sea safari puerto vallarta reviews

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A Sea Safari in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The question is: where do you start? Many tourists come here for only a week or too, are not very sure about where to begin and sometimes are not aware of all the activities they can enjoy. Mexican food is anywhere and everywhere, the beaches are right in front of the hotels, and renting a waverunner or bodyboard to play in the small surf are options that are easily taken care of by the hotels. What is not so obvious is that there’s good surf a mere 30 minute drive away from most hotels, there are some superb snorkeling and diving spots not too far either, and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting or zip-lining can also be enjoyed. Apparently that lay-back-and-do-nothing holiday is not that much fun any more right?

I was recently invited by Vallarta Adventures to participate in their Sea Safari outdoor program, one of their outdoor adventures in which during one day (7 hours) I was able to ride a speedboat, ride a horse to a waterfall and get wet (the amusing guides will make sure nobody doesn’t), I was able to snorkle at a secluded reef and enjoy a superb buffet in one of the best beaches of the area where kayaks are also available. You might be thinking that all these activities can be enjoyed independently and thus save some money right? I’m sorry to say you’re wrong, unless you have a boat, know where the good snorkeling spots are and know where to rent a horse somewhere in the jungle.

The Sea Safari begins at 10 am at Vallarta Adventure’s headquarters, time at which the group (about 20 ppl) will hop on the speedboat and skim over the ocean for 35 minutes to Quimixto, a small fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta. Once there everybody will be taken to the stables where the horses are and from there the 20 minute ride to the waterfall will begin.

The horses are well trained and pretty much know their way: the ride is quite simple, with some very nice views and you have plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings.

At the waterfall food is available at a cost, and after resting and enjoying the swim the group will ride the horses back to Qumixto where it will jump on the speedboat and make it to the snorkeling spot of the day. The weather did not cooperate when I took part in this activity, and the lack of sun and persistant rain did not make this one of my best snorkeling experiences. However many people in the group were snorkeling for the first time ever and were having a blast.

About an hour after jumping into the water we were then taken to Pizota, another small fishing village only accessible by boat and it is here that the superb beach is located, as well as the great buffet meal. After the mandatory tequila shots you are free to eat as much as you want, swim in the ocean, lay on the beach or kayak as you please until it is time to go back, about an hour after getting there.

Our way back was again done in the rain, making the activity more of an adventure and certainly entertaining than other tours you might have done. We were again at the HQ 7 hours after the trip had begun and I had certainly enjoyed the time, as had the whole group. This might sound obvious, but it is not easy to keep a group of 20 happy for seven hours when it has been under the rain for the better part of them- this says a lot about the superb staff Vallarta Adventures has.

Final Review

Is this adventure aimed to everyone? Certainly not, and Vallarta Adventures is well aware. The adventure covers many activities in one day and a fun time is almost guaranteed, yet at 110 USD/person it certainly isn’t cheap and it’s not as thrilling as some of their other adventures. I would recommend the Sea Safari to families with small children or couples who want a day of activities but don’t want anything physically demanding nor too challenging. However if you’re traveling solo, are on a tight budget, want something adventurous or have snorkeled and ridden a horse elsewhere this adventure is not for you- save your money and spend it in one of their other adventures or elsewhere (visit the Vallarta Adventures website and read my Outdoor Adventure review ) Thank you Vallarta Adventures for letting me participate in this activity!

Is this your kind of fun? Do you have any questions? Comments are welcome below, and please share this post if you liked it!

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Sea Safari by Vallarta Adventures

Mastil Local 13-C, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, 48354

• Little Kids 3-6
• Big Kids 7-9
• Tweens 10-12
• Teens 13-17

Escape the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas in Puerto Vallarta with Sea Safari by Vallarta Adventures. Explore around a lovely village (home to less than 500 people) by horseback, snorkel La Bola, and relax on Pizota beach with a warm quesadilla and cold cocktail in your hand.

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Sea Safari - Vallarta Adventures

• Mexico    
• Jalisco    
• Puerto Vallarta    
• Puerto Vallarta - Things to Do    
• Vallarta Adventures

This excursion was amazing. I highly recommend to everyone looking for an adventure you'll never forget. Luis, our tour guide was one of a kind, and made this an even better experience. He put in so much work to make everything fun and safe for us and memorized all of our names. He is very good at what he does! I loved every moment of this excursion. Unlimited food and beverages/alcohol. Also they have a photographer that travels everywhere with y'all and we loved our pictures so much!! Worth every penny!!!!! Thank you Luis and team!!!

We took this tour through Princess and while the snorkeling was disappointing due to rough waters and low clarity - and a ton of people, it was worth it. The lunch was good and we floated off the main island for 1.5 hrs. They toured you by boat down the side of the island to see the blue footed boobys and other sea birds that nest on the cliffs. Then, they took at least 30 min on the way back to track a group of the humpbacks that winter in the area. And lastly, they have a lot of fun with music and a show. It was everyone’s favorite tour of the trip.

