Ecotours de México is a small, family owned and operated Eco- Travel and Adventure Tour company founded by Astrid Frisch and Karel Beets, a young and enterprising Mexican couple interested in providing a different option for traveling around Mexico. She's a biologist, he holds a degree in hotel management and is currently working on his master's degree in sustainable development.

We started operating in 1991, which makes us pioneers among the eco- tour operators in the country, and we were also founding members of the Mexican Association of Adventure Travel and Eco-tourism (AMTAVE). We have led tours for international associations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the American Museum of Natural History in N.Y; the Saint Louis Zoo, and the National Wildlife Federation.

At Ecotours de México, we offer a different option for people who are interested in having a new and unique experience, who want to learn about the places they visit and are concerned about nature and conservation.
In order to provide this, we rely on a team of great guides; expert biologists and naturalists in charge of offering personal and professional attention on every one of our Eco- tours.

Our tours are run based on the premise that you can't love that which you don't know, and we truly hope that after traveling with us you'll definitely share in our knowledge and our love for nature

Whale Watching

Since ancient times, Banderas Bay has been important as a breeding and calving ground for humpback whales. These amazing leviathans will thrill you with their breaches, songs and behavior displays. You'll have the opportunity to see their impressive courtship displays as well as the tenderness between mothers and their calves. Help us with our photo-identification project and support the Humpback Whale Research and Conservation Project.

Turtle Camp

We invite you to venture into the world of two magnificent Jurassic survivors: marine turtles and crocodiles. Join the efforts of a team of Mexican biologists and conservationists to recover the populations of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles and American Crocodiles. Participate and support the reptile conservation and research projects in Banderas Bay.

Sea Kayaking

This tour begins on the south end of the bay, from this point we depart and begin our paddle adventure toward our snorkeling destination, Colomitos, a gorgeous small soft-sanded cove. In the clear waters of this paradise it is possible to find multicolored fish, rays, and urchins, among other marine life.

Hiking

WE OFFER 2 KIND OF HIKE
RIVER HIKE AT "EL NOGALITO"
Our friendly staff will take you to El Nogalito a small village amidst the jungle south of Puerto Vallarta, From there, we will take you hiking 1 ½ hrs, in and around a refreshing clear water river. Once at the falls, you may choose to enjoy a swim in a crystalline pool. Our guide will discuss with you the different species of local flora and fauna that you may encounter. Along for the ride are tropical birds, multicolored butterflies and lizards.

SIERRA MADRE HIKE
This is 3 hour long dry hike and one of the best views of banders bay, the last stop is el nogalito river. Some of the fauna and flora that we may encounter are lizards, butterflies, multicolored, birds and acacia trees and many other different tropical trees.

Snorkeling

Our snorkeling adventure is simply second to none. The Marietas Islands, one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in México's Pacific coast, schools of fish often number in the hundreds, if not thousands. Sea turtles, dolphins, giant mantas and coral reefs are also part of the Marietas' marine life.

If you keep your head above water, you'll also see a vast colony of sea birds, such as that true pirate of the sky, the magnificent frigate bird, egrets, herons, sea gulls and pelicans, as well as brown boobies and the very bright blue footed boobies, which makes some people refer to the islands as "The Mexican Galapagos".

Bird Watching

Banderas Bay hosts of different bird species in its varied habitats and ecosystems that range from mountains, tropical forests, rivers, mangroves, creeks and shorelines. The diversity is so great that we can hoast up to 350 different bird species in this area.

That's almost HALF of all bird species found in the U.S. and Canada combined! These are great birding tours, ALWAYS small groups and guided by one of Vallarta's top birders. On an average day, we may observe up to 40 species. Like, military macaw, citreoline trogon, elegant quail, bat falcon, great kiskadee, San Blas jays, among others.

Colomitos

Visit a fishing village South of Puerto Vallarta, from this point we will start our hike in a tropical decidious forest and we will be able to observe different species of flora and fauna, some species that we may encounter include tropical birds, butterflies, small lizards and some small land mammals, until we reach a crystal clear water beach called Colomitos, where we will have the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy the multicolored fish.

Scuba Diving

We handle small groups, offer personalized service and professional PADI instructors. One dive master every four divers, fast boats, one of them 32 ft. long and fully equipped, twin engines and bathroom. The other vessel is 28 ft. long with twin engines, radio, no bathroom.

Reptiles

Did you know that crocodiles are the only reptiles that care for their hatchlings?
We invite you to venture into the world of reptiles, learn about these magnificent animals and support their conservation. Discover humongous crocodiles that inhabit ponds and estuaries where they roam freely. Visit an enclosed crocodile research facility.

Dolphins

All aboard for an encounter with our oceans´most fascinating creatures: Wild Dolphins!
Visit a specialized marine laboratory where skeletons of different cetaceans are displayed and then board a motorized boat in search of these widely loved animals. Watch them play in their natural habitat while in the company of our expert naturalist guides.
Time permitting; we will also have the opportunity to snorkel at Piedra Blanca Beach.