The 5 Best Kayak Trips in Puerto Vallarta

1.Islas Marietas: Snorkel, Kayak, Paddle, and Playa Nopalera

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 24 reviews · 8 hours · from $87Our pick

Spend eight hours around Islas Marietas with English or Spanish-speaking guides, using kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear before relaxing at Nopalera Beach. Breakfast, an onboard meal, equipment, and a return-trip open bar are included, but Playa Escondida is not visited.

“Pretty good. There weren’t a lot of fish where we snorkelled and the water was hard to see through. We enjoyed the eco tour even if it was kind of short. I wish the guide would have informed us more about the beach called Deadman’s cave, (it starts with a C in Spanish) which he offered for us to do but it was 2pm by then and we hadn’t had lunch yet and it was going to be another 50+ minutes. Another couple we met on the excursion went and were really impressed. They wished the guide had encouraged more to go, their disappointment was they were told they would…”

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2.Stand Up Paddle Boarding Adventure in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Paddle along Puerto Vallarta’s waterfront with a guide such as Serch, learning basic SUP skills while visiting the Malecón, Cuale River Bridge, and Los Muertos pier. The 90-minute outing suits beginners, includes English instruction, and may bring sightings of whales, turtles, dolphins, birds, or manta rays.

“I would love to see the photos. We never received them. The Instructor was very knowledgeable and took lots of images for us. I hope to see them soon. Darren Paquette- REALTOR- Keller Williams- Roseville, CA.”

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3.Stand-Up Paddle Board Lesson in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $56Best value

Meet Xiutla Riders Ecoadventure, learn paddleboarding on the beach, then paddle toward Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon and Los Muertos Pier. The two-hour private outing runs in English, morning or sunset, with boards, a guide, and transport from a central location included. Edson may lead your lesson.

“They were accommodating to a delay in schedule. The shop is close to the beach which makes it easy. Like many places in Puerto Vallarta we found it difficult to locate the place except for the other instructions that said it was six blocks north of the boardwalk which we and most people know is the Malecon the best way to help locate this place is the Shell station as they had put in the description.”

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4.Swim and Paddle Board with Wild Dolphin Pods in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $110

From Los Muertos Beach Pier, Eduardo and the OCEANUS Lifetime crew take your private group toward feeding areas near river mouths. You may approach wild dolphins by paddle board, swim with them using snorkeling gear, or glide behind a towable board. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Amazing experience. Eduardo was very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. We found several pods and were able to get very close to them with paddle boards.”

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5.Private Stand Up Paddle Experience in Los Arcos Jalisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $107

Meet Xiutla Riders in Puerto Vallarta, ride to Mismaloya, and paddle a private SUP route to Los Arcos National Park. Your guide, including Edsom on some outings, gives local context and instruction. Snorkel or rest on your board before returning, with an optional tequila tasting afterward.

“Great tour with a wonderful guide Edsom. He went out of his way to give us history of PV, and points of interest on our way to the excursion. Beautiful area and fun tour guide! Can't rate it high enough!”

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