This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a honeymoon can be quite a daunting task. Especially when it comes to visiting a place like Puerto Vallarta that’s full of magic! There is so much to do and see in Puerto Vallarta, where does one start?
No need to worry, because that’s exactly why I’ve created this guide to planning the most romantic Puerto Vallarta honeymoon!
Dan and I have spent quite a bit of time in Puerto Vallarta so this guide was a breeze to make. It’s all covered, from the best honeymoon resorts to the most romantic restaurants, and of course some fun suggestions on how to fill your time!
I’m certain you’re going to finish this post with an epic game plan for your romantic honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta!
Why Choose Puerto Vallarta for your Honeymoon
Beautiful resorts, picturesque beaches, and a never-ending list of romantic excursions and day trips from Puerto Vallarta. It makes total sense that anyone would choose Puerto Vallarta for their honeymoon!
Along with the things that obviously make a place romantic, there are also vibrant cultural attractions and delectable restaurants as Puerto Vallarta is known as the second gastronomic capital in Mexico.
Whether you want your honeymoon to be full of relaxing and rejuvenating, or adventure and thrill (or maybe a mix of both!), Puerto Vallarta is the perfect honeymoon destination for you.
BEST Puerto Vallarta Honeymoon Resorts & Hotels
It can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to deciding where to stay in Puerto Vallarta – there are a ton of places to choose from! But the good thing is that there are some really beautiful, luxurious, and romantic hotels and resorts to enjoy on your Puerto Vallarta honeymoon.
Below are my top 10 choices for romantic Puerto Vallarta honeymoon hotels.
1. Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta All Inclusive
Synonymous with niche amenities and extra memorable touches, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta boasts exotic international cuisine from six uniquely themed restaurants. Hard Rock is great for romance, as well as fun!
Hard Rock’s all-inclusive reservations include but are not limited to, 24-hour room service, daily cooking lessons, Zumba, and nightly rock concerts. Start the morning with surfside yoga, then enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta rests next to the azure waters of Bahia de Banderas in the heart of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. The hotel boasts 362 unique Mexican and musical-themed guest rooms, many with pristine views of Banderas Bay.
It’s your honeymoon! You deserve to luxuriate in the hydro spa tub, call up room service, sip champagne, and enjoy the sunset on your suite’s private balcony.
The average price for a deluxe room for two, all-inclusive, will cost about $962 USD per night. For an additional $100 USD per night, you can enjoy a selection of daily tours of Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area or wind down with and select a luxurious and relaxing spa adventure. Views and prices will vary depending on room location/view.
2. Casa Velas (Adults Only)
I think an adults-only resort is ideal for a honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, don’t you?! Casa Velas offers luxury exemplified. The gently crashing surf constantly plays just outside your suite.
Spend the afternoon dipping in the plunge pools. After a luxurious couples’ spa experience kick back and take a nap, or maybe spend the afternoon together on a championship golf course. Casa Velas’ mantra is “relax, play, indulge.”
Or, visualize yourself sipping top-shelf poolside cocktails at the Táu Beach Club with complimentary Bali beds, sun loungers, and deluxe showers. You also have the option to soak up the view of the stunning bay and Vallarta Marina on a private salon balcony with complimentary four-star snacks, premium wines, and a few competitive rounds of billiards.
Casa Velas aims for one thing: attentive service throughout your stay. The knowledgeable staff can recommend the perfect on-site restaurant for the special occasion, set you up with a first-class EnSuite lunch or dinner, or a once-in-a-lifetime city or jungle excursion.
The split-level Wellness Suite comes complete with a jacuzzi spa and personal massage therapist, nutritional and fitness consultations, and sweeping views of the gardens and ocean.
Master Suite packages with Garden or Golf Course views, for two starts at $766 USD per night. Upgrade to a Grand Class Suite with a private terrace, lounge, and private plunge pool starting at $861 USD per night.
Casa Velas is truly one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta you can experience for a honeymoon, and it’s Puerto Vallarta’s best-kept secret.
3. Velas Vallarta Suite Resort All Inclusive
Perched on the edge of warm white sand beaches, the Velas Vallarta Suite Resort has so many amenities and so much to offer. It’s akin to a cruise ship permanently anchored on the shore.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets at two of Velas Vallarta’s premier restaurants, or take your romantic selves to a gourmet à la carte dinner at Foodies Cantina for classic Mexican favorites with a twist. 24-hour EnSuite dining is also available on those really special evenings.
