Puerto Vallarta Resort for a Day — 3 Cruise Day Pass Options (2026)
By Jeremy CamosseAug 2021
Puerto Vallarta
Resort Day Pass
Mexico Cruise Excursions
Compare 3 Puerto Vallarta resort day passes from $89. Includes pricing, reviews, photos & distance from cruise port. Book your all-inclusive beach day in Mexico.
The Puerto Vallarta cruise port is one of the most popular cruise destinations in Mexico and a resort day pass is one of the best ways to spend your time at port. Instead of piecing together individual activities, you get all-inclusive access to a resort's beach, pools, food, and drinks for one fixed price.
We've cruised to Mexico many times and have done the "standard" tours. They're great. Puerto Vallarta has beautiful beaches, warm waters, perfect weather, and friendly people. But we've found that the most convenient way to enjoy everything Puerto Vallarta has to offer is with a resort day pass.
Below, we compare every Puerto Vallarta resort day pass option available to cruise passengers. We include pricing, ratings, amenities, and distance from the cruise port. You'll find everything that you need to make the best decision possible for your Puerto Vallarta shore excursion!
Why choose a Resort for a Day Pass in Puerto Vallarta?
There are a bunch of reasons for choosing a Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Day Pass. Here are our top few.
SAFETY
6.6 / 10 safety score
6.6 / 10 safety score
Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest ports in Mexico for cruise passengers. The tourist areas along the Malecon and Hotel Zone are well-patrolled and very welcoming. Locals are friendly and accustomed to cruise visitors. That said, it's always smart to stay in well-traveled areas and use reputable tour providers if you're exploring beyond the resort.
A resort is your best option if safety is a concern. You'll have no worries within the protected grounds of any option below. Security and privacy are valuable amenities at these resorts. You can relax knowing that your belongings and family are secure while you enjoy the beach, pool, and all-inclusive perks.
Safety Rating
6.6
Puerto Vallarta
vs
6.7
Mexico Avg
#10of 23 Mexican ports
CONVENIENCE
All within ~18 min
All within ~18 min
From our map below, you can see that all resorts are near your Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port. Each option below includes transportation to and from the Terminal. Once on site, you'll be in complete relaxation for hours.
You'll have every amenity at your fingertips. No need to worry about haggling over price, finding food, renting beach chairs, etc. And you won't need to check your watch constantly to make sure your excursion provider will get you back on time. Your only inconvenience will be deciding which drink to order next. This is an easy "problem" to solve since drinks are all-inclusive.
EXPERIENCE
★ 4.3 avg rating
★ 4.3 avg rating
Most organized shore excursions are run by "mom and pop" shops. Many do a great job. But, they're not held to the same standards as the resort properties. When you're done with your snorkeling gear at the resort, they'll clean and sanitize the equipment. After a tour with "Lou's Snorkeling Fun Time," the gear might get a quick splash of Corona before the next cruise passenger straps it on. This is a bit of an exaggeration, but hopefully you get where we're going. The resorts will likely have newer beach chairs, fresher towels, and cleaner restrooms.
COST
From $89 / adult
From $89 / adult
You'll see the cost of an all-inclusive day pass averages roughly $100 per person. You'll find two much cheaper options here.
And you'll get much more for the cost when compared to the average shore tour! A beach excursion includes many "hidden" costs. You might pay for beach access. Chair rentals will cost $20 per. Drink costs will likely be double that. Then you'll likely want to tack on events like kayaking or snorkeling.
You can easily spend $100 per person going "a la carte." And you'll likely leave a bit hungrier and "thirstier" than if the situation were all-inclusive. There's also an intangible value to the buffet style. The freedom to order whatever you want all day long is a huge bonus.
Cost Comparison: All Inclusive vs Other
A Puerto Vallarta resort day pass can be purchased for as little as $89 per person. If that seems expensive, consider all of the incidentals with a normal excursion. You'll often purchase rental chairs, food, drink, and equipment rental. These can quickly add up to exceed a resort pass!
If you've gotten this far, we'll assume you're "all-in" for a resort day pass in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Good decision. You'll be happy with your decision!
Now we'll need to find the perfect day pass option. It will depend on your crew. Are you traveling with kids or are you on a romantic getaway? Are you hoping to get active or more interested in relaxing? Is price an important factor?
Below are amazing all inclusive options at Mexico's best resorts. We've broken down each to show what's included so you know exactly what to expect.
