PUERTO VALLARTA SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Five-and-a-Half Hours of Buggies, Botanical Gardens, Tequila and Snorkel — Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Circuit
A compact 5.5‑hour loop that pairs coastal buggy driving with a jungle botanical garden, a tequila tasting, beachside lunch in Mismaloya and snorkeling at the Night of the Iguana film site—this guide lays out what to expect and what to pack.
Five-and-a-Half Hours of Buggies, Botanical Gardens, Tequila and Snorkel — Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Circuit.
Sun Buggy Tours stitches together Puerto Vallarta’s coast, jungle and reef into a single 5½‑hour outing: a 45‑minute coastal buggy stage, an hour among the region’s botanical specimens, a visit to the El Gusto Del Rey tequila producer, lunch on Playa Mismaloya, and snorkeling at the reef and film locations immortalized by Night of the Iguana.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Coastal Buggy Drive to the Jungle
The tour begins with a roughly 45‑minute buggy segment along the coast that opens up 360‑degree views and culminates at the region’s botanical gardens—an energetic, hands‑on way to move between shore and jungle.
An Hour in the Jardines Botánicos
You’ll spend about an hour immersed in exotic flora and birdlife at the botanical gardens, with the option to rest or grab a meal or cocktail at the on‑site Jardines restaurant.
Snorkel the Reefs and Visit a Movie Landmark
The outing closes with snorkeling at the reef and the main film location for Night of the Iguana—an opportunity to see local sea life and the coastline made famous in cinema.
What the day feels like
How the Day Feels
Sun Buggy Tours is a tightly paced, multi‑activity day that alternates motion and exploration: an initial coastal buggy leg, a linger in jungle gardens, a hands‑on tequila tasting at El Gusto Del Rey, a relaxed beach lunch in Mismaloya, and a snorkel segment at an iconic reef—five distinct activities packaged into about 5½ hours.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this outing—and one important cost note.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Cash and/or credit cards; biodegradable sun protection; towel; hat and sunglasses; light clothing and walking shoes.
The tour includes buggies, access to the botanical gardens, a tequila tasting, lunch at Playa Mismaloya (drinks not included) and snorkeling—bring what you need for sun and water exposure.
The full outing runs approximately 5½ hours and bundles five activities into a single morning/afternoon experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Sun Buggy Tours outing?
The trip lasts approximately 5½ hours.
What activities are included?
Included are a buggy tour, visit to the botanical gardens, a tequila tasting, lunch on Playa Mismaloya (drinks not included) and snorkeling.
Is lunch and are drinks included?
Lunch on Playa Mismaloya is included, but drinks are not included.
Are there any additional fees not included in the price?
Tips are not included, and a port authority tax for persons older than 8 years is not included in the tour price.
What should I bring?
Bring cash or cards, biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, hat, sunglasses, light clothing and walking shoes.
Who operates the Sun Buggy Tours experience?
The tour is operated by Vallarta Tours & Rentals.