The hotel is 15 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta and 5 minutes from Boca de Tomatlán, the pier where every south-bay water taxi launches. Below are the picks guests recommend most.
The hotel does most of the work. Snorkel trips, paddleboards, whale watching, and ATV are all bookable at the front desk.
Sunset · special occasion
The dramatic cliffside seafood restaurant of Banderas Bay. Multi-level palapas perched over the water. The sunset view from your table is the headline.
~$95–150 CAD pp · approximate estimate
Beach club · Mexican
Toes-in-sand restaurant on Los Muertos Beach in Zona Romántica. Locals come for the shrimp nachos, tableside guacamole, and a stretch of public beach to use for the afternoon.
~$35–75 CAD pp · approximate estimate
Half day · family-friendly
A 64-acre tropical garden. Orchid conservatory, jungle hikes, swimmable river, and the Hacienda de Oro restaurant on-site.
~$35 CAD admission · approximate estimate
Jungle · waterfalls
Open-air river restaurant on Los Horcones. Cascading waterfalls and natural swim holes as you eat. Bring swimwear.
~$40–75 CAD pp · approximate estimate
Boca is the pier 5 minutes south. Round-trip water taxis run all morning. Last boat back is usually 5pm sharp, not flexible.
Waterfall · pie ladies
A bohemian fishing village reachable only by water. Waterfall hikes inside the village, palapa beach restaurants, and pie ladies who walk the sand selling fresh coconut pie.
~$20 CAD water taxi + lunch · approximate estimate
Calm water · palapas
The most active of the boat-in beaches. Calm swimming, palapa restaurants, and water sports. Middle ground between Yelapa and Quimixto.
~$15–20 CAD RT · approximate estimate
Hidden · snorkel
Sometimes called "the smallest beach in the world". A tiny jungle cove reached by a 25–45 min coastal hike from Boca. A single palapa serving ceviche.
Free hike · taxi back ~$10 CAD · approximate estimate
Walking · sunset
The mile-long oceanfront promenade with bronze sculptures, palm trees, sand artists, and taco stands. Best at sunset; pair with dinner in Old Town after.
Free · walking
Snorkel · SCUBA
Mexico's first federally protected marine reserve. Granite islets and sea caves with parrotfish, manta rays, and humpback songs underwater in season. The hotel is one of the closest properties.
~$75–135 CAD pp · approximate estimate
Cobblestones · shopping
Cobblestone streets through Zona Romántica. Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, the Old Town Market, and the best concentration of bars and restaurants in the city.
Free · wander
Wildlife · season-dependent
Humpbacks migrate into Banderas Bay each winter. November is the very start of the season. Sightings not guaranteed in late November.
~$100–155 CAD pp · approximate estimate
Boat · mules · zipline
Boat from Boca de Tomatlán into the Sierra Madre. Ziplines, suspension bridges, rappelling, mule rides, river swimming.
~$150–200 CAD pp · approximate estimate
Surf town · tacos
A laid-back surf town in Nayarit. Cobblestone streets, beach surf lessons, artisan jewelry, the best ceviche of the trip. Pair with San Pancho one town up.
~$110–180 CAD pp · approximate estimate
Real posts from people who've done these. Click through to read the full story or see more photos.
"When we jumped in the water from the boat it was so WARM. It felt like a wonderful lukewarm bath."
"It's a pretty cool waterfall, especially considering it's less than half a mile from town."
"It is just the cutest place, and SUCH a good place to have a girls' weekend."
"Las Animas Beach is one of Puerto Vallarta's best kept secrets."
"One of the most secluded and beautiful beaches in the state of Jalisco."
"Up to a thousand humpbacks end up in Banderas Bay each winter, off the coast of Puerto Vallarta."
"Our trip there was our favorite part of our vacation."
"The seafood was prepared perfectly and tasted both fresh and refreshing."
"Lively Puerto Vallarta restaurant on Los Muertos, serving traditional Mexican with a contemporary twist."
"Chico's Paradise exudes so much charm, built on granite boulders overlooking the Tuito River."
"A quiet village of colourful, old haciendas nestled over 1,400 metres above sea level."
"A secret beach completely enclosed within a crater, accessible only through a water-filled tunnel."
"El Malecón Puerto Vallarta is a key part of the local arts scene."
"A genuine Mexican coastal experience without the crowds."
Photos and quotes are linked back to the original posts. Click any card to read more.
RSVP first, plan your excursions second. We'll send local picks closer to the date.
RSVPReply by February 14, 2027