Outdoor Adventures in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta are paradise for those who want to spend their vacations in the fresh air exploring nature. The best Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta activities tours are the ones that show off the natural environment and take you to secluded locations you can only enjoy while ziplining, scuba diving, or participating in one of these family outdoor activities. As you make your plans for things to do in Nuevo Vallarta, having an adventure outdoors will make your vacation the trip of a lifetime.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the main free Puerto Vallarta activities, and there’s a variety of different trails to explore in PV and in the Bay of Banderas. To the north, Monkey Mountain offers a vigorous hike, but at the summit, the rewarding views of the bay make this one of the top things to do in Nuevo Vallarta. Within Puerto Vallarta, there are some short hikes, and to the south, you’ll find longer trails along the rivers and coastline. There are several guided Nuevo Vallarta activities tours for hiking, but many of the trails can be reached by bus and are clearly marked if you’re up for an adventure outdoors on your own.

Ziplining

Of all the Puerto Vallarta activities tours, there’s only one way to get a bird’s-eye view: ziplining over the jungle canopy. An outdoor adventure zip line Puerto Vallarta tour is one of the many things to do in Nuevo Vallarta that’s fun for kids too. When you zipline in Puerto Vallarta outdoors, you’ll get to explore the mountains and soar with views of the jungle and the sea, and the rush of adrenaline makes the outdoor adventure zip line Puerto Vallarta experience unforgettable. Afterwards, many of the ziplining Puerto Vallarta activities tours include a traditional Mexican lunch and tequila tasting.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is an experience like no other. Dozens of feet under the surface, you’re surrounded by the power and beauty of the ocean. The dive spots in the Bay of Banderas are filled with tropical fish, eagle rays, and sea turtles that swim around underwater rock formations and even an old shipwreck. Of all the Puerto Vallarta outdoors activities, this is the best way to truly explore the sea.

Deep Sea Fishing

For many locals, the best thing to do in Puerto Vallarta outdoors is deep sea fishing: the thrill of the chase, the beauty of the open water, and the reward of fresh ceviche. Fishing has also been one of the classic family outdoor activities. Taking kids out on the water with you is a rewarding experience, but since you’ll be catching tuna, mackerel, and mahi mahi, you’ll want to wait until your kids are a little older to go out fishing on the ocean.

Sailing

With the variety of Puerto Vallarta activities tours, you can enjoy the beauty of the sea while kicking back and relaxing. Sail with pirates of the Marigalante Pirate Ship. While their evening sail is geared towards adults, they sail the bay every afternoon, giving travelers the chance to enjoy family outdoor activities, like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. One of the most unique Nuevo Vallarta activities tours takes you to one of the world’s most secluded beaches: Lover's Beach on the Marieta Islands. In addition to exploring this one-of-a-kind beach, you’ll sail across the bay, spot blue footed booby birds, and snorkel around the islands.

Whether you dive to the depths of the sea or take an outdoor adventure zip line Puerto Vallarta tour, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty that has attracted everyone from Hollywood stars to oceanographers to the Bay of Banderas. Making time to have an epic adventure outdoors will turn your vacation into memories that will last a lifetime as you explore the hidden treasures of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta.