Speedboats and jungle zip lines in one port day. This Puerto Vallarta shore excursion sends you out fast, then lifts you high above the jungle with 19 ziplines over the canopy and river.

I love the bilingual crew vibe and the way the day feels organized around cruise timing. I also love that the fun doesn’t end at the last line: you get a riverfront tequila tasting, lunch, water slides, and an animal sanctuary run by Los Veranos staff like Pepe.

One possible drawback is the physical side: there’s a real climb and lots of stairs before you start zipping, and the heat can be intense—so come ready for a workout, not a stroll.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Speed-boat or land option from the cruise terminal keeps your port day flexible
• 19 long ziplines with water stations and guided pacing
• Tequila tasting + lunch at a scenic riverfront restaurant-bar
• Water slides and river fun (weather permitting) for a second adrenaline hit
• Rescued animal sanctuary time with up-close moments around base camp
• Small-ish group feel with a tour maximum of 99 people

Your Port-Day Route: Sea vs. Land to Los Veranos

This is built for cruise passengers, meaning you’ll be moving on a tight schedule and the tour runs on Puerto Vallarta local time (CST), not ship time. That detail matters more than it sounds—easy to lose track when ships use a different clock.

You have two ways to start:

• Boat meeting option: after you exit the cruise terminal, you check in at a desk on the second floor of Puerto Mágico Shopping Mall. Look for the Los Veranos Canopy Tour logo.
• Land meeting option: once you leave the gated cruise area, follow the sidewalk alongside Francisco Medina Ascencio. Pass the PEMEX Gas Station. The Los Veranos Office is in the same parking lot as CHEDRAUI Playa De Oro—about a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal exit.

Either way, the tour ends back at the meeting point. Your best move is to arrive 15 minutes before your selected departure time and double-check you’re using CST, not ship time.

Speed Boat Across the Bay: A Fun Start With Real Views

If you choose the sea option, expect the day’s first wow-factor: a speed boat ride across the bay from the cruise area. This is one of those segments that feels like a mini excursion on its own because you get Puerto Vallarta’s shoreline and coastline views before you ever hit the jungle.

In the reviews, people repeatedly call out that the return boat ride can feel faster and more energetic—especially when it’s time to make the ship. That’s not a bad thing; it’s part of why the speed boat option is so popular. Just know you’re trading comfort for speed and views.

Quick practical note: if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth planning for that on a speed boat. Also, bring whatever you’d normally want for sun protection—this is open-air time.

The Drive Up and the First Stairs: When the Workout Begins

Once you’re checked in and on the way to the park, you’ll head toward Los Veranos. Depending on the day’s setup, transportation can include an open-air vehicle feel (think trucks used for transport, with group timing that keeps you moving).

Then comes the part people don’t always picture from a zipline description: you climb. You’ll hike uphill toward the line platforms, and you’ll likely deal with stairs and uneven steps. It’s not a long distance for everyone, but it’s enough to get your heart going—especially in heat and humidity (and even more if you’re in a cruise-day rush).

If you’re choosing this tour, I’d frame it like this: you’re buying a zipline day, but you’re also buying an outdoor workout. Los Veranos does offer pacing and water stations during the course, and some reviews mention you can pause in a waiting area if you’re overheating or worn out. Still, come prepared.

Also important: the tour is not recommended over 285 lbs / 129 kg. And they note moderate physical fitness is best. For pregnant travelers, kids under 5, and people with heart/back/shoulder issues, the land transportation option is suggested so you can enjoy the other activities with less strain.

Harness On: What 19 Zip Lines Actually Feel Like

This is a real canopy course, not a few lines strung together for show. You’ll ride 19 of the longest and highest ziplines, guided by bilingual professionals.

Here’s what the flow looks like on the ground:

• You’ll be geared up at base—expect harnesses, helmets, and gloves.
• The guides give safety instructions at the start and help you get comfortable with how to brake and slow down on the cables.
• You typically start with shorter lines, then build up to the longer, higher runs.

One review shared a standout measurement: a line described as about 2,000 feet long and about 800 feet high. Even if you don’t track the numbers, you’ll feel the difference once the course ramps up.

Water stations and pacing

Water stations are built into the zipline course, which matters on hot days. In practice, it helps you keep your energy for the later lines rather than fading early. And because the operation runs as a group, the rhythm is guided—there’s a sense of moving as a unit, with staff keeping things safe and moving.

Safety vibe I’d trust

Across the feedback, safety comes up a lot. People call out that the crew is thorough about instructions and that they use gloves and teach braking. That’s the right approach for a zipline—especially when you’re dealing with cruise groups where comfort levels vary widely.

After the Lines: Lunch, Tequila Tasting, and the Riverfront Base

When you finish zipping, the day shifts gears from adrenaline to “hang out and cool down.” This is where Los Veranos earns points for making the time after ziplining actually enjoyable instead of rushed.

You’ll spend time at a riverfront restaurant-bar setting with a view of the water and jungle. This is also where you eat.

Lunch options you might get

Lunch is included, and the sample menu lists:

• Mixed grilled items (fish fillet, coconut shrimp, grilled shrimp, mixed fajitas, quesadilla, rice & vegetables)
• Veranos fajitas (choice of chicken, marinated flank steak, or shrimp, with rice, beans, guacamole, and fresh tortillas)
• Mexican avocado salad (avocado, cherry tomato, roasted corn, olive oil, honey, lemon, rustic bread)
• Warm apple cake with vanilla ice cream

In real-world terms: plan to eat well enough that you’re not hungry on the way back to the ship. If you’re a light eater, you may still be set for the day since lunch is part of the package.

