The 15 Boat Tours in Puerto Vallarta That Earn Their Price

1.Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,786 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $120Our pick

Puerto Vallarta zipline canopy plus tequila and a speedboat option, with river swimming, waterslides, kayaks, and an animal sanctuary stop.

“- Operators were excellent; made the whole experience a lot of fun. - we did the activity with a 6yo; she was totally fine with it - and the operators made it safe for her. there were other families with kids also and they also seemed to really enjoy the experience. - the setting is amazing; on either side of the river and you get breathtaking views - the restaurant and bar at the bank of the river served great food and we had a relaxing experience at the end of the tour.”

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2.Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,515 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $117

6-hour all-inclusive catamaran to Yelapa Waterfalls: snorkeling, kayaks, open bar, and fajita lunch from Puerto Vallarta.

“Our second time on this tour. Took my mother in law this time as she hadn't been to Yelapa before. Staff is very attentive and keep the food and drinks going non stop from start to finish. Super friendly staff. Quality of food and drinks are perfect for this style of excursion. Beautiful views with whale sightings when in season. Snorkeling an chilling with views of the rainforest are fun. Always meeting fun people on the boat. Yelapa although a small little town just fun to see and the waterfall for pictures or another quick dip. Highly recommend. Lastly, it doesnt take all day. Leave early and typically make it…”

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3.Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,796 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Speedboat to Boca de Tomatlan, then 4WD, mule, zip lines, waterfall rappel, and waterslides for serious Puerto Vallarta jungle adrenaline.

“By far the best experience of its kind. There were one thing after another that surprised us. Though I have to say we didn’t look at any brochures to know exactly what to expect. Well run org and guidance. Exceeded our expectations (and we are well traveled). I recommend it for families, couples of singles alike. Great value for the money! The only thing is that no photos allowed and they try to sell their pro shots for a handsome amount. We are going home the experience in our mind to hold onto.”

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4.Rhythms of the night, Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & Alma Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,667 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Sunset cruise from Puerto Vallarta to Las Caletas for a candlelit buffet and the Rhythms of the Night show at a pyramid amphitheater.

“You must climb a very steep, rocky staircase to get to the dining area. If you are older and have balance issues or poor night vision, this can be a challenge. The walkways are dimly lit by only votive candles, so the rocky/uneven pathway isn't very visible. They ran out of some of the food (no shrimp pieces left in the shrimp/vegetable dish) and a very limited selection of desserts were left. The show was very good, but because of the aforementioned issues, we will not be returning.”

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5.Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,176 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48Best value

Small-group boat and snorkel to Los Arcos: sea caves, bird islands, and about 30 minutes in the water, plus Mismaloya beach time.

“Bruno was amazing. He made the experience feel so relaxed but we also got great info. Highly recommend.”

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6.Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 754 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

A small-group Leopard catamaran cruise from Puerto Vallarta to Majahuitas Cove for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and lunch with an unlimited open bar.

“We traveled with a group of 14 for a bachelorette party and had so much fun! The staff was so great, they food they gave was really great too. We started out with fruit, guacamole, and then an amazing sandwich, and dessert. The drinks were flowing after snorkeling and we had so much fun dancing to the music.”

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7.Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 470 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $135

All-inclusive catamaran day trip from Puerto Vallarta to Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto, with open bar, meals, and water toys.

“I have to say that this is another great Viator tour. We have been using Viator for some time and everything we have booked with them has been very satisfactory. Chica Locca Tours Mega Catamaran ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure was the best day we had during our week long stay at a local resort. The staff was incredible, the drinks were flowing, and the food was fresh and quite good. Even though it was not guaranteed, we were able to see whales, dolphins, and turtles on our trip to the remote beach. We also opted in to purchase the waterfall trip by ATV and were very happy that…”

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8.Puerto Vallarta, Luxury Sunset Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 415 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

3-hour Puerto Vallarta sunset cruise on a Beneteau sailing catamaran with open bar, fine wines, cheese, and Banderas Bay views.

“CaptainRuben excellent boat navigator and put it right in the line with the sunset . I will definitely do it again.”

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9.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99

Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta whale watching on a catamaran with open bar, live commentary, and a full lunch at sea.

“The boat's captain and crew were very good at spotting whales. We saw quite a few mother and calf pods. They took good care of us with drinks and the food was pretty good.”

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10.Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 327 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $83

Swim in bioluminescent plankton near Los Arcos on a sunset boat tour from Puerto Vallarta, with snorkeling gear, wildlife, and local guides.

“Our guide Alex was amazing. Very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. He kept the tour interesting while giving us lots of information. His impressions of the blue footed boobies were amazing. Thanks Alex. The bioluminescent waters were amazing. Swimming is a must! Use the masks to see an amazing underwater show”

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11.Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 180 reviews · 6 hours · from $142

Cruise Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa on a 100’ mega yacht. Premium open bar, snorkel gear, waterfall hike, and bay views, 6 hours.

“Ricky and staff were amazing and made this an unforgettable event! We never had to wait for a drink the staff were always on top of it. We had fresh fruit and 2 little muffins for breakfast, chips & guac for a snack and the fajitas, rice & beans were delicious. We were lucking enough to see some whales as we left the port. First stop was just a time to jump in the water, use a kayak, paddle board or sit on the lily pads. They would even swim drinks out to you! Stopping at the little island was fun. It was dry season so there was not much…”

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12.Mega Yacht Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 94 reviews · 3 hours · from $87

3-hour Puerto Vallarta sunset mega-yacht cruise with guided humpback whale viewing, premium open bar, guacamole, and night city lights.

“We saw several whales and the crew was more than attentive. Everyone was very friendly and informative. I highly recommend this excursion.”

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13.Canopy Tour with Zipline and Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 55 reviews · 5 hours · from $120

Ride 19 zip lines over Puerto Vallarta jungle, cool off by the Horcones River, meet rescued animals, then add a smooth speedboat or land truck option.

“This is worth every dollar! First a crazy boat ride, then a trip through the jungle on a an open trailer, breath taking ziplines, amazing lunch by the river that we later got to swim in and to top it all we got to hold monkeys, tucáns and a lemur. The guides were so kind and made the experience that much more pleasant. Shout out to Luigi, Ramon, Eduardo, Edgar, Pepe, Moises and anyone else that was there!”

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14.Bay of Banderas Luxury Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 30 reviews · 3 hours · from $99

Luxury sunset sail in Puerto Vallarta. Premium open bar, local hors d'oeuvres, cushioned comfort, and Bay of Banderas sunset views.

“The sunset sail was very nice, crew was friendly, the food was good and the Captain was competent but the seating was uncomfortable which was disappointing since the marketing implied there was big pillows and seating would be very comfortable. there was no pillows and we sat on pads on the floor with no back support which was quite awkward.”

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15.From Puerto Vallarta/Nuevo Vallarta: Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 26 reviews · 4 hours · from $103

4 hours on a modern catamaran in Puerto Vallarta, with marine biologist insights, whale sightings, and breakfast, lunch, and cocktails onboard.

“We had an amazing experience and would recommend this company. The guide and his group were exceptional. We watched from the top deck as the guide assisted several people with mobility issues so they could see the whales. The food was very good as was the service. We saw so many whales, and appreciated how our captain was so respectable towards them giving them lots of space. We will be back again next year! Thanks again!”

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