Ask your personal concierge or the friendly front desk staff for excursion ideas or for assistance booking a tour, or check out our list of the best tours and excursions in Puerto Vallarta. The resort’s tropical gardens and terrace are picture-perfect backdrops to capture memorable romantic photos or real-time social media posts.
Two beautiful lagoon-style swimming pools make cooling off an afternoon delight. Wild peacocks roam the property, so be on the lookout!
Colorful, modern one-bedroom suites start at around $800 USD.
4. Westin Resort and Spa
Westin Resort and Spa is known as the “oceanfront crown jewel of Puerto Vallarta hotels.” Experience 14 acres of luxurious, verdant gardens. Enjoy the lush property, and the modern, sleek hotel style.
Westin Resort and Spa provides a private beach that’s a pristine playground oasis. From intimate beachside massages to strolling the grounds and shopping for unique souvenirs, and planning all of your excursions with the super-helpful concierge team, you will find endless paradise delights at this renowned Puerto Vallarta hotel.
Choose from a fine selection of both local and international cuisine at the hotel’s on-site restaurants. Are you feeling like a memorably elegant five-course steak and seafood dinner? Arrecifes restaurant is the best bet. Enjoy the sunset and gaze out over Banderas Bay, sipping a freshly shaken tropical cocktail. Or select from their incredibly diverse fine wine list for an international flair that combines comfort foods “with a twist,” head over to La Cascada Restaurant & Bar.
Rooms with ocean views and comfy beds start at $212 USD per night.
5. Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
Fiesta Americana is an all-inclusive hotel and spa that has become a favorite getaway for couples, making it the perfect addition to the list of places to stay in Puerto Vallarta for your honeymoon.
Enjoy 18 rounds of golf on one of Puerto Vallarta’s premier courses. Then, spend the day being pampered and find inner wellness with a therapeutic couples’ massage at the luxurious Nakawé Spa.
The selection of fine cuisine is endless. Fiesta Americana has the dining scene covered whether you’re up for the mysteries of Asian cooking, the colorful flair of authentic Mexican, robust Italian flavors, or a buffet filled with light, local selections.
The friendly 4-star staff is eager to help book your excursions and day trips. So don’t be shy and ask them to help with all the preparations for a day of zip-lining, horseback riding, boat tours to a neighboring village, whale watching, or a tour of one of Puerto Vallarta’s prize-winning tequila distilleries.
You can also hang out at the hotel, play darts, take a dance lesson, or cuddle up on a super-soft lounge chair and read your new book beside the sparkling azure blue lagoon pool.
Superior and Deluxe Suites at the Fiesta Americana (all-inclusive) start at $800 USD per night.
6. Casa Nicole Boutique Hotel
Casa Nicole Boutique Hotel is where to stay in Puerto Vallarta for your honeymoon if you want to experience modern luxuries intersecting at the cultural crossroads of downtown Puerto Vallarta.
The sleek contemporary design of smooth marble mixes with colorful Mexican tiles to create the most romantic ambiance. The view from the rooftop patio is one of the best in the city and overlooks the bustling Zona Romantica neighborhood. Sit for a spell and watch the sun drop into the Western horizon, then head down to Casa Nicole restaurant.
A wonderful selection of American-style dishes with plenty of Mexican twists awaits. From the fantastic chilaquiles to a heart selection of pastries, to the wide variety of Egg Benedict combinations and fresh fruits. Make sure to start your day at the hotel’s restaurant so you’ll have enough energy to head over to the hotel’s gym, or step into your daily adventures, enjoying the endless sights of Puerto Vallarta’s exquisite Zona Romantica.
King Suites, King Superior Suites, and King Suites with a beautiful garden view for two range between $180 – 200 USD per night making this a great budget option for honeymooners!
7. Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort,Puerto Vallarta
Rising from the sand, this contemporary white monolith with a traditional terracotta roof bares the infamous Hilton Brand. Hilton Vallarta Riviera will offer you one of the most memorable stays in Puerto Vallarta. For starters, every room is bright, open, and welcoming, and features a private balcony facing the ocean.