Resort Day Pass Locations
All 3 resort options near Puerto Vallarta cruise port. Click any pin for details, pricing, and taxi distance.
Cruise Port1Resort Day Pass
We've analyzed every resort day pass option in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Below are the Best Options with all of the detail you'll need to make your choice.
The all-inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico is reachable from Puerto Vallarta’s cruise port and occupies a prime beachfront position. Guests select from several all-inclusive restaurants and can soak in ocean and pool views from various vantage points across the property.
Swap the crowded cruise terminal for a full day at the all-inclusive RIU Palace Pacifico. Situated along a private beach, the resort provides a freshwater pool with an adjoining whirlpool, sun loungers, towels, and poolside parasols. Active visitors can try windsurfing, catamaran sailing, kayaking, bodyboarding, and volleyball. Unlimited dining and drinks are part of every day pass—lunch highlights include hot and cold buffets, live cooking stations, and a rotating menu of Mexican, American, and international dishes. Multiple on-site bars, headlined by a spacious swim-up bar, pour unlimited beverages, and poolside drink service runs throughout the day.
Come enjoy your resort day anytime between the hours of 10:00AM and 5:00PM
Unlimited dining for lunch and snacks
Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol)
Beaches, pools, whirlpools
Swim-up pool bar
Lounges, umbrellas, towels (no need to bring the ship’s towels)
Windsurfing, catamaran, kayaking, body board
See More
Daytime entertainment program
Use of sauna, gym and whirlpool bath
Free WiFi throughout hotel
Bathrooms are available for changing
Guest rooms/accommodations
Transfers to/from your cruise ship.
Motorized water sports
Golf
Lockers are not available so pack light
Items of a personal nature including spa and gift shop
Taxis are easy to hail at the cruise ship terminal, with a roughly 30-minute drive to the resort. Although the cruise port is relatively close, departing the property at least 2 hours ahead of the vessel’s scheduled sailing time is strongly suggested.
The online booking process is quick: purchase a day pass and expect resort passes via email that same day. Print the passes and bring them along, as check-in requires them. Every guest aged 18 and older must provide a valid photo ID, and the credit card holder is required to present a valid passport for card authorization. Day passes are available for purchase up through the day before the port call, but capacity at RIU Palace Pacifico in Puerto Vallarta is very limited—securing a spot early is the best strategy.
Hotel Riu Vallarta is an all-inclusive beachfront property offering diverse dining venues, five swimming pools, and a swim-up bar. Cruise passengers can take full advantage of this Puerto Vallarta resort’s extensive amenities during their time ashore.
A day pass at Hotel RIU Vallarta grants unlimited meals, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. The property overlooks a stunning beach and features a pool complete with a swim-up bar. Towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas come standard for maximum comfort. Adults can unwind at the swim-up bar while dedicated staff organize kid-friendly activities on-site. This Puerto Vallarta day pass suits couples, families, and larger groups equally well.
Day Pass Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Unlimited dining for lunch and snacks
Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol)
Beach and 5 pools
Use of gym
Loungers, towels & umbrellas
2 poolside bars with swim-up bar
See More
Daytime entertainment programs for adults (daily) and children ages 4 -12
Children's playground
Free WiFi throughout hotel
Bathrooms are available for changing
Guest rooms/accommodations
Transfers to/from your cruise ship.
Motorized water sports
Lockers are not available so pack light
Items of a personal nature including spa and gift shop
Taxis are readily available at the cruise ship terminal, and the drive to the resort takes approximately 25 minutes. Despite the port’s relative proximity, departing the property at least 2 hours before the ship’s scheduled sailing time is recommended.
Buying a day pass is straightforward: complete the online purchase and resort passes arrive via email the same day. Print the passes and pack them for the trip, as they are mandatory at resort check-in. Every adult must present a valid photo ID, which the front desk holds until departure back to the cruise pier. Day passes remain available for purchase up to one day before the port call, though Hotel RIU Vallarta spots are limited—booking well in advance is strongly encouraged.
Hotel Riu Jalisco is a striking all-inclusive resort featuring varied dining options, direct beach access, two pools with swim-up bars, and a dedicated children’s pool equipped with a small waterslide. Day passes here represent an excellent shore-day choice for cruise travelers visiting Puerto Vallarta.
