Puerto Vallarta’s coastline looks good from land and even better from the water, and this tour is built for both. You’ll ride in an open-top truck for big bay views and iconic photo moments, then switch gears to beach time via water taxi. I love how the itinerary stays organized and time-aware, with short, clear stops like Los Arcos. I also like that you get actual beach access rather than a quick drive-by. One drawback to plan for: several stops include sales pitches, so if you hate shopping pressure, set your expectations (and your budget) early.

You’re in good hands with a bilingual guide and an energetic, attentive vibe. One guide named Pina is specifically praised for looking after solo travelers and checking in during the day, which matters when you’re jumping between viewpoints and boats. The group stays small, with a maximum of 30 travelers, so it’s easier to move as a unit and keep the pace from feeling chaotic.

Key things I’d highlight before you go

• Open-top truck rides give you easy photo angles without waiting around
• Los Arcos stop is short but iconic for a classic panoramic shot
• Water taxi to paradise beaches is the smart way to reach the coast
• Free lunch time at Playa Mismaloya helps you avoid a rushed meal
• Playa Colomitos time is the main beach payoff (but its admission isn’t included)
• Optional Virgin Islands boat can add extra time on the water

Entering Puerto Vallarta: the 10:00 am coastal circuit

This tour starts at 10:00 am, which is a nice choice if you want to see the main sights before the beach crowds fully swell. You’re not stuck figuring out logistics alone. Pickup is offered, and you’ll confirm where to meet by messaging on WhatsApp right after booking. You’ll share your hotel or address, or you’ll be told the closest meeting point.

There’s one important practical detail. Transportation from Punta de Mita, Bucerías, and Nuevo Vallarta isn’t included. If you’re coming from those areas, you should go to the Oxxo de Jarretaderas instead. That’s the kind of detail that can save your morning if you double-check now.

The ride is built around the idea that you want variety without wasting time. You’ll see the Bay of Banderas from the road, then move through coastal towns, then reach beach spots by boat. It’s a smart format when your goal is coastline coverage in one day.

Open-top truck + the jewelry stop reality check

The first stretch is all about the bay. You’ll ride in a very nice open-top truck along the coastline, passing viewpoint after viewpoint. This matters because you get better sightlines than you would in a closed bus, and you’re more likely to capture clean photos.

Then comes a stop at a shopping mall known for jewelry. You’re also offered complimentary drinks around this part of the day. Here’s the honest consideration: some people come for the beaches and scenery, not a sales floor tour. In this case, the structure of the day includes time that can feel like it’s designed to sell.

My advice is simple: treat it like a convenience stop, not a must-buy. If you’re the type who gets annoyed when people pitch, decide ahead of time what you’ll do. You can enjoy the break, take the drinks if you want, and politely keep your distance from the hard sell. The rest of the itinerary has enough payoff that it won’t feel like you lost the whole day.

Mismaloya tequila tasting and the Bocas de Tomatlán water taxi ride

After the bay sightseeing, the tour heads to Mismaloya. This is where the day shifts from scenic driving to cultural flavor. You’ll get a chance to taste tequila here. It’s brief, but it adds a local touch that fits the setting—Mismaloya is one of those PV-area stops that feels connected to the region’s everyday life.

Next you continue toward Bocas de Tomatlán, where the coast becomes about movement on the water. From here, you take a water taxi to reach the paradisiacal beaches.

Why this segment is valuable: the water taxi isn’t just transportation. It’s part of the experience. You’ll get a different perspective on the coastline, and you’ll arrive at the beaches feeling like you truly left the city behind. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves “getting there” as much as “being there,” you’ll appreciate this transition.

Also, note the time commitment. This water-based beach portion is listed with an overall stop duration that includes admission ticket included, so your schedule is set up to keep you from getting stuck searching for tickets or tours on arrival.

Los Arcos: the short stop with the big photo payoff

You’ll also hit Los Arcos, one of Puerto Vallarta’s best-known icons. The stop is only about 15 minutes, but it’s designed for exactly what you want at a landmark.

This is the classic spot to:

• grab a panoramic photo
• stretch your legs without losing momentum
• point your camera at one of the PV postcard views

If you’re sensitive to rushed stops, 15 minutes can sound brief. But for Los Arcos, the short duration is actually an advantage. It gives you the photo moment without dragging the day into a long viewpoint shuffle.

Playa Mismaloya: 1 hour of free time for lunch

Then you reach Playa Mismaloya with about 1 hour of free time. That time is also described as giving you room for lunch, and it’s listed as having admission free for the stop.

This is a good balance if you want to eat without turning the tour into a full buffet hunt. One hour won’t be enough for a leisurely fine-dining experience, but it’s typically plenty for grabbing something simple, sitting in the shade, and refueling for the beach time that follows.

My practical tip: plan for “beach timing.” Even if you think you’ll eat fast, sand + sunscreen + photos + a last swim can stretch the clock. So treat lunch like a flexible block, not a strict checklist.

