Eco Tours
5 hours
Free cancellation
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$119
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Vallarta Adventures
Vallarta Adventures
4.5
Scuba & Snorkelling4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursSwim with DolphinsBoat ToursDolphin & Whale Watching
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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About
Vallarta Adventures is Mexico's premier adventure company and leading tour operator in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. Vallarta Adventure trips and activities are safe learning experiences designed for people of all ages who want to have fun exploring all that culture, wildlife, biodiversity (eco tours) and natural beauty the area has to offer.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Vallarta Adventures
Extreme Sports
6 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$129
per adult
Food & Drink
5 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$159
per adult
4WD Tours
6–7 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$399
per group
4WD Tours
6 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$119
per adult
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(656 reviews)
(432 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
22,479 reviews
Excellent
18,760
Very good
2,088
Average
698
Poor
419
Terrible
520
Vanessa M
Lehi, UT29 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Every excursion with Vallarta Adventures has great activities and great staff! We have come here multiple times over the years and everyone is extremely friendly, safe and professional! We have loved every tour guide we have ever had! We had so much fun again this year! Rhythms of the night was magical, Ocean Mania and Extreme Zip gave us so many new experiences and all were so enjoyable. Thank you!!
However, do beware of the bug bites at the end of Extreme Zip - they are nasty and super itchy!! And also, If almost everything else wasnt so great, Id have been tempted to give Vallarta Adventures a 1 star rating because I was so frustrated by two big problems.
The first problem was the 2+ hour total wait we had at extreme zip for the cruise ship people to go ahead of us (and Im guessing to keep "picture groups" together even though those groups didn't even know each other (?). They easily could have planned differently or not booked so many groups if they knew cruise ship groups would have to move ahead of us to make their return times. From other reviews we found out we were not the only ones this has happened to.
The second reason I wanted to give a 1 star is for the outrageous photo policy and costs!! We were 2 families, and they wanted to charge us $400 for pictures on just one excursion!!!! They tried to charge my son and his wife $50 for 2 photos on their dolphin swim!! AND the pictures truly weren't even very good. We have gone on excursions all over the world and everywhere I can think of the pictures were included or they let you bring your phone/go pro at your own risk or rarely someone has charged something like $20 for pictures! $400 is such a slap in the face! Also last time we came here we got the photo package (when it only costed us $50 - still too much!) and when we got home they had not included the promised video!! This is such a turn off and such a rip off!!
You will have a great time here, but you will not have photos of your fun times unless you plan to spend more on your photos than you actually spent on your excursion. I bet Vallarta Adventures would make more money selling photos if they only charged $20 a family because then everyone would buy them, and people would walk away loving all the good things Vallarta Adventures and the great guides gave them instead of walking away feeling taken advantage of.
However, do beware of the bug bites at the end of Extreme Zip - they are nasty and super itchy!! And also, If almost everything else wasnt so great, Id have been tempted to give Vallarta Adventures a 1 star rating because I was so frustrated by two big problems.
The first problem was the 2+ hour total wait we had at extreme zip for the cruise ship people to go ahead of us (and Im guessing to keep "picture groups" together even though those groups didn't even know each other (?). They easily could have planned differently or not booked so many groups if they knew cruise ship groups would have to move ahead of us to make their return times. From other reviews we found out we were not the only ones this has happened to.
The second reason I wanted to give a 1 star is for the outrageous photo policy and costs!! We were 2 families, and they wanted to charge us $400 for pictures on just one excursion!!!! They tried to charge my son and his wife $50 for 2 photos on their dolphin swim!! AND the pictures truly weren't even very good. We have gone on excursions all over the world and everywhere I can think of the pictures were included or they let you bring your phone/go pro at your own risk or rarely someone has charged something like $20 for pictures! $400 is such a slap in the face! Also last time we came here we got the photo package (when it only costed us $50 - still too much!) and when we got home they had not included the promised video!! This is such a turn off and such a rip off!!
You will have a great time here, but you will not have photos of your fun times unless you plan to spend more on your photos than you actually spent on your excursion. I bet Vallarta Adventures would make more money selling photos if they only charged $20 a family because then everyone would buy them, and people would walk away loving all the good things Vallarta Adventures and the great guides gave them instead of walking away feeling taken advantage of.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sydney R
Saskatoon, Canada8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We did the Dolphin Extreme adventure. When we arrived it was an easy check in, we received our wrist bands for the day and then was asked to sit and wait to be called. While we waited the staff brought out a spider monkey and Macaws to take photos with! We then got changed and jumped into the water with Maya and Malik our dolphins! We got to swim under water, above water and was pulled and push in the water by these two incredible creatures all whole an above AND below water photographers snapped some pictures. But it didn’t stop there! After showing off their skills in the water we said goodbye to the dolphins and hello to the Sea Lions! We then boarded a boat with Captain Fernando ( incredible and so entertaining) who sailed us off towards Majahuitas Island , before we arrived Fernando stopped our voyage to watch a momma and baby whale ! It was absolutely incredible and Fernando was so informative about the species ! The lunch provided on Majahuitas was delicious! As the crew said , better than subway! This was an absolutely incredible experience from beginning to end!! Highly recommend and have to give major props the all the staff involved, each one was informative, fun and made the day that much more amazing !
