Nuevo Vallarta Bucket List: Must-Do Activities for Every Traveler
On Nayarit’s Pacific coast lies the charming municipality of Nuevo Vallarta, which boasts expansive beaches, brimming with aquatic adventures and more.
This vibrant coastal destination is a vacationer’s dream for its numerous opportunities for exploration.
This exclusive resort community is an up-and-coming destination with everything you need to enjoy a luxury holiday in Mexico.
Nuevo Vallarta is just a few kilometers north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beaches, golf courses, and year-round warm and sunny weather.
With endless miles of sandy beaches, Nuevo Vallarta is the perfect place to relax or discover a little adventure. The natural beauty of the sea and the variety of things to do in Nuevo Vallarta will make you want to stay.
What is the difference between Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta?
As you can see on the map, Nuevo Vallarta is just a few km from the Puerto Vallarta Airport.
Puerto Vallarta belongs to the state of Jalisco while Nuevo Vallarta is to the state of Nayarit. They are separated by the Ameca River (highlighted in a red square on the map).
Whether you choose to stay in Riviera Nayarit or Puerto Vallarta, you can travel between each by taxi or bus in a matter of minutes and enjoy the best of each.
Despite the proximity, each city has its style and ambiance that make holidays there unique. Puerto Vallarta bring you closer to the area’s history, cobblestone streets, and iconic cathedral.
The vibrant city of Nuevo Vallarta is sure to keep your vacation filled with exciting adventures and fascinating experiences. You will be surrounded by the tranquility of the sea and the majesty of the mountains.
My advice: For me, Nuevo Vallarta is more like your typical golf resort community. So, if staying in your resort to enjoy the pool, beach, SPA, ride a bike around the neighborhood, and play golf is what you like, then Nuevo Vallarta is your best bet.
What is there to do in Nuevo Vallarta?
Again, Nuevo Vallarta is the most developed resort community in the entire Banderas Bay, encompassing almost 6 km of beautiful beaches.
Large hotel complexes with varied restaurants, spas, four golf courses, two amusement parks, two marinas, and many seaside activities comprise Nuevo Vallarta.
Many wildlife species thrive in Nuevo Vallarta which will add a touch of wonder and adventure to your vacation.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a family summer holiday, Nuevo Vallarta is the place to be!
Beaches in Nuevo Vallarta
If you love spending your days at the beach, Nuevo Vallarta is among the best places to vacation in Mexico.
Resorts are spread along an endless stretch of soft sand beaches, giving families and friends plenty of space to relax while building sand castles.
If you’re looking for places for good surfing, you’ll have to drive towards Punta Mita or Sayulita.
About 20 minutes from Nuevo Vallarta (towards Punta Mita), Playa La Lancha is one of the most popular surf spots.
Located across from the local surf shops on the main road, this beach is accessed by a short walk through the jungle.
Spend a fun-filled day at the Aquaventuras Park
Escape the scorching summer heat and dive into the pools at this vibrant water park in Nuevo Vallarta.
Aquaventuras Park is the premier family destination for locals and tourists visiting Nuevo Vallarta for its fantastic water activities and fascinating experiences.
The water park features water slides, a climbing wall, a zip line, and an obstacle course to keep your day full of exciting activities and adrenaline.
You can also cool off and relax as you cruise the calm waters of the lazy river surrounded by natural scenery.
Have fun with the majestic creatures housed in Aquaventuras Park; you can swim with the dolphins or enjoy the fun sea lion show for a memorable experience.
Aquaventuras Park is a must-see on your trip to Nuevo Vallarta to fill your day with amazing activities for the whole family.
See the Crocodiles at El Cora Sanctuary
Experience the combination of nature’s beauty and educational adventure that awaits you at El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary.
This picturesque sanctuary in Nuevo Vallarta is home to native crocodiles, turtles, and other wildlife that require proper care and rehabilitation.
A trip to the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary is sure to fill your day with a fascinating experience surrounded by the animals in their habitat.
You may want to read: 15 Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta: Insider Tips from a Local
You can take a guided tour of the sanctuary, where you will meet various protected wild animals and learn about the environment from the passionate biologists and veterinarians who lead the tours.
In addition to the up-close experience with the wild animals, you can also stop by their gift shop and purchase some of their products to support the sanctuary’s mission.
A trip to El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary will not only fill your day with new information, but you’ll also be supporting their cause to preserve the wildlife of the local ecosystem.
Play at El Tigre Golf Club
Another addition to your trip to Nuevo Vallarta (if you’re a golfer), is to test your golfing skills at El Tigre’s exciting championship golf course.
Tee off and tame El Tigre as you overcome challenging water hazards, sand traps, and elevation changes.
El Tigre Golf Club is a must for avid golfers looking for a bit of a challenge.
After a strenuous round of golf, you can stop by the clubhouse restaurant and bar to recharge your batteries with yummy Mexican snacks and drinks.
Tigre Golf Club combines the challenging course with the picturesque scenery, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy.
Play the Flamingos golf course
Flamingos is another popular golf course in Nuevo Vallarta (and one of the oldest).
Test your golfing skills on its challenging 18-hole championship course that features water hazards, bunkers, and different elevation settings.
