlife where it belongs — in the ocean.
Perfect for: families, couples and marine-life lovers.
Snorkel at the Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are among the most famous natural attractions near Puerto Vallarta.
A Marietas Islands snorkeling tour lets you explore this protected marine environment while looking for tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins and seabirds, including the distinctive blue-footed booby. Ecotours Vallarta focuses its trips on small groups, snorkeling and enjoying the islands’ natural environment.
Perfect for: snorkeling, bird watching and a day on the ocean.
Discover Los Arcos Marine Park
Just south of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos is one of Banderas Bay’s most recognizable natural landmarks and a favorite destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Its rocky islands, arches and underwater environment make a Los Arcos tour from Puerto Vallarta an easy adventure for travelers who want to spend a few hours exploring the bay.
Ecotours Vallarta offers experiences at Los Arcos as well as scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta for travelers ready to explore below the surface.
Perfect for: snorkeling, diving and short ocean adventures.
Release a Baby Sea Turtle
For something completely different, visit a local conservation camp and learn about the Olive Ridley sea turtle.
The Sea Turtle Release in Puerto Vallarta experience introduces visitors to local conservation work and, when conditions allow, gives participants the unforgettable opportunity to watch young turtles begin their journey into the Pacific Ocean.
It is a beautiful reminder that ecotourism can also contribute to protecting the wildlife we travel to see.
Perfect for: families, children and conservation-minded travelers.
Hike from the Jungle to the Ocean
Puerto Vallarta isn’t only about boats.
The mountains south of town descend through tropical forest toward small beaches and coastal villages. The Hiking and Snorkeling Combo takes you through the mountains to tiny Colomitos Beach, followed by snorkeling in the Pacific.
You can also explore places such as Quimixto and Yelapa, combining coastal scenery, jungle trails, waterfalls and village life.
Perfect for: active travelers and anyone looking for outdoor adventures in Puerto Vallarta.
Go Bird Watching in Puerto Vallarta
With tropical forest, rivers, mountains and coastal ecosystems close together, the Puerto Vallarta region offers excellent opportunities for birding.
Ecotours Vallarta offers several bird watching tours in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, ranging from nearby excursions to more specialized trips into the Sierra Madre and surrounding areas. The current program includes Mismaloya and the Vallarta Botanical Garden, El Tuito, Sierra del Vallejo, San Sebastián and other birding destinations.
You don’t have to be an experienced birder to enjoy them — spotting colorful tropical species while exploring the landscape is part of the fun.
Perfect for: nature lovers, photographers and birders.
Explore Beyond Puerto Vallarta
Have an extra day or two?
Puerto Vallarta is also a great base for exploring more of western Mexico. Ecotours Vallarta offers nature and cultural trips to destinations including San Sebastián and San Blas, as well as multi-day expeditions for travelers who want to venture farther from the usual tourist routes.
These experiences reveal another side of the region: mountains, tropical forests, wetlands, wildlife and small Mexican communities.
Experience the Natural Side of Puerto Vallarta
There are plenty of things to do in Puerto Vallarta: walk the Malecón, enjoy the beaches, discover great food and watch an unforgettable Pacific sunset.
But make some room in your vacation for nature.
Watch humpback whales cross Banderas Bay. Look for wild dolphins. Snorkel around the Marietas Islands. Walk through tropical forest. Search for colorful birds. Visit a waterfall. Help a baby sea turtle reach the ocean.
For more than three decades, Ecotours Vallarta has helped visitors discover the wildlife and landscapes that make Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay such a special destination.
Come for Puerto Vallarta. Explore the nature that surrounds it.
