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AGUA GUY |
| Enjoy this custom 30 foot Panga (a small outboard fishing boat) for snorkeling, diving or whale watching while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta. |
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AIR TOURS |
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A great day excursion while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta is a Caravan Turbo-Prop plane will bring you to interesting destinations like Careyes (see Golf heading) and the beautiful Tamarindo Golf Course, Copper Canyon, San Sebastian a 400 year old mining town located on the Sierra Madre Mountains, the Morelia to see the butterfly migration (the best months are Jan and Feb) or Guadalajara and the city of Tequila and so much more.
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AOL USERS |
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Puerto Vallarta has local access number for a direct connection to AOL dial 226-0208. You must have an AOL account. There are no long distance charges but AOL does charge a small fee.
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ARCHEOLOGICAL TOUR |
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While in Puerto Vallarta, Visit an Aztec and Huichol Indian sight. Full Day Tour is just $700 pesos $7.00 per person.
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ART CLASSES |
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Puerto Vallarta is fast becoming known as an Artists Mecca. Learn new artistic techniques in watercolor, drawing, oil painting, mixed media etc. Class instructors are local artists Geoff Watkinson, Gabriel Colunga and Angeline Kyba. Information is available at the Art Institute Instituto de Arte.
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BICYCLING |
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A great fun day will be yours taking a mountain bike tour throughout Puerto Vallarta.
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BINGO |
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The Santa Barbara Restaurant has Bingo every Thursday and Saturday night.
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BOAT TOURS AROUND PUERTO VALLARTA |
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Several daily cruise boats are available for sunset tours or day trips in Puerto Vallarta and to Yelapa or Las Animas or for snorkeling and whale watching (in season).
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BLOODHOUND: HISTORIC BRITISH WOODEN SHIP |
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A replica of a 19th century British cutter that became a racing legend. In 1997 a new version of the Bloodhound was completed and today offers whale watching tours on the way to snorkeling at the Marieta Islands. Boarding time is 8:00 am at the Nautilus Omega Resort area opposite the Westin Regina Hotel in Marina Vallarta. Captain Brian Wallace and his wife Laura are your hosts.
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BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS, AND MAGAZINES |
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For a good selections of books, paperbacks, magazines and newspapers in English we have two very good stores, Book Store located at #172 Corona (just up the street from Galeria Uno and / or behind Planet Hollywood) and Libros, Books, located at #127 31 de Octubre (on the side street by McDonalds). You can also find a smaller selection at Rizos Market at the corner of Aquiles Serdan and Constitution in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
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BOWLING |
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Collage Disco at the Sport Center has bowling, billiards, pool tables and video games located in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
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BUNGEE JUMPING |
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Pacific Bungee offers a 120 foot fall over the Pacific. They are located on south of downtown Puerto Vallarta on the Mismaloy highway just past the Continental Hotel. Open daily 10:00 am to sunset.
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CANOPY ADVENTURE |
| Visitors to Puerto Vallarta will have a fantastic view of the cornucopia of life found in the jungle canopy. Travel 2.5 miles as you travel along a series of 13 cables with names such as Banana Split, The Big Enchilada and Speedy Gonzalez. The final cable carries you directly over the Orcadias River. Complimentary refreshments and souvenirs are available under a traditional Mexican Palapa. Also available are water slides, swimming, horseback rides and a novice/pro climbing walls. For a delicious lunch try Panchos's Riverside Restaurant. An open air Mercedes bus will provide free transportation for visitors to enjoy the ocean side villas, beautiful beaches and the Los Arcos Isles. Everyone from children to adults will have a great time. (weight restriction of 250lbs) Call Canopy Tours at 011-52-322-225-8590 or email: Info@CanopyToursVallarta.com, web site:www.canopytours-vallarta.com |
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CAR & DRIVER SERVICES |
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Private air conditioned suburban’s and vans are available while vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Most drivers speak English and can do airport transfers, tours or run you out to Punta Mita to golf. If you have a large group they can also arrange additional cars & drivers.
