5-Plus Water Activities to Enjoy in the Bay

To know the magic of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, it is necessary to live the experience. Full of natural riches that include a fusion of sea, mountains and scenery full of exuberant vegetation, our destination is the ideal paradise for those seeking a dose of adrenaline.

Fortunately, along the more than 60 miles that comprise Banderas Bay (the approximate distance between Punta de Mita and Cabo Corrientes), you can find numerous water activities that will feed your adventurous spirit and, incidentally, last in your memory for years. If what you are looking for is excitement, experiences and vertigo, the Vallarta Lifestyles editorial staff offers the following options to enjoy on the beaches of our destination.

1. FLYBOARDING

One of the activities gaining popularity on our destination’s beaches is flyboarding, a water sport practiced with a propulsion system placed on the feet, which allows you to rise above the water, submerge in it and do all kinds of twirls (according to skill and experience acquired).

Is it difficult to get up with a flyboard?
Ninety-five percent of the people who try manage to keep their balance on water within less than five minutes. Although it is not necessary to be in great physical shape, it is ideal to have good balance.

2. KITEBOARDING

This extreme sport combines surfing, kite flying and water skiing. It consists of gliding through the water on a special board, assisted by a traction kite powered by the wind, which is attached to the body with ropes, allowing the participant to perform spectacularly high jumps and twirls in the air.

Who can practice it?
Although it is considered a high-risk sport, anyone over 18 in good physical condition can take classes and begin to master this exciting extreme sport in a short time.

3. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (SUP)

This fabulous and entertaining sport gains more and more fans around the world every day. Standing on a special board, paddling toward the horizon and feeling one with the sea is a relaxing experience that fills you with energy at the same time. This activity is ideal for the whole family, but it is very helpful to have some sense of balance.

What are the best conditions to start practicing SUP?
It is usually extremely easy if you choose a day when the sea is calm and there is not much wind. Having the weather against you can make your experience very frustrating.

4. SNORKELING

Without a doubt, snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Vallarta · Nayarit. It is about getting on a boat and going to one of the many points in the bay to dive, explore and appreciate the great diversity of marine flora and fauna in our sea. The equipment is relatively easy to use, and once underwater, in an environment strange to the human being, you will not want to leave.

Where can you practice snorkeling?
Although there are several spots, the most popular are Los Arcos de Mismaloya, El Cañón, La Quijada del Diablo, El Acuario, Las Lajas and El Bajo del Cristo, as well as around the Islas Marietas and Isla Coral.

5. SUP YOGA

In this combination of stand-up paddleboarding and traditional yoga, the poses and sequences are adapted to be practiced while you float on a board over the sea. Due to its benefits for the mind and body, it has become one of the favorite aquatic activities to perform at the world’s most famous and exclusive beaches, our destination standing out.

What are the benefits of practicing this sport?
While beginners develop a better sense of balance, strengthen the abdominal area and lower back and have greater awareness about their body, for the more advanced this sport means a new challenge, performing the poses they do on land but on a board that is balanced by the natural movement of the sea.

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Before heading out to the beach to enjoy any of the aforementioned water activities, please be sure to take the following items with you, as they will help you enjoy the activities properly and avoid mishaps:

• Beachwear
• An extra change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Lifejacket
• Cap
• Sunglasses
• Bottled water
• Towel
• Pills for motion sickness
• Snacks
• A special waterproof case for your cell phone or camera (in case you want to take some pictures and/or videos of the experience)

Although it is very helpful to know how to swim, it is not necessary for all activities. Whatever adventure you choose to share with your friends and/or family members, we are sure it will be so rewarding that you will seriously consider becoming a regular participant during your stay in Vallarta · Nayarit. Enjoy!