Puerto Vallarta, Original Canopy Tour Zipline (For Cruises)

Introduction

Our review dives into the Puerto Vallarta Original Canopy Tour Zipline, a popular shore excursion for cruise travelers eager to combine adventure with a touch of local culture. While we haven’t personally zipped through the treetops, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture: this tour offers a vibrant mix of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and authentic experiences that appeal to many kinds of travelers.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances exciting activities—like ziplining over 2 miles of jungle canopy—with opportunities to relax and indulge, such as a delicious riverside lunch and a traditional tequila tasting. Plus, the chance to visit a rescue animal sanctuary with monkeys and exotic birds adds a genuine, heartfelt touch.

One aspect worth considering is the physical activity level involved—hiking, climbing stairs, and zipping through uneven terrain are part of the experience, so it’s best suited for those with moderate fitness. While the price of $120 per person may seem steep at first glance, most reviews suggest the value is high, especially given the variety of activities packed into a half-day.

This tour is ideal for adventure-loving cruise passengers, families with kids over five, or anyone seeking a safe, organized, yet exhilarating way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s lush landscape.

Key Points

• Diverse activities including ziplining, speedboating, animal sanctuary visits, and river fun.
• Great guides and safety are emphasized, making it suitable even for first-timers.
• Authentic local experiences like tequila tasting and a scenic riverside restaurant.
• Ideal for active travelers willing to hike and climb stairs.
• Flexible transportation options for cruise or land-only participants.
• Highly praised for professionalism and fun, with many reviews giving top marks.

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off at Puerto Magico near the cruise ship terminal, a straightforward location for cruise passengers. You’ll have two options: a speedboat ride across Banderas Bay or a land transfer—both designed to get you to the adventure site efficiently. The speedboat option is especially popular for its added thrill and scenic views, with many reviewers describing it as “fun” and “beautiful.” Travelers rave about the boat ride as a highlight, offering stunning shoreline views and a quick, exhilarating trip to the jungle.

The tour’s logistics are thoughtfully arranged to match cruise schedules, with clear instructions on meeting points. Keep in mind, arrival 15 minutes early is recommended to avoid missing your departure.

The Ziplining Adventure

Once at the canopy park, you’ll be fitted with harnesses, helmets, and gloves, guided by bilingual professionals who prioritize safety without sacrificing fun. Expect to zip along over 19 of the longest and highest lines, crossing rivers and weaving through lush trees. Reviewers describe the course as “intense” and “not for the weak,” with some steep climbs involved. However, guides are praised for their thorough instructions, making it accessible even for first-timers.

The zipline experience isn’t just about speed—it’s about the stunning views and the adrenaline rush. Some lines require hiking and climbing uneven stairs, so it’s best for those with moderate physical fitness. One guest mentioned that the course is a workout but worth every effort for the scenery and thrill.

Animal Sanctuary and River Fun

After zipping through the treetops, the tour continues with a visit to a rescue animal sanctuary. Many reviews highlight how engaging it is to see birds, monkeys, and other animals up close, with opportunities to feed and interact. This element adds a heartfelt dimension, especially appreciated by families and animal lovers.

Next, you’ll have the chance to enjoy water slides, kayaking, or swimming in the river’s natural pools—weather permitting. The water-based activities are described as “fun,” “refreshing,” and a good chance to cool off after the heat and activity.

Dining and Tequila Tasting

A major highlight is the scenic riverside restaurant, where you can indulge in lunch and tropical cocktails. Many reviewers found the food “delicious,” with some praising the ceviche in particular. It’s a relaxing spot, perfect for unwinding and soaking in the views.

Included in the tour is a traditional tequila tasting, providing a genuine chance to sample Mexico’s iconic spirit. Guests often mention how much they enjoyed the tasting experience, with some purchasing bottles to take home—well-prepared for travelers with bubble-wrapped bottles and ready-to-go packaging.

