Fishing, Snorkeling, Whale watching
Pando is a local boat captain who will take you on a memorable fishing trip. Nobody knows the local waters better than Pando, he will put you on to fish whether you’re a serious angler targeting roosters and sails or a novice just looking to experience the thrill of landing the big one. Early mornings are the best time to leave. Gear and guide are provided and the trips usually last four or five hours. Enjoy a quick and easy boat ride up the coast where you can snorkel from a small sandy beach. This marine sanctuary is home to a spectacular array of tropical fish, marine life, and the famous blue-footed boobies. The captain will drop you off (with your gear and coolers) on a white beach or private cove where you can spend the rest of the trip relaxing, eating, or enjoying more snorkeling. Memorable coastal views of the jungle meeting the sea are an added bonus, as well as the chance to see whales, turtles, and dolphins on the way to the islands! Half -day panga trips for up to six are under USD $175.
(311) 258-4304 Mexicosta@hotmail.com
San Pancho and neighboring areas are a surfer’s dream. Rent a board and get some expert help on getting to the best spots based on your skill level and the day’s swell. Lefts, rights, and mellow long-boarding waves can all be found within a half-hour drive from San Pancho. You can travel by panga to get to breaks that can’t be accessed by land. Private lessons and board rentals are available.
Alonso is the owner/operator at San Pancho Surf Shop, his place on America Latina is a great place to stop in for a t-shirt, equipment rentals, lessons, surfing trips, and fishing expeditions.
(311) 258-4312 haro240@hotmail.com
Kayak adventures up or down the coast can provide a close look at a wide variety of birds, turtles, dolphins, and whales in season. info@tailwindoutdoor.com
A San Pancho vacation is not complete without a horseback ride down an empty beach as the sun sets and the waves wash ashore. A range of horseback tours is available, from beginning to advanced. Guided tours can take you to empty beaches and virgin jungle never found by the average tourist. A horseback tour allows you to experience the true beauty and life of the jungle. Horseback riding generally costs around USD $25/hour.
San Pancho has a polo field by the soccer field off Tercer Mundo. Saturday night Polo matches are becoming THE thing to do in San Pancho, they put on a wonderful show after the game with live entertainment and excellent food. (seasonal) For polo information, contact Ivan or Gabrielle Echeverria at (311) 258-4391. http://www.polovallarta.com/home.htm
Bird Watching
Luis Morales is a naturalist, an ecologist, and an expert on local flora and fauna, especially birds. Take a lovely walk with him through the jungle and gain wonderful insight into local habitat and creatures. You will be astonished by his ability to identify the scores of bird species you will see, in either English or Spanish! Luis will also entertain you with local history and culture anecdotes. Ask if you have any other questions about San Pancho, Mexican culture, politics, or current events. Luis is a great San Pancho ecology and social systems guide. birdingsanpancho@gmail.com
San Pancho is home to Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde a wonderful ecology group dedicated to preserving marine turtles. During the summer and fall months, female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Director Frank Smith then patrols the beach, excavates the nests, and stores the eggs under environmentally controlled conditions until they are ready to hatch. The hatchlings are then returned to the sea.
Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde http://www.project-tortuga.org/
(311) 258-4100 grupo-eco@project-tortuga.org
If the thought of screaming through the jungle on a zip line fills your heart with glee, then fasten your seatbelt. Rancho mi Chaparrita in Sayulita has set up a zip-line canopy tour for aerial gliding fans. info@michaparrita.com
Therapeutic Massages
harmoniaspa@gmail.com