Dining and drinks are all-inclusive, and it may take most of your morning to decide where to eat. Will it be wood-fired Italian, Vela Food Hall International buffet, a grilled duck salad with papaya chutney at Sunan, traditional tableside Cesar salad, and carne-stuffed baguette at Seasalt Grill, ceviche tostadas and handmade empanadas at Cocomar or fusion delights at Azulnida? I heard calories don’t count on your honeymoon…so enjoy it all!
Treat yourself to a luxurious couples’ massage, complete body treatment with sea salt scrub, hot stones, or a refreshing facial at Hilton’s Eforea Spa. Hilton concierge can help book all of your daily activities, including whale watching, a trip to the marina district, Mismaloya, and Los Arcos day trips by boat!
Oceanfront King rooms for two start at $550 USD per night! Hilton has thought of everything. Show up, kick back, and relax.
8. Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites & Residences
Miramar means “ocean view”. From every vantage point at Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites and Residences, all you will see are the inviting crystal blue waters of Banderas Bay. Every detail is in place to make your dining experience unforgettable.
From the traditional haute cuisine selections at Eugenia Restaurant, the memorable culinary tour of Mexican delights at Cielito Lindo, to the luxuriating pool area, La Terraza pampers you with unique, tasty treats and chilled beverages. Wind down a long day of sightseeing and excursions with a stop at The Gin Joint. Enjoy the chill vibes of the live lounge music and exquisitely mixed house cocktails.
The View Spa offers a 180º panoramic view of the bay whether you choose a floatation experience, facial, manicure, or full-body couples’ massage with hot stones.
Choose a Junior Suite with oceanview for two; breakfast included starting at around $228 USD per night.
9. Fiesta Inn Puerto Vallarta Isla
Fiesta means “party” in Spanish, and when you’re in Mexico, a little partying is a must! You are celebrating your honeymoon after all!
So, where to stay in Puerto Vallarta other than the extremely affordable Fiesta Inn Puerto Vallarta Isla and do just that. Fresh, modern, and compact, Fiesta Inn is nestled in La Isla shopping center. With 144 guest rooms, the hotel strives to be both a world-class travel and business destination.
At the innovative 360° Lounge, you’ll find the B-On business center, La Isla restaurant, a convenience store, and a new and improved self-service area. Order up some room service from 7 am to 11 pm.
Swing by the grab-and-go the morning of your scheduled excursion or tour, and load up on snacks, treats, and bottled water. Take a break and relax with Fiesta Inn’s special daily surprise offerings! For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the choices often feel endless and are incredibly delicious.
The ambiance of the hotel is bright and filled with fresh, inspiring colors. Enjoy high-speed wireless Internet, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and personal laundry and dry cleaning service. Other amenities include a beautiful relaxing pool, and you can even request a guide dog for travelers that need a little extra comfort and TLC.
A 5-night vacation for two in a deluxe room with a king-size bed costs around a total of $460 USD. That’s only $92 USD per night – an amazing deal, and another great option for my budget honeymooners!
Your affordable paradise awaits!
10. Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
Resting on the shores of Banderas Bay in the heart of the Hotel Zone, find your romantic paradise at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa. It’s where to stay in Puerto Vallarta to enjoy a wide variety of nightly entertainment, as it’s close to downtown Vallarta. Including a new celebration of everything Puerto Vallarta: the jubilant Mexican Experience!
The gorgeous and tranquil outdoor swimming pools are cool and inviting—the perfect place to spend a long lazy afternoon. The top-notch service Villa del Palmar provides is what its regular guests have come to expect.
From crepes and homemade ice cream, authentic Mexican, the finest distilled tequilas, to the delectable tastes of Japanese and Italian cuisines, poolside, the dining at Villa del Palmar will tantalize your senses. The resort also offers an optional all-inclusive resort package in the event you don’t want to worry about counting pennies.
If you’re honeymooning on a budget, the inclusive packages at Villa del Palmar are for you! The resort’s tours, excursions, and activities are varied and fun! From Spanish lessons to Karaoke, you’re sure to have an interesting fun-filled day!
Rooms at Villa del Palmar are very affordable. Junior Suites start at $248 USD per night, and you can upgrade to the all-inclusive package for an additional $150 per night! Treat yourself.
