Day trips

Day trips worth making

Puerto Vallarta’s best asset is what’s around it. The bay and the coast north and south give you more variety than the city itself.

The south-shore beaches (Yelapa, Las Animas, Quimixto)

About 30 to 60 minutes by water taxi from Los Muertos or Boca de Tomatlan. Roadless coves reached only by boat — quieter sand, a waterfall walk at Quimixto, and Yelapa’s small village feel. Worth it, and the boat ride is half the fun. Go early to beat the tour crowds.

Sayulita

About 45 to 60 minutes north by car or bus, into Riviera Nayarit. A surf-and-bohemian village that’s now very popular. Fun for a day of surfing, taco stalls and browsing, but it’s busy and no longer a secret. Worth it if you want a different vibe; skip if you dislike crowds.

San Pancho (San Francisco)

About an hour north. Sayulita’s calmer neighbor — same coast, fewer people, a nicer beach walk. We’d pick this over Sayulita for a relaxed day.

Whale watching on the bay

Half-day, December to March. Not a place but a trip, and the standout in winter. Humpbacks are genuinely in Banderas Bay; a small-boat tour is the one excursion we’d prioritize in season.

Marietas Islands

Boat trip from the north bay, roughly a half to full day. The famous hidden beach draws crowds and access is capped and permit-controlled, so it can disappoint if you expect it to yourself. The snorkeling and birdlife are the real reason to go.

Guadalajara

About 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road — too far for a comfortable day trip. Save it for an overnight rather than a rushed there-and-back.