Travel Planning Guide for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Tour Packages

By night, Las Caletas is transformed into a magical paradise and the perfect setting for this exclusive evening excursion. Rhythms of the Night is an amazing journey that will transport you to a spiritual land that time forgot. History, culture and natural beauty make for an unforgettable night out in Puerto Vallarta.

Your Puerto Vallarta adventure begins with a scenic sunset cruise across Banderas Bay to the isolated cove of Las Caletas. Upon arrival, you'll feel like you have journeyed back to a time of mysticism and legend. Flickering torches, gently lapping seas, swaying palms and music mingles set the mood as you follow a torch-lit path that leads you past live portrayals of forgotten rituals and customs.

The enticing aromas of grilled steak, chicken and fish will lure you towards secluded beach side tables bathed in the soft glow of candles. Enjoy dinner accompanied by freshly prepared vegetables, salads and handmade tortillas. A dessert buffet is also included, featuring brownies, pie, a traditional rice pudding dish, and plenty of fresh cut tropical fruit.

Enjoy this unique dining experience as the ocean laps at your feet, palms sway overhead and your waiter silently caters to your every whim. Lingering over coffee and dessert, the pulsing beat of native drums summon you to an outdoor amphitheater. Here, prepare to be captivated by a mesmerizing performance that will leave you breathless.

In a hypnotic performance that will keep you spellbound, the stories of an ancient civilization are revealed through music and dance as one of Mexico's most innovative contemporary dance troupes take you on a magical and mystical journey through time. After the show, you'll have time to relax before dancing under the stars on the short cruise back to your point of departure.

This exclusive excursion is distinctly different from other nightlife activities in Puerto Vallarta and promises an enchanted evening that you'll never forget!

This Puerto Vallarta Adventure is a truly thrilling ecological experience packed with challenges, adventure and most importantly, fun! This Puerto Vallarta Adventure is the perfect way to spend an exciting day outdoors on your Puerto Vallarta family vacation.

Your adventure begins with an exhilarating speed boat ride that takes you to Boca de Tomatlan, a secluded beach at the edge of the jungle on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. Here, an exciting off-road expedition aboard your 4x4 Unimogs will take you 2000 ft (600 meters) above sea level, to a base camp in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Then, you'll take a fascinating mule ride higher and further into the sub-tropical forest, where you'll begin a series of thrilling zip lines, rappel down waterfalls, cross jungle bridges and splash through streams and natural river pools.

This exciting eco-tour will bring out the child in all of you. With the highest and longest ziplines in Mexico, at almost 1000 ft (300 meters) long and 250 ft (75 meters) high, you'll be taken on the thrill of a lifetime! 

Once back at the base camp you'll have a chance to relax and view photos of your adventure before returning to Puerto or Nuevo Vallarta. Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover and explore the Sierra Madre jungles on your Puerto Vallarta family vacation.

Explore Mexico's answer to the Garden of Eden on this Las Caletas day trip from Puerto Vallarta. This day trip to the exclusive and enchanting coastal haven on Banderas Bay will allow you to get away from it all, kick back, relax and let all the stress slip away. A great family friendly adventure to be enjoed by everyone!

Las Caletas, only accessible by sea, is a well-secluded nature preserve that stands out against a steep, jungle-clad backdrop of green canopies in an isolated cove on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. As you cruise towards this tropical paradise aboard your first-class catamaran, you'll enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Upon arrival at Las Caletas, you can choose between a day of pure relaxation or gentle exploration. If relaxing is on your personal agenda, you can kick back on the beach, relax in the shade on a comfortable hammock or indulge in a therapeutic body massage or facial.

As you relax and unwind, the gentle lapping of the surf on the private golden beach beckons you to take a closer look at the calm, clear waters of the isolated cove. Throughout the day, the bilingual eco-guides offer snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking tours, giving everyone a chance to explore Banderas Bay in a fun and exciting way.