Related Read: For another romantic honeymoon destination consider checking out Acapulco, Mexico and all of its attractions.
Where to Eat on your Honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta
La Iguana
- Location: Up on a hill above Centro
- Price range: 500+ MXN ($27 USD) for a main dish
- Come here for: The views and a lovely fine-dining experience in the famous Casa Kimberly
- Takes reservations: Yes. You should make a reservation here or you might not get a table.
If you love to enjoy a beautiful meal out while on holiday, then a visit to La Iguana restaurant is a must.
This gorgeous restaurant overlooks Banderas Bay and serves up delicious contemporary Mexican food. It’s a fine-dining experience, and the attention to detail is unmatched by other restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.
On top of that, La Iguana is located in the old house of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (Casa Kimberly) – two famous actors you may already know. The restaurant’s architecture is stunning and a must-see attraction all on its own.
The restaurant is tucked away off the busy streets in central Puerto Vallarta, a few blocks back from the Malecon. Reservations are essential at La Iguana and make sure to ask for a table with a view to make this the most romantic dining experience of your Puerto Vallarta honeymoon..
Meals at La Iguana cost around 500+ MXN ($26.60 USD), and cocktails are around 230 MXN ($12.30 USD). Although not cheap for Puerto Vallarta standards, you’re guaranteed a delicious meal and fantastic service. They also have an extensive wine list as well as tequila.
We stuck to cocktails and a bottle of wine when we visited, but other tables around us were ordering some very fancy bottles of tequila.
You can also stay in the same building as the restaurant at the luxurious Casa Kimberly hotel. Unfortunately, there are only nine luxury suites available, so be sure to book in advance!
Note: La Iguana is open to the public for dinner service only from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Only guests of the hotel can dine here for lunch.
Barcelona Tapas
- Location: Centro
- Price range: Around 180 MXN ($9.50 USD) for a tapas dish
- Come here for: Tapas or the seafood paella
- Takes reservations: Yes, and it is recommended to make a reservation to guarantee a table.
What could be more romantic than sharing tapas above Puerto Vallarta with breathtaking views?
Barcelona Tapas is a high-end rooftop restaurant that has one of the best views in Puerto Vallarta. On top of that, they serve up some excellent Spanish food and tapas that include their famous seafood paella that comes with more seafood than one can handle.
While visiting on your honeymoon, order from the tapas menu and try a few different dishes to share. It’s a romantic way to enjoy a meal because you get to experience the food together.
My recommendation is to go at sunset and enjoy that gorgeous sky as newlyweds!
A tapas meal at Barcelona Tapas costs around 180 MXN ($9.50 USD), and their paella starts at 600 MXN/$32 USD (the seafood is 1,200 MXN ($64 USD)!)
La Cappella
- Location: Centro
- Price range: Around 500 MXN ($27 USD) for a main
- Come here for: Italian food with a view and romantic ambiance
- Takes reservations: Yes. Reservations are recommended.
La Capella serves up my overall favorite, and arguably the most romantic cuisine, Italian.
Perched just above central Puerto Vallarta overlooking the Our Lady of Guadalupe church, La Cappella has breathtaking views of the ocean and the gorgeous architecture below. La Capella is one of my favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for a romantic dinner out.
On top of that, the food is delicious and stays true to classic Italian with dishes such as giant shrimp scampi, fettuccine Alfredo, and chicken piccata. There are also great options for seafood and steak lovers including lobster, catch of the day, and rib-eye steak!
When it comes to a romantic dinner, the violinists that often play at the restaurant, create the most romantic atmosphere. Oh, and the service is that of a 5-star restaurant.
A meal at La Capella costs around 500 MXN ($27 USD).
La Dolce Vita
- Location: They have three locations; Nueveo Vallarta, Centro, and Romantic Zone
- Price range: About 170 MXN ($9 USD) for a pasta dish
- Come here for: Homemade pasta and wine at an affordable price
- Takes reservations: Yes. Not generally required but could be a good idea if you want to guarantee a seat inside.
La Dolce Vita is a small restaurant chain with three restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. There is one in Nuevo Vallarta, one in Downtown Puerto Vallarta, and one in the Romantic Zone.
