Beyond the pristine beaches of the Bay of Banderas lies the opportunity to immerse oneself into the untapped beauty of nature. Visitors can learn about turtles and sea lions in their natural environment, or take the chance to stop by the SPCA Puerto Vallarta and volunteer to help those animals still in need of a home. Puerto Vallarta is a destination of discovery and exploration where there is something for everyone in the family to experience and enjoy.
Sea Turtle Release Program
An educational experience for the entire family in the protection and conservation of an endangered species, Puerto Vallarta’s Sea Turtle Release Program is specially endearing to younger children who can release newborn tiny sea turtles into the ocean. From May to September of every year, thousands of sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. As part of Puerto Vallarta’s Sea Turtle Release Program, every night throughout turtle season, staff members from various hotels located along the beach gather the turtle eggs from the shore and take them for incubation still in their nests to best preserve natural conditions. Once the hatchlings are born and are ready to be released into their natural habitat, the various hotels invite their guests to aid in the release of the newborn hatchlings on the beaches so they find their way into the water.
Estero Salado
The estuary “El Salado”, is located in the town of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Considered an Urban Estero, because it is surrounded by the urban area of the port, covers an area of which approximately 135 hectares are mangrove vegetation and marshes. The rest is made up by two middle-deciduous forest remaining bordered by sequences of elements of aquatic and subaquatic vegetation, thorn forest and secondary vegetation. The connection to the ocean is permanent through a channel about 20 meters wide, 3 meters deep and 2 miles long that leads to the port roadstead. The components of the landscape are a favorable habitat for migratory birds and the development of of mammals and reptiles, such as the American crocodile.
Volunteering
The ANP Estero Salado, the doors are open to all people who want to do social service, internships, or volunteer stays.
Contact the ANP to report concerns and establish the possibility of joining a project or generate new information based on the proposed work.
Encounter with Sea Lions
An educational program allows for an up-close encounter with these playful and curious creatures. Visitors can interact with them in a waist-deep pool and learn more about their behavior from qualified marine mammal trainers.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding is one of many water activities offered along Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta. From board and paddle rentals to lessons with a seasoned expert, Puerto Vallarta offers the popular water activity that will surely make lasting memories of your time spent on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. For as little as $20 for an hour you can have a first time experience in Paddle Boarding on our famous beaches. More infomation
LAS CALETAS BEACH HIDEAWAY
Las Caletas was once the private home of film director John Huston who considered it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Nestled in a secluded nature preserve on the southern shores of Banderas Bay, Las Caletas is now Vallarta Adventures’ own exclusive tropical beach hideaway including the Marietas Islands.
Marietas Islands
A group of rocky islands off the north coast of Puerto Vallarta and a favorite with children and teenagers alike, the Marietas Islands are a true wildlife sanctuary, home to various species of animals including turtles, dolphins, many varieties of tropical fish, and seabirds, including the famous blue footed boobies. The islands’ numerous caves along with their rich wildlife make it a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking.
Canopy Tours
A favorite with both parents and children, canopy tours are an exciting way to see and learn about the varied tropical flora and fauna of the rainforest surrounding Puerto Vallarta. The adrenaline mounts as one rides from treetop to treetop, hovering over the canopy of the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The scenery and bird life is spectacular from this truly privileged vantage point
SPCA Puerto Vallarta
Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers and animal lovers, the current Board of Directors consists of Janice Chatterton – President, Mark McCoy – Treasurer, Luz Wong – Secretary, Yvonne Kalman – Honorary Board Member. All Board members work on a volunteer basis and do not receive salaries. The mission of SPCA de PV is to help fund and promote sterilization, adoption and healthcare efforts for companion animals in the Puerto Vallarta area, with the goal of eliminating the euthanasia of healthy and adoptable animals. Monies raised will support these various goals in ways that are most feasible within the community.
VOLUNTEER
Adoption Days at the Los Mangos Library: Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm
Volunteers are needed to speak with potential adoptive persons, to feed, water and walk the dogs and to feed, water and socialize with the cats. Shifts are approximately two hours beginning at 10 AM and ending at 2 PM every Saturday at the Biblioteca Los Mangos.
To volunteer, contact: Luz Wong – [email protected]
Centro Cultural Cuale
The Centro Cultural Cuale is a wonderful option for those interested in the arts while visiting Puerto Vallarta. This local cultural center, which was built recently, in 2003, hosts its own theater and has a wide variety of activities for the whole community to enjoy on the Cuale Island (Rio Cuale). From film screenings, plays, conferences to workshops and art shows, Cuale Cultural Center has it all. Different types of cultural workshops, events, calls for regional, state and national level. People learn to enjoy individual talents and applying them in their culture and can give back to the community.
Private Beach Bungalow
On glistening sandy beaches along the scenic jungle coast of Banderas Bay you will find Los Chonchos Eco-Resort, a beachfront paradise of 24 private and secluded thatched roof bungalows.
The resort is located just a short one hour boat ride south of Puerto Vallarta, our private beaches are not accessible by car.
Los Chonchos Eco-Resort is set among three private beaches stretch along a half mile shoreline bordered with tropical vegetation and rocky formations, offering a beach vacation experience that is rarely found. Visit http://www.beachfrontcasas.com/