On land, you can take a Paella cooking lesson, discover Las Caletas' prolific flora and bird life on a free guided nature walk through the jungle, orchid gardens and interactive parrot center, or explore the natural amphitheater and the Mayan Pyramid that serves as center stage for the contemporary dance performance on the Rhythms of the Night tour.

Dolphin Adventure Center in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico is home to more than 25 Pacific Bottlenose dolphins. This swim experience gives you the opportunity to talk, touch, play and swim with these gentle and amazing marine mammals. An exciting family friendly adventure that will leave everyone with unforgettable memories!

The 60 minute Nuevo Vallarta dolphin program begins with various guidelines so as to ensure a safe experience for all. Then, you'll receive an interactive presentation on dolphin characteristics, as well as how to use hand signals and positive reinforcement to communicate with your dolphin.

Next, you and your group of no more than 8 guests head to the Dolphin Lagoon where you'll wade into the shallow, clear waters to start your exclusive dolphin swim experience.

Here, you'll meet and play with a dolphin for 30 minutes, getting to know each other through hugs, kisses and rubdowns. Ultimately, enjoy a one-on-one swim with your new friend, before going on an exciting belly ride!

The Bay of Banderas and the Mexican Pacific are available for you to explore during this exciting Wild Dolphins and Snorkeling Day Tour. You'll have the opportunity to discover the wonders of nature while observing dolphins in the wild, bird watching, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking in the warm waters that surround the Marietas Islands. Add this exciting Puerto Vallarta day trip to your vacation itinerary!

This day tour successfully combines a day of fun in the sun with the wonderful opportunity to learn more about the ideal ecosystem and diverse sea life that Banderas Bay has to offer. Gaze at Pacific Bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins and spinner dolphins as they swim in their luxurious Banderas Bay habitat. Watching them all-year round is a great way to learn more about these beautiful and intelligent mammals.

Encounter other marine life such as whales, giant manta ray and tropical fish as well as indigenous birds including the blue-footed booby and red-billed tropic bird that are situated at the Northern end of Banderas Bay.

During the day, you'll have time to explore the islands' rocky caverns and archways while on a kayak, snorkeling or even scuba diving! For your comfort and safety, knowledgeable and bilingual eco-guides are always on hand to help, advise and entertain you! After you explore to your heart's content, a relaxing afternoon siesta gives you the opportunity to kick back and relax on the white sands of a beautiful, secluded beach.

Jump on this exciting Sierra Madres Jeep Adventure safari and explore the fascinating, traditional "Old Mexico" villages. You'll have the opportunity to journey in the Mexican outback, as well as learn about the ecology and wildlife found in the mountains and jungles of the Sierra Madres in Puerto Vallarta.

If getting off the beaten path while looking for a little adventure is appealing to you, take this opportunity to travel back in time, when life was less hectic and the simple events of each day had greater significance. Venturing away from the suburbs of Vallarta in your specially designed Mercedes Benz all-terrain vehicles, your off-road voyage of discovery begins as you are taken through mountain streams, past forgotten villages and over bumpy terrain on a mission to reach the heart of the Sierra.

It is here, in the depths of the forest vegetation that your knowledgeable, ecologically trained guides will take you on an amazing 45-minute educational nature walk, encouraging you to discover and explore the extraordinary flora and fauna hidden away under the canopy of the jungle.

You'll then be taken to a golden expanse of virgin coastline, where you'll enjoy an 'al fresco' lunch prepared by your dedicated guides. Savor local tastes as you kick back and relax on the white sands of a beautiful, secluded beach.

Don't miss this eye-opening day that will invigorate your senses and offer you a window of discovery within a safe, fun-filled environment.

This wonderful sailing tour is the perfect way to spend a day in Puerto Vallarta! Relax on board, sail into the wind, swim in crystal clear blue water and explore the natural wonders of Banderas Bay. This day combines pure, unadulterated sailing pleasure with absolute pampering!