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill B
Chelan, WA7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
A group of 5 of us did Rhythms of the Night, which was recommended to me by my customers. Totally worth every penny! We had a great evening! Perfect weather, we lucked out with getting a whale show on the way, the staff on the boat were so much fun, food was great too, and the Savia show and the extra show on the cruise home were awesome. Definitely recommend anyone to do this (but I would mention maybe not the greatest for people with any physical disabilities as you are getting on and off a moving boat and walking on dirt and up hills). Can’t wait to do this again!
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon C
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK6 contributions
Feb 2020
Booked this through our rep at our hotel - because of the time of year we were able to see the hump back whales with their calves who are in the bay for 4 months to breed and have their babies.
This trip I thought was very well and tastefully done not getting too close to the whales, (however on a few occasions they came quite close to us.) Our guide was very informative, friendly and funny, I wish I could remember his name, possibly Benjamin said he had left school and 15 and had worked at this job since that time and they were no questions he couldn’t answer. The captain he worked with was extremely good too bringing and offering us homemade cookies and fruit.
Really good value for money.m
This trip I thought was very well and tastefully done not getting too close to the whales, (however on a few occasions they came quite close to us.) Our guide was very informative, friendly and funny, I wish I could remember his name, possibly Benjamin said he had left school and 15 and had worked at this job since that time and they were no questions he couldn’t answer. The captain he worked with was extremely good too bringing and offering us homemade cookies and fruit.
Really good value for money.m
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie
1 contribution
May 2021
I did the Island Discovery with Vallarta Adventures. Very good customer service, you get a discount by ordering it online before your visit so if you want to save money buy it before! The office to check in the day of was very easy to find. Our guide was very nice and fun. The day we went was a kind of rough day for waves so the swim into the cave was definitely hard. The waves would crash into the cave and cover it completely so the wave would submerge you and throw you into the rocks. Very scary. We had helmets and life jackets but it is still scary, many people got cut by the rocks. If you are NOT a good swimmer do not do this. You need to be able to stay calm when the waves come over you and push/pull. You cannot hold on to others as this can cause you guys to hit the rocks. It is very challenging. The view of the beach was nice. It looks way better in pictures, not as clear as you would imagine. It’s nice though. There’s a photographer there to take pictures since you cannot take phones obviously, even if you have the phone water case it is not recommended because it can impair your ability to swim. After that we take a detailed tour of the rest of the islands and snorkel. However there’s not much to see the water is not clear enough. They take plenty of pictures of you snorkeling, swimming and with the islands. The usb is $70 and it includes ALL pictures they take of you so take advantage and make them take all the pictures of you that you want. Or a single picture is $35. I would say the only thing they should improve is the snacks. We were there checking in since 7 AM our hotel did not have any food at that time so we had no breakfast there was no place open to eat, and after swimming and snorkeling all they gave us was an apple and a cup of water. It would have been better if they provided a little more. Other than that, very good service. Felt safe in our tour with our guide unfortunately forgot his name but he had long curly hair said he was a surfer.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaraDuane
Santa Rosa, California44 contributions
Jan 2020
OK, we'd like to give this review a five star because the show was FANTASTIC, but we can't because the four of us felt the buffet food was marginal at best. The ride out and back was comfortable but there seems to be too many people that get herded together through embarking, disembarking, pushy people trying to get ahead of you while walking to bathrooms or to the theater. We won't go back and would be hard pressed to recommend, felt like way too many people at the same time in this small piece of land and again, the food :(
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravisD
Elkford, Canada22 contributions
Mar 2020
We did the Yelapa & Majahuitas Tour. It was pretty good, it had some snorkelling and beach time, lunch, a short waterfall hike and more beach time, and then some entertainment on the way back. The crew was great. Very engaging and did their best to help everyone and ensure it was a fun day. I can't remember everyone, but I believe Isa was our tour leader and Ronny with some crazy breakdancing skills definitely made the trip fun. I would recommend this tour if you're looking for about a half day trip on the lower end of the price scale.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J55V51
Kelowna, Canada41 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A beautiful day sailing from Nuevo Vallarta around Banderas Bay. Arrived at Vallarta Adventures ti checkin and was told there was an additional $30 pesos per person charge for docking fee. This was not indicated on the website. After checking in, we went to the restaurant and waiting area where Vallarta Adventures used to offer free coffee prior to the start of their trips. No longer! You have to pay for coffee. No one was buying!
