Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic place for water-based activities. Its calm bays, rocky outcroppings, and lush marine life make paddle sports like canoeing and kayaking especially appealing. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing glide around Los Arcos or an adrenaline rush spotting wild dolphins, you’ll find options that suit your style. We especially like the Swim and Paddle Board with Wild Dolphin Pods [], which offers a rare chance to connect with free-ranging dolphins in their natural habitat. For a more instructional experience, the Stand-Up Paddle Board Lesson [] provides a good balance of learning and sightseeing.
If you’re after a personalized, flexible tour, the Private Stand Up Paddle Experience at Los Arcos [] allows you to craft your ideal day on the water. And for those who want a comprehensive adventure, the Islas Marietas Tour [] combines kayaking, snorkeling, and beach time into one memorable trip.
1. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Adventure in Puerto Vallarta
Rating: 5.0/5 (22 reviews)
Price: $36.21 per person
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
This tour is a standout because it combines paddleboarding with sightseeing along Puerto Vallarta’s iconic boardwalk. It’s perfect for travelers who want a quick yet immersive introduction to the area. You’ll paddle past Los Arcos del boardwalk, the Cuale River Bridge, and the Muertos pier, all while learning about the local sights and history from your guide. The boards are described as long and stable, making them accessible even for beginners, and the guide’s bilingual instruction ensures everyone feels comfortable.
What makes this tour especially appealing is the chance to see whales during certain seasons—a bonus not often included in standard water activities. Reviewers praise the guide for patience and thorough explanations, and many mention how rescheduling to better weather improved their experience. This tour is best in the early morning to enjoy calmer waters and a peaceful vibe. It offers excellent value for a quick, scenic, and educational paddle.
Bottom line: If you want a short, friendly introduction to Puerto Vallarta’s waters with a chance to see whales and enjoy a relaxed paddle, this adventure is ideal.
2. Stand-Up Paddle Board Lesson in Puerto Vallarta
Rating: 5.0/5 (16 reviews)
Price: $42.34 per person
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
For those eager to learn stand-up paddleboarding in a supportive environment, this lesson offers more than just a quick tour. It includes instruction on how to balance, paddle efficiently, and navigate before heading out to explore the famous Puerto Vallarta boardwalk. Transport from a central location is included, making logistics simple.
The highlight is the chance to practice your new skills while enjoying views of La Catedral and local landmarks. Available in both the morning and at sunset, it appeals to different schedules and preferences. The experience is particularly suitable for families or first-timers who want to build confidence on a paddleboard.
Reviews note the accommodating staff and the opportunity to get a solid introduction to paddleboarding even if you’re a beginner. The two-hour format allows enough time to learn and enjoy some practice without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: This lesson is perfect if you’re new to paddleboarding or want a relaxed, guided introduction that combines learning and sightseeing.
3. Private Stand Up Paddle Experience in Los Arcos Jalisco
Rating: 4.5/5 (9 reviews)
Price: $100.28 per person
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you’re looking for a personalized experience, this private paddle tour at Los Arcos stands out. It’s designed exclusively for your group, allowing you to customize your day on the water—whether that means snorkeling, tasting tequila, or just relaxing on your paddleboard. The Los Arcos area is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and abundant marine life, making it a stunning backdrop.
The guide, Edsom, is praised for providing detailed local history and being attentive to your interests. The flexible itinerary means you can spend more time swimming near the rocks, exploring underwater with a snorkel, or simply paddling along tranquil waters. The tour’s private nature means no rushing—just a laid-back, tailored experience.
Guests have described the guide as going “out of his way” to make the day special, and many found the challenge level appropriate for intermediate paddlers. It’s particularly suited for small groups, couples, or anyone wanting a more intimate, focused outing.
Bottom line: If you value a custom, private experience with the flexibility to include snorkeling or tequila tasting, this tour offers both personalization and superb scenery.
4. Swim and Paddle Board with Wild Dolphin Pods in Puerto Vallarta
Rating: 4.5/5 (8 reviews)
Price: $103.07 per person
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
This tour emphasizes wild dolphin encounters, aiming to respect their freedom while providing an unforgettable experience. Starting early at 7:30 am, the trip is all about observing dolphin pods and even whales in their natural environment. It’s suited for travelers who want a mix of paddling and wildlife watching.
