Puerto Vallarta attractions are simply extraordinary. They go from the most relaxing to those that raise your adrenaline levels. Puerto Vallarta sightseeing is very diverse and complete.
The Bay of Banderas is ideal for practicing all kinds of water sports, from scuba diving and water skiing, to sailing, and more. One of the world's best bays for deep-sea fishing, it offers great opportunities to catch sailfish, marlin, and tuna.
The mountains surrounding Puerto Vallarta are perfect for engaging in horseback riding, jungle hikes, mountain biking, and bird watching but these are only some Puerto Vallarta attractions. It is sure to have whatever level of action you are looking for.
A variety of tours is available featuring visits to mango orchards, cattle ranches and farmland, small rural villages, and a river where you can swim. Start your ride in a small jungle village. Ride in an ecological reserve astride some of the best trail horses in the region. On Sundays, horseback rides include a trip to a typical Mexican rodeo.
This is an important element of Puerto Vallarta sightseeing. At least three different varieties of whales migrate to the warm waters of the Bay of Banderas in Puerto Vallarta between the months of December and April.
The largest and most famous of these whales is the magnificent humpback whale. This cetacean travels many thousands of miles from the Bering Sea to its winter refuge along Mexico's tropical Pacific coast. One of its meeting places is the Bay of Banderas where it conducts its activities related to courting, mating, and birthing. Furthermore, it evokes the admiration of both locals and foreigners as it performs its spectacular breaches, showing off its acrobatic abilities.
To see these awesome mammals swimming with their calves and soaring out of the ocean with eye-opening, majestic maneuvers is, without a doubt, a tremendous emotional experience.
You will have the opportunity to see Humpback Whales performing their incredible aerial displays; full breaches, arcing dives, pec slaps, and head slaps. If you are lucky, you might even see a newborn calf swimming alongside its mother -some of them can be quite inquisitive and sometimes swim close to the boat.
Only accessible by sea, Las Caletas stands out against a steep, jungle-clad backdrop of green canopies. This well-secluded, tropical nature preserve awaits your discovery. An hour's sea cruise to paradise ensures that you witness some of the most dramatic coastal scenery Vallarta has to offer!
If pure relaxation is your personal desire, then Las Caletas is the perfect setting: comfortable hammocks are hidden in shady spots for you to discover and enjoy. As you rest, the gentle lapping of the surf on our private, golden beach beckons you to take a closer look.
Rhythms of the Night is an amazing journey that transports you to a spiritual land that time forgot. A scenic, sunset cruise across Banderas Bay takes you to the isolated cove of Las Caletas, where flickering torches, gently lapping seas, and swaying palms set the mood for a mesmerizing performance deep within the tropical forest that will captivate your heart and leave you breathless.
Upon arrival, you feel like you have taken a step back into a time of pagan mysticism and legend. Soothing music mingles with the song of the jungle as you follow a torch-lit path that leads you past live portrayals of forgotten rituals and customs.
Here, hidden at the edge of the tropical jungle, a torch-lit pyramid sets the mood for a hypnotic performance that will keep you spellbound. The stories of an ancient civilization are revealed through music and modern dance as one of Mexico's most innovative contemporary dance troupes takes you on a magical and mystical journey.
From its origins as a fishing village, the sea has given life to Puerto Vallarta. More than 100 miles of coastline, endless broad, white beaches, and the sparkling seas of one of the largest Bays in the Americas give new meaning to the term "water sports." The calm waters of vast Banderas Bay are excellent for all manner of water sports. Most hotels can arrange fun activities including water skiing, wind surfing, deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, as well as catamaran and yacht excursions. Banana boats and parasailing are usually arranged right on the beach.
Surrounded by the blue waters of the Pacific, this barnacle-covered rock attracts all manner of sea life. A profusion of manta rays, turtles, sharks, and dolphins are native to these waters and huge schools of Jack tuna circle this tiny island in search of food. This is a great dive site with caves, arches, and steep walls to explore.
The Malecon is one of the most enjoyable attractions in Puerto Vallarta. Here you experience the beautiful view of the emerald-colored bay. Stroll on the beachfront side and enjoy unobstructed views of the beach and the breathtaking Vallarta sunsets. Walk on the other side and enjoy the shops, bars, and restaurants along the Malecon. It extends some 10 blocks from Hotel Rosita to the Zocalo (Main Square).
Once you have finished viewing contemporary Mexican art, you will want to learn more about the local, famous Huichol Indian art. For a complete lesson on this distinctive and important part of Puerto Vallarta's history, visit Arte Magico Huichol, which displays the world's largest permanent collection of Huichol beadwork, masks, jewelry, and tapestries. In some of the galleries around town, you can also see the work of Jose Benitez, a modern master of traditional Huichol techniques.