The Marietas Islands have been classified as a National Wildlife Preserve due to the numerous species of birds, marine mammals and fish that live here. This tour will let you experience the ecological sights and sounds of this natural environment. From the pier, an eco-guide will escort you to your state-of-the-art catamaran where you’ll meet your crew and receive a brief orientation. Leaving the dock, begin the 1 1/2 hour trip across Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands. En route, get acquainted with the area through interesting and historical commentary. Keep an eye out for wild dolphins and sea turtles, which thrive in these waters. During the winter months (December to March) humpback whales are also a common sight. If encountered, your boat will pause so that you can observe these incredible creatures.

As you approach the islands, your crew will provide you with detailed instructions on both snorkeling and kayaking. You’ll be fitted with snorkeling equipment and given a reference sheet, which details the types of fish and marine life you may encounter. After a 10 minute guided bird-watching trip around the islands by boat to familiarize you with the water conditions and to see the various species, your boat will drop anchor and you’ll have approximately 1 1/2 hours to explore the waters by kayak and or snorkel. Enjoy a deli-style lunch and open bar aboard the catamaran on the way back as you sit back and enjoy the entertainment provided by your enthusiastic crew.

La Dulce Vista Hotel Boutique is a refuge hidden in the Sierra Madre just above Banderas Bay. This serene 30-acre property has something for everyone. Stroll through botanical gardens, laze by the semi-Olympic non-heated swimming pool, soak in the jacuzzi, or doze in a hammock. If you are up for spirited adventure, you can bike a mountain trail or hike the foothills. Enjoy a game of volleyball or soccer, or just have fun relaxing on the couple´s swing or bouncing on the trampoline. Handsome vistas, classy amenities, and colorful flora offer endless opportunities for the perfect picture. Next, enjoy a handcrafted artisanal tequila tasting, which is organically produced in small batches in the magical town of Tequila, Jalisco. Sample tequila blanco, reposado, añejo, and our premium rose tequila. Savor a taste of Mexico with a traditional parrillada, or char-grilled feast. Return to port deeply relaxed and satisfied with all the pleasures of this stunning river canyon retreat.

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OVERVIEW

Walk through the enchanting streets of Puerto Vallarta, starting in Gringo Gulch, an affluent residential area where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton once lived in Casa Kimberly. As you meander the cobblestone streets, the guide will point out and describe landmarks in Old Town such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Although it took 84 years to complete the building as it stands today, it was well worth the effort as the church has become an icon. It lies just a block from the malecón, the esplanade that runs along the Bay of Banderas for nearly a mile. As you stroll along this popular boardwalk, you may pass the symbolic Boy on a Seahorse sculpture that stands in the middle of the colorful sign that spells out Puerto Vallarta. The historical Malecón Lighthouse stands nearby. Time will also be allotted for you to independently explore Olas Altas, a bustling shopping street.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely guided walk through the Old Town of Puerto Vallarta.
• See architectural treasures such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
• Stroll along the lengthy malecón that overlooks the sea.
• Spend free time browsing the shops along the street Olas Altas.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Take a short drive to the Dolphin Center at the Nuevo Vallarta Marina. After a brief presentation, head down the dock to a 14,500-square-foot holding pen and as you stand waist-deep in the water, you’ll be introduced to the beautiful Pacific bottlenose dolphin in a hands-on, up-close encounter for approximately 15 minutes. They are as curious about you as you are about them.

Take full advantage of this unique opportunity to pet them gently and you’ll even receive a dolphin kiss. During your encounter you’ll also learn ways to ensure their preservation and foster the well-being of these amazing creatures. After your activity with the dolphins, enjoy a complimentary lunch at the dolphin marina and free time to purchase souvenirs or photos to remind you and your family of this incredible experience.

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Sabal Playa Beach Club, an exclusive resort that overlooks an absolutely gorgeous stretch of sand. It won’t take long to reach the club, which allows all the more time to enjoy the amenities. You might bask in the sun on a lounge chair as the waves gently lap at the shore. Take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean. Walk along the coast without a care in the world or do most anything else that you find relaxing. There is plenty of shade under the coconut palms and beach umbrellas if you prefer that setting. You are also welcome to enjoy the infinity pool that overlooks the sea. Other options include dining on your own in the open air restaurant or even poolside, and taking advantage of the ocean kayaks and paddleboards. Everything imaginable is at your fingertips to ensure that your time at Sabal Playa Beach Club is carefree and immensely pleasurable.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Relax in complete comfort at the exclusive Sabal Playa Beach Club.
• Take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean and the infinity pool.
• Lounge around the beach, poolside and in the shaded grassy areas.
• Enjoy access to the restaurants and watersports such as kayaks and paddleboards.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with closed-toes.