If you have never sailed before, this is your opportunity to learn! Before departing from Marina Vallarta, you'll have the opportunity to receive a short briefing on the basics of sailing. The rest of the day can be as interactive as you choose. Adventure seekers will swim and snorkel in Banderas Bay, and if weather permits, you'll stop at a beautiful beach where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the protected waters of a secluded cove.

For the less energetic, this is a day to just lie back on one of the many cushioned mattresses. There is simply no better way to take in the tropical surrounds, than by sipping on an ice-cold beverage while enjoying the natural sounds of the sea punctuated by the song of the wind.

Without a doubt, sailing is the ultimate way to catch a glimpse of wild dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays and turtles. Wild dolphins love nothing more than to swim alongside a silently gliding sailboat and you'll delight in their antics as they play in your wake.

This day combines pure, unadulterated sailing pleasure with absolute pampering. Your friendly crew scrupulously attend to the smallest details to ensure that your sailing experience is the adventure of a lifetime. Lunch, snacks and all beverages are included!

Get more from your vacation in Puerto Vallarta! Visit all points of interest including Guadalupe Church, City Hall, the Malecon (Seawall), Rio Cuale, and many more picturesque sites on this great introductory Puerto Vallarta city tour.

The tour starts on the north side of the city, where you'll see the newest tourism complex of Marina Vallarta, its residential zone, the golf course and the yacht club, stopping for a few minutes to take pictures.

Then, you'll continue on to the city's downtown, driving through 'El Pitillal', one of the popular suburbs. At the sea horse, you'll get off the bus to take an information walk, looking at some of the important buildings and monuments like the city hall and the main church. On this part of the tour, you'll have time for shopping.

On the way back to the bus, you'll walk through the Cuale River Island, a beautiful botanical garden. After this, you'll travel to the south of the bay, where you'll visit a raicilla (tequila) factory to learn about the elaboration process. Last but not least, you'll drive into the rainforest and stop at a restaurant surrounded with lush, green vegetation next to a river, with the chance of having lunch (optional) before returning to your hotel.

One cannot fully appreciate Mexico without some understanding of tequila's place in its history and culture. See the complete tequila growing and making process, have lunch at a real Mexican Hacienda and visit a family distillery!

The Tequila Six Pack will take you to several places north of Puerto Vallarta, through mountains and volcanoes. You'll make a stop in Rincon de Guayabitos with time for breakfast. Then, connecting to the Cactlan Valley, you'll see Compostela, a colonial city with a beautiful panoramic view. Continuing on, you'll visit the lava fields of the Black Giant, which also known as El Ceboruco Volcano, is one of the 9 active volcanoes in Mexico.

After that, you'll visit the Pyramid Settlements of Ixtlan del Rio, one of the few round pyramids of the country that was built by the Mexican ancestors to honor Ehecatl, the God of Wind. Then comes the exploration to the Tequila factory La Cofradia, where you'll learn all about the process, from the cultivation of the plant known as Agave Azul and the cooking, to the fermentation and distillation until finally they obtain the drink itself. You'll also enjoy some typical Mexican food and taste the Nectar of the Gods.

The Puerto Vallarta Canopy Adventure is a one of a kind ecological experience situated in the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains. Ideal for both adults and children, this family friendly adventure truly lies in the middle of a biological paradise. Packed with fun, challenges and thrills, this Mexican getaway is a must do when visiting Puerto Vallarta.

Located only a short scenic drive away from urban Puerto Vallarta, lies a tropical world of natural wonders. On this spectacular eco-adventure tour, you'll experience what can only be described as a pulse-stopping view of one of the most beautiful and complex biological communities on Earth. Prepare yourself for stunning views of diverse vegetation including Mexico's exotic flora and fauna.

Experience the adrenaline from swinging from platform to platform 90 ft (30 meters) above the rainforest floor. Gaze at a variety of animal species and vegetation as you effortlessly travel through the immense tropical trees.

