Are you planning a vacation to Puerto Vallarta in the near future? If you don’t have the right information on a city, then you may miss out on the best activities. This is also true for Puerto Vallarta as there are many fun and adventurous group tours, festive nightlife, authentic local foods and beverages, and fabulous beaches to explore. No trip to Puerto Vallarta is complete until you have explored its South Shore where relaxation, adventure, action, nature, and so much more is on offer.

Below are some of the best things to do on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore.

Los Arcos:
Los Arcos National Marine Park is located in Banderas Bay and is a famous south shore landmark. The marine park is formed by several small granite islands, providing a breathtaking photo opportunity from the shore and a great dive spot from the sea. This is a perfect spot for a variety of water activities, which include paddle boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Here you can explore caves, caverns, majestic coral reefs, and see hundreds of tropical fish that swim in this area.
Puerto Vallarta Zoo (Zoologico de Vallarta):
The Puerto Vallarta Zoo on the south shore is a unique place that has over 700 mammals, reptiles, birds, and more. Any animal lover will want to visit the zoo as you will see exotic animals here living in great conditions unlike most zoos. The zoo has pathways that take zoo visitors through the jungle and here you will get to see the animals up close in their natural habitat. You can have a one of a kind experience at the zoo if you purchase a feed session, which allows you to feed and hold some of the cubs, monkeys, tigers, leopards, and lions.
Mismaloya:
Mismaloya is one of the reasons that Puerto Vallarta catapulted into an international resort destination, owing to the filming of “The Night of the Iguana” here, which brought director John Huston and actors Richard Burton (accompanied by his then lover, Elizabeth Taylor), Deborah Kerr and Ava Gardner to perform in the movie. This area is surrounded by lush jungle and views of the Los Arcos marine park. Mismaloya is a wonderful place to relax. On the beach there are dining establishments and palapas, so visitors can enjoy a delicious drink and a bite to each.

Boats to Beaches:
There are secluded beaches on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore that can only be access by a water taxi. In fact, water taxis are a normal part of the life on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore. The residents who live and work on the coast are very accustomed to travelling back and forth into Puerto Vallarta by boat. Take a look at some of the options below:
Las Animas:
From Boca de Tomatlan by a boat ride or hiking on the Boca trail in around 1 ½ hours is Las Animas. There is adventure and plenty of activities to enjoy in this area. Las Animas is a favorite of visitors as the area is laid back, inviting, and there are plenty of drinking and food choices to select from.
Quimixto:
Look no further if you are wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle and get away from it all with a day trip. The village is charming and quaint and the cascading waterfall that is located in the middle of the jungle is what brings visitors to Quimixto. Visitors can go on a guided horseback ride or you can hike the trail in 25 minutes. Many of the local surfers love coming to this area during low seasons to just enjoy the peacefulness that the beach provides.
Yelapa:
This is the area that has a variety of lodging and dining options on the beachfront. If you are looking for a nice getaway for a day, night, or more, then Yelapa is the destination. There are hiking opportunities to the several waterfalls in the area as the paths wind through the hillside, then through town. The beach is one of the best places to relax, lie in a hammock and enjoy a delicious cocktail while you watch boaters or paragliding locals.
Canopy Tours:
The canopy tours on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore are a blast. The guides are fun and friendly, then you can go zip-lining above the jungle. There is excitement awaiting you with the canopy tours.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens:
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is an ideal location for visitors to escape other tourist activities and you will enjoy many different plants native to the Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore. The garden paths take visitors thru lush greenery where you will get to see the birds, lizards, and butterflies that are colorful and beautiful, and the flora is breathtaking. The river that borders the botanical gardens is refreshing on a hot day, then you can have a bite to eat at the restaurant that is onsite.

Do you have any more recommendations for things to do on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore? Add a comment.