The crew is knowledgeable about the local marine life, and the experience includes time for swimming and paddleboarding in pristine waters. Unlike more commercialized options, this trip focuses on minimal disturbance to dolphins and turtles, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious travelers.
Reviewers highlight the abundance of dolphins and whales seen during the trip, describing the experience as “surprisingly rewarding.” The captain’s expertise and the small group size help create an intimate, authentic experience.
Bottom line: For nature lovers eager to see wild dolphins and whales while enjoying a paddleboard adventure, this trip combines wildlife encounters with the tranquility of Puerto Vallarta’s offshore waters.
5. Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Marine Park Kayak/SUP Tour
Rating: 5/5 (1 review)
Price: $82 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Jalisco, Mexico
This tour offers a comfortable, eco-friendly way to explore Los Arcos Marine Park via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The trip is tailored to either sunrise or sunset, providing breathtaking views as the light hits the rocks and water. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer paddling during peaceful hours when the crowds are minimal.
Included are safety briefings, and the tour allows for wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and paddling along the spectacular coast. The trip begins with a convenient pickup and ends with a relaxed return, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
What sets this apart is the focus on timing—you’ll get to enjoy the park at its most serene, whether dawn or dusk. The review mentions the experience as being “bucket-list worthy,” reflecting its exclusivity and natural beauty.
Bottom line: This tour is an excellent choice if you want a peaceful, scenic paddle during early or late hours, with the added benefit of avoiding crowds.
$82 per person
6. Islas Marietas: Snorkel, Kayak, Paddle, and Playa Nopalera
Rating: 4.3/5 (12 reviews)
Price: $71 per person
Duration: 8 hours
Location: Jalisco, Mexico
For a full-day adventure, this comprehensive trip to Islas Marietas combines snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a visit to Nopalera Beach. It’s an ideal trip for travelers who want to maximize their time in the area, with a mix of active pursuits and relaxing beach time.
The trip includes breakfast and a delicious lunch, making it good value for a full-day outing. You’ll explore the famous Hidden Beach, snorkel among colorful fish, paddle around the islands, and enjoy the natural beauty of this protected marine area. The boat ride itself is scenic, and the various activities ensure there’s never a dull moment.
Guests appreciate the variety of activities packed into one day, though some mention the long duration can be tiring. Still, it’s perfect for active travelers who want everything in one trip.
Bottom line: If a full-day, multi-activity tour sounds appealing, this trip offers a well-rounded experience of Puerto Vallarta’s marine treasures.
How to Choose Your Best Canoe & Kayak Experience
When selecting among these options, think about your interests: are you after a quick sightseeing paddle, a private custom adventure, or an immersive wildlife experience? For a short, scenic paddle with whale sightings in season, the Stand Up Paddle Boarding Adventure [] is hard to beat. If learning something new is your goal, the lesson [] provides a supportive environment.
For those craving personalized service and flexible activities, the private Los Arcos tour [] allows you to choose snorkeling or relax on your terms. Wildlife enthusiasts should consider the Dolphin and Whale trip [], which emphasizes observing marine mammals ethically.
Budget-conscious travelers will find the Los Arcos Marine Park tour [] offers excellent value with its scenic early or late paddle. For a full-day experience, the Islas Marietas tour [] combines a variety of activities plus good meals.
Practical tips: book early in the season for whale sightings, and consider your fitness level and interests when choosing between a quick adventure or a comprehensive trip.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta offers a diverse array of canoe and kayak experiences that cater to all tastes and skill levels. Whether you want a quick tour to see the sights, a private outing tailored to your desires, or a wildlife-focused expedition, you’ll find something memorable here. For beginners, the guided lessons and stable boards provide a safe start, while seasoned paddlers can explore Los Arcos or the full-day Marietas Islands tour.
Two or three excellent options stand out—such as the Stand Up Paddle Boarding Adventure for a short, scenic paddle, or the Wild Dolphin Pods trip for wildlife lovers. Remember to book early, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred dates. Whatever you choose, paddle your way into Puerto Vallarta’s stunning waters — and enjoy every minute.