Puerto Vallarta is a sports lover’s paradise offering an endless array of outdoor adventures. Water sports enthusiasts can choose from every imaginable activity from snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking, sailing, water skiing, and surfing. The abundant marine life in the warm Pacific waters of Banderas Bay offer some of the best deep-sea sports fishing around. Those in search of harder adventure can go mountain biking, opt for a jeep safari or try horseback riding in challenging terrains.

There are also soft adventure tours of the jungle surrounding Puerto Vallarta, from canopy zip lining to eco hikes. All of the more traditional sports, including tennis and world-class golf are also available.

A variety of dive sites around Banderas Bay offer world-class options for both beginners and experienced divers. The complex ecosystems of Los Arcos National Marine Park and the Marietas Islands contain large reserves of wildlife. Divers can explore underwater caves, canyons and reefs teeming with tropical fish where they’ll spot turtles, octopus, sea horses, dolphins, manta rays, jacks, yellowtails and sailfish. The waters of Banderas Bay are also home to whales, dolphins and wahoo that can be spotted almost year-round. Many specialized operators offer scuba diving excursions and offer various levels of PADI certification.

There are numerous snorkeling options, whether close to shore in Mismaloya, Yelapa or Majahuitas, or on boat trips to secluded islands such as the Marietas or Las Caletas. The rich marine life includes turtles, spotted eagle rays, needlefish, and many varieties of tropical fish. Many of the snorkeling tours can also be combined with sea kayaking or simply relaxing on a deserted beach.