Riviera Nayarit Tours: 15 That Repay an Early Alarm

1.Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,130 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Start at 7 a.m. for a seven-hour boat trip from Puerto Vallarta to the Bay of Banderas, Islas Marietas, and Majahuitas. Watch for dolphins, manta rays, whales in season, and seabirds, then choose snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. A BBQ lunch, drinks, equipment, and onboard entertainment are included.

“Though we didn’t have the best weather at the start, we still had a great time! This is great for anyone who wants some water time on their vacation. Our crew was fantastic - Poncho was our guide. They did their best to keep spirits high among the morning rain. When you arrive, the crew serves a little breakfast (OJ, apples, bananas, coffee, little pastries) so I wouldn’t say you need to eat before you go. The ride out was choppy - if you get seasick, this might not be the best excursion for you. However, because there was rain, we were the only boat at the Islas and got…”

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2.Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 981 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $99Top rated

Join Eco Explorer Vallarta for a four to five hour boat trip from Marina Vallarta to the Marietas Islands. Snorkel with guides such as Rodrigo, Carlos, or Emilio, watch for dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and winter whales, then swim through a water tunnel to Hidden Beach if conditions and permits allow. The group is limited to 16 people.

“Rodrigo and Rafa were fantastic guides! We had a great time exploring las marietas and the hidden beach”

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3.Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 689 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $110

Spend about six hours aboard Chica Locca’s lively catamaran-style boat to Marietas Islands National Park. You’ll get breakfast, fajita lunch, snacks, an open bar, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboards, waterslides, and time to watch whales and dolphins. Hidden Beach requires a separate permit and fee. Some departures from Sayulita include a bus transfer.

“Five star service good food great weather. I would like to say very attentive staff great drinks and we got to see some whales special thanks to Saul.”

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4.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

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

Spend about four hours on Banderas Bay aboard a spacious catamaran, watching humpback whales, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles. The crew provides live commentary, breakfast, lunch, shade, clean bathrooms, and an international open bar. Meet at Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta. Port fees and transport are extra.

“Saw plenty of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Had breakfast and lunch provided. There was a photographer taking pictures of everyone, but we never saw them or was not told where to view them.. Very disappointed......”

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5.Horseback Riding in Sayulita Through Jungle Trails to the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 201 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Ride well-cared-for horses from a ranch near Sayulita through tropical jungle to a quiet beach, with river and photo stops along the way. Guides including Juan, Jovani, Guzman, Giovanni, and Danny match horses to riding ability. Choose a daytime or sunset outing, then finish with tequila tasting. Pickup is available in Sayulita.

“Great afternoon riding beautiful horses! Amazing pictures! Great job, Rancho Mi Chula and the guys! Don’t miss the tequila tasting!”

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6.San Pancho and Sayulita

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 188 reviews · 6 hours · from $55

Leave Puerto Vallarta by air-conditioned van for San Pancho’s beach and Huichol street crafts, then spend most of your free time in surf-loving Sayulita. You get a bilingual guide, hotel pickup, a one-hour buggy board, and optional lunch. Guides such as Eric, Omar, and Ramon are known for useful local tips and good humor.

“San Pedro was smaller and less people. Sayulita was very crowded…”

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7.Marietas Islands snorkeling & Hidden beach (w/ restrictions)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 183 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Spend about five hours with a biologist or naturalist guide exploring the Marietas Islands from a small boat. You’ll snorkel, watch blue-footed boobies and other wildlife, and may swim 200 meters to Hidden Beach if permits, tide, weather, and park capacity allow. Guides such as Maggie, Michael, Cynthia, and Luis have led recent trips.

“My wife and I took the excursion on her birthday March 6. We checked in very early and later heard that an accident on the highway had snarled traffic so bad that the cruise was in danger of being cancelled. Christina and Captain Alejandro came in on their day off to save the cruise. I am not a good swimmer, and I planned to skip the hidden beach, but conditions were near perfect there. So with a great deal of help from Christina I made the journey. We also enjoyed snorkeling (again thanks to her help). Then on the way back we saw several whales. My wife was thrilled to…”

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8.Bucerias Bike and Food Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Spend three easygoing hours cycling Bucerias with a local guide, often Pepe or Susy, stopping for coffee, agua fresca, tacos, ceviche, and beer. The 6-mile route reaches local eateries and countryside views of the Sierra Madre. Expect quality bikes, a relaxed pace, friendly instruction, and some bumpy cobblestones.