What I love about La Dolce Vita are its affordability and quality. For what you pay, the food is outstanding. The best part is they make some of their pasta in-house, such as the ravioli! As someone with an Italian family, their homemade sauce brought me home for just a few minutes!
On top of that, they have a nice selection of wines and the service is always really good. Grab a couple of glasses of wine and cheers to you!
We always go to the location in the Romantic Zone, and one of the perks is that it is inside with air conditioning. This is very important when eating a hearty meal like pasta on a hot day!
A meal at La Dolce Vita costs around 170 MXN ($9 USD).
El Dorado
- Location: South of the Romantic Zone
- Price range: Around 500 MXN ($27 USD) for a main dish
- Come here for: A restaurant on the beach with quality food
- Takes reservations:
This beachside restaurant is easily one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Although I often find the better the location, the worse the food, El Dorado is an exception.
As I mentioned, this place is so close to the beach you can relax with the sand between your toes. The restaurant is located just south of the Romantic Zone.
Coming to El Dorado is about an experience, and I love watching the sunset from the beachside tables. It’s perfect for your romantic dinner celebrating your love.
The main cuisine at El Dorado is seafood, and the choices are endless. I love the seared tuna and shrimp ceviche! Both taste so fresh – like they were caught that day.
El Dorado has a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, although I’ve only eaten here for dinner.
You may be wondering what one of the best beachfront restaurants costs to eat at. Well, it’s certainly not cheap, with mains costing around 500 MXN ($27 USD). However, for that, you get a fantastic location, delicious food, and excellent service.
Cafe des Artistes
- Location: Centro
- Price range: Around 500 MXN ($27 USD) for a meal
- Come here for: A fine dining experience
- Takes reservations: Required
For the last 30 years, the elegant Cafe des Artistes has dominated the restaurant scene in Puerto Vallarta. This upscale restaurant is perfect for those looking for a fine dining experience out in Puerto Vallarta.
Set in a quaint house in downtown Puerto Vallarta, Cafe des Artistes is a humble restaurant. Chef/owner, Thierry Blouet leads with her food and has created one of the best dining experiences in the city.
If it’s your first visit, I recommend the “Menu Tentacion,” a five-course menu and a great introduction to the restaurant. If you’d prefer to order off the menu, the fish of the day is always good, as well as the prime rib.
At Cafe de Artistes, expect an elegant, romantic dining experience. Reservations at Cafe de Artistes are also a must!
A meal here costs around 500 MXN ($27 USD), with the tasting five-course meals costing 1,390 MXN ($74 USD)!
10 Romantic Things to do on your Puerto Vallarta Honeymoon
1. Relax at a spa
After all of the wedding planning and celebration, you deserve to treat yourselves to a spa day! Lucky for you, most of the honeymoon resorts in Puerto Vallarta have luxurious spas inside of them. So if you choose to stay at Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites and Residences, Casa Velas, Hard Rock Hotel, or Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta for example you will be just an elevator ride away from the pampering you deserve.
Even if you choose not to stay at these places, you can still access the spas! My personal favorite is The View Spa located at the Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites and Residences. I love it so much because regardless of the treatment you choose (floatation experience, facial, manicure, or full-body couples’ massage) you get 180º panoramic views of the bay!
2. Go to Rhythms of the Night show
The Rhythms of the Night dinner show is the most highly rated show in all of Puerto Vallarta, and therefore, one of the absolute best things to do!
But it is so much more than just a show.
The Rhythms of the Night tour is a full-on evening experience. It starts with a romantic sunset dinner cruise in the Bay of Banderas. On this 1 hour cruise, you can enjoy a drink (or many drinks, as we did) onboard a catamaran cruise while enjoying the famous PV sunset.
During certain times of the year, you may even see whales!
Then, when you arrive at Las Caletas (a private beach), you’ll be seated in the amphitheater to watch the show. The Rhythm of the Night show was actually conceived by the co-founder of Cirque de Soleil, so it is an impressive combination of acrobatics, theatrics, and music and dance. However, it also has a Mexican spin telling historical legends and stories. Honestly, it’s so impressive, and during some parts, you’ll be on the edge of your seat.
After the show, you’ll be taken to one of the many restaurants on the beach to enjoy a romantic candle-lit buffet dinner. The food is fantastic, and there are cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine on offer. We were very impressed with the dinner.