You won’t have to worry if you are a beginner or a professional golfer because the layout is perfect for all levels with a little bit of challenge.
After your hour of play, you can stop by their restaurant and bar for some food and refresh with a cold drink.
Ride the Marigalante Pirate Ship in Puerto Vallarta
Sail the seas on a unique adventure as you travel along the coast of Vallarta and experience a true “pirate” exploration.
A 20-minute ride from Nuevo Vallarta to the Puerto Vallarta Port is truly worth it as you take a thrilling pirate-themed tour.
Enjoy the fun and interactive show on the pirate ship tour while enjoying the hearty meals served to satisfy your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a pirate tour on a vibrant sunny day or a night out for a drink and some pirate fun, the Miragalante Pirate Ship has you covered.
They offer daytime and nighttime tours.
Stroll around the Nuevo Vallarta Marina
Located in the heart of Nuevo Vallarta is the private marina offering panoramic ocean views and spectacular scenery.
The marina offers many fun activities for the whole family, including fishing, sightseeing, boating, dining, and more.
This seaside location in Nuevo Vallarta is the ideal place to dine and entertain, where you can get your meals from many local places while listening to live music.
A day at the Nuevo Vallarta Marina makes for a memorable experience where you can get acquainted with the town’s lively community.
Shop for produce at the Riviera Farmers Market
Shopping for fresh produce and homemade treats made by local vendors is a great way to spend a day in Nuevo Vallarta.
The Riviera Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh foods, homemade treats, crafts and jewelry, and ready-to-eat snacks.
You can stroll through the farmers market to shop for healthy options, sample local street foods, and get acquainted with the locals.
This local market is a must-stop if you’re looking to buy a souvenir to commemorate your stay in Nuevo Vallarta; you can choose from a variety of shops offering unique items.
A trip to the Riviera Farmers Market is a wonderful addition to your itinerary, where you can enjoy the lively Nuevo Vallarta community.
Take a nature hike in the Sierra de Vallejo Mountains
Delve deeper into the beauty of nature in Nuevo Vallarta’s protected rainforest, the Sierra del Vallejo.
This respite from nature amidst the busy city is the perfect destination to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
You’ll be able to see Nuevo Vallarta’s native flora and fauna, and you can also take a guided bird-watching tour to see a variety of majestic bird species soaring in the sky.
A trip to the Sierra del Vallejo is ideal for adventure and nature lovers looking for a natural getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Deep sea fishing in Nuevo Vallarta
If you’re looking for a great way to spend the day, you can never go wrong with a deep-sea fishing trip in the waters off Nuevo Vallarta.
Private charters and boat rentals are available to take you on an exciting fishing trip where you can catch many trophy fish such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, and more.
Whale Watching
Fascinate yourself with these majestic marine species as humpback whales gather in the warm waters of Nuevo Vallarta during the whale-watching season which runs from early December to late March.
You’ll climb aboard a boat to get a close-up view of the whales swimming and playing in the waters off Nuevo Vallarta.
Whale Watch Vallarta is Nuevo Vallarta’s premier whale-watching company that will make sure you have a memorable time watching the gentle giants of the sea.
Other things to do near Nuevo Vallarta
Visit Punta Mita
A trip to Nuevo Vallarta would not be complete without exploring nearby beach towns.
Located along the coast of Mexico’s Banderas Bay is the charming Punta de Mita Beach, which boasts an extensive white sandy shoreline.
The beach attracts many tourists and locals with its mesmerizing ocean view and the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Punta Mita is about 20 km from Nuevo Vallarta
Playa Punta de Mita is the perfect place for surfers, as its gentle waves are perfect for beginners.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy exciting water recreational activities or simply soak up the sun to enjoy the relaxing sea breeze, Punta Mita Beach has you covered.
Explore the Bucerias Arts Community
Get a glimpse into Nayarit’s artistic community by exploring the Bucerias art district.
The Bucerias Art Walk is a free self-guided walking tour that will take you through the Bucerias art district known as the Golden Zone.
While touring the art galleries in the Zona Dorada, you can also stop by restaurants serving local dishes that you can try to enhance your experience.
A 15-minute drive to Bucerias is surely worth it once you see the fascinating works of local artists and meet friendly people along the way.
El Eden Botanical Garden in Bucerias
If you’re looking for a little nature getaway in an oasis of lush greenery and a wide selection of tropical plants, then head for a 20-minute drive at El Eden Botanical Garden in Bucerias.
This enchanting place in Bucerias is home to a selection of tropical plant species and a mystical landscape surrounded by the relaxing atmosphere of nature.
El Eden Botanical Garden is a hidden gem for plant enthusiasts to explore and purchase plants native to Mexico.
Nuevo Vallarta Bucket List: Conclusion
As you have learned today, Nuevo Vallarta truly offers something for travelers with good taste.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling water sports, a chance to reconnect with nature, or simply a peaceful retreat, this paradise on Mexico’s Pacific coast has it all.
From its stunning beaches and vibrant wildlife to unforgettable cultural experiences and luxurious amenities, every moment in Nuevo Vallarta is an invitation to make lifelong memories.
Pack your bags, plan your adventures, and get ready to check off every item on this ultimate bucket list.
Nuevo Vallarta awaits—are you ready to discover its wonders?
