Family-Friendly Adventures in Puerto Vallarta!

Banderas Bay (Bahia de Banderas)

Why Visit?

Day 1: Discover Puerto Vallarta

Start your adventure in Puerto Vallarta, a vibrant coastal town on the northern side of Banderas Bay. Begin at the Malecón, a beachside promenade lined with contemporary sculptures and artists. Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the ocean views. Kids will love the street performers and sand sculptures. Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, trying local dishes like ceviche or tacos de pescado. Spend the afternoon at Playa Los Muertos, ideal for swimming and water sports.

Getting There: Puerto Vallarta is easily accessible by taxi or bus from anywhere in the city.

Day 2: Visit Sayulita

Head north to the quaint surf town of Sayulita, about an hour drive from Puerto Vallarta. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and colorful streets, it’s a perfect spot for family surfing lessons. After catching some waves, explore the vibrant town square and indulge in homemade ice cream or shop for handmade crafts.

Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility, or use a local bus service from Puerto Vallarta for an economical option.

Day 3: Explore Nuevo Vallarta

Spend your day in Nuevo Vallarta, a planned residential-resort community known for its long, wide beaches and gentle waters. It"s ideal for younger kids. Visit the Aquaventuras Park, where the family can enjoy water slides, a lazy river, and shows featuring dolphins and sea lions.

Getting Out There: Take a taxi or drive from Puerto Vallarta; it’s just a 15-minute trip north.

Interesting Fact: Banderas Bay is one of the deepest bays in the world, with depths reaching over 3,000 feet. The bay is also a breeding ground for humpback whales during the winter months, making it a great spot for whale watching tours.

This itinerary offers a blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure, ensuring that every family member has a memorable experience in Banderas Bay.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Marina Vallarta

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary in Marina Vallarta

Day 1: Explore the Marina

- Morning: Start your day with a breakfast at one of the family-friendly cafes along the marina promenade. Enjoy the view of luxury yachts and set out for a walk to see the lighthouse (El Faro). It’s a great spot for a family photo!

- Afternoon: Visit the Vallarta Adventures office in the Marina for a Dolphin Encounter. It’s a perfect introduction for kids to marine life, providing both fun and educational content. You can book and walk to their office directly from the Marina.

- Evening: Have dinner at one of the seaside restaurants offering dishes that appeal to all ages. Many places feature live music in the evenings, perfect to enjoy the sunset by the docks.

Day 2: Beach and Leisure Day

- Morning: Head to the nearby Marina Vallarta Golf Club, where you can enjoy a family golf session. The course is known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife.

- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Marina Vallarta beach. It"s less crowded than the main Puerto Vallarta beaches and offers gentle waves, ideal for the little ones.

- Evening: End your day with a casual stroll through the Marina Vallarta Market (open on Thursdays), where you can shop for local crafts and enjoy street food.

Day 3: Adventure Time

- All day: Book a day trip with a local tour operator to the Marietas Islands, where you can snorkel, explore, and possibly see some humpback whales (seasonal). Tours generally include lunch and are a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Tours depart early from Marina Vallarta and last about 7 hours.

Interesting Fact: Marina Vallarta hosts one of the tallest lighthouses in Mexico, which serves as a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre mountains.

This itinerary balances relaxation and adventure, perfect for a family eager to experience the charm and beauty of Marina Vallarta!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Nuevo Vallarta

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Day

Start your adventure in Nuevo Vallarta by unwinding on its golden sand beaches. Easily accessible from any hotel in the area, the beaches are perfect for building sandcastles or enjoying a relaxing family swim. Don’t miss the chance to spot humpback whales off the coast if you’re visiting between December and March.

Day 2: Aquaventuras Park

Kickstart your morning with a short cab ride to Aquaventuras Park. This thrilling water park offers exhilarating slides, a lazy river, and a special area for smaller kids. The highlight for animal lovers will be the dolphin and sea lion shows, where you can learn about marine life conservation.

Day 3: Explore Puerto Vallarta

Take a 30-minute drive or bus ride to the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Stroll down the iconic Malecon boardwalk, admire the public art, and watch street performers. Visit the Naval Museum to learn about Mexico’s maritime history, which is both educational and engaging for children. Enjoy a traditional Mexican meal at a local restaurant before heading back.