So my wife and I did this safari and needless to say it was quite the safari. The staff was good, but the locations weren’t great. We went to an extremely remote place to ride horses up the mountain and it was VERY unorganized. There was no structure or order to the adventure. It was neat to see, but would not do it again. Next stop was “snorkeling” literally stopped at a remote place and asked to jump off the boat and snorkel. Not the nicest place either. Our last stop for our “private beach” was terrible! The location was awful and we jumped off the boat to get to the island. Again, no order or structure to the excursion. Food was decent, and as advertised there was no paddle boards or kayakes. For the worst part was boarding the boat to go back. We literally were waist deep in water being thrown back on to the boat. It was absolutely terrible getting back on the boat. It was very scary and my bag full of clothes and items was washed away in the ocean to never return. It was terrible!!!! I would never do this excursion again. Way too long and unprofessional.

We had a great day on the luxury sailing catamaran. The boat is spacious and comfortable. We left the marina and headed North and almost immediately saw whales, dolphins and turtles we then anchored off a wonderful quiet cove and swam, paddle boarded and snorkel. Lunch was great and then the weather allowed us to sail all the way home. Carlos, Miguel, Victor were a great crew and our photographer was so fun too. Lucky to have such a great experience!

Went yesterday for the 5th time.... very disappointed to find out that you no longer get open bar.... now you have to pay an additional $20US if you want open bar. We booked online and was supposed to be all included, but they didnt care. There were numerous couples complaining about the same thing and they would not do anything for us. So I guess it will be our last time going with this company. No sunset stop on the ocean either, but the show and dinner were still good, just expected better customer service from them as what we bought should have been honored.

The premise is nice but the execution is lacking. Both the food and beverages could benefit from an upgrade and the choice of music, failed to entertain any of us. While this sounds bad, the cruise in not that bad. If more attention is paid to the experience this cruise could be great

Sea Safari - Hidden Beaches, Horseback & Snorkel

Sea Safari: Climb aboard for a thrilling speedboat ride over the brilliant waters of Banderas Bay, where a brand-new view of the fantastic lush coastline will reveal itself. As exciting as this ride is, it culminates in a relaxing visit to one of the many villages in the south part of the bay. Quimixto Village: Home to just 400 people, Quimixto is nestled by the La Puerta river mouth and is accessible only by boat. The lack of cars means life unfolds at a slower pace here, and you will have the opportunity to shop, look around, take photos and simply unwind before you continue your day of exploration. Horseback Riding: Get ready to saddle up and mount a highly trained horse and take a gentle mile-long ride along narrow, twisting paths beside the beautiful La Puerta River up into the mountains. Snorkeling Adventure: Stroll back to the seashore for an amazing snorkeling session in a secluded cove full of rock reefs and teeming with colorful sea life. Once at the lunch venue, you will also have the option to kayak. Pizota Beach: Retire to a quiet, private beach paradise in Pizota. This village is even quieter, with a mere 100 residents. You’ll have the opportunity to slowly savor a freshly prepared lunch and drinks. What’s Included:

• Soft drinks, beer and purified water.
• Snorkeling gear and kayak.

Requirements & Restrictions: Minimum age - 10 years. Maximum weight - 250 lbs. This is an active excursion and guests must be physically fit to participate. For safety reasons, pregnant women and guests with back or neck injuries, or heart conditions may not participate in this excursion. What to Bring: Beach towel. Good to Know: Snorkeling portion is subject to sea conditions. Small groups for an exclusive top experience.

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Please note: After your purchase is confirmed you will receive a complete tour itinerary with check-in time, location and what to bring.

Restrictions

• Learn About the Rural Culture of This Region of Mexico by Visiting an Old Mexican Fishing Village With Less Than 500 Inhabitants
• Snorkel at a Remote Beautiful Cove Full of Rock Corals and Countless Tropical Reef Fish
• Head to the Secluded Paradise Town of Pizota Where You Can Enjoy a Gorgeous Beach as You Lounge on Our Hammocks or Use Our Kayaks
• Enjoy a Delicious Grilled Mexican-Style Lunch Right on the Beach

This unique sightseeing and snorkeling cultural tour takes you to some of the most remote and memorable areas along the Banderas Bay, including a small Mexican fishing village and an impressive cove filled with rock reefs and marine life for snorkeling. This full-day excursion exposes guests to the amazing life of rural, coastal Mexican towns. It also allows guests to explore the beautiful natural world underneath the surface of the Banderas Bay, and even gives guests the chance to lay back and relax on a secluded beach.

