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Puerto Vallarta Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Puerto Vallarta Nature & adventure

Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

1. Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

Depart from Puerto Vallarta and set off on a boat cruise towards the tropical paradise coves of Yelapa and Majahuitas. Admire the picturesque coastal scenery, where dolphin encounters and humpback whale sightings (in winter) are common occurrences.  Make your first stop at the breathtaking shores of Majahuitas Cove. With its untouched sandy beach and crystal clear water, it's the perfect hideaway for a day of snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking with an expert guide. Accessible only by boat, Majahuitas Cove features spectacular marine wildlife protected from the human hustle and bustle of nearby Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy the opportunity to snorkel here with all equipment included by the crew. Then, head over to Yelapa, which offers another incredible option for a scenic beach retreat. Nestled in a stunning natural cove, this tiny community is free of any roads and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. This tour gives you the opportunity to relax on Yelapa beach and explore the surrounding area, where stunning tropical wildlife and a hidden Yelapa waterfall lay just minutes from the shore. Stroll through the charming fishing village to the cascading, Cola de Caballo waterfalls and jump into the refreshing water, or simply sit and enjoy the natural beauty. Browse through the native artisan handicrafts along the way, then kick back in the sun at Yelapa's expansive beach where the river streams into the ocean, surrounded by an incomparable green mountains landscape. Whether you hike to the waterfalls, snorkel, or bury your toes in the sand, you’ll be struck by the idyllic beauty of these tropical retreats. As you cruise back to Puerto Vallarta with an open bar and onboard fiesta, wrap up a perfect day with some great music, dancing, and unforgettable entertainment provided onboard.

From Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise

2. From Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise

Board your catamaran and ride out to the magnificent Islas Marietas National Park on a top-of-the-line catamaran. Explore the rocky caverns and archways by kayak or paddleboard. Get up close and personal with the many natural wonders of the Marieta Islands. Snorkel or scuba dive and see the rich marine life below the surface. Look for giant manta rays, sea turtles, and abundant multi-colored fish. Make use of complimentary snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks. Sail to Majahuitas Beach. Swim and sunbathe at this white sand beach. Experience one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches along Mexico's Pacific coast.  Soak up the sun and relax on board a comfortable catamaran. Sip a drink from the open bar. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast. In the afternoon, you can sit down for a deli-style lunch. Your knowledgable onboard tour guides will see to it that you have a comfortable and safe journey. This Islas Marietas National Park eco discovery tour is a sea excursion designed to explore the ocean and wildlife around the Marieta Islands with various water activities. The Hidden Beach is not visited on this tour.

Puerto Vallarta: Humpback Whale Research Adventure Tour

3. Puerto Vallarta: Humpback Whale Research Adventure Tour

Enjoy an exciting and informative nature tour in Puerto Vallarta, and see humpback whales in their natural habitats. Get an educational session at the office before setting out to watch the whales swim, play, and breach. Collect information for the office's research and explore Banderas Bay. Begin the tour by meeting at the office and starting with an educational session to learn more about humpback whales. Board the boat after the information session and set out on the ocean to discuss the whales' behaviour while trying to spot them. Spend three hours exploring Banderas Bay and watching for different whales to collect information for the office's research projects. Watch the whales' behaviours, and listen to their songs through the boat's hydrophone and enjoy a close encounter with one of the earth's mightiest creatures.

Puerto Vallarta: Horseback Riding Tour with ATV and Zip Line

4. Puerto Vallarta: Horseback Riding Tour with ATV and Zip Line

Enjoy an action-packed day in the beautiful Mexican countryside with this horseback riding tour. Ride alongside the river, then dismount to walk up to a waterfall, crossing rope bridges and climbing steep steps. Stop by the tranquil waterfall and cool off with a dip in the river. Get back on your horse and head to a sloping hill where you can jog a little before riding home. A delicious meal will be waiting for you back at the ranch. Learn how to make traditional Mexican dishes. Enjoy fajitas or chicken with rich guacamole, salsa, handmade tortillas, beans, and rice.  If you want even more adventure, choose to ride an ATV through the jungle of Puerto Vallarta. Feel the power beneath you as you race along paths through the beautiful rainforest of the Sierra Madre. Or get up close to nature with a zip line tour through the jungle at an ecological park in Puerto Vallarta. Rancho Capomo is a unique place where you'll enjoy unparalleled adventure, flying between trees and over rivers on 13 zip lines.

Puerto Vallarta Horseback Riding

5. Puerto Vallarta Horseback Riding

Are you seeking a lifetime adventure? Explore the magic hidden in the mountains of the Sierra Madre led by your loyal horse. From Puerto Vallarta to paradise, give yourself an opportunity to one of a kind trip. The horse ride is the ideal option to let yourself connect with the flora and fauna of the enchanted tropical forest of Vallarta. Explore the flora and fauna of the enchanted forest, where you can observe a unique and spectacular natural scenery. As well, enjoy a relaxing ride through the mountains and descend gracefully in the beautiful and distinguished crystal waters of the Cuale River, swimming along with your horse. Nature, fun, and horses are all you need in Puerto Vallarta!

