This tour was terrible.
We arrived in PV on a cruise ship but booked independently. The office lady in the port location failed to check-in the first 20 guests when they arrived.
As additional guests continued to arrive and fill up the waiting area, she began checking in new groups. This upset the earlier arrivals, and created unnecessary tension and drama.
The tour ultimately left on-time at 12pm, but everyone was hot and irritated. They also don't accept cards in the office, so you need cash to pay for the extra insurance policy.
We drove 30+ minutes to the location to pick up the off-road vehicles. There was no tour guide during the very bumpy and sweaty outdoor ride, and that would have been a nice touch. At least, distracting from the discomfort.
Once we arrived, it was A LOT of standing around and no clear direction.
We were given bandanas, goggles and a helmet.
However, we weren't given any special consideration as a family with young kids (aged 4&7.) It was a free-for-all with some groups grabbing premium, newer RZR vehicles with shade covers, and families being stuck with older, more warn and rusted RZRs.
The staff didn't bother helping the younger families getting into the RZRs or getting kids safety gear on and buckled either.
We finally started our tour at 1:26pm and it ended at 3:05pm. So 1.5 hours start to finish.
After a 45 minute dusty drive in the jungle, we arrived at the waterfall. Again, no help from the staff to help families get in or out. No tour guides talking about the waterfall- they were just herding cattle- and zero smiles or looks of enjoyment from the staff.
We had a decent hike down to the waterfall and were allowed to enjoy it for about 15 minutes before they started whistling and yelling at us to leave.
So we trek our young kids, soaking wet, back up the cliff, get to our RZRs and begin getting safety gear back on.
This takes TIME.... and that's simply something they don't understand or appreciate.
We ride approximately 5 minutes to another stop.
Safety gear off, kids out, small hike..... to a scenic view but again, no details and now there's a bar serving beer and overpriced Doritos. Cash only. $2.50 per snack bag.
10 minutes later- they're whistling and yelling at us to get back into our vehicles. We JUST sat down.
Now our kids are downright upset. They couldn't finish their snack, they're wet and being rushed from site to site.
And we keep taking gear on and off for 15 minute stops. The lead "guide" then rolled his eyes at me as we are trying to get gear on our kids. For context, I'm not moving slow... I'm hustling, with 2 kids and feeling every second of pressure.
We load up, safety gear on, take off, make a few turns, cross the 2nd bridge and were back at the starting point. Maybe 4 minutes later.
So let's break it down:
12pm tour with an 11:40 check in.
12pm-12:30- driving
12:30-1:15pm- sitting around waiting for instructions
1:15pm-1:30- instruction briefing and getting into the RZR
1:30-2:15- off roading. Fun but the tour was packed so it wasn't some "exhilarating" experience. You're moving as fast as the 15+RZRs and 30+ ATVs ahead of you.
2:15-2:30- hike down, waterfall, hike up
2:30-2:40- off roading
2:40-2:55 overpriced chips and beer
2:55-3:05- 2 turns, a bridge and finished.
You're brought back to their restaurant where the photographers will attempt to extort more money.
The end of this "tour" requires a walk of the property to find the tequila tasting under the deck. For non-drinkers and children- this is a waste of time and you are stuck waiting 1.5 hours for a return shuttle back to port. Want to swim in their little pool? That'll be another $10 per person!!
If this sounds like the day you want to have, book it!!!
But $500 later, I'm feeling rushed, ripped off and like my day in Puerta Vallarta was wasted.
I did not hear any other guests giving great reviews either. I heard it was "okay" "meh" "it was fun, but not what I expected"
Who wants to feel like that on Vacation!!?!