Nineteen ziplines make a jungle day. A Puerto Vallarta canopy tour with an optional APEX speedboat ride gives you jungle flying, bay views, and river fun in one package. I especially like how the crew stresses safety gear and the braking system, and how the ride ends with water slides and natural river pools. One thing to weigh first: it’s a moderate-to-active day with lots of climbing between platforms, and some people find the walking and stairs tiring.

I also like the guide energy. The staff brings humor and hands-on instruction, and I’ve seen praise for guides like Luigi, Ramon, Eduardo, Edgar, Pepe, and Moises (plus the rest of the team). You’ll get bilingual guidance, lockers for your stuff, and time built in to swim, kayak, and cool off if weather cooperates.

If you’re booking for a family, plan around the physical parts. This tour isn’t suitable for kids under 5, and it can be a poor fit if you have back issues, heart problems, mobility limits, or if you’re over 280 lbs (127 kg). The land version is recommended for pregnant travelers and those who may need to skip the speedboat segment.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• 19 zip lines over jungle, treetops, and above the Los Horcones River, including a line over 1,800 feet long
• APEX speedboat option can hit up to 40 mph with a smooth ride and big bay views
• Riverfront time includes water slides, kayaking, and swimming in natural pools when conditions are right
• Animal House sanctuary with rescued species like monkeys, toucans, guacamayas, and more
• Tequila tasting plus an optional lunch at Los Veranos Café (food and drinks aren’t included)

APEX Speedboat or Open-Air Jungle Truck: The Best Way to Start

The tour is built around a simple idea: you get to see Puerto Vallarta from the water, then switch to a jungle setting fast. You choose your transportation style. If you book the speedboat option, you typically depart from Puerto Vallarta Marina or Paradise Village Marina on APEX boats. These are large, comfortable speedboats designed to glide across the bay at speeds up to 40 mph. People describe the ride as so smooth you often don’t even feel a ripple.

If you prefer less water time, you can do it with land transportation on open-air jungle trucks or vans. Either way, you’ll pick from multiple pickup points around Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. This matters because the faster you get to the action, the more enjoyable the day feels—especially if you’re traveling with kids or mixing the tour with beach time later.

While you’re crossing the bay, you’ll get sweeping views of Puerto Vallarta plus the famous Los Arcos Islands and a marine preserve area. Even if you’ve already seen the waterfront, this angle feels different. You’re moving along the coast at speed, with the city dropping in and out of view as you head toward the tour area.

The 19-Line Canopy Course Over Jungle and the Horcones River

This is the core of the day. Los Veranos Canopy is described as Puerto Vallarta’s original zipline circuit, and the system is called the largest zip line system in the world with 19 separate zip lines. That’s not just a marketing number. It translates to a long run, lots of different sections, and the kind of variety that keeps it from turning into one long, repetitive zip.

The course takes you above jungle treetops and over the Los Horcones River. Between platforms, you hike and walk—sometimes with stairs, sometimes with uneven ground. That’s why the tour is listed as moderate activity. I’d treat this as “go in athletic, not casual.” If you’re expecting a gentle stroll, you’ll likely be surprised.

One standout is the longest zip line, described as more than 1,800 feet long, flying over mountains and above the raging waters of the Horcones River below. You don’t have to understand the physics to feel the difference on a line that long. The speed and height mix into a real adrenaline moment—especially once you’ve done a few shorter zips and your confidence rises.

Safety Gear, Guide Training, and the Pace of Flying

The tour is built around safety with a very straightforward approach: guides explain how the course works, then show you the gear before you start. Included safety equipment and the staff’s focus on the braking system are a big part of why people rate this so highly. The guides are bilingual, and the overall vibe is upbeat—so it doesn’t feel like you’re being dragged through a checklist.

The guides also matter because your day is paced through many platforms and transitions. You’re not just strapped in and launched. You stop, listen, adjust, walk to the next takeoff, then fly again. That rhythm is why the crew’s attention feels like more than “background support.” It affects how smooth the experience feels from station to station.

One practical tip: wear shoes with real grip. This isn’t a “sandals only” kind of day. Comfortable shoes also help because you’ll be walking between platforms more than you might expect from the word zipline.

Photos, Stairs, and How to Get the Most Out of Your Time

This tour is photo-friendly. There are photographers on-site who make money by selling images, and at least one reviewer called the pricing steep (around $40–$50). If photos are important to you, decide ahead of time whether you want to buy the full set or pick just a few.

You’ll also naturally get photo moments during the walk sections. The course includes treetop-to-treetop flying, plus opportunities where you’re on the ground between platforms and can capture the jungle landscapes from different angles. That ground time is also where you see how the day is organized—platform by platform, with built-in breaks.

Stairs are part of the deal. Some people even choose to take short cuts that bypass the highest lines if they’re dealing with knee or mobility concerns. If you have any joint issues, it’s worth being honest with the staff early. They can guide you toward the option that keeps the day enjoyable.

Riverfront Fun After the Canopy: Slides, Kayaks, and Cool Down Time

Once you finish the zipline portion, the day shifts from air to water. You get riverfront access with water slides, kayaking, and time to swim in natural river pools. There’s also time to relax on a golden sand-groomed river beach.

Weather matters here. Swimming, sliding, and kayaking are listed as weather permitting, so don’t plan this portion like it’s guaranteed to be identical every day. Still, it’s a great structure: zipline first when you’re pumped, then water fun while you’re ready to cool off.

