Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Resort Family Vacations

Whale Watching Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Puerto Vallarta offers many ecological wonders and adventure tours, but nothing compares to witnessing the beauty, harmony and grace of the humpback whales and wild dolphins that inhabit the Bay of Banderas. Puerto Vallarta is one of the top places in the world to view humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Each winter, you can catch a glimpse of the humpback whales as they migrate south from their arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth in the warm, protected waters of Banderas Bay. From November to March, you can experience and learn about the massive humpback whales on several guided tours that leave every morning. See these amazing mammals display grace, power and beauty through their playful behavior.

Swim With Dolphins in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Pacific bottlenose dolphins are sighted year-round in Banderas Bay, and you can swim with the enchanating, gentle dolphins at the Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Center. The 90-minute experience begins with an orientation about dolphin physiology and communicating with them, followed by interacting with the animals in ways that feel comfortable to you - they're accustomed to being petted, hugged and rubbed. Most people quickly connect with one in particular, swimming and playing with their new friend until they kiss goodbye. Spend an entire day with the dolphin trainers, gaining never-to-be-forgotten insights into these marvelous creatures.  [Top]

Bird Watching Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. With more than 300 species of birds, Puerto Vallarta is an exceptional location for bird watching and a true paradise for bird watchers. Tour and explore Las Marietas Islands – just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta - a bird sanctuary and one of the few places where the Blue Footed Booby nests and breeds. Sea hawks and many other birds of the oceans and estuaries inhabit or pass through these beautiful islands.

Sport Fishing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Puerto Vallarta offers some of the best sport fishing in the world, and anglers from around the globe try to beat last year's big catch. Spend a blissful day out on the deep blue waters of Banderas Bay and fish with an experienced captain. Join a deep sea fishing charter and cast your lines for marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, dorado, sailfish, rooster tail and red snapper. Numerous charters are available from small pangas to large trawlers with fly bridges. Bass and other freshwater fishing is also available at lakes in the Puerto Vallarta area.  [Top]

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Scuba Diving & Snorkeling. With beautiful coral reefs and natural beauty, Banderas Bay is the perfect destination for scuba diving and snorkeling adventures. Off the islands of Los Arcos, Las Marietas and Las Caletas, you can experience tropical fish, mantas, dolphins, and turtles. Explore the rock formations of Los Arcos National Marine Park's underwater caves and canyons, secluded beaches with shallows teeming with tropical fish. Discover the wildlife reserves and marine ecosystem of the Marietas Islands with its deep caverns and rugged rock architecture. Tours range from short trips to all-day excursions, and night dives can be arranged for experienced divers.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Horseback Riding. With gorgeous scenery, hillsides and valleys, Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful place for horseback riding. Take to the hills, rivers, villages and jungles by horseback, exploring the countryside with tour guides, learning the history of the area and experiencing Vallarta in a natural way. Ride a quarter horse, thoroughbred or mestizo to explore a jungle trail with orchids or catch the overspray of a waterfall. Ride alongside a picturesque river or in the verdant foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, where the panoramic views of the bay are breathtaking. In Bucerias, you can trot along the beach.  [Top]

Hiking Eco Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Discover the lush green Sierra Madre Mountains in the southern part of Banderas Bay. Hike along crystal clear rivers, through canyons surrounded by exuberant vegetation and ponds where you’ll be able to swim and enjoy the scenery. Learn with guides about the wildlife and culture of this beautiful coastal region of Mexico. Other hiking tours explore the tropical forest that surrounds Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy spectacular views of the Bay and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area, all in the company of specialists that make your hike a fantastic experience.

Sea Kayaking Adventures in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Venture to gorgeous destinations on the Bay of Banderas on a sea kayak. Enjoy the beautiful sights and beaches while paddling along tranquil, crystal clear waters accompanied by an experienced kayak guide. Kayak tours and rentals are available for beginners and advanced kayakers.  [Top]

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Las Caletas Tours. Situated on Puerto Vallarta's Banderas Bay, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway. Enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Vallarta has to offer while cruising to a private cove where you will discover the wonders of the bay while kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and riding a catamaran. The underwater coves, natural reef and diverse array of brilliant sea life make this one of the finest dive sites on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The reef is home to colorful tropical fish, turtles and mantas. On land, you can explore the surrounding forest on guided tours, relax in a hammock or have a picnic on the golden beach.

Canopy Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Swing from treetop to treetop a la Tarzan at lushly exotic locations near Puerto Vallarta. Exhilarating and educational, Canopy Tours are an eco-activity that guides you into Puerto Vallarta’s lush tropical rain forest and gets your adrenaline flowing. Soaring along zip lines - one of them PV’s highest at 250 feet - crossing hanging bridges and rappelling to the forest floor. Speed over a river gorge on several cables, splash through streams and learn wilderness techniques while spotting exotic orchids and tropical wildlife. Tours end at a palapa bar with tequila and a riverside restaurant. Visit www.vallarta-adventures.com or www.canopytours-vallarta.com.  [Top]

Turtle Camp. From June to September, Puerto Vallarta is a breeding ground for sea turtles and vacationers can share in the wonder of life by participating in local hotel programs to protect the turtle hatchlings in their dash to the sea. Under a starry sky, children and adults release baby turtles from buckets and applaud as the hatchlings scurry across the sand and plunge into the ocean.

Mexican Fiestas. Boldly colorful, the traditional Mexican fiestas held weekly around town are a festive way to experience the most popular food, drink, music, dancing and customs of Mexico. Enjoy an entertaining evening full of fun and flavor while enjoying a lavish buffet of Mexican specialties and an open bar of national drinks.

Sea Life Water Park. At Puerto Vallarta’s Sea Life Water Park, you’ll discover 15 acres of wet and wild family fun, action, adventure and entertainment - with pools, rivers and slides to challenge and delight the entire family. Experience speed and excitement on 10 water toboggans, or enjoy relaxing and exotic rides down the river. Smaller kids will have a great time at the children's area, and the older ones can splash around the pool area. Swim with dolphins and be amazed with the shows of these incredible creatures, as well as the talented sea lions and birds.  [Top]

Photos by Mark Callanan http://www.callananphoto.com