The 6 Best Puerto Vallarta Surf Trips

1.Surf lessons in Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $110Our pick

Okala Surf School takes you from your hotel or home to the best beach for your skill level and current sea conditions. With instructors such as Kristhian, Jonathan, Diego, and Kalany, you get private coaching, boards, rash guards, snacks, water, and photos during a four-hour lesson.

“I'd always wanted to learn how to surf, and this was an excellent introductory experience. Jonathan and his brother are great teachers- direct, detailed, attentive. They gave great feedback each time I attempted to surf. Without their help and teaching, I would not have reached my goal of standing on the board (even if just !a few seconds). They offered me a different spot on a group trip the next day since no one else was scheduled besides me the day I did this- I couldn't do the group lesson even though that would have been fun, because I wasn't going to be in PV by then...but the private lesson…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Private Surf Lesson Experience at Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $94Best value

Travel from central Puerto Vallarta to Punta Mita for a private surf lesson with instructors such as Edson, Jean Carlo, or Rafael. Practice on the beach, ride beginner-friendly waves, then choose more surfing, beach time, or a visit to Sayulita.

“My brother and I had an amazing time. He is now hooked on surfing. We will definitely be back to hit the beach again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Paddleboard and Snorkeling Experience in Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Meet Felix, Mariella, Daniella, or Sergio at 8:30 am in Puerto Vallarta, then drive to Mismaloya for a lesson and a one-mile paddle to Los Arcos. You’ll enter sea caves, snorkel for 30 to 40 minutes, and return with water and a granola bar included.

“It was wonderful! The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. The waters was nice, not super challenging despite the waves. It was really fun when paddling the board cross the cave. The view is very unique! We saw colorful fish during Snorkeling time. We also swam crossing another cave. Overall we had a great time! Will definitely recommend to friends.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Fun 2 hr Surf Lessons in Punta de Mita

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Alejandro, Alex Jr., or Diego at Av. El Anclote for a private Punta de Mita surf lesson. You’ll practice balance and pop-ups before entering the water, learn to read ocean conditions, and use provided boards and rash guards. Lessons begin at 10 a.m. or 5 p.m.

“Alejandro was awesome the day we had planned our lessons there were no waves. So we rescheduled for a couple days later. I have been trying to surf for years, he had me up and surfing in 30 minutes. Very friendly respectful instructor.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Vallarta surf lesson with Pickup Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $120

You get a private half-day lesson with pickup from Puerto Vallarta, a beach chosen for the day’s waves and your ability, and about two hours in the water. Instructors including Emilian, Andru, Joaquin, and Jonathan teach beginners patiently, with an optional seafood stop afterward.

“Nice car and great instructor Joaquin. Enjoyed surfing and trip. We took a boat trip to Lalancha. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Sayulita Surfer Beach Town and Zarandeado with Seafood Grill

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $146

Meet guide Jose Antonio or a member of his small team at 8:30 a.m. for an eight-hour trip from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita and Patzcuaritos Beach. Expect local fruit, sweets, tacos, free time in town, a rugged beach walk, and a generous grilled fish and shrimp lunch beside the Pacific.

“I have been struggling to write this review as it is that good! I think this is the best tour in PV. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Jose Antonio Garcia Rivas and Yahir and just the best! From the beginning to the end, every detail was thoughtful and special. We were taken to a small roadside farm stand for a little shopping, then off to Sayulita for a couple of hours of exploring this awesome little community, shopping at the hippy market and artisan market. I can see why so many people come here and never return home. It's that special. We stopped off at Luna's…”

Check availability →Read our full review