For my 30th birthday I didn’t want to just go out to a bar or have a party, I wanted to make it one I would remember! So what else is there to do, but to travel! With the points we had with Southwest we booked our flights and planned a long weekend in Puerto Vallarta. My husband and I are pretty adventurous, so here are some of the activities we found and thoroughly enjoyed!
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Snorkeling – Vallarta Adventures
I had never been snorkeling before, so I figured Puerto Vallarta would be a great place to start. I booked us a day trip (This is the one we went with) out to the Marieta Islands. Make sure if you want to see the Hidden Beach you book a different tour. The names of the Marieta Island tours are very similar, but the one we went with does not go to the Hidden Beach.
We got on the boat and left for the snorkeling area. This next Travel Trick is very important for the boat ride out there – *Bring warm clothes.* I was in shorts and a tank top and only had my towel with me, so when the boat took off in the crisp morning breeze I immediately realized my mistake. My husband and I both huddled for warmth while the wind from the boat ride chilled us to the bone. We weren’t alone in this mistake either, so learn from our misfortune and just bring a bag to shed layers into later.
Once we were out at the snorkeling spot it was still a bit chilly still so we all grabbed one of the wet suits the company provided. We jumped in and swam to the area our guide pointed out for us. There we saw all the colorful fish I had hoped for! The two main fish we saw were the Sgt. Major and the Angelfish however there were tons swimming around us. Make sure to keep your distance from the rocky surfaces around the area. When we went the waves were pretty strong, carrying us back and forth in the water as we swam. It was a pretty funny sight to look down and see all the fish being dragged back and forth underneath you as well. Not even fish are immune to the ocean’s currents.
We then got back into the boat to warm up a bit while we watched people try their hand at the paddle boards Vallarta Adventures provided. They also had kayaks to take out around the boat, so when one became available my husband and I snagged it. As we were taking a leisurely lap around the boat we got lucky enough to see the fins of a Great Pacific Manta poke out of the water. We tried to get closer but of course the Manta eluded us.
We then decided to hit the deck and indulge in the lunch and drinks they provided for us. The sandwiches and fruit hit the spot as the sun warmed us on the deck. Travel Trick – Try to be one of the first people back onto the boat so you can get prime location at the front of the boat. We laid down our towels and as the boat took off for the remainder of the trip we realized we had front row seats for the short tour on the way back. They brought our boat around the island and we got to see the Blue Footed Booby – a bird known for their blue feet, typically found in tropical regions.
The crew was amazing on this boat, making sure we always had a drink in our hand on the way back if we wanted one. I never once had to get up to get one. They also put on a hilarious show for us that included costumes, dancing, and lip syncing. My husband and I were in tears laughing at some of the things they did! Then we stopped and let the kids muster up some bravery to jump off the front of the boat. A few adults followed suit too, but I was still sipping on my tropical drinks so I enjoyed cheering (egging) them on from the deck.
Finally we headed back toward home. Before we knew it people were crowded over the sides of the boat though, looking at something and pointing. The captain came across the speaker and told us that some dolphins had started following us and they were playing in our wakes. He then proceeded to drive the boat in circles and let them play with us for a bit. We got a spectacular performance from the dolphins, jumping in and out of the wakes all around us. Some were swimming directly below us next to the boat. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of! I loved being able to interact with them in their natural habitat.
We had such a great time doing this! I hope if you’re also thinking about going snorkeling that you have as much fun as we did. Let me know in the comments where you had your first snorkeling experience!
Quick Facts
- Booking Website
- Vallarta Adventures Address: Las Palmas 39, Nuevo Vallarta, 63732 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay.
- Phone: 1-888-526-2238
- Kid Friendly
- 7 Hour Tour