Day 4: Nuevo Vallarta Marina & Shopping

Spend your morning at the Nuevo Vallarta Marina. Here, kids can enjoy spotting luxurious yachts and various birds such as pelicans and herons. Afterward, explore the nearby shopping areas where you can pick up unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

Day 5: Sayulita Day Trip

End your trip with a visit to the colorful town of Sayulita, a 25-minute drive north. This bohemian town is known for its vibrant streets, art galleries, and a laid-back surf vibe. It’s a great place for families to learn surfing. After catching some waves, indulge in some local tacos before heading back.

Each day in Nuevo Vallarta offers a blend of relaxation, education, and excitement, ensuring a memorable family vacation filled with fun and culture.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Los Arcos National Marine Park

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Los Arcos National Marine Park

Morning: Arrival and Snorkeling Adventure

Start your day early by heading to Los Arcos National Marine Park, easily accessible from Puerto Vallarta via a short boat ride. You can rent a boat from the Marina Vallarta or join a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation. Once at Los Arcos, plunge into the crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling session. The arches and tunnels of Los Arcos provide a thrilling maze for families to explore, offering a close-up view of vibrant marine life like angelfish, puffer fish, and even sea turtles.

Midday: Bird Watching and Picnic

After snorkeling, enjoy a relaxing picnic on the boat or a nearby beach. Use this time to dry off and refuel while partaking in some bird watching. Los Arcos is known for its abundant seabird population, including the blue-footed booby and the red-billed tropicbird. Bring binoculars and a bird guidebook for kids to learn and identify different species.

Afternoon: Kayaking and Educational Tour

Post lunch, switch gears by renting kayaks for a paddle around the smaller arches and caves. This is a gentle activity that kids enjoy and gives a different perspective of the marine park. Many tours offer educational commentary on the ecological significance of the area and the conservation efforts in place to protect its biodiversity. Engaging in these talks not only enriches the experience but also fosters environmental awareness among young visitors.

Late Afternoon: Relax and Return

Conclude your visit by leisurely soaking in the scenic views as you kayak back to the starting point. Return to Puerto Vallarta by late afternoon, taking with you memories of a day full of adventure and learning at Los Arcos National Marine Park.

This itinerary blends fun and education, perfect for a family outing, ensuring everyone from toddlers to teens remains engaged and enriched.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Zona Romantica

Why Visit?

Welcome to Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta"s charming and vibrant neighborhood, perfect for a family adventure! Here"s a meticulously planned itinerary to make the most of your visit.

### Morning: Playa Los Muertos and the Pier

Start your day at Playa Los Muertos, the most famous beach in Puerto Vallarta. Easily accessible by foot or taxi from anywhere in Zona Romántica, this beach offers golden sands and gentle waves ideal for kids. Spend the morning soaking up the sun and enjoying beach activities. Don"t miss the iconic pier, where you can catch a stunning view of the bay, especially at sunrise. It’s also a great spot for family photos!

### Midday: Lunch at Olas Altas

Around noon, head to Olas Altas Street, just a few blocks from the beach. This area is bustling with quaint cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and relish dishes like tacos or freshly caught seafood, catering to all age groups.

### Afternoon: Isla Cuale and Cultural Exploration

After lunch, stroll to Isla Cuale, a peaceful island in the middle of the Cuale River accessible via hanging bridges. The island features lush gardens, playgrounds for children, and craft markets where you can pick up traditional Mexican handicrafts. It"s a perfect spot to learn about local culture and let the kids play.

### Evening: Dinner and Strolling along Basilio Badillo

Conclude your day with dinner at Basilio Badillo, also known as “Restaurant Row,” famed for its eclectic mix of eateries. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk, explore charming boutiques, and perhaps catch a street performance or live music, often available during peak tourist seasons.

### Interesting Fact

Zona Romántica maintains its old-town charm with cobblestone streets and traditional whitewashed buildings, offering a picturesque backdrop that feels like stepping back in time.

This itinerary ensures a blend of relaxation, culture, and fun, tailored to keep everyone in the family entertained and engaged throughout the day. Enjoy your family trip to Zona Romántica!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.