6 Half-Day Tours in Puerto Vallarta Worth Booking

1.Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110Our pick

Cruise Banderas Bay from Marina Vallarta with a small group of up to 12 people. A marine biologist such as Thalia or Pilar explains whale behavior, while the captain searches for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and other wildlife. Lunch, soft drinks, and a return to the marina are included.

“Comfortable boat & they don’t over pack it with people. Saw a whale breech and dolphins! Cool experience overall. Staff was nice. I would recommend!”

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2.Half-Day Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 163 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Join Mike’s Fishing & Tours at 9:00 am for a four-hour group boat trip from Puerto Vallarta to Los Arcos de Mismaloya. You’ll see the shoreline, snorkel around natural rock arches for about 30 minutes, and enjoy ceviche, fruit, paninis, salad, and an international bar.

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3.Palo María Waterfalls Hike Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $89Best value

Meet guide Curiel at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas at 10:00 am for a four-hour hike through the Sierra Madre to Palo María waterfalls. Expect river swimming, rock climbing, optional rappelling, Pacific views, bird watching, and lessons about local plants and animals in a small group of up to 10.

“Great time, great guide, beautiful sights. I would highly recommend the adventure! It was the highlight of our trip!”

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4.Las Ánimas to Quimixto Waterfall Half-Day Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $171

Start in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone with private transport to Boca de Tomatlán, then take a private water taxi to Las Ánimas. Hike the Bahía de Banderas coast to Quimixto and continue 25 minutes to its waterfall for swimming, refreshments, lunch, and a relaxed jungle stop.

“Was an absolute AWESOME experience. The guide was so personable, educational and we had a wonderful time. Not a negative comment at all. Would highly recommend this”

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5.Half-Day Vallarta ATV Single Experience with Tequila Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 10 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Ride an ATV from Puerto Vallarta into the surrounding jungle, stopping at a mountain plateau, spring-fed pools, a seasonal waterfall, and a tequila-tasting point. English-speaking guides lead the 3.5-hour outing. Drivers need a license, and the waterfall depends on rainfall.

“The whole experience was great! These guys are doing a great job keeping everybody safe and entertained.”

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6.Half-Day Tour to Marietas Islands, Playa Nopalera by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 6 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $106

You’ll leave Puerto Magico for a 6 to 7 hour boat trip across Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands and rocky Playa Nopalera. Expect breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, kayaking, onboard drinks, and a possible Ecotour with biologist Marina. Hidden Beach is not included.

“Having breakfast and lunch on board was nice. Being able to snorkel, kayak and paddle board was fun. The staff are what made it the best time.”

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