Best Puerto Vallarta shore excursions
The top-rated independent excursion in Puerto Vallarta is "Full-Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkeling" (4.8★ from 494 reviews, from $37). The biggest saving against the ship is zipline: $112 per person less than NCL. Prices and ratings checked November 2026.
Ranked from real traveller ratings: each tour's star rating weighted by how many reviews it has, so a 4.9 with 3,000 reviews beats a 5.0 with 25. Only tours we matched to a tour type in Puerto Vallarta are included.
Top-rated independent excursions
| # | Tour | From | Rating | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full-Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & SnorkelingSnorkel tour | $37 | 4.8★494 reviews | 5/5 |
| 2 | Jungle Hike and Waterfall Swim with Nature ExpertNature / waterfall / park | $31 | 4.8★199 reviews | 5/5 |
| 3 | Puerto Vallarta: 3-Hour 7-Stop Authentic Local Food TourFood & tasting | $59 | 4.9★87 reviews | 5/5 |
| 4 | Puerto Vallarta: Mega Yacht Whale Watching Sunset CruiseWhale watching | $108 | 4.7★103 reviews | 5/5 |
| 5 | Puerto Vallarta: Horse Riding Tour w/ Optional ATV & ZiplineATV / buggy / jeep | $113 | 4.7★73 reviews | 5/5 |
| 6 | Puerto Vallarta: Zipline Canopy TourZipline | $117 | 4.8★51 reviews | 5/5 |
| 7 | Puerto Vallarta: Food Tour with 7 Seafood TastingsFood & tasting | $59 | 5.0★43 reviews | 5/5 |
| 8 | Puerto Vallarta: Canopy Tour with Zipline and Speedboat RideZipline | $120 | 4.6★57 reviews | 5/5 |
| 9 | Catamaran Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar & MealsCatamaran / sail & snorkel | $92 | 4.8★30 reviews | 5/5 |
| 10 | Puerto Vallarta: Río Cuale & Sierra Madre ATV Tour & TequilaATV / buggy / jeep | $78 | 4.7★31 reviews | 5/5 |
Best value against the ship
| Tour type | Line | Ship | Independent | Saving for 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zipline | NCL | $197 | $85 | $449 |
| Nature / waterfall / park | Carnival | $121 | $34 | $348 |
| Nature / waterfall / park | NCL | $118 | $34 | $337 |
| Snorkel tour | Carnival | $115 | $51 | $258 |
| Party / sunset cruise | NCL | $217 | $154 | $251 |
| Beach break / beach club | Carnival | $166 | $108 | $234 |
Where the ship is cheaper
- Dolphin & marine encounter on Carnival: $115 on the ship vs $117 independent.
- ATV / buggy / jeep on NCL: $108 on the ship vs $110 independent.
- Food & tasting on Carnival: $55 on the ship vs $59 independent.
- Beach break / beach club on NCL: $69 on the ship vs $108 independent.
- Party / sunset cruise on Carnival: $82 on the ship vs $154 independent.
Without a tour: near the pier
- Malecon and Old Town: ~15 min by road (4.9 km).
The terminal is in Marina Vallarta, about 15 to 20 minutes from the Malecon by taxi or bus.
Questions
What is the best excursion in Puerto Vallarta?
On ratings, "Full-Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkeling" leads with 4.8 stars from 494 reviews. On value, zipline saves the most against the ship ($112 per person).
What is the cheapest well-rated excursion in Puerto Vallarta?
"Jungle Hike and Waterfall Swim with Nature Expert" from $31 per person (4.8★, 199 reviews).
What can you do in Puerto Vallarta without booking an excursion?
Within about 20 minutes of the pier: Malecon and Old Town (~15 min by road).
All Puerto Vallarta prices and pier guide · Carnival in Puerto Vallarta · NCL in Puerto Vallarta