Puerto Vallarta: Canopy Tour with Zipline and Speedboat Ride

Venturing into Puerto Vallarta’s jungle and coastline offers an adventure packed with excitement, natural beauty, and memorable encounters. This Canopy Tour with Zipline and Speedboat Ride promises a day full of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and unique activities — ideal for those craving an active outdoor experience.

We’ve learned that the tour’s combination of high-speed boat rides, 19 zip lines, and wildlife interaction makes for an engaging, varied day. The guides consistently impress with their safety expertise and friendly attitude, helping even nervous first-timers enjoy the fun.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves some uphill walking, stairs, and water activities, which might not suit everyone — especially those with mobility issues or certain health concerns.

This experience works best for adventure-minded families, active travelers, and anyone curious about exploring both land and water in a lively, scenic setting.

Key Points

• Diverse Activities: Combines ziplining, boat rides, river swimming, and animal interactions for a well-rounded experience.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking vistas of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos Islands, and the lush jungle canopy.
• Safety & Guidance: Well-trained guides prioritize safety while keeping the experience fun and engaging.
• Value for Money: At $118, it includes transportation, gear, animal sanctuary visits, and some tastings, offering a lot of activity for the price.
• Authentic Encounters: Interactions with rescued animals like monkeys and toucans add an authentic wildlife experience.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for a range of ages, with options to skip the longer zip lines if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Transportation: Speedboat or Jungle Truck

Your day begins with the choice between speedboat or land transportation (jungle trucks). We love the way the boat option adds a quick, exhilarating start, slicing through Puerto Vallarta’s bay at speeds up to 40 mph. It’s a smooth ride that offers prime views of the coast and the Los Arcos Islands, making it clear why many reviews mention the “fun boat ride” and “great views.”

Traveling by speedboat from the marina or Paradise Village adds a sense of adventure right at the outset. Plus, the boat captain’s surprise whale sighting on the return trip elevates the whole experience — a bonus you might never expect.

The land option, via open-air trucks or vans, is more relaxed but might take longer, especially if you’re staying in Nuevo Vallarta. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to avoid the water ride or with mobility considerations, but be aware it’s a little less thrilling.

The Ziplining Experience

This tour boasts 19 zip lines across the tallest and most scenic courses in Puerto Vallarta. It’s the largest zipline system in the world, according to the organizers, and that’s no exaggeration. The longest line extends more than 1,800 feet, soaring over mountains and the raging waters of the Horcones River. You’ll zip from treetop to treetop, with some lines offering spectacular panoramic views of the jungle.

What we appreciate most is the attention to safety and guide expertise. Guides explain the gear and safety procedures clearly, using top-of-the-line equipment and a straightforward braking system. Several reviews praise the crew as “amazing,” “helpful,” and “entertaining,” making sure everyone feels secure and has fun. If you’re worried about physical ability, the option to bypass the highest zip lines is available, which makes this tour accessible for a broader audience.

The Jungle and River Activities

After ziplining, you’ll have some time for water slides, kayaking, and swimming in natural river pools (weather permitting). The river’s calm, inviting waters are perfect for cooling off after the adrenaline rush. The riverfront restaurant, Los Veranos Café, provides an opportunity for a relaxed lunch, which can be a welcome break.

The river beach offers a comfy spot to soak up the sun or simply unwind. Reviewers mention the “delicious” regional food and tropical drinks, which enhance the tranquil river setting. Keep in mind that the water activities depend on weather, so a rainy season might limit some options.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wildlife Encounters and Animal Sanctuary

A standout feature is the Animal House, home to rescued monkeys, toucans, boas, iguanas, and macaws. Guides describe the sanctuary as “fantastic,” and many reviews highlight the joy of holding monkeys or seeing exotic birds up close. It’s a genuine chance to connect with local wildlife without contributing to harm or exploitation.

Tequila Tasting and Optional Extras

In the afternoon, there’s a chance to sample some famous Mexican tequilas, including Los Veranos and Los Arcos brands. Reviewers love the “perfectly crafted” flavors, with some noting the opportunity to taste some with unique or regional variations. The tasting adds a cultural touch to the day, and the guides are knowledgeable about the different types.