A quick heads-up from real-world feedback: not everyone felt great about the river water. One review said the river was too dirty to enter. That’s not something I’d ignore—if water quality is important to you, consider having a backup plan for cooling down even if you skip the swim.

If you want a calmer activity between the thrill of flying and the adrenaline of a boat ride, kayaking fits well. You’ll also find water toys waiting, which helps if you’re traveling with kids.

The Animal House Sanctuary: Rescued Species Up Close

A big reason people love this tour is that it adds wildlife without turning it into a one-note zoo visit. After the canopy, you’ll visit an exotic animal sanctuary called the Animal House. The list of animals included in the tour info covers marmoset monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, boas, iguanas, and macaws. Other details mention toucans, guacamayas, and more.

Some reviews mention hands-on encounters, like holding monkeys. That’s a big deal for animal lovers and families because it feels interactive instead of distant. Just remember: this is a rescued-animal setting. Your best move is to follow the handlers’ guidance so both the animals and the experience stay safe and respectful.

If you’re traveling with kids, this part can be the difference between a day that feels like a lot of hiking and a day that feels like a full adventure. It breaks the day into clear chapters: fly the jungle, cool off, then meet the animals.

Tequila Tasting and Optional Lunch at Los Veranos Café

This tour includes tequila tasting. You’ll sample tequila from Los Veranos Tequila and Los Arcos Tequila, and the info specifically frames this as a limited chance to taste crafted tequilas with unique flavors. It’s not a random stop. It’s timed after the canopy portion, when you’re already wet, winded, and ready to slow down.

Food is another story: lunch is described as optional at the riverfront restaurant Los Veranos Café, and the tour info says food and drinks aren’t included. So you’ll likely pay extra if you want that meal. If you do, it’s worth it for the setting—riverfront and a chance to sit and reset.

One thing to plan for: bring cash. You’ll need cash for optional purchases, and at least one review advised having cash or a card for lunch. The tour also says to bring cash, and it calls out the practical habit of carrying it on tour days in this area.

Price and Value: Why $120 Can Feel Like a Deal

At $120 per person for an about-5-hour experience, this tour stacks multiple activities: 19 zip lines, river slides and kayaking, an animal sanctuary visit, and tequila tasting. You’re also getting round-trip transportation either by speedboat or by land vehicles. In real travel terms, that kind of bundle can be better value than booking each part separately, especially if you want a single, guided day that doesn’t require you to coordinate transfers between attractions.

There’s also some flexibility baked in. The speedboat option can reduce travel time if you’re coming from Nuevo Vallarta, and land transport works better for people who should avoid boat segments. That matters for value because the best deal isn’t only about price—it’s about fitting the day to your body and comfort level.

One caution about timing: a reviewer said the tour ended up closer to seven hours. That’s a clue to plan a loose schedule for the rest of your day, especially if you’re buying photos or adding the optional lunch.

Who Should Book This Puerto Vallarta Adventure (and Who Should Skip It)

This canopy-and-bay combo fits best if you:

• Want a big activity day, not just a quick zip line session
• Like the mix of adrenaline and downtime (fly high, then slide and swim)
• Enjoy animals and want a hands-on sanctuary component
• Are traveling with teens and older kids who can handle stairs and walking

It’s less ideal if you:

• Are bringing children under 5 (not suitable)
• Are pregnant and want the speedboat portion (land transportation is recommended)
• Have back problems, heart problems, or mobility impairments
• Need very limited walking or stairs
• Are above 280 lbs (127 kg)

If you’re unsure, treat it as an “active day” first and an “attraction” second. The zipline portion has climbing, and that’s the part that shapes how enjoyable everything else feels.

Should You Book Los Veranos Canopy With Speedboat or Land Truck?

If you want Puerto Vallarta at full volume—jungle canopy, river play, wildlife encounters, and bay scenery—this is a strong pick. The combination is the value: you’re not paying just for ziplines, and you’re not paying just for a boat ride. You’re paying for a full sequence that feels like one story.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable with moderate walking and stairs and you can follow safety instructions. I’d also book it if your group includes kids around school-age and older; at least a few reviews say children loved the slides and the animal encounters.

I’d reconsider if your group needs low-impact movement or if you’re worried about river swimming quality. In that case, you can still enjoy parts of the tour, but be realistic about which activities might not feel great in every condition.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta canopy tour?

The tour duration is listed as 5 hours.

How many zip lines are included?

The canopy circuit includes 19 zip lines.

Where does the speedboat option depart from?

If you choose the speedboat, you depart from either Puerto Vallarta Marina or Paradise Village Marina.

What activities are included besides zip lining?

You’ll also have water slides, kayaking, and time to swim in natural river pools (weather permitting), plus an Exotic Animal Sanctuary visit and a tequila tasting.

Is lunch included?

Food and drinks are not included. There is an optional lunch available at Los Veranos Café.

Do I need to bring cash?

Yes. The tour notes that you should bring cash, and you may need it for optional purchases like lunch.

What should I bring for the tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 5.

What languages are the guides?

The tour provides live guides in English and Spanish.

Is there a port fee for boat departures?

Yes. A $2 USD port fee is required for departures by boat in Marina, and it can be paid in cash or by card in the office.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.