Puerto Vallarta is one of the few destinations in the world that offers so many untouched ecological resources. The rainforests that encompass the city, offer vibrant flora and fauna, wildlife including monkeys, rare species of butterflies and birds such as the brightly colored Toucan.

Opposite of the mountains, the city faces the magnificent Bay of Banderas, or Banderas Bay. The second largest bay in the world, tourists and locals alike enjoy some of the world’s finest scuba and snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins and sea lions, which incidentally keep the bay shark-free. The bay is also known for its superb whale-watching. Many spectators plan their excursions between November and April, the prime mating season for the humpback whales.

Local nature reserves offer rare bird sightings including the Duck Billed Frog. Crocodiles can be found in the marshes, along with unique fish and crustaceans who find these areas useful for breeding.

One of the more popular activities amongst visitors, is attending one of the weekly sea tortuous releases, where hundreds, sometimes thousands of sea turtles are released back into the ocean after being collected as eggs along the popular Los Muertos Beach several weeks before.

Emergency care for scuba and snorkeling incidents
Stung by jellyfish, or coral scratch- most experts advise that you wash the area with sea water, and then clean with alcohol, either rubbing alcohol or tequila. Immediately follow with a hydrocortisone cream, which is available from any local pharmacy. For more serious wounds, such as stingrays or sea urchins, it is advised that the injury is soaked in extremely hot water to dilute the toxins. If there are spines or barbs in the wound, remove immediately with tweezers, then follow with rubbing alcohol, vinegar, wine or ammonia diluted with water and seek medical attention immediately.

Puerto Vallarta’s famous Pirate Ship cruise.
The cruise takes place on a pirate ship, complete in its theme with a crew of costumed pirates. Various times and trips are offered, and can include a Mexican style breakfast buffet, bingo, scuba diving and snorkeling (snorkel gear supplied), a trip to neighboring Marieta Island, barbecue, fireworks, and a theatrical performance of pirates and canons that calls for your camera to be ready.

Cruceros Princesa
Cruceros Princesa offers day excursions to Yelapa, Las Marietas Islands, Quimixto and Las Animas. Sunset cruises, whale watching, etc- Prices start from approximately $20 US Dollars and includes a free bar, onboard contests, snorkeling lessons, kayaking and windsurfing. Cruises can include nature hikes to waterfalls, scuba diving lessons June-September, whale watching November – Spril. Rates include medical insurance for the journey. +52 32 24 4777 Muelle de la Terminal Maritima Puerto Vallarta, 48350 Mexico.

Day Sailing on Banderas Bay

Yelapa Tour from Banderas Bay

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Bungee Jumping in Puerto Vallarta
A 118 foot freefall over a sandy beach. Bungee de Puerto Vallarta is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is located at Km 9.2 on Highway 200 to Mismaloya.

Boca de Tomatlan sports a bungee of over 100 feet, as well as spectacular photo opps. The Tomatlan River meets the ocean here, creating a magnificent lagoon where locals store their small fishing boats and sand islands separate it from tranquil waves of the ocean in a small hidden bay.

Parasailing in Banderas Bay
Parasailing can be found at Playa Los Muertos on Puerto Vallarta’s south side, and next to the Malecon in central Puerto Vallarta. However, if you’re looking for a unique experience, Las Animas is recommended. This remote village is south of Puerto Vallarta, reachable by water taxi. A great day trip, take the water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan.

Hang Gliding in Yelapa
Yelapa is known as one of Puerto Vallarta’s hidden treasures. A short boat ride away, this rustic Mexican village offers many attractions- one of which is hang gliding. Available for beginners and experienced gliders.

Canopy Tours in Puerto Vallarta Rainforests
The popular canopy tour is not for the faint of heart. Adventurers dangle from a single cable and pulley at heights ranging from 14 to 69 feet. The tour averages over 2 hours to complete. Appropriate clothing would be shorts or pants, and sneakers. Insect repellent is recommended. Read more about Puerto Vallarta Canopy Tours.

Biking Tours
Coming soon.

Extreme Sports Fishing
Coming soon.

When they coined the term, “off the beaten path” they were referring to the Sierra Madre Norte Tour from Puerto Vallarta.   This tour includes an off-road journey through hidden villages, mountain streams, and incredible jungle foliage referred to as the Mexican Outback.

A 45 minute hike with a trained guide allows you to explore the jungle first-hand before ultimately reaching the picturesque coastline, where guides prepare a delicious lunch while you relax on the beach.

Depart from Puerto Vallarta and soon stop for a traditional Mexican breakfast in Rincon de Guayabitos.  Continuing on, pass through lush vegetation surrounding secluded towns, small fishing villages, and scenic farm fields.   An informative, bilingual tour guide will provide background information for each area, and provide numerous opportunities for photo stops.

Upon arriving in San Blas, travelers are taken on a 10 mile boat ride to the Mangroves Swamp to visit a crocodile farm where your tour guide will provide details on the local crocodiles, bird species, and other wildlife in the area.

Afterward, a visit to beautiful San Blas is your next stop.  Take pictures of the unique town, including famous sites such as the old Cathedral and the Spanish Fort of San Basilio- a true tribute to Spain and Mexico’s history together.

After a full day of sightseeing, the tour stops at a restaurant in Batanchen Bay for traditional Nayarit fare before heading back to Puerto Vallarta.   The perfect ending to an exciting, enriching vacation tour.

Huichol Indians Air Tour from Puerto Vallarta

The quaint mountain village of San Andres Coamihata is known as an important religious and political center for one of the few remaining indigenous tribes in the world – the Huichol Indians. The direct descendants of the Aztec Indians, the Huichol Indians are known to be friendly, religious, and highly traditional based on their 2000 year old history.

This tour is truly unique as it allows you to treat yourself to an introduction of the Huichol Indian rituals, customs, language, and way of living away from the modern world.

Looking for children activities in Puerto Vallarta?  The Family Dolphin Experience is perfect for parents with young children.  Kids are safely introduced to the Bottlenose dolphin’s anatomy, physiology, natural history and training mixing education with fun with a memorable childhood experience.

In a specially designed education pool, guests are invited to interact with the sea lions, for a unique vacation experience.  Fascinating animals, sea lions are full of personality- they’re vocal, and love to play.  They’re fast and surprisingly affectionate-  personality characteristics that are great to experience first-hand.

Be sure to bring your camera for that flipper shake photo, or better yet, a fishy mustache kiss!

Make a lifelong connection with your dolphin.  Swim, touch, feel, and bond while learning about dolphin behavior and habits in a unique way.   The  Signature Dolphin Swim includes an introductory presentation on dolphin characteristics, dolphin training signals, and how to communicate with your dolphin.