Sayulita/Punta Mita: Zip Lines with Ocean View

6. Sayulita/Punta Mita: Zip Lines with Ocean View

Delight in the most magnificent views of all the canopy tours in the Puerto Vallarta region. See from the Pacific Ocean to the rainforest natural reserve in Punta de Mita as you embark on an impressive canopy tour involving 10 lines and a suspended bridge on the mountains of Higuera Blanca, Nayarit. The facilities have been built to the maximum safety standards, using two ropes in each zip line to guarantee your safety during the canopy tour. The professional guides will provide you with all the necessary equipment for the tour: waist to thigh harness, helmet, and gloves. Don’t be surprised if among the foliage you spot wild boars, deer, and even beautiful macaws — which the locals call guacamayas. Round off your thrilling adventure with a traditional tequila tasting. Pickup and drop-off from 6 pickup points in the region are included.

Nuevo Vallarta: Whale Watching Tour on the Triton Catamaran

7. Nuevo Vallarta: Whale Watching Tour on the Triton Catamaran

A whale watching tour in Vallarta is an absolute MUST, an enormous adventure you will never forget. Whale watching season in Vallarta is from December to March, the winter months are when the glorious humpback whales migrate through the Mexican Pacific. Visitors from around the world visit Vallarta for whale watching, one of the many great reasons to visit this popular vacation destination. You’ll set sail for your big Vallarta whale watching adventure from Marina Paradise Village. Board the beautiful Triton Catamaran and meet your bilingual crew who will ensure you have all you need for an extraordinary day at sea. Your friendly guides will give instructions for staying safe on the boat, tell you about the inclusions and offer suggestions for maximizing your whale watching Vallarta experience. As your captain navigates towards the best places for whale watching in Vallarta, you’ll enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and can groove to the music on board. Then be sure to get those cameras ready for the incredible moments of whales breaching and dolphins playing! The humpback whales in Vallarta put on a breathtaking show, this is a massive encounter with nature!

Puerto Vallarta: Nogalito EcoPark Zip Line, Swim, & Tequila

8. Puerto Vallarta: Nogalito EcoPark Zip Line, Swim, & Tequila

Take in beautiful views of the Sierra Madre Mountains as you zip line down 11 of the highest, safest, and fastest zip lines in Puerto Vallarta. Swim in the river and join a tequila tasting for even more fun. Meet your driver at one of the meeting points, then get driven to the facilities where you can truly enjoy the beauty of the vegetation of Puerto Vallarta. Once arrived, meet the guides and gear up to spend one of the best moments of your vacation enjoying 11 unforgettable zip lines. After zip lining, enjoy a tequila tasting (optional) and choose to taste some of the best Mexican food at a restaurant located inside the facilities (costs not included). During the rainy season, take a dive into the refreshing river featuring more unbeatable natural beauty.

Puerto Vallarta: Zip Lines & River Fun with Transport

9. Puerto Vallarta: Zip Lines & River Fun with Transport

Kick off your adventure tour as you jet across the bay in a speed boat, admiring beautiful views of Puerto Vallarta, including “Los Arcos” National Marine Park. Alternatively, enjoy your journey to the canopy in the local supplier's land-only transportation. Begin with a complete safety briefing and demonstration of techniques conducted by certified canopy specialist guides. They will stay with you throughout your adventure to make sure everything goes safely and smoothly. Then, get ready to zip along over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of ziplines across the spectacular terrain, connecting you to 15 of the longest, highest, fastest, and safest platforms in all of Vallarta.  At the end of the canopy adventure, enjoy lunch with tropical drinks at the riverside restaurant (not included in tour price), and discover traditional tequila tasting.  Slide down water slides and swim in the natural pools of the river, where kayaks and water toys will be waiting for you (weather permitting). Discover exotic species such as Marmoset Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, Toucans, Iguanas, and other reptiles and Macaws in the fantastic animal sanctuary. Enjoy an adventure tour with something fun for people of all ages.

Puerto Vallarta: Sierra Madre ATV Mountain Adventure

10. Puerto Vallarta: Sierra Madre ATV Mountain Adventure

Your adventure starts when you meet your group and guide at the meeting point for a short safety briefing. Climb onto your ATV and ride along the scenic Malecón and through old colonial Vallarta, catching a glimpse of the city's famous contemporary bronze sculptures as you pass by. Continue through the back streets of Puerto Vallarta and into the outlying villages. Then, turn onto a river trail that leads into the Sierra Madre mountain range. Ride through rivers and the lush forest with a break to purchase snacks and drinks midway through the ride. You'll also pass the famous Casa Kimberly, Elizabeth Taylor's glamorous 1960s home. This 4-hour tour concludes at the original departure point.   

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Frequently asked questions about Puerto Vallarta

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Sayulita

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Other Sightseeing Options in Puerto Vallarta

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What people are saying about Puerto Vallarta

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 21 reviews

We had the best time!!! The crew was so much fun! The drinks were flowing and the beaches were gorgeous! It’s a pretty fast past day (not a lot of downtime at stops) which just means you get to see more!

It was the funnest, fullest day of adventure I've ever experienced. Great activities, well run, professional staff, exciting rides. I always felt safe and excited for the next thrill!

Amazing! Noe was a great host, we were well looked after on the catamaran, and saw so many whales, dolphins, a stingray and diving birds!

Our tour guide June was very knowledgeable, we enjoyed the tour very much! Beautiful gardens, highly recommend to visit this place.

Awesome guides, best Mexican tacos, spicy salsa best salsa I ever had. Israel and Bryan thank you for everything!