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CERAMICS |
| Enjoy painting pottery and featuring Pre-Columbian original designs. |
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CHARREADA: MEXICAN RODEO |
| This Mexican Rodeo is usually held on Sundays in Puerto Vallarta and they can be very interesting if you enjoy riding and roping. |
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CROCODILE FARM |
| The University of Guadalajara – Puerto Vallarta Campus at the Cipactli is where you will experience and learn about crocodile reptiles. At least four people are required for the tour. The cost is $400 pesos ($4.00 per person), $300 ($3.00) per child). Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. |
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CYBER CAFES AND INTERNET SERVICES |
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The Net House Cyber Café is one of the best run in Puerto Vallarta and is located at #232 Ignacio L. Vallarta across the street from Roxys.
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DANCE LESSONS |
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The Restaurant Santa Barbara offers a variety of dance lessons every Monday evening from 6:30 pm - 8:00 p.m. in Puerto Vallarta.
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DINING |
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An outstanding selection of restaurants can be found in Puerto Vallarta offering dining in every price range, type of food and atmosphere. See our Dining Guide and also check the Vallarta Lifestyles magazine.
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DINNER THEATER |
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The Restaurant Santa Barbara located at #351 Olas Altas in the Los Muertos Beach area of downtown Puerto Vallarta will be hosting the productions for dinner theater. Seating is reserved so buy your tickets early. Yes, in English!
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DOLPHINS |
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Nuevo Vallarta offers Swim with the Dolphins daily except on Sundays – perhaps one of the greatest experiences you will every have in Puerto Vallarta. Orientation and a 35 minute swim (12 people swim per session) will cost $130.00 USD. This is a very popular activity and we recommend you call and make your reservations as soon as possible as they book months in advance. I will be glad to assist you if you call you our office.
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DUNE-BUGGIES |
| Chico’s Dive Shop and Mud Rats offer road tours. |
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ECO TOURS |
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Offering whale watching, turtle camp to release baby turtles into the ocean, boat through the mangroves, and many wonderful day trips. Wild Life Connections, Vallarta Adventurers, Open Air Expeditions, Eco Tours de Mexico, Natura Expeditions, ATV Adventure Tours and Sierra Madre Tours.
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FACIALS |
| Our staff will be delighted to arrange a Swiss Facial Rejuvenation by Pamela performed at your villa while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Please call our office toll free at 866-851-1113. |
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FLEA MARKET |
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Located at the Upper Bridge on the North side of the Rio Cuale River at the corner of Insurgente and A. Rodriquez in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Look for the "Fisherman Statue". The Flea Market is a fun place to shop for all of those wonderful Mexican souvenirs.
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FISHING ( IN THE BAY ) |
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The small outboard fishing boats “Panga” are available for hiring if you just want to do a little fishing in the bay. The pier on Los Muertos beach, at Mismaloya beach or at the Boca Tomatlan beach is your best bet. It is okay to negotiate the price. It should be around $30 -$40 USD per hour it all depends on how many people etc. A good idea is to choose a boat with a shade cover. Check that they have adequate fishing gear and snorkel gear if you want to snorkel.
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FISHING ( DEEP SEA ) |
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Puerto Vallarta has the best fishing off the Isla Corbatania about 30 miles out into the ocean. Fishing seems to be the best in the summer and fall but you can catch Sail, Dorado and Sierra all year round. There are a number of boats available at the Fishing Docks near the Marina or call the Marina or contact Puerto Vallarta Fishing toll-free at 866-217-9704 or Tonya to Fish at cell phone 044(322)294-0521. Juan Moll at 221-0809. Juan's boats will fish in the bay or out in the ocean. Fishing with Carolina - Carolina is a 30 foot sport fishing boat. A good idea to check the boat out before you pay and check to see what your trip will include - breakfast, lunch, water & soda’s, bait and type of fishing equipment etc.
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FISHING ( FRESH WATER ) |
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Viva Tours in Puerto Vallarta can arrange a one day all - inclusive trip to a great large mouth bass lake with transportation, lunch, small boat and all gear provided from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Similar trips are offered by Lucy at Ola Vallarta Travel, Ernie Pigati Bass Fishing and Natura Expeditions.