Tequila tasting

A traditional tequila tasting is included. It’s not described like a formal, museum-style lesson—more like a fun cultural stop at the base after the ride. Even people who aren’t tequila “super fans” usually treat it like part of the party.

If you’re going to buy extra bottles, reviews suggest they may sell tequila on site. (This is one of those times where having a card helps.)

Toward the river: slides, pools, and kayaking

After lunch, you’ll likely have access to more outdoor fun:

• Water slides
• Kayaks
• “River fun” and time in natural pool areas

A key caution: river conditions depend on weather. Some reviews mention the river running fast after rain, which can affect swimming. Either way, the slides and water play tend to be a highlight because they’re a change of pace from the cables.

Practical tip: bring a swimsuit and towel. Many people do this and wear swimwear under shorts and a shirt so you’re not scrambling later.

Animal Sanctuary Time: Monkeys, Birds, and Up-Close Moments

One of the most loved parts of the day is the rescued animal sanctuary area. This isn’t described like a zoo show. It’s more like a base-camp animal experience tied to the rest of your outing.

Expect to see exotic species, and multiple reviews specifically mention:

• monkeys
• birds
• lemurs

Some guests mention the chance to feed monkeys and that staff help manage the interaction. That’s important for safety and also for not turning it into chaos. The staff’s energy comes through here too, with people crediting the crew for keeping the experience fun even if you’re a little nervous.

If you want your port day to include more than just zipline thrills, this sanctuary portion is a big part of why the excursion gets such high marks.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Easy, Not Stressful)

This is a “bring the right stuff” day. The tour recommends:

• comfortable shoes
• swimsuit and towel
• sunscreen
• insect repellent
• camera with strap
• extra cash and/or card for lunch or souvenirs

Then I’d add a couple practical tweaks based on how people experience the day:

• Pack insect repellent with a plan for hot steps. One review mentions a dedicated area to apply bug spray/sunscreen so it doesn’t end up in your eyes—nice idea if you want less face drama.
• Consider a handheld fan. It’s not required, but one guest says it helped a lot during waiting times and hot conditions.
• If you’re using a backpack, plan on storing belongings in lockers at base. Reviews mention leaving backpacks in lockers once you’re geared up.

Also, wear or bring clothing that can handle getting damp from river and slides. You’ll be outside for most of the day.

Price and Value: Why It’s Around $120 and When It Feels Worth It

At $120 per person, the big question is what you actually get for that money.

Here’s what’s included from the tour details:

• land or sea round transportation from pickup points
• the zipline course (with water stations)
• traditional tequila tasting
• water slides, kayaks, and river fun (weather permitting)
• lunch

On a cruise day, that “bundle” matters. Zipline-only options can be cheaper, but they often don’t include transport, lunch, and the extra base activities. Here, you’re paying for a full-day structure: cable time + food + drinks + river play + animal sanctuary.

Two value notes from the real world:

• Picture/video services aren’t included, and one review called out that photo prices can feel steep. If you want photos, decide ahead of time whether you’ll buy them.
• If you’re already paying cruise-excursion pricing, booking this tour can feel like a smarter deal than booking through the cruise line—some guests specifically mention getting a better price by booking independently.

If you love an all-in-one “one ticket, many activities” day, this tends to land as good value. If you’re only interested in the cables and skip everything else, you might feel like you’re paying for extras.

Who Should Book This Zipline Tour (and Who Might Skip)

This excursion is best for people who want a full adventure day and don’t mind the physical side.

You’ll probably love it if:

• you enjoy adrenaline plus a normal restaurant meal after
• you’re comfortable climbing and handling stairs in heat
• you want a cruise-friendly day with transport handled
• you’re traveling with kids or teens and want activities beyond the ziplines (slides and animals help a lot)

You might reconsider if:

• you need minimal hiking or mostly flat walking
• you have back/shoulder issues, or you’re advised not to do strenuous steps (the tour suggests land transport in these cases)
• you’re over 285 lbs / 129 kg (not recommended)
• you’re expecting a “relaxing” nature stop only

Also: a minimum age and height rule applies—at least 5 years old and under 40 inches in height are not part of the minimum requirements, so check your child’s height carefully.

Booking This Puerto Vallarta Zipline Tour: My Decision Guide

Should you book? If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta on a cruise and you want your port day to feel like a real adventure—not a checklist—this is one of the strong picks.

Book it if speed boat views matter to you, because the sea option is a memorable opener. Book it if you want more than ziplines, since lunch, tequila tasting, slides, kayaks, and the rescued animal sanctuary fill out the day.

Skip it if you’re chasing a low-effort outing or you’re sensitive to stairs and heat. This is outdoors, active, and fast-paced by design.

My final nudge: schedule-smart travelers win here. Treat CST as your anchor clock, arrive early, wear bug spray shoes-and-socks mode, and you’ll have a smooth port-day experience.

FAQ

Is the tour schedule based on ship time or Puerto Vallarta local time?

The tour uses Puerto Vallarta local time (CST), not ship time. Double-check your departure time when you book so you don’t arrive too early or too late.

What are the two ways to get to the tour start?

Cruise passengers can choose either boat transportation (check in at the second floor of Puerto Mágico Shopping Mall) or land transportation (meet at the Los Veranos Office in the parking lot by CHEDRAUI Playa De Oro).

What’s the minimum age and height?

The minimum age is 5 years and the height requirement is under 40 inches.

What’s included with the zipline and what’s not?

Included: round transportation, the zipline course with water stations, tequila tasting, and water slides/kayaks/river fun (weather permitting). Not included: food and drinks, photo/video services, and gratuities.

What should I bring for the river and outdoor activities?

Wear comfortable shoes and plan to bring a swimsuit and towel, plus sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring a camera (with strap), and have some extra cash or a card for lunch or souvenirs.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t accepted.