Additional Activities

If time allows, you can try kayaking or just relax at the water toys. The tour’s flexibility means you can tailor your experience—whether you want adrenaline, animal encounters, or quiet reflection. The entire experience lasts around 5.5 hours, providing a full but not overwhelming taste of Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty.

Practical Details and Tips

• Transportation: Round trip from your hotel or cruise port, with options for land or sea transfer.
• Age and Fitness: Minimum age is 5 years, with a moderate physical fitness level recommended. Not suitable for travelers over 285 lbs.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, extra cash or cards for lunch and souvenirs.
• Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes it flexible for changing plans.
• Group Size: Up to 99 travelers, but reviews suggest most groups are smaller, ensuring personalized attention.
• Price: At $120 per person, the cost reflects the variety of activities, transport, and included tastings.

Authentic Experience and Real Guest Insights

Multiple guests praise the professionalism of guides, describing them as fun, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious. One review notes, “The ziplining is not for the weak,” but also points out that the guides make safety a priority while keeping it fun.

Several review comments mention the scenery as breathtaking, with gorgeous shoreline views during the boat ride and lush jungle surroundings during ziplining. One guest even called it “the best tour ever,” highlighting that the combination of adventure and relaxation creates a memorable day.

The animal sanctuary receives special attention, with visitors sharing how much they enjoyed feeding monkeys and seeing exotic birds. The authentic vibe of the riverside restaurant and the tequila tasting make the experience feel genuine and immersive.

What Could Be Better?

A common thread in reviews is the challenge of navigating the meeting point or booking logistics, especially from cruise ships. Some mention that finding the office can be tricky without a guide, so arriving early and following instructions carefully is wise. A few guests noted that some zip lines were closed or that wait times could be longer during busy days, but overall, the tour maintains high standards of safety and fun.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This adventure suits active travelers who are comfortable with physical activity and enjoy a mix of thrill and nature. Families with kids over five will appreciate the animal sanctuary and river fun, but the hiking and climbing mean it’s not for those with mobility issues. Cheeky thrill-seekers will love zipping through the canopy, while those seeking authentic local flavors will enjoy the tequila tasting and delicious lunch.

The tour’s flexible options, combined with positive reviews for professionalism and safety, make it a reliable choice for cruise visitors wanting a well-rounded, exciting day. If you’re looking for a memorable, adrenaline-fueled experience with authentic touches, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip transportation from designated pickup points, with options for both land and sea transfers.

What is the minimum age?
Children as young as 5 years old can participate, provided they meet the height requirement of 40 inches, making it family-friendly.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 5.5 hours from pickup to return, including boat rides, ziplining, animal sanctuary visits, and meals.

Are the zip lines safe?
Absolutely. Guides are trained professionals who emphasize safety and instruction. Guests report feeling secure and well-prepared before zipping.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is food included?
Lunch and drinks are not included in the price but are available at the riverside restaurant. The tequila tasting is part of the tour and highly recommended.

In The Sum Up

The Puerto Vallarta Original Canopy Tour Zipline offers a well-rounded adventure for those craving a mix of excitement, natural beauty, and cultural flavor. With professional guides, stunning scenery, and a variety of activities, it’s a day that can satisfy both thrill-seekers and families alike. The inclusion of a animal sanctuary, delicious food, and a tequila tasting creates a genuine Mexican experience that’s both fun and meaningful.

While it requires some physical effort and a willingness to hike and climb, the overall safety and organization, combined with glowing guest reviews, make this tour worth considering for your Puerto Vallarta visit. Whether you’re craving adrenaline or just a chance to relax by the river with good food, this trip delivers memorable moments and a true taste of local adventure.

In essence, this tour is best suited for active travelers, families with kids over five, and anyone who genuinely wants to experience Puerto Vallarta’s natural splendor with a dash of excitement. If you’re looking for an adventure that balances thrills with authentic cultural touches, this zipline tour has proven to be a top choice among many happy travelers.