Playa Colomitos: the main beach time (and the one cost to watch)

Now we get to the star of the beach side: Playa Colomitos. The setup here is intimate. Colomitos is described as small and charming, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere that makes a short visit feel special.

The water is described as crystal clear with deep blue—great conditions for swimming and snorkeling. You also get about 2 hours here, which is long enough to do more than just dip your toes.

One key consideration: admission is not included for Playa Colomitos. That means you should expect an extra cost on site. If you’re budgeting tightly, check your estimate before you go so you’re not surprised mid-day.

The tour also offers a smart crowd plan. If Colomitos gets busy, you can choose to visit the beach of Madagascar instead. That’s a useful backup because the “small and intimate” vibe can disappear quickly when too many people show up. Having the option helps you keep the beach experience more under your control.

Optional Virgin Islands boat: when it makes sense

This tour includes a cab boat to visit the Virgin Islands (optional). That’s separate from the main water taxi beach transfer, so it’s essentially an extra water add-on if you want more time on the sea.

Who should consider it?

• If you love boat rides and want a little more variety after beach time
• If you want to stretch the day’s scenery into another chapter

Who might skip it?

• If you’re mainly chasing relaxation and don’t want more boat movement
• If you know you’ll want to keep your beach time exactly as planned

The key is that it’s labeled optional. So you’re not locked into it if you decide it won’t match your energy level that day.

City Tour only vs City Tour + Virgin Beaches

Before you book, pay attention to your option. The listing makes it clear you can choose either ONLY CITY TOUR, or CITY TOUR + VIRGIN BEACHES. That choice affects what you’ll get, especially if you’re hoping for more time on the water.

If beaches are your main priority, the combined option is usually the better fit. If your goal is more about viewpoints, neighborhoods, and classic landmarks, the city-only version can be a cleaner match.

Either way, the day is built around the bay area and southern PV coastline. This isn’t a “one bus, one museum, done” kind of experience.

Price and value: what you’re actually paying for ($60)

At $60.00 per person, the value comes from the mix of transportation + guide + multiple stops + beach access. You’re getting:

• Round trip transportation
• A bilingual guide
• A structured route through PV’s key coastline areas
• Beach time that includes both free-time breaks and longer beach stretches

Food and tips aren’t included, so you’ll handle meals on your own. And, as noted, Playa Colomitos admission isn’t included, so plan a bit extra for that.

Still, when you break it down, you’re paying for convenience and time. Getting from viewpoint to viewpoint is the easy part. The harder part is reaching the beaches in a way that doesn’t eat your day. The water taxi piece is a major part of why this works at this price.

Also, the small group size—up to 30 travelers—helps. It reduces waiting and keeps the pace more manageable than big mass tours.

Best-fit traveler: who will love this day

This is a great match if you:

• want coastline variety in one half-day style adventure (about 5 to 6 hours)
• like short landmark stops and beach time rather than long sit-down activities
• enjoy riding with a guide and following a clear plan

It’s also a smart solo-traveler option, especially if you appreciate check-ins and organization. Pina, for example, is praised for helping solo travelers feel cared for and supported during the day.

You might want to reconsider if you:

• hate shopping stops that feel sales-heavy
• need a totally unhurried, slow schedule with minimal movement
• strongly dislike paying extra at the beach for admission

Should you book City Tour Express in Puerto Vallarta?

If your ideal day is a mix of views, classic PV icons, and beach time—this is a strong yes. The itinerary is set up so you see Puerto Vallarta’s coast from multiple angles, not just from one road.

Book it if you:

• want a structured day without planning each stop
• value the combination of truck viewpoints + water taxi beach access
• can tolerate a jewelry stop without buying anything

Consider skipping or choosing the city-only option if you:

• mainly want beaches and dislike any sales-focused stops
• don’t want extra add-ons like the optional Virgin Islands boat

If you’re flexible and you like the idea of a fast, scenic coastline loop, this tour earns its high rating. It’s exactly the kind of day that helps you get your bearings in PV and still end with sandy time.

FAQ

How much does the Puerto Vallarta City Tour Express cost?

It costs $60.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 to 6 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes, round trip transportation is included and pickup is offered. You’ll contact the operator by WhatsApp after booking to share your hotel or address, or to get told the nearest meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Does the tour include the option for Virgin Beaches?

Yes. You can choose either ONLY CITY TOUR or CITY TOUR + VIRGIN BEACHES when booking.

What beaches and landmarks are included?

You’ll stop for Bay of Banderas beach access, Los Arcos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Colomitos (with an option to switch to Madagascar if crowds are an issue).

Is food included?

Food is not included.

Is admission included for all stops?

Admission is included for Bay of Banderas, and the Los Arcos and Playa Mismaloya stops are listed as admission free. Playa Colomitos admission is listed as not included.

What should I know about cancellations or weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.