“Pepe was our guide and was great! He visited with us as we peddled to the first stop on the tour to learn a little about the group. He then tailored the food to allow us to try new dishes. The servings were generous and Pepe provided good insight into the culture and history of the area. Highly recommend!”

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9.Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 163 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $30Best value

Meet Diane and possibly Jair at Chaman Mexican Creative Kitchen for a 1.5-mile jungle hike with ocean views, tropical plants, and local stories. Reach a quiet beach for 40 to 50 minutes of shaded yoga beside the waves, then return to Sayulita. No yoga experience is needed, but moderate fitness and sturdy shoes help.

“This was the perfect start to my trip in Sayulita. Diane was absolutely wonderful. Very knowledgeable about the area, and was able to provide so many tips and tricks after the experience. The hike itself was absolutely breathtaking. Diane clearly knows the trail well and was able to warn us of low hanging branches, slippery rock areas, etc. Finishing the hike with yoga on the beach was wonderful. I was pretty wiped from the hike so I did some gentle stretching and meditating. 10/10 would do this next time I’m here.”

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10.Private Tour, Sayulita & San Pancho

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Spend about six hours exploring San Pancho and Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta in private transport, with drinks included. Walk San Pancho’s beach and galleries, browse Sayulita’s craft market, enjoy free time, and ask your guide to adjust the day around food, shopping, beaches, or local culture. Guides have included Alejandro, Miguel, Alfonso, Moises, and Tony.

“Miguel was a fantastic tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and attentive. The areas he took us to were beautiful. Great shopping and food as well. I would highly recommend this tour.”

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11.Sayulita Taco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 149 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $54

Walk Sayulita with Marco or Amanda, stopping at five local food and drink spots for tacos, snacks, bottled water, and traditional drinks. You’ll learn the story behind each dish, pick up practical eating tips, and see parts of town you might otherwise miss. The English-language tour starts at 10:00 am and ends at the same meeting point.

“Amanda was an awesome guide who knew a lot about Sayulita and the local taco places. She put a personal touch on the tour and gave us lots of valuable information. Very enjoyable few hours in this cute surf town, we will be back for sure and hope to run into Amanda again. Highly recommend the tour and Amanda!!!”

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12.EcoHike to private beach, Jungle Walk to see plants & animals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 113 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $33

Walk 5.5 km through Sayulita’s jungle and hills with guides such as Deva or Alejo. Expect bird watching, plant and animal lessons, a 60-meter climb, and a break at a quiet beach. Hiking poles, binoculars, a first aid kit, and a professional guide are included. The pace suits moderately fit walkers.

“Nice hike through the jungle. Was great to hear about the local indigenous group as well. Beautiful views. 10/10 recommend. Deva our guide is amazing.”

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13.Sayulita Escape ATV Tour from Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 110 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Start near Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, then ride a guided UTV through Punta Mita’s hills, farmland, riverbeds, and jungle trails to Sayulita. Guides including Abraham, Omar, Gabriel, Armando, and Checke lead the route, provide helmets and goggles, and leave you free time for food, shopping, and the beach.

“The day was awesome and I highly recommend this excursion. The guides were so friendly. The ride through the jungle was beyond fun. Then the little town they took us to was so cute and we enjoyed a beautiful breakfast near the beach. Put this on your to do list u won’t regret it.”

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14.Canopy Tours & Zip-line Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 89 reviews · 2 hours · from $112

Five minutes from Sayulita, you’ll learn the ropes with guides such as Angelo, Fernando, Andy, and Antonio before crossing 13 zip-lines and four suspension bridges. The two-hour outing reaches 125 meters above sea level, includes a tequila tasting and pool access, and suits children from age five.

“So much fun. The guides were all amazing and hilarious. Highly recommend!”

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15.Punta de Mita/Sayulita: Horseback Riding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 59 reviews · from $103

Ride a gentle, well-cared-for horse through Higuera Blanca, jungle trails, and Litibú Beach with guides such as Ricardo or Carlos. You’ll see ranch animals, learn about local life, and may gallop on the sand. Round-trip transport, water, and tequila tasting are included, while lunch and photos cost extra.

“Tour guide Ricardo was great. Best part for my wife and I was seeing the town of Higuera Blanca and riding on the beach. Photos are gonna run you a few bucks but definitely worth it. All in all highly recommend!”

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