The Vallarta Sea Safari journey starts with a thrilling high-speed boat ride across the Banderas Bay, alongside a hidden and virtually unexplored coastline. This is not the Puerto Vallarta that most tourists see! You will get to explore a small fishing village of less than 500 residents. Our expert tour guide will be on hand to teach you about the history and cultural background of this unique and remote village. From here, you will get on horses to go on a truly memorable horseback riding adventure through the Sierra Madres towards a gorgeous waterfall where guests get the chance to dip in the cool, refreshing waters of the swimming hole.

After this, it is time to get back on the boat to head towards La Bola, a majestic cove on the bay that is home to a unique underwater ecosystem of rock reefs and hundreds of unique marine species. Here, guests will strap on their snorkeling equipment and take a peek underneath the surface of the water where colorful, tropical reef fish await you!

The Sea Safari adventure wraps up in Pizota, a small, hidden village where guests get the chance to lay back, relax, and enjoy paradise! Here in Pizota, a gorgeous, secluded beach allows guests to explore via kayak or simply relax on a hammock. A delicious lunch of grilled steak, chicken, and various sides is provided, along with a full open bar.

It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of and understand all restrictions pertaining to this tour before booking online or over the phone. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically qualified and within any limits listed below in order to participate in this activity. No refunds will be given to those who reserve a spot and can not participate due to the restrictions listed below. For more information please read our cancellation policy and terms and conditions page or call our staff with any questions regarding your ability to participate.

• Min. Age: 10 years old
• Max. Weight: 250 lbs (113Kg)
• Child prices applies to children ages 10 to 11. Any child age 12 years and over is considered an adult
• During or following heavy rains, swimming under the waterfall might be deemed unsafe
• For safety reasons, expecting mothers may not participate in this tour
• All cruise ship guests must book this tour directly with their cruise line

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Sea safari - Vallarta Adventures

• Mexico    
• Jalisco    
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• Vallarta Adventures

I had the most amazing time today!! The whole entire experience was over the top enjoyable!! The staff was incredible and made me feel so comfortable and safe! Jorge our tour guy was amazing friendly and funny! The photographers Sebastian and Edgar took amazing photos and were so so enjoyable and fun to be around! I recommend this trip to everyone! Such a great company :)

Both my wife and I enjoyed the zip-lines thoroughly, it was nonstop fun and the guides/climbers made it safe. Their two line system and tie off made it even safer. My wife struggled with the first zip-line but after the guides helped her and she got comfortable with the zip-lines, she felt confident and had fun the rest of the time. I was quite impressed considering the shaky start she had, without the incredible guides, she might have left early. You can tell that the guides are passionate about their jobs and are very safety conscious. Marloin, Fani, Smily, Fer, Yoltic, and Dona, thank you all for the experience of a lifetime! The only down side was the cost of photos. It would have been nice to save something, but the cost was just too much. We will always have our memories anyway. I will still recommend the experience to everyone, it is worth it!

First trip was with Ruby teaching us about Mexico's history, WOW she was fantastic her knowledge was unbelievable. A fabulous day, visiting old Mexican towns, steeped in history, coffee planations and finishing off with a tequila distillery with the most tasty tequila! Hidden beaches- Had a fantastic day, from the boat ride, horse riding, Alex's aunties pie, water falls to lunch on the to beach. Alex was great, really lovely guy who made the day exciting! Our final trip was whale watching with Lillou, she was fantastic her knowledge of the hump back whale was great, she made it very interesting and we got to see lots of whales, finishing off with a mum and baby. The coach driver and both the captain's were brilliant and looked after us all. We will certainly be visiting Mexico again and would recommend Vallarta Adventures as a tour operator to anyone.

We had another great adventure tour (second time). The staff are amazing. I felt safe the entire time. The ziplines are great and love the rappelling. I am 57 and had an ACL repair the year before. I would do it again! Neto Alan and Nando were great along with ALL of the staff.

We were a couple who had done the same excursion three years ago with Vallarta Adventures. The first challenge is that it took some time to get started as we were transferred twice by boat. The VA 'V' catamaran is quite large so you can't really get too close to whales or dolphins but we did see both. Snorkelling was a bit chaotic. With such a large group, they really needed more staff in the water since there is some surf and current at the islands. Weaker swimmers should not consider this activity. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available but the surf was fairly rough. Lunch on-board was similarly chaotic with one line to queu up and it took almost an hour to reach the end although there was plenty of food. Two lines would work better. Our passenger group was pretty staid and no one got up to dance until near the end (perhaps the margaritas finally took effect?). One major complaint: no female crew except the photographers and the sexist references to drinking and sex by our MC. This is 2018 and Vallarta Adventures might want to update its approach.

Literally the pictures you see are what you experience. The whales were so close that when they jumped we could hear and feel their splashes. It was an amazing experience.