We were on a sail boat as there were only 14 guests which was great. In previous years we have been on a catamaran.
Once we got on our way, we were served drinks (pretty much anything you want) and a snack of delicious shrimp and guacamole with crackers. It was very good.
We cruised and saw lots of whales. The most we have ever seen in the bay. Many females with calves too! What a treat.
The boat anchored in a little cove where we could swim, paddle board, float on a Lilly pad, etc. They had all the toys.
Lunch was a disappointment! Lots of bland cheese, some smoked salmon on bread with cheese. It was very fishy. A few slices of lunch meat wrapped around cheese and some salad fixings. It was not good. A little square for dessert.
We did lots of sailing after lunch which was brilliant. Sails billowing and floating atop the seas. Ended our day in Marina Vallarta where we were transported back to Nuevo Vallarta by van.
All in all a lovely day.
We were on a sail boat as there were only 14 guests which was great. In previous years we have been on a catamaran.
Once we got on our way, we were served drinks (pretty much anything you want) and a snack of delicious shrimp and guacamole with crackers. It was very good.
We cruised and saw lots of whales. The most we have ever seen in the bay. Many females with calves too! What a treat.
The boat anchored in a little cove where we could swim, paddle board, float on a Lilly pad, etc. They had all the toys.
Lunch was a disappointment! Lots of bland cheese, some smoked salmon on bread with cheese. It was very fishy. A few slices of lunch meat wrapped around cheese and some salad fixings. It was not good. A little square for dessert.
We did lots of sailing after lunch which was brilliant. Sails billowing and floating atop the seas. Ended our day in Marina Vallarta where we were transported back to Nuevo Vallarta by van.
All in all a lovely day.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hehren
Las Vegas, NV64 contributions
Jan 2020
did a whale watching tour at vallarta adventures. We chose the morning tour. Had to arrive at 700. tour left around 745. But they had food, and drinks to pass the time. They put 30 people in a raft/speedboat. Not sure what they call it exactly, but still room to see everything. The boats are relatively small for 30 people, but they are fast, which is a plus. The reason being that they go all around the bay looking for active whales. We would observe one group of whales for 10-15 minutes, then speed off to another location. We saw about 6 different groups of whales, and finally the last group had a whale doing several spectacular breaches. They also have communication telling them where the whale groups are, so not just random wandering.
FAIR WARNING; the boats have no bathrooms, so don't drink a lot of coffee before you go for the 3 hour tour. They ask you if you have back issues. Probably not a bad idea to say yes. We were seated near the back of the boat, with a lot less bouncing over the waves. That's the other reason for going in the morning. The wind and waves are much bigger in the afternoon.
Good experience. Whale watching is seasonal with jan, feb best.
FAIR WARNING; the boats have no bathrooms, so don't drink a lot of coffee before you go for the 3 hour tour. They ask you if you have back issues. Probably not a bad idea to say yes. We were seated near the back of the boat, with a lot less bouncing over the waves. That's the other reason for going in the morning. The wind and waves are much bigger in the afternoon.
Good experience. Whale watching is seasonal with jan, feb best.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry S
Goodyear, AZ10 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We scheduled 3 activities through this company and one through another company. Every aspect of our trips with vallarta adventures was perfect. The other company, not so much. There is no detail that they overlook. We spent 8 days in puerto vallarta and our day at Las Caletas was absolutely our favorite. Initially I was a bit hesitant because I felt the prices were a bit steep. After the experiences I felt that we got an incredible value for our dollar.
Las Caletas- This was our favorite day of our 8 day trip. On the ride over we had Victor and his crew on the boat and they were attentive to every need. Once we get situated on the beach we were very lucky and had Omar as our host. Omar was freaking awesome and every time my drink was half empty he was right there with another one. For dinner I ask to be seated at one of the tables he serves and once again his service was impeccable. Best waiter I've ever had & that's not an exaggeration.
Savia- I have been to 3 cirque DE soleil Shows in Las Vegas and Savia was right up there with any of them. Just an unreal night. On the boat ride over once again we had Victor and some of the same crew we had on Monday when we went to Las Caletas. All of these guys are just so great and take so much pride in their job. The service at the show and dinner is so good that you actually feel rude if you don't let them assist you. I went back to the buffet to grab dessert and our waiter said "Mr Larry, The weather is beautiful and you have your beautiful wife next to you. You don't have to get up, tell me what you need and I will grab it". Unreal, best service I've ever had.
Extreme Outdoor Adventure. We went on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. and unfortunately I do not remember all of our hosts names other than Ceasar & Daniel. I have repelled quite a bit But if you are a beginner these guys make everything incredibly comfortable and make you feel safe. This Tour was longer than we expected in terms of the number of ziplines and repels that we went on. Just another perfect day with great service.
