Rating7.0Rating8.2Rating9.1The activities program covers water sports, fitness classes, evening entertainment, and a handful of cultural experiences, the majority included in the all-inclusive rate. Non-motorized water sports — kayaking, paddleboarding, boogie boarding — run from the beach with no sign-up required. Fitness classes (Zumba, yoga, interval training, aqua-cycle) are included and run on a posted daily schedule. Motorized water sports — jet skis, parasailing, banana boat, catamarans — are extra charge, arranged through vendors on the beach. The two activities consistently highlighted in reviews as worth seeking out are the tequila tastings and the guided jungle hike, both of which feel specific to the region rather than generic resort programming.
Four infinity-edge pools positioned to look out over the cove, open to all ages. The vanishing-edge design at this elevation above the beach makes them visually impressive rather than just functional. Heated in winter. Crowd levels peak mid-morning to mid-afternoon; early mornings and early evenings are noticeably quieter. The pools are well-maintained and the infinity effect toward the Pacific is one of the better executions of the format in the region.
Two separate pools designated adults-only. One sits adjacent to Bar Tortugas. These see meaningfully lower crowd levels than the main pools at peak hours and are the best option for guests who want to read poolside without competing for chairs with families. The adults-only designation is enforced. If quiet pool time is a priority for your trip, request accommodations nearest to this section.
Separate, shallow kids' pool with its own dedicated area away from the adult pools. Allows families with young children to let kids splash without worrying about depth or mixing with adult pool traffic. Supervised by resort staff. Size is appropriate for its purpose — not a water park, but functional and safe.
The pool attached to the swim-up bar, adults-only (18+). The cocktail menu here features mangonadas and tamarind micheladas that appear in enough reviews to be worth specifically seeking out. Views across Banderas Bay from the pool level are among the better vantage points on the property. Tends to be livelier than the tranquility pools — this is the social pool.
Separate outdoor infinity hot tub with views over the water. Smaller capacity than the pools — not somewhere to spend hours, but a good late-afternoon or evening option when the pools get busy. Worth checking in the early evening before dinner when it is typically less crowded than midday.
Located on the third floor of the VitaMar Spa — a dedicated hydrotherapy circuit with jetted pools, a private infinity pool, steam room, and sauna. Not accessible without purchasing a spa treatment, but access lasts the full day once granted. Quieter than the main pools by a significant margin and a useful option for guests who want to avoid the outdoor pool crowd on any given afternoon.
A naturally sheltered cove with volcanic cliffs on both sides, approximately 1,250 feet of beach. The protection from swells makes this significantly more swimmable than the open-coast beaches north toward Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Zone — the water is calm enough for children on most days. The sand is fine and well-maintained. Included non-motorized water sports (kayaking, boogie boarding, paddleboarding) launch from here. Shaded palapas are available on a first-come basis and reviews consistently note that chair availability is not a problem — you do not need to get up at 6 a.m. to save a spot. A beachfront bar provides drink service directly on the sand. Nudity is not permitted under local regulations. The one honest caveat: on days with strong Pacific swells, the cove can get rougher than its sheltered reputation suggests, and swimming may be limited. This is seasonal rather than chronic but worth knowing.
Instructor-led water workout in the pool, included. Runs on the daily schedule — check the activity board on arrival. Good for guests who want to stay active without the full gym setup. Walk-in, no advance sign-up needed.
Boards available at the beach, included. Las Estacas Beach is a protected cove with generally calmer waves than open-ocean beaches, but wave strength can vary seasonally — strong swells occasionally limit ocean swimming and affect boogie boarding. Best during calmer weather windows.
Single and double kayaks available from the beach, included. The guided tour option gives you a narrated circuit around the cove with commentary on the cliffs and marine life. Worth doing on arrival before crowds build. No advance booking required, but check availability with beach staff.
Stand-up paddleboard access from the beach, included. The sheltered cove makes this more manageable than paddleboarding on open coastlines — less swell to fight. Equipment available on a first-come basis from beach staff.
Two courts available, equipment provided, included. Lessons are not mentioned in the standard programming so assume those would be at extra cost if available at all. Courts are functional but not a primary draw for most guests. Useful for guests who want to maintain a regular game.
Organized games run on the beach and in the pool on the daily schedule, included. Good for guests traveling in groups or those comfortable joining pickup games with other guests. Check the activity board for scheduled times.
Scheduled beach soccer matches, included. Organized by the activity team — check the daily board. Most useful for guests with kids who want structured competitive play rather than free-form beach time.
The gym runs 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily with modern equipment and personal LCD screens on cardio machines. Daily classes — Zumba, yoga, interval training, aqua-cycle, paddle-yoga — are included and rotate throughout the week. Check the schedule posted in the fitness center on arrival. Walk-in for classes, no advance booking needed.
Supervised children's program for ages 4 to 12, included. Programming includes arts and crafts, games, swimming, nature activities, and the beach playground. The seasonal sea turtle nursery and release program is the standout — kids participate in actual releases, which generates strong feedback in family reviews. Hours are not published in advance; confirm with the kids' club desk on arrival. Renovated as part of the April 2025 update.
Evening shows, theme nights, and live performances run most nights, included. Quality varies and the programming is not distinguished enough to be a primary booking reason, but it fills the after-dinner hours adequately. Schedule posted daily at the main entertainment area.
Live music in various venues throughout the day and evening, included. Karaoke sessions scheduled in the activity program. More relevant to guests who enjoy ambient live music than as a standalone activity draw.
Interactive classes covering Mexican dishes led by resort chefs, included. Capacity is limited — add your name to the list early on arrival day rather than assuming you can walk in. One of the better included cultural activities on the program.
Guided sessions led by certified tequila sommeliers covering the production, classification, and regional differences of Mexican tequila, included. Frequently mentioned in reviews as one of the more engaging and genuinely educational activities the resort offers. Capacity is limited; sign up at the activity desk on arrival.
Group dance instruction (regional Mexican styles) and cocktail-making workshops, both included. Fun options for groups or couples looking for light participation activities rather than passive entertainment. No prior experience expected.
A 90-minute guided hike through the jungle terrain surrounding the resort, included. One of the few activities at this property that takes genuine advantage of the natural setting beyond the beach. The hike gets positive mentions in reviews for the guides' knowledge of local flora and wildlife. Comfortable closed-toe shoes required. Sign up in advance — group sizes are limited.
Available through beach vendors, extra charge not included in the all-inclusive rate. Rates vary by vendor and season. Arrange directly on the beach — no advance booking typically required.
Catamaran rentals available, extra charge. Banderas Bay is a good sailing location and the protected cove entry makes launching manageable. Arrange through beach or concierge.
Diving excursions available for an extra fee through third-party operators. The rocky cove edges have some interesting marine life, and offshore sites are accessible via boat. Not the Caribbean, but the Pacific diving here is underrated. Beginners and certified divers both accommodated.
Available through beach vendors, extra charge. Views over Banderas Bay are good from altitude. Standard operation — no advance booking needed, typically a 15-20 minute wait during peak hours.
Extra charge, arranged on the beach. Classic resort activity — suitable for families with older kids (young children may find the speed uncomfortable). No advance booking needed.
Third-party tour operators offer additional excursions bookable through the concierge or independently. Seasonal whale watching (January through March, humpback whales are consistently present in Banderas Bay), extended jungle tours, and sea turtle excursions beyond the on-site program. Downtown Puerto Vallarta is 12 to 16 km away and worth a half-day for the Malecon and local food scene.