There has never been a more exciting way to explore the depths of the tropical rainforest! For thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, this amazing adventure experience is one of the most popular ecological jungle tours in Puerto Vallarta!

Note: All of the guides have been extensively trained and insist on having only the best equipment with not one, but two safety ropes for your added security. Participants are under the constant care and supervision of highly qualified personnel who are formally trained in canopy our operations and safety techniques, only top-quality equipment is used and that is regularly and rigorously inspected and maintained. Your knowledgeable guides will assist you every step of the way - from the time you leave the ground, until you rappel back down to the forest floor.

Signature Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Swim allows you to develop a personal relationship with your dolphin as your adventure is carried out in very small groups.  Take a journey into the intriguing world of the dolphin through amazing face-to-face encounters in which you can touch, feed, play, learn and swim with dolphins. This family friendly adventure in Nuevo Vallarta will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Your 90 minute Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Swim journey of discovery transports you to a place where people and dolphins make lifelong connections. Your dreams of touching and swimming with these magnificent beauties of the ocean will come true. An environment of fun mixed with education and emotion touches hearts and minds in an experience that creates memories to last a lifetime!

The Signature Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Swim begins with an interactive presentation on dolphin characteristics, as well as how to use hand signals and positive reinforcement to communicate with your dolphin. Then, in groups of no more than 5 people per dolphin, you'll head down to the Dolphin Lagoons for a 40 minute in-water experience with the dolphins.

Interacting with the dolphins leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits the Dolphin Adventure Center in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, home to over 25 of these amazing marine mammals. Join this Nuevo Vallarta adventure today!

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the marvels of the underwater world? Would you like the opportunity to explore the spectacular variety of underwater reefs, rock formations and colorful sea life found in the Bay of Banderas and the Mexican Pacific? Learn how to scuba dive on this easy, safe and fast resort course while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The Puerto Vallarta resort diving course is an introductory program that allows anyone 10 years or older to experience scuba diving in the easiest, safest and most enjoyable way.

Although some restrictions may apply, beginner divers just have to follow two easy steps:

Day 1: Take a lesson with a dive instructor at one of the resorts listed (plan this at least one day before your dive). Course completion prepares you for an open water dive at either the Marietas Islands or Las Caletas.

Day 2: Take a 1-tank dive trip to either the Las Caletas or Marietas Islands.

Las Caletas
Situated on the south side of Banderas Bay, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway with underwater caves and natural reefs. Home to a diverse array of sea life, colorful tropical fish, turtles and manta rays,  it is considered to be one of the finest scuba diving locations on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Marietas Islands
Originally made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970's, the Marietas Islands Marine Reserve has now become one of the most popular areas in Western Mexico for scuba diving. Part of an underwater mountain range that peaks above the ocean's surface, the Marietas Islands mark the entrance to Banderas Bay from the Pacific.

Puerto Vallarta is known for beautiful sunsets and there is nothing more tranquil and romantic than sailing across Banderas Bay as the crimson sun dips into the deep blue waters of the Pacific. Imagine relaxing on the deck of a luxury Beneteau sailboat with a cocktail in your hand as the wind pushes you across the crystal clear waters of Banderas Bay at sunset.

As you gaze out across the Pacific Ocean, you'll witness the changing colors of the sky and the horizon emblazoned in shades of fiery gold, red and pink. Then, just as the sun sets, you'll sail along the shoreline near the Malecon, where the soft symphony of hues painting Puerto Vallarta give you the chance to photograph Old Town glistening in dramatic color.

Your sunset sailing charters are the ideal way to celebrate a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, or the perfect ending to another unforgettable day in Puerto Vallarta. As the sunset dissolves into a starlit night, you can unwind, re-invigorate, or share a romantic kiss or two as you sail across Banderas Bay aboard the luxurious Beneteau sailboat.

If you love clean air, brisk sailing, sunsets, night skies, romance and privilege, add this tour to your Puerto Vallarta itinerary for an evening you'll never forget! Wine, cheese, champagne and an open bar add to the sensation of pampered exclusivity you'll experience on this one of a kind sunset sail.

Snorkeling at Los Arcos is one of the most popular tourist activities and it's not hard to see why! Nature has provided wonderful scenic surroundings for your snorkeling expedition, with arches and caves that have been sculpted by the forge of the ocean for thousands of years!

Departing from the Puerto Vallarta Marina, your friendly crew will have breakfast ready for you as the catamaran passes close to the shoreline, with views of downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Snorkel approximately 330 feet (100 meters) offshore in the warm and scenic bay of Los Arcos, otherwise known as 'The Arches', where granite rock formations of arches and caves have been sculpted by the forge of the ocean. All things natural are protected here so that you can have the amazing opportunity to snorkel in a rare environment and explore the brightly colored fish and steep rock walls that engulf this marine area.

Afterwards, you'll be taken to Las Animas Beach where you can enjoy a leisurely swim.

A fantastic family friendly adventure that allows you to enjoy the Nuevo Vallarta dolphin interactive program with the entire family. This dolphin encounter is available for parents with children aged 3 years and under. A true family affair that lets you and your loved ones hug and kiss the dolphins while in the water on a shallow platform. This tour makes a great addition to an already perfect family vacation!

Your experience begins with an educational session, introducing you to your new friends. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the Bottlenoses' anatomy, physiology, natural history and animal training.

Then, get ready to enter the water where you'll meet the dolphins face to face. For 15 minutes, groups of no more than 8 people get an incredible eye-to-eye look at the dolphins, feel their smooth skin, give training signals and even feed theze amazing animals.

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Sebastian's remote location and historic appeal have made it one of Mexico's last great getaways. As the road weaves through the mountains, you'll enjoy fantastic scenery and typical scenes of rural Mexican life, making this journey both breathtaking and relaxing.

Over the years, the town's population fluctuated wildly as gold and silver were mined intermittently between the 1600s and the 1930s. Today, although the "gold fever" has subsided and the people afflicted by it have long since departed, this beautiful mountain village of 600 residents retains its colonial heritage as an outstanding example of the traditional ways of living and working in a remote Mexican village. In addition to the traditional corn and cattle raising procedures, local folks still cultivate coffee and agave on the mountainside.

It is a joy to wander around in this very peaceful town, which has changed so little in hundreds of years. With an 18th century church dedicated to San Sebastián, a classic Porifian bandstand and a quaint cobblestone plaza lined by dignified white buildings, San Sebastián remains a living museum untouched by time.

Full with culture, history and amazing natural beauty, this truly is an experience difficult to surpass.

Puerto Vallarta is considered to be one of Mexico's top dive destinations. This scuba diving experience gives certified divers the chance to explore some of the most popular dive sites in Banderas Bay and to experience some of the most exhilarating scuba diving on the Mexican Pacific.

You'll be provided with unsurpassed diving experiences from wall diving and exploring caves, tunnels and reefs, to discovering underwater eco-reserves filled with a dazzling array of marine life and tropical fish. With professional diving guides who know these waters better than anyone, get ready to be taken on the dive adventure of a lifetime!

Popular and Dedicated Dives:

• Las Caletas
• Marietas Islands
• El Morro (Advanced divers or 25 logged dives required)
• Los Anegados (25 logged dives required)
• Los Arcos Night Dive

Fancy a trip back in time to visit a genuine 16th century Spanish fort? Or how about a visit to a crocodile farm by boat? You'll do both and more on this historic journey to San Blas from Puerto Vallarta.

Departing from Puerto Vallarta, you'll travel to the south side of Nayarit state to Rincon de Guayabitos, where you'll enjoy your delicious breakfast. You'll continue to Las Varas village and there, you'll detour toward the coastal road all the way to San Blas, driving through small towns and fishing villages with farming fields and exuberant vegetation. Your guide will give you information about the area as you go by. Along the road, you'll have the opportunity to stop and take pictures of some of these places.