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GALLERY HOPPING THE MEXICAN FINE ART GALLERIES |
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Puerto Vallarta has wonderful Art Galleries specializing in Mexican and Latin American art. Visit Galeria Pacifico, Café des Artistes Galeria, Galeria al Arte Latinoamericano, Galeria Dante, Galeria Uno, Galeria Omar Alanso, Judith Ewing Morlan Contemporary Art and Gradiva. Many galleries have frequent cocktail openings where you can meet the artists.
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GO KARTS |
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A great Go Kart Track open daily 9:30 am to 11:00 p.m. Carts for kids (14 mph) with their own mini track. Intermediate and expert (up to 60 mph) on the big track. The Go Kart Track is located just two miles north of the airport on the road to Nuevo Vallarta at Km 153.
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GOLF |
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Puerto Vallarta is one of the premier golf destinations and one of the top golf resorts in North America. Please see our Golf Guide for a complete listing of golf courses near the villas.
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GYMS & SPAS |
| There are many fine gyms and spas in Puerto Vallarta. One of the newest is Gold’s Gym & Spa - this gym has state-of-the-art equipment, classes, a climbing wall and sweat lodges. Located in the hotel zone near the Hotel Las Glorias 224-4040. The popular Curves For Women located on Pulpito Street in Olas Altas and Spa Piedra Viva located at the Buenaventura Hotel. Other spas: European Health Spa, Qualton Spa, Westin Regina Spa, Paradise Village Gym & Spa in Nuevo Vallarta. At The Body Studio - Marcelo Mico uses the Pilates method. Terra Noble, Total Fitness Gym for Women at the Marina, Acqua Day Spa located in the Old Town area at Consitucion #430, Contacto Natural - Prehispanic, Located south of town in El Nogalito. |
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HIKING |
| A favorite hike is to drive the Libramiento north through the first tunnel until you cross the river Cuale. Turn right and drive along the bank of the river until you reach the bridge across the river. Drive another 1/2 mile. Park and hike along the river for a taste of rural Mexico. For more information on hikes for every level of ability see below Natura Expeditions. |
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HOME TOURS: BEAUTIFUL MEXICAN VILLAS |
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High Season in Puerto Vallarta (November to April) The International Friendship Club sponsors a two hour tour of local Villas from 11:00 a.m. On Wednesday and Thursday from The Pasada Real Cuale on the Aquiles Serdan & Ignacio Vallarta. A $30.00 donation is requested for a very worthwhile local charity. The donation pays to send local Mexican children to school for higher education.
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HORSEBACK RIDING |
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Horses are available for rent along the beach at the park near Daiquri Dick's Restaurant in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Rancho Ojo de Agua 224-0607 has a variety of day and overnight trips. For the serious rider or to really see the back country of Puerto Vallarta, you should contact Pam Aquirre, at Rancho Charro Stables. Pam can arrange individual or group trips lasting three hours to six days.
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HOT SPRINGS |
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Located in the Las Palmas area of Puerto Vallarta, sulfurous hot springs baths and pools are at the Balneario Agua Spa Caliente.
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HUNTING |
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Puerto Vallarta has excellent bird hinting in the area. The game depends on the season and Ernie Pigati provides guide service, guns and shells. Cost is $200 USD per person plus shells. Ernie also does a bass fishing trip and cost is $150.00 USD per person.
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INTERNET SERVICE |
| see "Cyber Cafes" above. |
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JEEP TOURS |
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Jeep rental companies are located throughout Puerto Vallarta for hourly and day rentals. For the adventurous, you can rent a jeep for the three or four hour drive to visit the old mining town of San Sebastian, high in the Sierra Madre Mountains. It is a fabulous drive. Consider leaving around ten in the morning, pack a picnic lunch and maybe stay overnight at the Inn on the square and come back the next morning. For information on other tours check with any of the jeep rental companies located in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
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KARAOKE |
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Olas Altas at the Restaurant Santa Barbara every Tuesday and Thursday night in Puerto Vallarta.
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KAYAKS |
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Ocean Kayaks are available for daily rental from the Dreams Hotel or Open Air Expeditions. Check with any local area hotel in Puerto Vallarta for additional information.