This is truly an experience unique to Puerto Vallarta and one you shouldn’t miss out on! Tickets do often sell out, so be sure to book online in advance!
Once you arrive at the port, you can upgrade your ticket to “all you can drink” for $10 USD or “VIP” for $40 USD. I myself got the all-you-can-drink package and certainly got plenty of use out of it. The VIP section just gives you closer seats and a fancier restaurant as well as the drink package.
The tour begins with a 7 pm check-in at the port, and we arrived back at around 1 am – it’s a long night but great value for money.
3. Go parasailing
Parasailing is one of the most popular water activities in Puerto Vallarta. For those unfamiliar, parasailing is when you get towed by a boat while you sail in the air.
It does give you a little bit of an adrenaline rush, but once the two of you are up in the air taking in the incredibly scenic views as you float above the water, it’s truly a unique feeling. It’s definitely a great experience to have on your honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta!
You can find places to parasail all over Puerto Vallarta from Romantic Zone down to Hotel Zone. You are typically up in the air for around 15 minutes, and they cost around $65 USD per person. Book your tour in advance here!
4. Ride an ATV in the jungle
Going on an ATV tour is always a fun way to spend a couple of hours. But, in Puerto Vallarta, it is even more special as you ride through the jungle and remote villages wrapped around your significant other!
The tour we did took us along a dirt road that was really muddy in places (it was the wet season). This made the tour super fun, and we got a little dirty.
Luckily, our tour stopped at the same place “The Predator” with Arnold Swaranegar was filmed. Here we got to have a few beers and enjoy a swim. On the way back, we also got to enjoy a really cool tequila tasting! I loved how we had a good mix of exciting and relaxing all wrapped up in one tour.
Riding an ATV in the jungle near Puerto Vallarta is really one of the most exciting things to do! You can book the same tour we did or check out other ATV tours available.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Hidden Beach Boat Tour
Hidden Beach is a small, isolated beach you can access only by swimming. Once you’re inside of the cave, it opens up to a stunning beach with a large hole in the limestone above. This allows for the bright blue sky and gleaming sun to shine through- making for some super epic photos!
Visiting Hidden Beach isn’t just one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta for your honeymoon, it’s also one of the best things to do in Mexico in general!
Hidden Beach is limited to 1,000 people per day, so be sure to book in advance. Tours typically include snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and wildlife watching too!
The specific tour actually visits Hidden Beach and includes snacks, water, and an English-speaking guide. There are some cheaper tours available, but they DO NOT guarantee a visit to Hidden Beach!
Unfortunately, many tours offer a “possible” visit to Hidden Beach, and the fees for visiting are not included in the tour price. It’s one of the best beaches in Mexico, so I recommend splurging a little bit to ensure you get the opportunity to visit.
6. Swim with wild dolphins
Swimming with wild dolphins is a magical experience. This particular excursion from Puerto Vallarta gives you the chance to swim with dolphins in their own natural environment.
The company is committed to the research and conservation of the dolphins in this area so you can feel good about this ethical tour. Plus, you will be guided by an expert biologist to learn more about the animals!
The tour will provide snorkeling equipment and take you out on a boat to visit a resident bottlenose dolphin group. On the way out to see dolphins, you may also get to see whales, turtles, or even orcas.
Prices for the tour are around 1,638 MXN ($87 USD). This is one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Vallarta, so it is highly recommended that you book well in advance.
Related Read: Swimming with wild dolphins is also one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. If you’re interested in all the best tours in Puerto Escondido, have a look at our other blog!
7. Go horseback riding
Hasn’t every girl dreamed of horseback riding on the beach for her honeymoon? Or is that just me?
Head to the neighboring town of Sayulita to experience their horseback riding tour that leads you through beaches, jungles, and the village of Higuera Blanca. The tour includes a guide, equipment, and water, and costs around $2,122 MXN ($114 USD).
If you’re not worried about horseback riding on the beach, you can also take a tour right out of Puerto Vallarta that leads you through the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain range. This tour includes a guide, lunch, and free drinks (even alcoholic drinks) for just around $82 USD.
8. Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkeling Tour from Puerto Vallarta
This is a full-day tour to Yelapa and Majahuitas from Puerto Vallarta via boat. Yelapa is a small fishing village on a beautiful beach whereas Majahuitas is a secluded beach free of all civilization. And this amazing tour visits both destinations in addition to a waterfall!
Yelapa is synonymous with some of the best snorkeling in the area. On this tour from Puerto Vallarta, you’re just a short boat ride away from experiencing some of Mexico’s best marine species. The water is so clear it’s like glass. And the colorful schools of tropical fish are everywhere!
Hands down, this is the best excursion in Puerto Vallarta if you want to spend the day leisurely walking through the jungle, swimming near waterfalls, and feeling completely off the grid. It is literally like taking a mini-honeymoon while you’re on your honeymoon.
The forest is lush, and the bay and beaches are private. Only a handful of tours go to Yelapa per day, so it feels magical and memorable. Enjoy a continental-style breakfast and a light buffet lunch onboard the boat.
Your day trip itinerary includes a stopover in Yelapa, where the locals ride donkeys and ATVs as their primary form of transportation. Then it’s off to Majahuitas, a private beach alcove getaway you’d be hard-pressed to find on a map.
The tour also offers up the panoramic splendor of Banderas Bay, the mighty Cola de Caballo waterfall, along with plenty of kayaking and swimming to keep you happy all day! The tour includes all your snorkeling and kayaking equipment as well as an open bar. There’s also an option to go horseback riding so bring extra pesos if that interests you.
This Puerto Vallarta tour departs from either Puerto Magico near the ship terminal or Vallarta Adventures, near the El Tigre golf course. The cost for this 5-hour excursion is only $89 USD.
9. Go snorkeling at Los Arcos National Park
Snorkeling is an absolute must-experience during your honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta! And honestly, it doesn’t get much better than snorkeling in Los Arcos National Park.
The best way to experience this area is on a tour. With a tour, you are able to be informed by a marine biologist guide and learn about all of the diverse wildlife you get to see.
This half-day tour takes you out on a boat and provides snorkeling equipment. Along with that they also stop for lunch (own expense) after the snorkeling adventure at Playa Las Animas! Prices for the tour are around 1,316 MXN ($70 USD) and the tour leaves from Puerto Vallarta marina.
If you’d rather get under the water to explore around here, make sure to check out all the scuba diving options in Puerto Vallarta!
10. Luxury Sailboat at Sunset Tour
The sunsets in Puerto Vallarta are simply stunning. The bright blue sky slowly gives in to a tapestry of fiery pastel colors. And what better place to watch this intoxicating sunset than on the deck of a sailboat?!
On this sunset tour from Puerto Vallarta, the hospitable crew welcomes you aboard. Once you’ve set off, you’ll be served a round of delicious snacks and drinks.
This is the perfect tour to choose for celebrating your honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta! You’ll sail on crystal-clear tropical waters. Beneath you lies the mysterious water full of sea turtles, jumping fish, and manta rays. Don’t forget to capture images as you tour Banderas Bay and witness the sun sinking spectacularly into the western horizon!
In the months of December to March, you may even spot whales!
Don’t forget to capture images as you tour Banderas Bay and witness the sun sinking into the western horizon!
This specific sunset tour starts at $144 USD and lasts for 3 hours. Included in that price are unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as snacks. Space is limited to a maxim of 30 travelers per tour and the sailboat departs at 6:30 pm sharp!
On the day of your scheduled tour, you can choose to meet up at the departure point, or, for an additional $10 USD, you can schedule a pick-up from your hotel to the dock.
Related Read: The nearby town of Sayulita is also a great honeymoon destination! Check out the best hotels in Sayulita and some of the best things to do in the beachside town. Or if you only have time for a quick trip, these tours from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita will give you a taste of this beachy paradise.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend.
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Thanks for reading!
Don’t you feel better now about planning your epic, romantic honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta? I know that regardless of which resort you choose, the restaurants you eat at, or the activities you choose, you’re going to have an amazing time celebrating your love (congrats BTW!).
Puerto Vallarta really is a stunning destination, and it’s hard to have a bad time. Spending it with someone you love is sure to be magical!
Before you go, be sure to check out the rest of our blogs about Mexico including a few personal favorites: