Gay
Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
More Activities
- Bay Cruises, Eco Tours,
Fishing,
Scuba Diving, etc.
On this page
Biking
Eco Tours Fishing
and Sailing Further Interest
Golf
Scuba Diving Tropical
and Walking Tours
Gay
Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
More Activities
- Bay Cruises, Eco Tours,
Fishing,
Scuba Diving, etc.
On this page
Biking
Eco Tours Fishing
and Sailing Further Interest
Golf
Scuba Diving Tropical
and Walking Tours
| Accommodations
Beach front Condos Vallarta Villas Gay Hotels and B&Bs Gay Travel
Guide
|
 There
are now more choices than ever of things to do and places to go for the
adventurous tourist in Puerto Vallarta, including biking, snorkeling, fishing
and scuba diving, cruises on Banderas Bay, horseback riding into the Sierra
Madres, and golf. Or perhaps some deep sea or fresh water fishing. Check
out the listings below for further information. For our own exclusively
gay owned and operated cruises and tours in Puerto Vallarta click
here I do not reserve any of the following tours, so please don't
inquire.
Banderas Bay Cruises
Biking
|
Bird
Watching
There are over 300 species of birds
living in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas.
Birding Mexico - South Side - Lazaro Cardenas 268-A. Tel: 222-7407 and 221-0467. Offering four birding tours in the farmlands of the Valle de Banderas (Banderas Valley, about 100-150 sq. miles): tropical deciduous forests, marshlands of the Bay, at the Marietas Islands, and in the pine and oak forests in the sierra of El Tuito. All tours include a certified & specialized bilingual guide, transportation and food. Further info: birdinginmexico.com
Canopy Tours
Call these groups for further information:
El Eden - Tel: 222-2516
Los Veranos - Tel: 223-6060
Vallarta Adventures - Tel:
297-1212
Eco Tours - Get out
into Nature and revitalize yourself!
Ecotours of Mexico - South Side
- 243 Ignacio Vallarta. Tel: 223-3130 and 222-6606. Offering
environmental friendly adventures for people who want to learn about Nature
and are concerned about conservation: scuba diving and snorkeling at the
wildlife sanctuary of the Marietas Islands; whale watching (December to
March); sea kayaking; sea turtle releases (July-early Dec); hiking the
rivers and exotic areas in the Sierra Madre mountains; and bird watching
of the nearly 300 species living in the Puerto Vallarta area. Since 1991.
Info: ecotoursvallarta.com
Open Air Expeditions - Central
- 339 Guerrero. Tel: 222-3310. Offering ecological,
sport and adventure tours in the Vallarta area (photo at left thanks to
Open Air), aimed at a blend of eco-tourism, nature appreciation, scientific
research and environmental education. Trips include: coastal and mountain
bird watching tours; hiking in the Sierra Madre mountains; scuba diving
at Majahuitas, the Marietas Islands, Los Arcos and El Morro; kayaking and
snorkeling at Punta de Mita; visits to turtle nesting camps of Banderas
Bay to release turtle hatchlings in the summer (August to October); and
humpback whale and dolphin watching during the winter months. Operated
by Oceanologists and certified as Eco Tour Operators. Info: vallartawhales.com
Vallarta Adventures - Marina
- Tel: 221-2111 and in Nuevo Vallarta. Tel: 01-329-297-1212.
A leading provider of eco and adventure tours in Puerto Vallarta.
Among these are boat trips to the Marietas Islands and Las Caletas, Swim
with the Dolphins, air excursions to the mining town of San Sebastian,
snorkeling and sailing trips, whale watching during the winter months,
and 4-wheel drive tours into the Sierra Madre foothills. Info: vallarta-adventures.com
Wildlife Connection - North
Side - 140 Francia, Dept 7, Col Versailles. Tel: 225-3621. Dedicated
to the study and conservation of dolphins and whales. Apart of their research
activities and educational efforts, specialized tours are organized to
offer general public an opportunity to experience a close contact with
nature and its wild animals, whales, dolphins, turtles and bird watching.
Led by Biologist Ma. Eugenia Rodríguez (Maru) and wildlife photographer
Eduardo Lugo, who have been acting with eco-tours and whale watching guides
since 1995. Further info: wildlifeconnection.com
Fishing
& Sailing Etc.
The Bay of Banderas, with depths
varying up to two miles in some places, provides some pretty good deep
sea fishing. There are dozens of companies in Puerto Vallarta that offer
private charters for fishing in the Bay or out in the open Pacific. There
is also fresh water fishing at lakes in the region. Depending on the season,
look forward to catching Sailfish, Blue, Black or Striped Marlin, Swordfish,
Dorado, Sierra Mackerel, Roosterfish, Wahoo, or Yellowfin Tuna. Note:
We ask our friends to be mindful that over the years the Bay has been fished
intensively, so perhaps you don't need to take as much catch as before.
Bass Fishing - Tel:
222-4159.
Charter Dreams - Tel: 221-0690
and 221-2522. Private sailing, fishing and cruising charters around Puerto
Vallarta.
Charter Fishing in Puerto Vallarta
-
Tel: 221-5402 or cellular at 044-322-227-2158. Deep sea fishing and more,
a fun site with interesting info and photos. info: vallartafish.8m.com
Mr. Marlin Sport Fishing Center
- Hosted by billfish tournament champion Captain Juan Moll. Operating
since 1957. A very useful website with seasonal fishing info, maps of the
Bay area, fishing calendar, photo galleries. info: mrmarlin.com Tel:
221-0809.
Fantasia Maritima -
Tel: 221-0116
Natura Expeditions
- Horseback riding, sailing cruise and bass fishing. info:
vivatours-vallarta.com Tel: 224-0410 and 224-8026.
The Puerto Vallarta Fishing Company
- Tel: 222-1863.
Puerto Vallarta International
Sail Fish and Marlin Tournament - Tel: 223-1665 and 221-5434.
The tournament is scheduled each year in November. Info: fishvallarta.com
Puerto Vallarta Sailing/Fishing
Unlimited - Fishing, sailing, whale watching. Tel: 221-0920
and 209-0005. Info: travelvallarta.com
Golf
Marina Vallarta Golf Club
- Designed by American architect Joe Finger, with the beach on one side
and the bay and the Marina on the other. An 18-hole par 71 course opened
in 1989, it is located in the Marina and so is close to most of the major
hotels. Tel: 221-0073.
Flamingos Golf and Country Club
- This 18-hole par 72 public course in Nuevo Vallarta, approximately 9-10
miles north of Puerto Vallarta, also has a club house with pro shop, snack
bar and several tennis courts. Tel: 01-329-296-5006.
Four Seasons Hotel Golf Course
- Federal Highway 200, Punta Mita, Nayarit, some 25 miles
north of Puerto Vallarta's airport. A Jack Nicklaus designed 18-hole par
72 course, plus one truly unique hole: a 194-yard par-3, located on a natural
island in the ocean (Golfers are transported to the island in an amphibian
cart). Opened in September 1999. 58 kilometres/36 miles to downtown
Vallarta. Tel: 329-291-6000.
Horseback
Riding
Backcountry Tours - Tel:
222-0386
Rancho Capomo - Bilingual
guide and daily rides from 9am to 3pm for three hours. Tel: 225-0450.
Rancho el Charro -
Small groups, for 3 and 5 hours; bilingual guides, horses for all levels,
children welcome (photo at left). Further info: ranchoelcharro.com
Tel: 224-0114 or cell: 044-322-294-1689.
Rancho Manolo - From
Mismaloya to El Eden, includes visits to sites of "Predator" and "Buccaneer"
movies. Tel: 228-0018.
Rancho Ojo de Agua -
Since 1983, with 3-5 hour rides from the ranch to a reserve in the Sierra
Madre mountains. Tel: 224-0607, 224-8240.
Natura Expeditions
- Horseback riding, sailing cruise and bass fishing. Tel: 224-0410
and 224-8003.
Mexican Fiestas
Traditional Mexican fiestas are
offered on a regular basis by two of the major local hotels, the Hotel
Krystal, Tel: 224-0202 and the Sheraton Buganvillias, Tel: 223-0404. Please
call for further details.
Private Home Tours
- International Friendship Club (IFC)
Take a tour through some of Puerto
Vallarta's and Banderas Bay's most beautiful homes and villas. Sponsored
by the International Fellowship Club (IFC), the donation goes to the various
Vallarta charities outlined above. There are now several different tours:
For the South Shore Home Tour meet at Restaurant Hacienda, 388 Lazaro
Cardenas at Aguacate street, one block east of Farmacia Guadalajara, Weds
(homes only) and Thurs (homes and botanical gardens). Bus departure
at 10:30am, returns at 2pm. Tickets on sale from 8:30am. $35 US or 350
pesos. For the North Shore Home Tour meet at La Paz Restaruant,
Marina Vallarta, one block past Amerimed Hospital, Tues only. Bus
departure at 10am, returns at 3pm. Tickets on sale from 8:30 am. $55 US
or 550 pesos and includes lunch. Tours run from November 15 through April
12. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera. I have received
good reports. Tel: 222-5466.
Sauna/Spa
Maganza Spa - downtown
Pitillal - 266 Hidalgo. Tel: 224-4841. Vallarta's only sauna/bathhouse,
with jacuzzi, steam room, pool, gymnasium, massage, restaurant and bar.
Men only. One block from the Gutierrez Rizo supermarket. Mon-Thurs,
11am-11pm; Fri and Sat, 11am-12am; Sun, 5-10pm
ScubaDiving
Services
The dive sites for these diving
service providers below generally include: Los Arcos Underwater National
Park, with depths of 25-60 feet; Majahuitas beach and its caverns; the
Marietas Islands ecological sanctuary with its bird populations and many
lava tubes and cave formations; El Chimo on the far southern bay shore
with its giant manta rays and interesting underwater terrain; El Morro
some 30 miles out from Puerto Vallarta in the Pacific Ocean to see the
underwater pinnacles and caves as well as the whale sharks, rays, jacks,
sailfish and mantas.
Chico's Dive Shop - Central -
772 Paseo Diaz Ordaz. Tel: 222-1895 and 222-1875. Puerto
Vallarta's well known scuba diving operator since 1968. Guided tours aboard
catamarans or speed boats. Daily, 8am-9pm. Info: chicos-diveshop.com
Ocean Quest Dive Center - South
Side - 230 Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 223-4103 and cell: 044-322-135-7884.
Scuba diving and snorkeling tours to the Marietas islands, El Morro, Los
Arcos, Majahuitas. PDAI courses. Only small groups with a max of 6 divers,
with two PDI pros on every trip. Info: diving-mexico.com
Pacific Scuba - North Side -
2486 Ave. Francisco Medina Ascencio. Tel: 209-0364. Daily trips
to all local dive and snorkeling sites, with top of the line gear; lunch
and drinks included. Charter trips available. PADI certifications. Founder
of the Beach and Bay Underwater Clean Up. "We meet all safety requirements
and educational standards including environmentally aware diving."
Info: pacificscuba.com.mx
Vallarta Adventures - Marina
- Tel: 297-1212. PADI-certified scuba instruction and
dive trips to Las Marietas Islands, Las Caletas, Los Arcos at night, Corbetena,
and the world class site at El Morro with it mantas, large schooling fish,
turtles and dolphins. Info: vallarta-adventures.com
Tropical
Tours
Harris Tours - Tel:
223-2972
Sierra Madre Tours - Tel:
221-1136
ATV Adventure Tours - Tel:
298-0261
Vallarta Adventures - Tel:
221-0657
Walking Tours
Walking is an excellent way to get
to know a place by taking in its sights and sounds, discovering its real
charms. It's also free and a good way to raise your spirits with a little
exercise. Check out this page
for walking tours of Vallarta that are outlined for Downtown, South
Side/Olas Altas, and the Marina area.
Water Park
Mayan Water Park - Marina - Paseo
de La Marina Sur. Tel: 221-1500 and 221-1628. Water
slides, kids play area and swimming pools with pool-side restaurant and
bar. Lifeguards on duty. Across the street from the Mayan Palace hotel.
