Puerto Vallarta: Canopy Tour with Zipline and Speedboat Ride

Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and craving an adventure that combines adrenaline, gorgeous scenery, and a taste of local wildlife? This canopy tour, offered by Los Veranos Canopy Tour, might just be what you’re looking for. With a variety of activities packed into about five hours, it promises a mix of ziplining, boat rides, river swimming, and animal encounters—all set against the stunning backdrop of Jalisco’s lush mountains and turquoise waters.

What I really appreciate about this tour is how it balances thrill with a bit of relaxation. First, the 19 zip lines give you a chance to soar over the jungle canopy and rivers, with the added bonus of breathtaking views. Second, the speedboat ride across the bay is smooth and exciting, often punctuated by wildlife sightings like whales, as some reviews mention. However, a possible consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and climbing stairs—something that might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues or young kids under 5. That said, it’s a solid choice for active travelers who want a full outdoor experience.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and nature, and who don’t mind getting their hands a little dirty or wet. It’s also great for groups and families looking for a memorable day out, though pregnant women or people with certain health conditions should note the activity level and transportation options.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: You’ll fly over mountains, rivers, and coastline, making for incredible photo ops.
• Safety First: Guides prioritize safety with top-notch gear and instructions, making sure everyone feels secure.
• Variety of Activities: From ziplining to kayaking, water slides, and animal encounters—there’s a lot packed into this tour.
• Flexible Transportation: Choose between a high-speed boat or land-only jungle trucks, depending on your starting point and preferences.
• Value for Money: For around $118, you get a well-rounded outdoor adventure with plenty of highlights.
• Family Friendly? While suitable for many, young children under 5 and pregnant women should consider the physical demands.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What to Expect

When you book this tour, you’ll first meet at one of four pick-up spots in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta. Depending on your choice, you’ll either hop on a speedboat or a jungle truck. The boat ride is notably fun—large, comfortable, and capable of hitting speeds up to 40 mph without feeling rough. As you zoom across the bay, you’re treated to sights of Los Arcos Islands and Marine Preserve, often with the chance to spot whales, which some reviews highlight as a wonderful surprise. Expect the ride to last around an hour, and be prepared for an energetic start to your day.

Once at the main venue, the real action begins. The core of this tour is the canopy zipline circuit, boasting 19 separate lines, making it the largest system in the world. The zip lines vary in length and height, with the longest stretching over 1,800 feet. You’ll zip above the raging waters of the Horcones River and over the treetops, feeling a rush of excitement with every glide. The guides are well-trained, friendly, and safety-conscious, explaining gear use and braking systems clearly. Many reviews mention their helpfulness and fun attitude, which helps relax even nervous newbies.

Between ziplines, you’ll walk between platforms, giving you a chance to soak in the jungle scenery. The hike between stations can involve stairs, so if you’re concerned about climbing or have mobility issues, you might prefer the land-only options. The guides also encourage photos, often offering professional shots for purchase, a worthwhile souvenir given the stunning vistas.

After zipping through the canopy, you’ll have the option to relax with a lunch at Los Veranos Café, right by the river. It’s not included in the tour price but is highly recommended for a chance to refuel and enjoy regional dishes with tropical drinks. Following that, you can indulge in water activities—swimming in natural river pools, water slides, and kayaking—weather permitting. Multiple reviews rave about the river’s beauty and the fun of floating around in the calm, clear waters.

An unexpected highlight for many is the Animal House sanctuary, where you can meet monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and macaws. Several travelers have expressed delight at the animal interactions, describing the sanctuary as a rescue center that’s both educational and fun.

The Full Itinerary Breakdown

Starting from one of the four pick-up points, the tour begins with a roughly one-hour drive—either by speedboat or jungle truck—toward the canopy site. The boat ride itself is a memorable part of the experience, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot whales or dolphins. Once there, the guides give a comprehensive safety briefing and demonstrate the gear used for ziplining.

You’ll then ascend via stairs and walkways, progressing through the largest zipline system in the world. The 19 lines vary in length and elevation, with some allowing for upside-down zipping or other tricks, thanks to professional photographers who are ready to capture these moments. The guides help everyone, regardless of skill level, to feel confident zipping over the lush landscape, often with a few humorous anecdotes to keep morale high.