Some guests choose to extend their experience with additional activities like shopping or visiting local attractions, but the core tour lasts about five hours, which feels just right for a full, active day.

Itinerary Breakdown

• Pickup Options: You can choose from multiple pickup points in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying.
• Boat or Land Transfer: The trip begins with either a high-speed boat ride or a scenic jungle truck journey.
• Canopy & Zipline: About 2 hours exploring the canopy, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views and take photos.
• River & Wildlife: After ziplining, enjoy river swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing at the river beach.
• Animal Sanctuary & Tasting: An hour interacting with rescued animals, plus optional tequila tasting.
• Total Duration: Around five hours, making it a comfortably paced day with plenty of memorable moments.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers excellent value, especially considering the variety of activities included:

• Included: bilingual guides, safety equipment, lockers, tequila tasting, transportation, water activities, animal sanctuary, and Wi-Fi.
• Not Included: food and drinks (apart from the tasting), professional photos (which reviewers suggest are worth purchasing if you want good souvenirs), and a $2 USD port fee for boat departures.

The optional lunch at the riverfront restaurant is paid separately, with many reviewers emphasizing the delicious regional cuisine.

Reviewing the Experience

The majority of reviews gush about the guides’ professionalism and kindness, emphasizing how they keep everyone safe while having fun. One reviewer notes, “The crew was amazingly attentive, helpful, safety-oriented, and entertaining,” which captures the general sentiment.

For many, the highlight is the zipline system — the thrill of flying over the jungle and rivers is unmatched. The scenic views, combined with the sense of adventure, keep visitors excited throughout the day.

The animal interactions are another high point. Visitors describe holding monkeys and seeing toucans, making it a hit especially for families and animal lovers. The sanctuary feels real and caring, providing a meaningful experience beyond just adrenaline.

The boat ride gets glowing reviews as well, with some saying it’s “fun” and “scenic,” and the whale sighting adds an unexpected element of wonder.

Practical Considerations

• The activity is rated as moderate, involving some climbing, stairs, and water activities; it might not be suitable for very young children or those with certain health issues.
• The tour requires comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Bring cash for lunch, souvenirs, or optional photos.
• Consider the weather, as some water activities are weather-dependent.
• The tour is available seven days a week, making it accessible for most travelers’ schedules.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for families with active children, outdoor enthusiasts, and those wanting a mix of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and wildlife. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy a full, engaging day and don’t mind a bit of physical activity.

However, it might not be ideal for pregnant women, children under 5, or travelers with mobility challenges. Also, if you’re not keen on heights or water-based activities, some parts might be less enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This Puerto Vallarta canopy tour offers a lively mix of excitement and natural beauty, all packed into a manageable five-hour window. The combination of ziplines, boat rides, and animal interactions provides a well-rounded adventure for those looking to experience the outdoors authentically and safely.

The value is evident, with most reviews praising the guides, scenery, and overall organization. It’s a chance to see the jungle from above, glide over the water, and meet some rescued animals — a day full of stories you’ll be sharing long after you return home.

For active travelers or families seeking a memorable outdoor outing, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to plan for a bit of physical activity, bring essentials like sunscreen, and prepare for a day of fun and discovery in Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation via speedboat or jungle truck, depending on your chosen option, with multiple pickup points available.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately five hours, which includes activities, travel, and breaks.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children of all ages can participate, but those under 5 are not recommended. The age and physical ability of the child should be considered, especially for activities involving stairs or water.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for optional extras like lunch or photos.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?
Pregnant women are advised to consider the land transportation option, as the boat ride and ziplining might not be suitable.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Yes, the activity level is moderate. People with back problems, mobility issues, or heart conditions should evaluate whether this tour suits them.

Can I purchase photos of my experience?
Yes, professional photos are available for purchase, though reviewers note they can be somewhat expensive ($40-$50).

This tour offers a great blend of adventure, scenery, and culture, making it a standout choice for exploring Puerto Vallarta’s wild side.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby