When you live in Puerto Vallarta, you become pretty good at spotting the difference between a worthwhile tour and a tourist trap. I’ve tried dozens of tours in this city over the years. Some I’d never repeat, others I still recommend to friends and family visiting without hesitation.
What makes a tour actually worth it for me is about the people. These tours are led by locals who are passionate about food, culture, wildlife, and community. They avoid the cookie-cutter scripts and deliver experiences that offer connection. These tours are engaging for everyone, from first-time visitors to residents who have been living here for years.
If you’re planning a trip (or looking for a fun way to enjoy the place you live) and looking for Puerto Vallarta tours that are actually worth your time and money, these four standout experiences rise above the rest.
1. Vallarta Food Tours: The flavors of Versalles
Let’s start with the tour that changed my course in Puerto Vallarta (literally). I signed up for the Vallarta Food Tours’ Versalles Neighborhood Tour a few years ago, not realizing that I’d end the day smitten with more than just tacos. This tour introduced me to a new culinary avenue of Puerto Vallarta, a beloved neighborhood just outside the main tourist zone, where family-run restaurants run the show.
The walking tour includes stops at spots I now frequent weekly, including El Puerco de Oro, where the pork belly tacos are slow-cooked to melty perfection, and Abulón, Antojería del Mar, a seafood-focused restaurant where the shrimp al pastor tacos are tangy and fresh, served atop fluffy blue corn tortillas. You’ll also hit places for handmade tortillas, local birria, and creative desserts. It’s a deep dive into Vallarta’s foodie scene, led by local guides who know the chefs, the stories, and the secret menus.
If you want to experience Puerto Vallarta like a resident, this tour is where to start.
2. Rhythms of the Night: Believe the hype
There are a lot of sunset cruises and dinner shows in Puerto Vallarta, but none quite like Rhythms of the Night. I was skeptical at first. A sunset boat ride, buffet dinner, and jungle performance sounded like a stretch of tourist cliches. I could not have been more wrong.
The experience begins with a scenic catamaran ride across the Bahia de Banderas just as the sun dips into the Pacific. You arrive at a secluded beach only accessible by boat, where hundreds of flickering candles line jungle paths to a stunning open-air amphitheater. Dinner is served buffet-style beneath thatched palapas by the beach, with better-than-expected food (and unlimited drinks). The show is Cirque du Soleil meets ancient Mexican mythology. The aerial acrobatics, fire dancing, and live music unfold under the stars, backed by the sound of waves.
3. Chica Locca Tours: A day on the bay
Before you raise an eyebrow, I will confirm that yes, this is a boat tour. But no, it’s not that kind of party boat. Chica Locca Tours is an all-inclusive catamaran experience that will change your opinion of party-heavy catamaran experiences. My suggestion is to book their tour to Islas Marietas, a protected marine park famous for its volcanic rock formations, endemic wildlife, and the elusive Hidden Beach.
From the moment you board the oversized boat, complete with hammocks, bean bags, and shaded lounge spaces, you know you’re in for a comfortable ride. There’s an open bar and snacks from the get-go, but the focus is really on the water activities. You can snorkel, paddleboard, or lounge on the foam lily pads. If the tide allows, you’ll even swim through the cave to reach Hidden Beach, an experience that everyone should do at least once.
It’s family-friendly, fun, and well-run, with an enthusiastic crew that keeps things organized and upbeat without going full spring break.
4. Eco Tours Vallarta: Whale watching with a purpose
From December through April, humpback whales return to Bahia de Banderas to breed, give birth, and put on one of nature’s greatest shows. While many companies offer whale-watching tours, Ecotours Vallarta stands out for its ethical and educational wildlife encounters.
Operating since 1994, Ecotours was founded by biologists and continues to be led by experts who are passionate about conservation. Each tour is small and respectful, without loud music or any crowding of the animals. Instead, the guides provide thoughtful narration about whale behavior, biology, and migration, often supported with hydrophones so you can hear the whales sing.
It’s a far cry from the crowded booze cruises that race out into the bay for a quick whale sighting. The emphasis is on understanding and observing these gentle giants without disturbing their natural way of life. It’s ideal for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a more meaningful connection with the Pacific coast’s wildlife.
Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.