Splash Waterpark - Nuevo Vallarta.
Tel: 227-0708 and 222-0712. Dolphins and sea wolves show, water slides,
rides for children, pools, restaurants and bar. Info: splashvallarta.com
Of Further Interest - Things to Do in Vallarta
Art Walk Old Town/Downtown 2007-2008
The ever-popular Old Town Art Walk
this year has 15 participating galleries which host complimentary cocktail
receptions and expositions on Wednesday nights from 6pm-10pm during the
high season winter months starting October 25, 2007 until May 28, 2008.
People wander from gallery to gallery in search of art, conversation and
the perfect glass of wine. A good way to meet some artists and make new
friends. Galleries participating this year are Beatriz Narvaez Galeria,
Corsica Galeria, Galeria Arte Latinoamericano, Galeria Corona, Galeria
des Artistes, Galeria de Ollas, Galeria Omar Alonso, Galeria Pacifico,
Galeria Uno, Galeria Vallarta, Galeria 8 y mas, Galeria Uno, Jorge Marin,
Sergio Bustamante, The Loft and Thierry Blout Fine Art Collection. Look
for a map at your hotel or in participating galleries. Further info
here
Santa Barbara Theater - South
Side - 351 Olas Altas - Tel: 223-2048
Cabaret style venue, with seating
capacity of 90. Further info go to: santabarbaratheater.com
Mond, Los Bambinos, local minstrels
with their renditions of many pop songs, 8pm.
Tues, Return of the Phantom,
multi-media presentation, with Solomon Rose and Kathy Overly, 9pm.
Weds, Dolly would if Kenny could,
a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, 8pm.
Thurs, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,
with Alex Ryer, music from the 1940s to today, 8pm.
Fri, Bob Fosse - And all that Dance!,
jazzy dance numbers by Fosse, 8pm.
Sat, Bad Girls of Broadway,
a bawdy salute to Fanny Brice, Mae West and Sophie Tucker with Alex Ryer,
8pm
Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet
- Nov 8-18, 2007
The annual Puerto
Vallarta Festival Gourmet in November features the culinary talents
of local chefs of Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit state, as well as some guest
chefs from internationally acclaimed restaurants and hotels. Highlights
of the Festival include cooking classes, cheese seminars, Tequila Madness
Night and the exceptional Gourmet Brunch at Café des Artistes
Participating restaurants include Bianco, Bogart's, De Santos, La Palapa,
Porto Bello, the River Cafe and some fifteen others.
Puerto Vallarta Film Festival
- Dec 5-9, 2007
As an International
Film Festival, the event intends to bring together filmmakers of divergent
styles and subjects, but who face remarkably similar obstacles to the production
and distribution of their films. At its core, the Festival hopes to create
a forum where these films and filmmakers can come together and share their
art, ideas and cultures. An annual event. Tel: 297-1605 and 297-1947
For more ideas on where to go and what to do and see, check out this Yahoo travel page, Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I would recommend or consider such things as: the gay cruise; the Marietas Islands or whale watching with Oscar Frey; a getaway to Paco's Paradise, Yelapa or Sayulita village; a Mexican Folklore and Tequila Tour; going sightseeing downtown taking in the Cathedral and the malecon with its many statues, lovely ambience, and nearby restaurants, galleries and stores.
If you come during the winter months
the IFC home tours
are every Weds and Thurs, November to April; in early to mid-November there's
the Day of the Dead celebrations, the annual Puerto Vallarta Arts Festival,
the Sailfish Tournament, the International
Film Festival of the Americas, and the Festival Gourmet; in early December,
don't miss the celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec 1-12; in March,
you can check out the Mexican and Iberoamerican Film Festival, which presents
more than 40 films.
Ecology Note: We ask
our friends and clients to boycott the jet skis, which pollute the air
and water, threaten public safety and destroy the natural quiet of our
beaches. Reports show that at least 25% of their fuel goes directly into
the water and we would like to help the efforts to clean up Banderas Bay.
(photo thanks to Ocean Quest Dive
Center)
(photo thanks to Rancho el Charro)