These lovable rascals are comical, mischievous, playful and very friendly. Their inclination to engage in play and include humans in their games is what makes sea lion encounters so exhilarating. You’ll be standing waist-deep in the lagoon as you and the sea lion interact while doing various activities designed for maximum fun such as kisses, flipper shakes and even jumping over your head as you swim up to them. This is a unique and heartwarming experience which will never be forgotten. Afterwards you'll be offered a complimentary lunch and have the opportunity to purchase pictures or souvenirs of your encounter to share this incredible experience with family and loved ones.

Explore the essence of Mexico at a pace set to match your riding ability. On 21-gear, full-suspension bikes, this beautiful, yet dusty ride, passes fruit plantations and rustic towns with an enormous diversity of vegetation. Your experienced guide will make sure that you are properly outfitted, point out the sights and answer all your questions. During your ride the tour will be followed by a relief vehicle in radio contact with your knowledgeable guide at all times. Then you’ll head back to the hacienda to explore before you rejoin the transportation back to your ship.

Unlike other Puerto Vallarta adventures, this one combines three exciting activities, in all. Your journey begins with an inflatable powerboat ride past Los Arcos Marine Reserve. Your first stop is Yelapa town, a remote fishing village from where you’ll depart on a horseback ride through the tropical forest arriving at a breathtaking river, where you can have a splash from the amazing fresh water. Helmets are provided for your safety.

Continue to the tranquil cove of La Bola to discover tropical fish and interesting sea life as you snorkel in the beautiful clear waters. Your last stop is Pizota, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary drinks on this pristine beach and then relax in one of the hammocks. You can also explore its tropical waters by kayak. Look back one more time at this paradise as you board the powerboat for your return to Puerto Vallarta.

The Bay of Banderas, a fantastic place to sail, has protected waters, moderate consistent winds, nice secluded coves to break the day, and lots of sea life. Your experienced sailboat crew will greet you with fruit, sweet rolls, coffee and juice, while you are given a short safety briefing and information about the marine life you may encounter. Start your sail in the direction the wind is blowing, your itinerary will take you on the best course depending on the conditions of the day.

Relax, feel the breeze and enjoy sailing! We’ll drop the anchor in the afternoon for a refreshing swim or some snorkeling. Enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary drinks on board before we hoist the sails to return to Puerto Vallarta.

Humpback Whales are by far the most expressive and captivating of all the large marine mammals which inhabit Pacific waters. Banderas Bay has one of the largest concentrations of these magnificent animals and it is here, in these protected waters that they come to mate and breed during winter months. Often they can be seen breeching, performing peduncle slaps and tail slaps that your expert guide will explain to you. This specialized excursion is designed to capture the magical moment when you encounter wild dolphins and majestic humpback whales.

The essence of this tour is to find the wildlife and enjoy those precious moments when you can sit peacefully and watch the whales and dolphins play, breach, eat, or just hang out. There is no such thing as a "typical day" on this adventure tour. Of course, you’ll have the chance to see the majesty of Banderas Bay and the abundance of marine life that lives here, as well as enjoy some light snacks and drinks, but often it is the "wild ones" (the whales and dolphins) who are in charge of the daily itinerary. We cannot always predict where they are, so we will let them guide us along their preferred route of the day.

Designed for maximum adventure, this excursion takes place in a pristine, unspoiled forest where scenic beauty and rich ecological habitats create a true tropical paradise. The scenery and incredibly varied flora and fauna you’ll encounter while hiking through the sub-tropical forest makes this adventure an experience of a lifetime. Your adventure begins with a speed boat ride across the bay to a secluded beach, then an off-road adventure to the heart of the tropical forest.

From the base camp at 2,000 feet, take a short mule ride to the peeks of the tropical hills where you’ll start a series of fantastic ziplines that take you soaring 250 feet above the ground over the jungle foliage. The adventure continues as you splash through streams, rappel through waterfalls into natural river pools and negotiate the jungle bridges that bring you back to the base camp for a deserved rest, some snacks, and a chance to see photos of your wild adventure.

Tag along with your family and loved ones and watch them have the experience of a lifetime. Afterwards you’ll enjoy lunch with them at the dolphin marina and have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs as well. This option lets you participate as an observer at any of the dolphin tours we offer, except the Dolphin Trainer for a Day.