Once in San Blas, you'll take a boat ride for about 10 miles (16km) in to the mangroves swamp and up to water springs where you'll visit a crocodile farm and learn about birds, aquatic animals and crocodiles. Once back on firm land, you'll visit downtown San Blas to take pictures and see the old church. From there, you'll drive up to a hill side at the entrance of the town to see the ruin of the Fort of San Basilio and learn about its fascinating history.

On your way back, you'll stop at a restaurant in Matanchen Bay where you'll enjoy a local lunch. After the adventure, you'll travel back to Puerto Vallarta and be dropped back at your hotel.

If you love dolphins or have ever thought about being a dolphin trainer, the adventure of a lifetime awaits you in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico! The Trainer for a Day program gives you the chance to spend an exciting day working beside the dolphin trainers and learn everything they know about these amazing animals. Join this once in a lifetime experience today and add a thrill to your family vacation!

As an active member of the team of marine mammal experts, you'll be in close contact with the family of Pacific Bottlenose dolphins throughout the day. From feeding and behavioral training techniques to helping the dolphin trainers during the Dolphin Encounter and Swim with Dolphin programs, you'll learn the basic skills of caring for and training dolphins as you assist the trainers in every aspect of their work.

By actively participating in the daily efforts that are involved in the training and care of the dolphins, you'll get a closer look at the fascinating world of marine professionals. This once in a lifetime experience should not be missed!

Learn, explore and have fun on your first Nuevo Vallarta dolphin encounter. This interactive dolphin program allows non-swimmers to learn more about dolphins while standing in waist-deep water in the seawater lagoon at the dolphin center in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. A great family friendly activity that everyone will love!

Your Nuevo Vallarta dolphin experience begins with an educational session in which you are introduced to your new friends. You'll learn all about the bottle-nose dolphin's anatomy, physiology, natural history and animal training.

Then, get ready to enter the water where trainers bring you face to face with the dolphins. For 15 minutes, groups of no more than 8 people get an incredible eye-to-eye look at the dolphins, feel their smooth skin, give training signals and even feed these amazing animals!

The Nuevo Vallarta Sea Lion Encounter program is a great way to learn more about these fantastic flippered friends! Designed to be both fun and educational, the sea lion program gives you the chance to learn more about sea lions both on land and in the water. An information session followed by close interaction will leave you and your family with unforgettable memories in Nuevo Vallarta!

This hands-on program begins with a poolside informative introduction that will help you understand the sea lions' physiology, feeding habits and behaviors. Then, accompanied by one of the professional marine mammal trainers, you'll get up-close and personal with the sea lions in a specially designed educational pool.

Fast, agile and adorable, sea lions are fascinating to watch - and never timid about speaking what's on their minds! As the friendly sea lions romp and frolic with you, their barks, honks and trumpets will surely keep you amused. They'll also delight you with their intelligence and skill!

The sea lions' foolery, folly and frivolity will entertain and enchant you. You'll definitely fall in love with these marvelous marine mammals as you get to know them through petting, shaking a flipper or two, and if you're lucky, you might even get a big fishy kiss!

Travel through the Sierra Madre Mountain range into the tropical jungle, through plantations and across rivers and streams. See a part of Mexico that very few tourists get to see. A unique experience for all adventure lovers!

Your off-road adventure takes you through mountain streams, past forgotten villages and over bumpy terrain. Your mission is to reach the heart of the Sierra! Venture off the beaten track as you travel in an all terrain vehicle into the Sierra Madre mountains, giving you the opportunity to see the true Mexican outback.

As you journey deep into the jungle, you'll take a 45-minute hike with an experienced and trained guide who will teach you about the local flora and fauna underneath the jungle canopy. Continue to a golden expanse of virgin coastline to enjoy an al fresco lunch prepared by your dedicated guide.

This unique Sierra Madre experience will be sure to fascinate you and offer you a new discovery in a safe, fun-filled environment.