Puerto Vallarta, Original Canopy Tour Zipline (For Cruises)

If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta on a cruise, and craving a day packed with adventure, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip. For $120 per person, you get roughly five and a half hours of fun that combines speedboat rides, long ziplines, animal encounters, and river relaxation. The tour starts with a lively speedboat crossing Banderas Bay, then takes you into the jungle for some of the longest and highest ziplines around. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a tequila tasting, lunch at a riverside restaurant, and time to splash around at a secluded beach.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of adrenaline and relaxation — the thrill of zipping through the trees is balanced out by the peaceful river scenery and friendly animal sanctuary. The guides, often praised for their safety-conscious professionalism and good humor, make the experience not just exciting but comfortably informative.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour involves some hiking and physical activity, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility issues or certain health conditions. Also, it’s a fairly full itinerary, so if you’re looking for a more laid-back day, this might feel a bit intense.

This tour suits travelers who want maximum adventure in a scenic setting, especially those traveling with families, active seniors, or anyone eager to see the lush Puerto Vallarta jungle from above and below.

Key Points

• Adventurous combination of speedboat, zipline, and river activities offers diverse fun.
• Guides are highly praised for their safety, humor, and professionalism.
• Scenic views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay make this a visually stunning experience.
• Family-friendly, with activities suitable for kids over 5 and with moderate physical fitness.
• Includes tequila tasting and lunch, adding cultural flavor and delicious local food.
• Beware of physical demands—some hiking and climbs are involved, so good mobility and stamina help.

A Deep Dive into the Puerto Vallarta Canopy Tour Experience

If you’re looking for an activity that truly captures the essence of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant landscape, this tour hits the mark. It combines thrilling adventures with the chance to soak up the lush scenery and local flavors. Whether you’re cruising into port or simply seeking a memorable day, here’s what to expect from start to finish.

The Start: Pickup and Speedboat Ride

This excursion is designed to fit cruise schedules, with pickup options that eliminate hassle. We appreciate that the tour offers both sea and land transportation, which helps accommodate different preferences and mobility needs. The meeting point, near the Puerto Magico and easily accessible from the cruise ship terminal, makes starting the adventure smooth.

The speedboat ride across Banderas Bay is a highlight in itself. It’s an energetic, scenic blast that offers sweeping views of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline. The boat is fast and fun, giving you a real sense of excitement right from the start. Reviewers consistently praise this portion, noting it as “a lot of fun” and a perfect way to kick off the day.

The Zipline Course: Long, High, and Beautifully Guided

Once you arrive at the canopy area, you’ll be equipped with harnesses, helmets, and gloves. The guides, often described as fun, safe, and professional, lead you through 19 of the longest and highest ziplines in the region. The longest ziplines cross over the river and canopy — expect adrenaline rushes, but also plenty of safety instructions and support.

Reviewers like Ameya_K call it “incredible,” emphasizing the excellent preparation provided by the staff. Others mention that the guides go above and beyond in making sure everyone feels secure, which is vital in an activity that involves heights and some physical exertion. Expect a hike uphill to start — some reviews note the steepness and the uneven terrain, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Animal Sanctuary and River Fun

After ziplining, your adventure continues with a visit to a rescue animal sanctuary. You’ll see a variety of birds and monkeys, and many guests mention how much they enjoyed feeding the monkeys — “they jumped on our shoulders!” It’s a great way to get up close with local wildlife in an ethical setting.

The area also features water slides, kayaking, and swimming in natural river pools. Reviewers highlight these as perfect for cooling off and enjoying some relaxed time after the adrenaline rush. Be aware that weather permitting, these activities are available, and water levels or rain might impact your options.

Lunch, Tequila, and Relaxation

No Mexican adventure is complete without food and drink, and this tour delivers with a riverside restaurant serving traditional Mexican dishes. Many reviews call the food “really good,” and the tequila tasting is a memorable inclusion, where you can sample and learn about Mexico’s national spirit.

Guests appreciate that the restaurant is scenic and relaxed, providing a perfect backdrop for resting after the zipline and animal visits. Just note that food and drinks are not included in the base price — you’ll pay extra for lunch and souvenirs, but it’s generally considered good value.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While this tour is packed with fun, it’s important to understand the physical component. Hiking, climbing, and water activity participation require moderate fitness. It’s not recommended for travelers over 285 lbs, and those with certain health issues should consider the land-only transportation option.

Arrive 15 minutes early to your pickup point to ensure smooth boarding, especially if you want to secure a spot on the speedboat. Bring essentials such as swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, insect repellent, extra cash, and a camera. Many guests praise the friendly, energetic staff for their thorough safety instructions and humor, making the experience enjoyable and safe.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At $120, this excursion offers a well-rounded adventure for travelers who want more than just a scenic tour. The combination of adrenaline, wildlife, scenic views, and cultural experience—including tequila tasting—delivers a solid bang for your buck. The activities are paced well, with enough downtime to relax, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings.

The reviews overwhelmingly praise the guides’ professionalism and friendliness, which makes or breaks an outdoor adventure like this. Many describe the staff as fun and helpful, contributing to a memorable experience that feels both exciting and safe.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for active families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who crave a mix of adventure and culture. If you’re comfortable with physical activity and heights, you’ll find this to be a thrilling, authentic way to see Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty. It’s especially suitable if you love outdoor pursuits and want to meet fellow travelers in a lively, scenic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is transportation included? Yes, the tour offers land or sea round transportation from designated pickup points, making it convenient for cruise passengers.

• What is the minimum age? The tour is suitable for children aged 5 and up, provided they meet the height requirement of under 40 inches.

• Do I need to be physically fit? Yes, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended as there’s hiking and climbing involved, especially at the start of the zipline course.

• Are food and drinks included? No, but lunch and tequila tasting are available at the riverside restaurant for an additional cost.

• Is this tour suitable for pregnant women? The land transportation option is recommended for pregnant women, as well as for children under 5 or those with heart, back, or shoulder issues.

• How long is the tour? Expect about five and a half hours, including transportation, activities, and breaks.

• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, insect repellent, extra cash, and a camera are recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Puerto Vallarta canopy tour provides a robust mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences that appeal to a wide range of travelers. The professional guides, long ziplines, and fun animal sanctuary are major highlights. The boat ride, in particular, offers a thrilling start and memorable scenery that sets the tone for the entire day.

For those who love active outings and are eager to explore nature from above and below, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for families, groups, or solo travelers looking for a memorable, adrenaline-filled day — and who don’t mind a bit of hiking and physical activity.

If your cruise stop is brief but you want a full, exciting experience that combines scenery, wildlife, and fun, this trip from Los Veranos is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for the physical demands and make sure to arrive early to secure your spot. With so many glowing reviews, it’s clear this tour delivers an authentic, enjoyable taste of Puerto Vallarta’s lush landscape and warm hospitality.