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While Puerto Vallarta is an amazing destination in and of itself, it’s fun to get out of town now and then. One of the best excursions is a Puerto Vallarta to Bucerias day trip, which we’ll take a closer look at in this post. Vamos, amigos!
How far is Bucerias from Puerto Vallarta?
This chilled-out beach town is actually in the neighboring state of Nayarit and not in Jalisco. It’s still a part of the Banderas Bay area, including Puerto Vallarta and a few other towns.
Bucerias is just 20km or a 30-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta.
The name Bucerias can be translated as “the place of divers,” and there’s even a statue of one right near the beach. It’s called “El Buzo” (The Diver), and it’s right next to the colorful Bucerias sign.
Once upon a time, the area was famous for its pearls. Divers would head deep into the water in search of them without any scuba equipment. They simply held their breath and used a crowbar.
Bucerias is a small town that’s very typical of the area. There are cobblestone streets and a central plaza with a church. Life moves slowly here, and that’s a big part of the appeal!
There’s a nice stretch of beach in Bucerias, which is where many of the hotels and restaurants are. In town, you’ll also find some cool markets, galleries, and bars.
Let’s take a look at how to get there, what to do, and more.
How to Get to Bucerias from Puerto Vallarta
The cheapest way to get there is to take the bus from Puerto Vallarta to Bucerias.
Just head to the bus station in front of Sam’s Club and Walmart by the cruise ship pier (click here for directions).
There are several Puerto Vallarta to Bucerias buses. Look at the windshield to see where the bus is heading. If you look like a confused gringo, chances are someone will point you to the bus headed for Bucerias and Sayulita.
The fare is just 20 pesos ($1), and it takes around 45 minutes, depending on the number of stops. It’ll drop you off on the highway near the main square. Just head back there at the end of the day and catch the bus going the other way.
There is also a shuttle bus that goes from Puerto Vallarta airport (PVR) straight to Bucerias.
If you want to save some time, you can always catch a cab or use a rideshare app to get up to Bucerias. You can expect to pay around 200-400 pesos depending on where you’re departing from.
Uber works in PV and Bucerias, but there aren’t that many drivers these days. Many have switched to InDriver as it charges them a lower fee.
This is a great app to use when you’re in the area. You offer a fare, and then drivers can accept or give a counteroffer. Just be aware that you need cash for this.
How much is a cab from Puerto Vallarta to Bucerías?
Puerto Vallarta to Bucerias is about a 20-minute drive. Depending on how much you negotiate, a cab will cost you 400-600 pesos (20-25 USD)
Bucerias is just 18km from the Puerto Vallarta International airport. Without traffic, it takes about 20 minutes to drive there.
Things to do in Bucerias
Now that you know how to get there, what is there to do on a Bucerias day trip? Not a whole lot, really, but that’s kind of the point! This is a place to relax on la playa, preferably with a margarita and some fish tacos.
First things first, though – head to the plaza to snap a pic with the aforementioned statue and Bucerias sign. If you don’t post a pic with the sign to the ‘gram, did your trip really even happen?
Unless you bring your own chair and umbrella, you’ll want to hit up one of the beachfront places. You can rent them for the day or just head to one of the restaurants. As long as you order something, you can use theirs.
Outdoor activities
For a little more action, you can rent a SUP (stand-up paddleboard). Bucerias Surf rents them out for $15 an hour, and they also do outdoor adventure excursions.
If you’re looking to take home a souvenir from your Bucerias day trip, head over to the flea market. There are a bunch of different vendors here selling a variety of goods.
One of the most fun things to do in Bucerias is go on a bike ride. Bici Bucerias has bikes for rent, and they also have a few tours, including a popular 3-hour food tour.
Cultural experiences
Should you happen to visit on a Thursday between November and April, you can stick around for the Bucerias Art Walk. Just head to the meeting point at six and enjoy a stroll to several local galleries. It’s similar to the Art Walk in Puerto Vallarta every Wednesday.
One of the most unique things to do in Bucerías is this 4-hour cultural immersion tour.
Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll meet local artisans, including indigenous textile weavers to bakers to hammock-makers, and learn about their heritage and livelihoods.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bucerias
The most important decision you’ll make on a Bucerias day trip is where to eat and drink! For such a small town, there are lots of great options that rival the restaurants of Puerto Vallarta.
If you want to be on the beach, it’s hard to beat Sukha Beach House. They recently moved up the coast a bit, so it’s a little far from town, but it’s worth it for the ceviche and micheladas on a quiet stretch of beach.
One of the most popular choices in town is Mariscos El Gordo. They’ve got a full menu here with lots of delicious seafood and plenty of cocktails.
For a super local experience, hit up some of the taco trucks around the plaza. Fill up on delicious street food for just a few bucks, and grab a cerveza from a local shop to wash it all down.
If you’re a craft beer lover, you’ll definitely want to check out Cerveceria Bahia de Banderas. They’re pouring some locally made craft beers here and also have some tasty pub food.
Should you choose to extend your Bucerias day trip into the night, there are a few places that usually have live music. Jax Bar & Grill is rocking every night of the week with local bands.
Other fun places to grab a drink include Barchelata, the Snack Bar, and the Rhythm & Blues Lounge.
Just keep in mind that if you stick around too late, you’ll miss the last bus back to PV. Thankfully taxis are always ready to drive you back if you indulge a bit too much in the nightlife.
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Hopefully, this guide helps you make the most out of your Bucerias day trip. It’s definitely a fun town that’s worth checking out while you’re in PV.
If you’ve got a recommendation for Bucerias, drop it in the comments below!
Looking for more day trips from Puerto Vallarta? Check out these charming towns and attractions in Jalisco and Nayarit.