A day pass at Hotel RIU Jalisco covers unlimited meals, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. The property sits on a gorgeous beach and includes a pool with a swim-up bar. Towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are all provided. Two swim-up bars give adults plenty of room to relax, and organized children’s activities keep younger guests entertained. This Puerto Vallarta day pass works well for couples, families, and groups of any size.
Day Pass Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Unlimited dining for lunch and snacks
Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol)
Beach, pools, whirlpools
Use of sauna, gym and whirlpool bath
Loungers, towels & umbrellas
2 poolside bars with swim-up bar
See More
Daytime entertainment programs for adults (daily) and children ages 4 -12
Children's playground
Free WiFi throughout hotel
Bathrooms are available for changing
Guest rooms/accommodations
Transfers to/from your cruise ship.
Motorized water sports
Lockers are not available so pack light
Items of a personal nature including spa and gift shop
Taxis line up at the cruise ship terminal, and the resort is roughly a 35-minute drive away. Even though the port is not far, leaving the property no later than 2 hours before the ship’s departure is advisable.
The online purchase process is simple: buy a day pass and receive resort passes by email that same day. Print and carry the passes, as check-in requires them. RIU Jalisco operates as a cashless property accepting only Visa and Mastercard for any balance due at check-in. All guests 18 and older must show a valid photo ID, and the credit card holder needs a valid passport for card authorization. Day passes can be bought up to the day before arrival in port, but availability at Hotel RIU Jalisco in Puerto Vallarta is extremely limited, so early booking is highly recommended.
Now that you've seen the detail on each resort, use the comparison chart below to see how they stack up side by side. We've included pricing for adults, children, and infants, distance from the cruise port, and key amenities like beach access, pools, and all-inclusive options. Click any resort name or photo to jump back to its full listing above.
Compare Resort Day Passes
Side-by-side comparison of all 3 options. Click any resort to scroll to full details above.
Click any resort name to scroll to full details above
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Puerto Vallarta resort day passes for cruise passengers.
How much does a Puerto Vallarta resort day pass cost?
Most day passes run around $89 per adult. That usually gets you all-inclusive food and drinks, beach and pool access, towels, and lounge chairs. Kids are typically discounted, and some resorts let young children in free.
Can I bring my kids to a Puerto Vallarta resort day pass?
For sure! 2 of the 3 day pass options are family-friendly, including Hotel RIU Vallarta, Hotel RIU Jalisco. These resorts offer reduced pricing for children and often have dedicated kids' areas. Just double-check each resort's age policy before you book.
How do I get from the Puerto Vallarta cruise port to the resort?
The simplest way is to grab a taxi right outside the cruise terminal. Puerto Vallarta's cruise port is well-organized with plenty of taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Most resorts along the Hotel Zone are a quick 10-20 minute ride, and some day pass packages include round-trip shuttle service. You can also use ride-sharing apps. Just agree on the fare before you get in the taxi.
Do I need to book my Puerto Vallarta resort day pass in advance?
We'd say yes, definitely book ahead. Puerto Vallarta is a hugely popular Mexican Riviera port, and day passes can sell out during busy season from November through March. Booking in advance locks in your spot and usually gets you the best price. You can reserve online through the links in each resort listing above.
What is included in a Puerto Vallarta resort day pass?
3 of the 3 resorts here are all-inclusive, so unlimited food and drinks come with your pass. On top of that, expect beach access, pool time (3 resorts have pools), lounge chairs, towels, and clean restrooms. Some resorts add extras like watersports, fitness centers, or kids' clubs. Spa treatments and cabana upgrades are usually available for an additional fee.
Is a Puerto Vallarta resort day pass worth it?
We think it's one of the best ways to spend your port day. Consider the alternative: renting beach chairs runs $20-30, then you're buying tacos, margaritas, and maybe renting snorkel gear. That easily tops $100+ per person, and you're still figuring out logistics on your own. A day pass wraps everything into one price with resort-quality pools, food, drinks, and service. Plus, you get the peace of mind knowing exactly what your day will cost before you even step off the ship. It's the most stress-free way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta.
We hope this post helps you to make the most of your time in Puerto Vallarta.
It's tough to choose a cruise excursion. You can't go wrong with a resort for a day pass. These properties are optimized for your relaxation and enjoyment. Standard tours are great too. They're just "hit or miss." Remove all risk with one of the options above.
Check out additional options for the other ports on your cruise itinerary. Our complete guide to resort day pass excursions lists every day pass option across all major cruise ports!
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