Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco With Kids
Puerto Vallarta's best family days are a Los Arcos snorkel boat trip, a swim and hike at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, a family boat day to Las Caletas, a walk down the Malecon boardwalk, and a snorkel tour out to the Marietas Islands (honest caveat: getting onto Hidden Beach itself isn't guaranteed).
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1Area photo: daryl_mitchell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Los Arcos Snorkel Boat Trip
A short boat trip from Los Muertos Pier to a set of rock arches just offshore, with calmer, more visible snorkeling than the main beaches and a decent chance of spotting sea lions hauled out on the rocks. It's the easiest, cheapest ocean-wildlife morning in PV.
Watch out: Water clarity depends on recent rain and boat traffic — mornings are generally clearer than afternoons. Confirm whether gear rental is included before booking.
2Area photo: daryl_mitchell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Thirty minutes south of downtown, with orchid houses, jungle trails, and — the part most families remember — a real river swimming hole (Los Horcones River) with rope swings and shallow pools. It's a genuine break from beach and boat days without leaving nature behind.
Watch out: River conditions and depth change with rainfall; a staff member on-site can tell you the day's swim conditions. Bring water shoes — the riverbed is rocky.
3Area photo: daryl_mitchell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Las Caletas Family Boat Day
A private cove accessible only by boat, run by Vallarta Adventures, that functions like a resort day pass — beach, pools, hammocks, a small zip line, kayaks, and buffet lunch, all bundled into the boat ticket. It's the closest thing to an all-inclusive day trip PV offers.
Watch out: It's a full commitment — no early exit if the kids are done by lunch, since it's boat-access only. Pricier than a beach day, but genuinely fills the whole day with activities, unlike a straight boat cruise.
4Area photo: daryl_mitchell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Malecon Boardwalk & Downtown Walk
PV's oceanfront boardwalk is lined with bronze sculptures (the seahorse statue is the classic photo spot), street performers, and ice cream vendors, and it runs right along Los Muertos Beach. It's free, flexible, and works as an evening cooldown activity after a boat day.
Watch out: Gets crowded and hot midday; sunset is the best window for both temperature and light. Watch kids near the seawall in busier stretches.
5Area photo: daryl_mitchell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour
A protected national park with sea caves, arches, and some of the best fish variety near PV — a real step up in marine life from Los Arcos. It's the trip's furthest-out water day and worth it for families who want one bigger boat excursion.
Watch out: "Playa del Amor" (Hidden Beach) access is capped by daily permit and often booked separately from the standard snorkel tour — don't promise kids they'll set foot on the famous beach unless your specific booking confirms it. The park can close entry entirely during conservation periods; check current status before booking.
Frequently asked
Will we actually get onto Hidden Beach at the Marietas Islands?
Not automatically. Standard snorkel tours circle the islands and snorkel the surrounding water; landing on Playa del Amor itself requires a specific permit-limited booking, and the park sometimes closes for conservation periods. Ask the operator directly before you book if that's the goal.
Is the Vallarta Botanical Gardens worth it without the river swim?
The gardens and orchid houses are pleasant on their own, but the river swim is what makes it a stand-out family stop rather than a walk-through garden. Check river conditions before you go if that's the draw.
Do we need a car to do these activities?
No — all five are bookable as tours with hotel pickup, and the Malecon is walkable from most downtown/Zona Romantica hotels.
How many days should we plan in Puerto Vallarta?
Four to five days covers one boat day (Los Arcos or Las Caletas), the botanical gardens, the Malecon, and the Marietas Islands trip without back-to-back long excursion days.
Same destination, where to stay
Booking these activities? Pick the right resort first.
Activity days work best when your resort is the right launch pad. Our Puerto Vallarta family-resort guide ranks the whole-family-experience winners.
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