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MANICURES & PEDICURES |
| See Pampering heading for more details. |
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MARIETAS ISLANDS |
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Puerto Vallarta Eco Tours and Open Air Expeditions have great day trips to the volcanic islands - now a wildlife reserve. Perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling and bird watching
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MASSAGE |
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Let your villa staff recommend a massage for you. All services available in the comfort and privacy of your villa while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
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MASSAGE - STONE THERAPY |
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Stone Massage Therapy also called Hot Rock Massage, provides a deep warm, nurturing massage that is applied with soft, round and warm river rocks alternated with soothing cold marble stones that bring relief to inflamed sore muscles. Massages are at the Paradise Village Spa in Nuevo Vallarta, just north of downtown Puerto Vallarta
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MEXICAN FIESTAS |
| Traditional Mexican Fiestas are held weekly at most of the larger hotels in downtown Puerto Vallarta and at La Jolla de Mismaloya Hotel south of town. Contact the hotels for the days and times. |
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MOVIE THEATERS |
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The showings are listed in the daily English paper - Vallarta Today and The Tribune and also on the bulletin board at Rizos Market. There are three theaters which offer movies in English (with Spanish subtitles); The Versalles at Francisco Villa #799. L'opera a small theater venue recently opened at #287-1 Encino parallel to the Rio Cuale river on the north side. L'Opera shows movies and offers entertainment as you sip a glass of wine and nibble a sandwich while watching a movie. The Cine Bahia at Insurgentes #63, and The Luz Maria on Ave. Mexico #227. Pick up the current movie listing at the L'Opera location. For current listing of movie theater and L'Opera go to the Life Style web sit at www.virtualvallarta.com, click on "Movies".
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MUSEUM |
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Prehispanic Museum is located on the island of the Cuale River on the end of the island closest to the ocean in Puerto Vallarta. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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NATURE EXPEDITIONS |
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Great way to see the back country. All helmets and water bottles provided for both guided tours, which are recommended or unguided rentals.
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NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, & BOOKS |
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Please see "Book" in this listing – in English.
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NIGHT LIFE |
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Check the Vallarta Today or the Voice Paper to see what's hot or just walk the Malecon in downtown Puerto Vallarta and follow the sound of music. There is everything from jazz and rock at Club Roxy to disco at the Cactus.
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OFF ROAD DRIVING |
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Along the edges of Banderas Bay and along jungle rivers and into the foothills of the mountains. Stop at Chico’s Dive Shop. Off road vehicles are for rent at the Bungee Jump see "Bungee Jump" this listing or ATV Adventure Tours.
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PAMPERING |
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Have a manicure, pedicure or facial in the comfort of your villa during your holiday in Puerto Vallarta. Our staff can recommend a beautician.
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PARA-SAILING |
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Look for a para-sail in the sky and you will find the Para-Sailing rides. Tickets can be purchased on the beach where the sail lands. Rides are available from many of the beaches with the closest beach being Los Muertos in Puerto Valalrta.
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PIANO BAR |
| Restaurant Santa Barbara, Olas Altas #351 |
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REAL ESTATE |
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If you are interested in purchasing a vacation home in Puerto Vallarta or if you have questions about property ownership in Puerto Vallarta or surrounding town in Mexico, please contact our office toll free 866-851-1113 or email us at info@casabayvillas.com Please see Real Estate Link on our Home Page.
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SAILING, CATAMARAN, & MOTOR YACHTS |
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A fun day trip is up at the El Eden Restaurant above the village of Mismaloya to swim and have a delightful lunch. Full day or half day packages are available and a variety of other pleasure boating options. Call 223-4027 – Scooter Rental: There are several locations around downtown Vallarta.
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SCUBA DIVING |
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Rodolfo at Chico’s Dive Shop will take you to see a Moray Eel. Pacific Scuba offers a variety of day or night dives. As about lessons and it is also possible to become dive certified.
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SHOPPING |
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A shoppers paradise is found in downtown Puerto Vallarta from high fashion jewelry to Mexican handicrafts are available at a wide variety of shops. Among the most interesting shops are Viva Jewelry and Cerroblanca, Banderas Bay Trading Company, Querubines, Puerco Azul, Nebaj, La Tienda, Safari and Azul Siempre Azul.