After completing the zip circuit, you can enjoy the riverfront dining, or take a moment to relax on the sandy river beach. The water slides and kayak rentals add an extra layer of fun, and most guests find the river swimming a peaceful way to cool down and unwind.

Following this, there’s typically some free time for photos, shopping at the local artisan stalls, or sampling more tequila, including Los Veranos and Los Arcos brands. The tour wraps up with a return journey, either by boat or land, depending on your pickup choice. The whole experience is designed to be approximately five hours, making it a full, engaging day without feeling rushed.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviewers rate this tour very highly—an average of 4.8 out of 5 from 51 reviews. Many praise the knowledgeable guides and the safety measures, making even the nervous zipliners feel comfortable. Deborah from the US shared, “The crew was amazingly attentive, helpful, safety-oriented, and entertaining,” highlighting the crew’s professionalism.

Travelers also mention the stunning scenery as a key highlight. Jacqueline raved, “First a crazy boat ride, then a trip through the jungle on an open trailer, breathtaking ziplines, and an amazing lunch by the river.” The combination of adrenaline and natural beauty seems to resonate well, especially given the variety of activities packed into a half-day.

A common theme is the value for money. At $118 per person, most feel they received a hefty dose of adventure and scenic beauty for a fair price. The inclusion of animal encounters and tequila tasting adds to the overall appeal, making it more than just a zipline tour.

Some reviews note that the activity level is moderate, involving stair climbing and walking, which is worth considering if mobility is a concern. The tour also specifies it’s unsuitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health issues, which is honest and helpful.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for extras.
• The tour operates daily, with morning slots typically available.
• If you’re coming from Nuevo Vallarta, the speedboat option offers a quicker, more exhilarating start—some reviews mention whale sightings as a bonus.
• The transportation options (boat vs. land) can impact your experience, so choose based on your comfort and starting point.
• Be aware of the activity level—if you’re pregnant or have back or mobility issues, the land-only options might suit you best.

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The Sum Up

This Puerto Vallarta canopy tour offers a well-rounded adventure that combines adrenaline, scenic beauty, and wildlife encounters, all within a manageable five-hour window. The 19 zip lines are a major draw, providing thrill-seekers with plenty of airtime and spectacular views. The speedboat ride adds excitement and a chance to appreciate the bay’s natural beauty, sometimes even with whale sightings, which is pretty unforgettable.

The inclusion of animal interactions at the sanctuary and the opportunity to relax with river swimming and water slides makes it a great choice for travelers wanting a varied day outdoors. The guides are praised for their friendliness and professionalism, helping to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

While this tour isn’t suited for very young kids, pregnant women, or mobility-impaired travelers, it is a fantastic option for active guests who love a mix of adventure and nature. The value for the price is clear, especially considering the variety of activities and scenic moments you’ll experience. It’s a solid pick for those who want a memorable, fun-filled day in Puerto Vallarta with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation is included, and you can choose between a speedboat or jungle truck depending on your starting point and preferences.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash are recommended to be prepared for the full experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire tour takes about five hours, usually starting in the morning.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 5, and the activity level is moderate, so young kids should be considered carefully. It’s best for active families or travelers comfortable with physical activity.

Can I do this if I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women are advised to opt for the land transportation option, as the boat ride and ziplining might be too strenuous or unsafe.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Yes, participants should be under 280 lbs (127 kg), and those with certain health conditions should consult the activity level before booking.

What is included in the price?
Guided ziplining, safety gear, lockers, tequila tasting, transportation, water activities (weather permitting), animal sanctuary visit, and Wi-Fi are included. Food and professional photos are extra.

If you’re after a lively, scenic, and activity-packed day in Puerto Vallarta, this tour hits all those marks. It’s perfect for adventure lovers who want high adrenaline moments balanced with peaceful river views and wildlife encounters. Just be sure to check your health and mobility needs before booking, and prepare for a day full of fun and breathtaking sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: