All Terrain Safari – UTV Tour Puerto Vallarta

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is that it gets you well beyond the resort zone. You drive a Polaris RZR UTV through mountain roads, streams, and rough jungle trails, then leave the vehicle behind for a hike to a waterfall and a swim at a remote pool. This is not a smooth little track built for sightseeing. Mud and rough terrain are part of the plan.

I like the mix of action and nature. You get a real driving lesson from an instructor, then a refreshing break in the water. I also like the human side of the day: guides such as Tommy, Emiliano, Omar, and Manuel are praised for safety, humor, and their knowledge of local plants and animals. The main drawback is the time spent getting there, especially from Nuevo Vallarta, where the ride can take more than 90 minutes each way.

Key points at a glance

• Polaris RZR driving: You learn to handle a UTV before tackling streams, hills, and rocky jungle paths.
• Waterfall and swim stop: The driving is only half the day, with a hike and a chance to cool off at a remote swim hole.
• Real mud and water: Wear clothes and shoes you can get dirty. White clothing is a poor choice.
• Family option: Children as young as 8 may join, but only drivers 18 and older with a valid license may drive.
• Small-group feel: The maximum group size is 24, though the UTV itself is used by a group of up to four.
• Extra costs to note: The $399 price covers one group of up to four, but a $50 insurance fee is payable at check-in.

A real jungle ride, not a polished theme-park track

This tour is aimed at people who want to get dirty. The route takes you away from Puerto Vallarta’s streets and into the mountains, where the UTV handles streams, uneven ground, hills, and remote paths. The ride can be wet and rough, so you should expect a physical outing rather than a quiet sightseeing drive.

You first learn how to operate the Polaris RZR with help from an experienced instructor. That matters because the vehicle is more substantial than a small recreational ATV, and the route calls for attention. You should be comfortable with bumps, water crossings, and the possibility of mud splashing into the vehicle.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Tommy receives repeated praise for keeping the day safe and entertaining, while Emiliano, Omar, Manuel, and others are noted for their care and good humor. Tommy also leads discussions about plants, animals, local culture, and the area around Puerto Vallarta, giving the drive more substance than a simple motorized ride.

The official maximum is 24 people. That is large enough for a lively group but not the scale of a huge bus excursion once you reach the activity area. Your UTV group can include up to four people, which makes the $399 group price easier to assess if you are traveling with family or friends.

Getting from Marina or Nuevo Vallarta to the trail

You can meet at Vallarta Adventures in Marina Vallarta, at Mástil 13, or use the meeting option in Nuevo Vallarta. The exact pickup arrangement needs attention. You must contact Vallarta Adventures soon after booking to confirm the meeting location on your reservation, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The transfer is one of the biggest practical issues. From Nuevo Vallarta, the ride to the activity area can take about 90 minutes or more each way. Some of the transport is described as a bus ride, while other accounts mention an open jeep on the road into the park. Either way, you lose a fair portion of the day to transport.

I would not call that wasted time if you enjoy seeing more of the area and listening to the guides, but it does make this a full-day commitment. The advertised duration is about 6 hours and 30 minutes, and your total time away from your hotel can be longer once transfers are included. If you have only one free day in Puerto Vallarta, compare this outing with the shorter activities on offer.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. Since there is no included hotel transfer, plan your return from Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta in advance.

Learning the Polaris RZR before the mud begins

The UTV is the heart of the excursion. You receive use of the vehicle and a helmet, along with instruction before setting out. Drivers must be at least 18 and must show a valid driver’s license. Children from age 8 may ride, but they cannot drive.

That age split makes this more flexible for families than many off-road outings. Parents can drive while older children ride along, but you should be honest about your group’s comfort with rough motion. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and getting in and out of the vehicle or walking on wet, uneven ground may be tiring.

The driving itself is likely to be the most exciting part for people who enjoy control and speed. The route includes streams and remote jungle roads, and the terrain can be rocky and uneven. You may get wet and muddy. The equipment is provided, but your clothing is your responsibility.

Wear sporty pants or shorts and comfortable athletic shoes. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and money for souvenirs. I would add one simple rule: do not wear white, and do not bring clothing you want to keep spotless. A waterproof bag for personal items is sensible, especially if you want to carry a camera.

A photo service may be available during the outing, but photos can be expensive. If you prefer to take your own, protect your phone or camera from water and mud. Do not assume a standard pocket will keep it dry.

Hiking to the waterfall and remote swim hole

The day is not only about the engine. After riding the trails, you take a relaxing hike in the jungle toward a waterfall. The walk gives you a chance to slow down and notice the plants and animals that are easy to miss when you are bouncing along in a UTV.

The guides add value here. Tommy is specifically praised for explaining local plants and wildlife during the hike. That sort of interpretation changes the walk from a basic stop for photos into a better introduction to the mountain environment around Puerto Vallarta.

The waterfall is described as a highlight, and the itinerary also includes a dip at a remote swim hole. Bring a swimsuit if you want to get in. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and drinking water are useful before and after the walk, though purified water is included.

Do not treat the hike as a demanding trek, but do expect moderate activity. You will combine a motorized ride with walking, uneven ground, heat, and possibly wet conditions. Comfortable sport shoes are more useful than sandals that can slip off.

The water stop also sets the pace of the day. You get a natural break from the noise and movement of the UTV, then return to the activity area for the rest of the outing. If your ideal excursion includes both excitement and a quiet nature stop, this combination is one of the tour’s strongest features.

Ranch time, snacks, and the less polished side of Mexico

The base area adds another layer to the experience. Several accounts describe time at a ranch, with animals to see and food available after the ride. Light snacks and purified water are included, while larger food items and drinks may cost extra.

You may find quesadillas and margaritas available for purchase at the grounds. These are not part of the stated tour price, so bring money if you want more than the included snack or would like souvenirs. The ranch setting also gives you a chance to slow down, look around, and spend time with the local staff after the trail portion.

This is not a luxury nature retreat. The appeal is the informal, working-ranch feel and the chance to see a less polished side of the area. That can be a plus if you want a day that feels connected to local life rather than carefully staged for a resort audience. It may be less appealing if you expect spotless facilities, a quiet vehicle, or a tightly controlled ride.

The guides are repeatedly praised for safety and attention. That is important on a route with water, mud, and rough terrain. You still need to follow instructions and drive within your comfort level. A guide’s care does not remove the basic risks of an off-road activity.

Is $399 good value for up to four people?

The listed price is $399 per group of up to four people. For four people, that works out to just under $100 per person before the required insurance fee and any purchases at the ranch. For a couple, the per-person cost is much higher, so the value depends on how much you care about having a private group vehicle experience.

The price includes:

• Professional guide
• Polaris RZR UTV
• Helmet
• Light snack
• Purified water

The $50 insurance fee is payable at check-in. It covers up to $400 for damage or a collision involving the UTV. Read that wording carefully. It is an additional charge, not part of the advertised group price, and it does not mean every possible cost is covered without limit.

For a family of four, I find the package easier to justify because you receive a full day of driving, hiking, swimming, guiding, and equipment. For two people, you should compare the total cost with other Puerto Vallarta adventure tours before booking. The experience includes more than a short ATV circuit, but the long transfer reduces the number of hours spent actively riding.

The 4.8 rating from 232 reviews and the 96 percent recommendation figure suggest strong overall satisfaction, but the practical complaints are worth taking seriously. The long ride is the clear tradeoff. Photo prices are another possible extra cost. The actual trail experience earns the strongest praise, not the transportation or add-ons.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta UTV tour?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy active days, do not mind getting muddy, and want to see the mountains outside the city. Families with children age 8 and older can make it work, provided an adult handles the driving and everyone is comfortable with a rough ride.

It is also a good fit for couples or friends who want to share one vehicle and split the group price. The UTV setup gives you more room than a single-seat activity, and you can take turns enjoying the ride as passengers, though the driving rules still apply.

You should think twice if you dislike long transfers, have limited time, or want a polished, low-effort excursion. This is not the right choice for someone looking for a gentle bus tour, an accessible paved walk, or a dry afternoon in clean clothes.

Cruise ship passengers cannot book this activity. That restriction matters because the timing and meeting arrangements are not designed for a ship schedule. You also need to confirm the pickup point after booking rather than assuming your hotel will be included.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded, and the experience may be canceled if its minimum number is not reached.

My verdict on the All Terrain Safari

I would book this tour if my priority were active adventure with a real outdoor feel. The combination of UTV trails, a waterfall hike, a swim stop, and ranch time gives you more variety than a simple motor ride. The guides, especially Tommy and the team around him, add warmth and local context.

I would not book it for a short port visit or if a long transfer sounds exhausting. For everyone else, the decision is simple: bring clothes you can sacrifice, protect your camera, confirm your meeting point, and expect mud. If that sounds fun, the $399 group price can be good value, especially with four people sharing the vehicle.

FAQ

How long does the All Terrain Safari last?

The activity lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The total time away from your accommodation may be longer because transportation to the activity area is not included in the stated duration.

Where does the tour meet?

Meeting options include Vallarta Adventures at Mástil 13 in Marina Vallarta and a location in Nuevo Vallarta. You must contact Vallarta Adventures after booking to confirm the meeting location on your reservation.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 8 years old. You must be at least 18 years old to drive the UTV and present a valid driver’s license.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear sporty pants or shorts and comfortable sport shoes. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and money for souvenirs. You should also protect personal electronics from water and mud.

Is the insurance fee included in the price?

No. A $50 fee per booking is payable at check-in. It covers up to $400 for damage or a collision involving the UTV.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

No. Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this activity.