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SNORKELING |
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Off the rocks right in front of many of the villas and off the El Set Beach. All the dive shops offer snorkeling trips. Drive down to Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlan and hire a Panga. Check to make sure the boat you hire has enough snorkel gear for everyone in your party.
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SPAS & GYMS |
| See "Gyms" this listing. |
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SURFING |
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Good surfing, body surfing and boogie board surfing along the beaches near Sayulita, San Poncho, Punta Mita,Veneros and Accion Tropical. Several new surfing shops have opened where you can rent equipment. Equipment is available on the beach, but to be safe, rent equipment in town or at a surf shop.
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SQUASH CLUB |
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Ulama Squash Club located at Jilguero #171, Col. Los Sauces. There are four courts, one trainer and a child's program.
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TENNIS |
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Courts at the Puerto Vallarta John Newcombe Tennis Center, just ten minutes north of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Continental Plaza Tennis Center, Iquana Racquet Club, La Jolla de Mismaloya Club de Tennis, Flamingos, Mesa del Mar and Dreams Resort & Spa which are the closest to the villas. For additional courts call the Marriot Hotel and The Presidente Inter-Continental Hotel.
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TEQUILA MAKING - LEYVA DISTILLERY |
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This small family run business is located just a 15 minute drive north from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Tequila produced with traditional hands on techniques passed down through the generations so only 60 liters of 100% agave azul tequila is produced each day. Your host Don Marco will walk you through each step of this tried and true process. Located in Mezcales, Nayarit at #197 Puesta de Sol. The hours are Monday thru Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The tour is about one hour and there are free samples.
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TEQUILA TASTING |
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Located in a traditional Mexican Hacienda in Puerto Vallarta, you will enjoy a tequila tasting from an extraordinary collection of tequila. Listen to live music until 2:00 a.m. Light food is available and the finest Cuban cigars. Morelos #589 – only one block off the Malecon.
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TROLLEY |
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An enchanting open air trolley will take you on a short tour of the downtown Puerto Vallarta. It leaves from in front of McDonald's every 30 minutes between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm. The cost is $6.00 USD per person.
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TURTLES |
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In Mexico turtles are protected and it is against the law to sell or consume turtle soup, turtle eggs, turtle shells etc. During the summer months the adult turtles return to our Vallarta shores to lay their eggs. The nests are protected by a fence and guarded until the hatchlings emerge. Many hotels, who have protected nesting sites on their beaches, will allow guests to help the new hatchlings get from the nurseries to the open ocean; Rosita Hotel, Sheraton, Fiesta Americana, Westin Regina, Marriott Casa Magna, Sun Terra Vallarta Torre, Presidente Intercontinental and Dreams Resort & Spa. Inquire at the reception desk of the hotel nearest you about estimated hatching schedules and if you can participate in the release of the hatchlings.
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WHALE WATCHING |
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In the winter months in Puerto Vallarta (November to March) Whale Sittings in the Bay of Banderas can be viewed from the terrace on you villa. There are several tour companies will take you on the water to watch the whales. Often you will see mothers and their babies close up. For an excellent tour which included lunch call Eduardo from Wild Life Connections or Oscar Frey from Ocean Friendly Tours. Oscar is a Consultant for the Department of Oceanografia y Ecoturismo. He is an oceanologist and whale photographer. Oscar is extremely knowledgeable and will give private yacht tours for groups of eight guests.
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WIND SURFING |
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Many of the hotels in Puerto Vallarta rent wind surfers. Call the hotel information desks at the hotels closest to you.
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YACHTING |
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Motor yachts, sail boats and catamarans are readily available in Puerto Vallarta or at the Marina.
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YOGA |
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Classes are held at the Escuela de Musica in the Isla Rio Cuale on the island in the River Cuale below the bridge - East end of the island in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Everyone is welcome. There are also morning classes on the beach at the Los Arcos Hotel in Olas Altas. Yoga with Mikki, Yoga Vallarta all have daily classes for all levels.
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