Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos & Seawall
Paddle past the city's landmarks and spot marine life from the water
Stand up paddle boarding on the water in Puerto Vallarta, starting from the seawall and moving past the city's main attractions (Los Arcos del Malecón, the Cuale River Bridge and Los Muertos pier) with a live guide in English, Spanish or French. You paddle at your own pace while the guide shares information about the landmarks and points out birds, turtles, manta rays and dolphins when they appear.
What’s included
- Stand-up paddle board, paddle, safety leash and life jacket.
- bottled water.
- live guide in English, Spanish or French.
Times
- Monday 08:30
- Tuesday and Thursday 06:30 08:30
- Sunday 06:30 08:30 18:30
Before you book
Operated by Vallarta SUP & Adventure
Prices and times updated 7 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You arrive at the seawall in Puerto Vallarta and step onto a stand-up paddle board with a safety leash and life jacket already fitted. The guide leads you out over the water, and the city's iconic arches, Los Arcos del Malecón, come into view from a perspective most visitors never see. As you paddle, the Cuale River Bridge passes alongside, and the guide explains what makes each spot matter to the place. The whole route stays close to shore, moving at a pace you control. The guide accompanies you and fills in the story of what you're passing.
Marine life appears unpredictably but often. Birds work the shallows, and if the water is calm and clear, you might see turtles, manta rays or dolphins moving beneath or near the surface. The guide knows where to look and will point them out. The paddle itself is the exercise: an outdoor workout that feels nothing like a gym, since you're moving through the actual city and watching it change as you go. Bottled water comes with you, and the whole outing runs about 90 minutes, leaving the rest of your day open.
All the gear is provided: the board, the paddle, the safety equipment. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French, so language isn't a barrier. Kids from age 12 can join, and the activity suits any fitness level. You set the speed and the guide adjusts to match.
Is this one for you?The 90-minute paddle fits into a free afternoon or a morning before other plans, leaving you time to explore the rest of Puerto Vallarta or rest afterward. If you need a full-day activity or a longer time on the water, this one ends before midday.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish and French.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What are Los Arcos del Malecón and what do they look like from the water?
Los Arcos del Malecón are the iconic stone arches that frame the Puerto Vallarta seawall. From the paddleboard, you see them up close as you move past, and the guide explains their significance to the city's character and history.
Will I definitely see dolphins or other marine animals?
Marine life sightings depend on conditions and the time of year. Birds and turtles are common in the area, and dolphins, manta rays and even whales do appear, but there's no guarantee on any given day. The guide knows where to look and will point out whatever is present.
How much paddling experience do I need?
None. The activity suits all fitness levels, and the guide sets the pace to match the group. You control how fast or slow you go, and the guide stays with you the whole time.
What happens if I fall in the water?
You're wearing a life jacket and a safety leash that keeps the board tethered to you. The water is shallow along the route, and the guide is there to help. Falling in is not uncommon and is part of the experience for many paddlers.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos & Seawall
1h 30m · EN · ES · FR
from US$ 30 per person
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