Puerto Vallarta: Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed Boat Adventure

Summary

Puerto Vallarta wild zipline day with waterfalls and speedboat

You’ll race across Banderas Bay by speed boat, climb into 4x4s through jungle roads, ride a mule up mountain trails and fly over canyons on ziplines near Puerto Vallarta. Rappel beside waterfalls, twist through forest on a wild zipline coaster and finish with Mexico’s highest waterslide drop. Expect muddy shoes and a full-body rush that sticks with you long after you towel off.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to second-guess myself before the speed boat took off from Puerto Vallarta’s marina — spray everywhere, hair in my mouth, everyone grinning like kids who’d just gotten away with something. Our guide, Jorge, shouted over the engine to watch for dolphins (I didn’t see any, but maybe I blinked). We hit the shore and climbed into these old Unimog trucks — bouncy as hell — winding up into the Sierra Madre mountains where the air changed. It smelled green and sharp, like wet leaves and river stones.

The mule ride up was honestly slower than I expected (my mule was named Chispa), but Jorge said it saves your legs for what’s coming. He was right. The first zipline over that canyon — my stomach dropped out and I could hear myself yelling above the trees. There’s this moment when you’re just hanging there midair, sun in your eyes, nothing below but green. My hands were shaking when I landed; not sure if it was fear or excitement or both.

Rappelling down beside a waterfall is way muddier than it looks on TV. My shoes squelched all day after that. The Roller Coaster Zipline actually twists so fast I lost track of which way was up — someone behind me screamed “¡Otra vez!” and we all laughed because yeah, same. The last thing is this ridiculous waterslide drop they say is Mexico’s highest; you can hear people shrieking before you even see it. Honestly? My heart was pounding so hard I almost skipped it, but then you do it and come out soaked and weirdly proud.

I still think about that view from the top before we zipped down — mist rising off the jungle, birds somewhere in the distance, Jorge telling us how his abuela used to hike these trails barefoot as a kid. It’s not just about adrenaline here; there’s something grounding about being in those mountains with people who know every bend in the river.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adventure activities in Puerto Vallarta

• Speedboat ride
• Off-road Unimog 4x4 expedition
• Muleback ride to summit
• Zipline over canyons
• Waterfall rappelling
• Roller Coaster Zipline
• Highest waterslide drop

Top questions

Is transportation included for this Puerto Vallarta adventure tour?

Yes, roundtrip transport by speed boat and 4x4 truck is included from Puerto Vallarta.

What is the minimum age for the ziplining & waterfall tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old—no exceptions.

Can I bring my camera on the circuit?

No cameras are allowed during activities for safety reasons; photo services are available onsite.

Are meals provided during this outdoor adventure?

You’ll get fruit, Mexican salsa, and purified water included during the tour.

Is this adventure suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No, due to timing conflicts with local schedules it isn’t suitable for cruise ship passengers.

What should I wear or bring for this day trip?

Wear shorts and hiking or tennis shoes; bring dry clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, towel and sweatshirt.

Are there weight or health restrictions?

Yes: max weight is 260 lbs (118 kg); not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart/spine/knee issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by speed boat from Puerto Vallarta plus off-road 4x4 transport through the Sierra Madre mountains. All safety gear is provided along with lockers at basecamp for your things and towels to dry off after getting soaked. You’ll get fresh fruit, Mexican salsa snacks and purified water throughout—just don’t forget a change of clothes because you will get muddy and wet before heading back down to town.