Thank you Vallarta Adventures, we'll be back!!!
Las Caletas- This was our favorite day of our 8 day trip. On the ride over we had Victor and his crew on the boat and they were attentive to every need. Once we get situated on the beach we were very lucky and had Omar as our host. Omar was freaking awesome and every time my drink was half empty he was right there with another one. For dinner I ask to be seated at one of the tables he serves and once again his service was impeccable. Best waiter I've ever had & that's not an exaggeration.
Savia- I have been to 3 cirque DE soleil Shows in Las Vegas and Savia was right up there with any of them. Just an unreal night. On the boat ride over once again we had Victor and some of the same crew we had on Monday when we went to Las Caletas. All of these guys are just so great and take so much pride in their job. The service at the show and dinner is so good that you actually feel rude if you don't let them assist you. I went back to the buffet to grab dessert and our waiter said "Mr Larry, The weather is beautiful and you have your beautiful wife next to you. You don't have to get up, tell me what you need and I will grab it". Unreal, best service I've ever had.
Extreme Outdoor Adventure. We went on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. and unfortunately I do not remember all of our hosts names other than Ceasar & Daniel. I have repelled quite a bit But if you are a beginner these guys make everything incredibly comfortable and make you feel safe. This Tour was longer than we expected in terms of the number of ziplines and repels that we went on. Just another perfect day with great service.
Thank you Vallarta Adventures, we'll be back!!!
Written May 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi larry-subervi,
We truly thank you for this beautiful and kind review! We are overwhelmed and could not be happier to hear that we exceed your expectation on every one of the tours you´ve been with us!
We know we have special and professional staff that loves to deliver the best experience for our guests, therefore we thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with all of us!
Your visit is very much appreciated and everybody here at Vallarta adventures is looking forward to welcoming you back over and over!
Written May 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
When getting weighed before zip lining does it show you weight to just you, or to others too?
Is it just you that sees your weight or does it show it to others?
Gotham31
Fair Lawn, NJ183 contributions
They weigh you on a scale in the shop where you check in. Only if someone is trying to see how much you weigh by looking over your shoulder, otherwise no one else sees it besides you and the worker
Jon P
Boulder, CO113 contributions
Where is better snorkeling - Los Arcos or Marietas or Majahuitas?
Bruce J
15 contributions
It depends on what you want to experience. All are fun. Los Arcos generally has less swells than Mariettas. However, if you go to Mariettas, do the hidden beach excursion. Also you're much more likely to encounter the "Blue Footed Boobie" bird. No joke. that's the name. The have blue feet. Both are open water areas. Majahuitas is a cove. Much calmer water, smaller schools of fish, beautiful beach.
What if the weather gets bad like lightening?
lkweeks66
Springfield, VA5 contributions
They would probably pull you off of the course.
Sleen_M
San Antonio, TX88 contributions
Hello, what is the group size for the hidden beach on Islas Marietas?
And what's the price?
jamieyeske
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico13 contributions
If you take the luxury snorkeling adventure excursion, be sure to go in the afternoon when the sun is warmest so you can enjoy the sunset on the way back
Hi. I am interested in marietas Island Eco discovery. In this tour, is breakfast provided?
Ashley W
Atlanta, GA1 contribution
Im interested in the yacht and snorkel trip from PVR. Is the maximum still 30 people during Covid? If not, what's the new max and min number of passengers? THANK YOU
The Adventures Group
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico65 contributions
Hi Ashely,
Thank you for reaching out to Vallarta Adventure.
We are operating all of our tours in Puerto Vallarta at 50% capacity. The new limit for the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour is 15 people.
We hope this helps!
Lindsay
Scappoose, OR7 contributions
Is the Pueblo Tour a good fit for older children? I have a 13 and 11 year old and this strikes us as the most interesting cultural tour.
The Adventures Group
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico65 contributions
Hi Lindsay,
Thank you for reaching out to Vallarta Adventures.
This is definitely the best cultural tour with passionate and knowledgeable guides teaching you about the history and showing you some of the best food that you will have throughout your entire stay!
Freedom36223881361
Washington DC, DC
I am looking for an excursion first my husband and I to do. We are in between the luxury boat or Marietta's tour. Or any other suggestions
The Adventures Group
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico65 contributions
Hi Freedom,
Both tours that you have mentioned are great options for you and your husband. The Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour is a more intimate setting than that of the Marietas Island Eco-Discovery tour which has a higher maximum capacity.
Another great tour for couples is Rhythms of the Night, an incredible dinner show in the candle-lit jungle of Las Caletas.
For a bit of adrenaline, you might what to check out the Outdoor Adventure, the best zipline tour in Puerto Vallarta!
We hope this helps and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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