November through March is whale-watching season in Punta Mita. Whether aboard a yacht, a berglass panga, or a sailboat, you and your family can enjoy watching humpback whales as they slowly migrate from Alaska through the local waters on a journey that spans some 3,500 miles! You can see breaching and spouting humpbacks in the distance, but to get an exciting up-close experience you can charter a boat from the local village in Punta Mita. The most acrobatic of its species, the humpback whale can shoot straight in the air, breaching the water as it performs an amazing aquatic ballet. For a mammal that measures 40 to 50 feet and weighs between 25 and 40 tons, this is no small task! The warm-blooded creatures are often seen “tail lobbing”, which is when they slap their tail on the waters’ surface. Through the aid of underwater listening devices, whale watchers can listen as the whales “sing”, which is their way of communicating with each other. The songs—sung only by the male—can last as long as 20 minutes. A frequent, year-round occurrence in the Bay of Banderas is wild dolphin encounters. Traveling in various sized pods, the highly intelligent Paci c Bottlenose dolphin is a delight to see in its natural habitat. These sleek, fast-swimming marine mammals dart through the waters, oftentimes leading the way as your adventure craft moves across the water. In addition to spotting whales and dolphins, you’re likely to see giant Manta Ray and of course tropical sh. Why not pack your camera, gather your family and friends and experience an “Animal Planet” moment?
Punta Mita offers some of the best sur ng in Mexico. It is known for consistently good surf without the crowds along with warm Paci c Ocean waters. Many of the breaks are best accessed by boat, but within a short walk of Casa Tres Soles guests can access Punta Mita’s most famous wave break area, La Lancha. Smaller beach breaks and calm waters line the beach in the local village of Punta Mita, making it the perfect sur ng destination for beginners as well as for the best surfers of the world. There are few places in the world that are superior to Punta Mita and the surrounding waters for paddle boarding, a sport that continues to grow in popularity for its tness bene ts and ease of learning.
This pristine area around Punta Mita boasts some of the loveliest beaches and coastline in Banderas Bay. Guests of Casa Tres Soles can easily arrange to rent a captained motor yacht or sailboat, then enjoy the spectacular shoreline and anchor in one of the area’s tranquil coves. Experience a pre-dinner sunset cruise or afternoon whale watching excursion. Aboard a 70-foot luxury motor yacht cruise Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful Bahia de Banderas. With its perfect combination of elegant Italian design and quality American craftsmanship, the vessel provides the ultimate in yachting luxury. Relax as and enjoy the sights as you sail away from Punta Mita and into the local waters. Step up to the helm and take the wheel as captain or simply nd a comfortable spot on the padded deck to be pampered by the attentive staff on this all-inclusive sailboat tour. You’ll also stop in protected coves to snorkel and swim in warm, clear waters enjoying the abundant and colorful marine life.
MARIETA ISLANDS ADVENTURE
Adventures in paradise are abundant in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita. Just offshore, the azure waters of the Paci c invite you to experience a wealth of aquatic activities atop the waves and below. Protecting 44 species of flora and fauna, Marieta Islands National Park is a sanctuary for reproduction, feeding and resting of migratory sea- birds, including the Blue-footed Booby. This group of islands is home to a great variety of coral species and the biggest diversity of reef sh in the Bay of Banderas. Take a boat ride through gregarious groups of wild dolphins, snorkel through a multitude of King Angel sh and Giant Paci c Manta rays, explore by stand-up paddle board the island’s many caves, photograph the rare Blue-footed Boobies and keep your eyes out for our winter visitors the humpback whales!
SPORTFISHING
Some sport shing enthusiasts believe the waters between Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita offer the best deep-sea shing in the world. Spanning 40 miles, the Bay of Banderas is a haven for game and trophy sh including Sail sh and three species of Marlin. The surrounding waters are home to Dorado, Mackerel, Wahoo, Grouper, Tuna, Snapper, Rooster sh and Amberjack as well. Around 18 miles off the beach at Casa Tres Soles, the protected banks around the Marietas Islands are also great places to sh. We’re happy to assist guests with all the arrangements for a terri c outing, including boat charter, equipment and provisions. Anglers can either board a luxurious sport sher or enjoy the more casual experience of shing from a panga captained by a local sherman.
HORSEBACK
RIDING The hillsides, valleys, beaches and rainforests in and around the region have long been the riding grounds of charros (cowboys) and equestrian enthusiasts. There are many daily tours available offering a wide selection of horseback riding adventures suitable for riders of all abilities.
TENNIS
Within a few minutes walk from the villa, guests have access to the private clay courts of El Banco, the gated community in which Casa Tres Soles resides. Managed by Peter Burwash International, Punta Mita’s Tennis Center provides tennis enthusiasts with 10 courts: ve two hard surface and ve synthetic grass courts, all of which are lighted for evening play. The Tennis Center has an apparel and equipment shop as well as men’s and women’s locker rooms.
GOLF
The Punta Mita area is Mexico’s premier golf destination and a preferred destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world. A tapestry of mountains, tropical forests and beaches combine with designs by as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Robert von Hagge and Tom Weiskopf to give players numerous ways to enjoy their rounds. Two award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses at Punta Mita, an impressive Greg Norman layout at Litibu, Von Hagge’s El Tigre Club de Golf course and two courses at Vista Vallarta Club de Golf, a signature course designed by Nicklaus and one designed by Tom Weiskopf, are all just minutes away from Casa Tres Soles.
SPA & BODY TREATMENTS
Guests can select from a full service spa menu, then enjoy relaxing body treatments in the comfort and solitude of our spa room. A sauna provides another way to relax.
FITNESS ROOM
A variety of state-of-the-art exercise machines combine with views of the beautifully landscaped grounds to allow guests to unwind. Yoga sessions and personal training can also be arranged.
MEDIA ROOM
With its big screen TV, numerous seating areas and 000 DVD library, the Media Room is a great place for movie night. THEMED NIGHTS If you’d like a traditional Mexican Fiesta complete with inventive margaritas, premium sipping tequilas and classic cuisine, a serenading Mariachi band and colorful dancers, we’re happy to make the arrangements. Why not host a partido blanco (White Party)? Invite your guests to dress in white for an elegant Bosa Nova chill out.
BEACH BBQ & MORE
The beach at Casa Tres Soles is perfect for beach volleyball, dinner or to gather around a bonfire.
SEA KAYAKING
Paddling a sea kayak in the waters around Casa Tres Soles is a wonderful way to get in a little exercise while exploring the marine life and aquatic wonders. It’s likely you see sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales and schools of tropical fish.
STARGAZING
Casa Tres Soles guests should not overlook what the night brings. With virtually no light pollution here, stargazing is one of the favorite evening activities. Though stars can be seen by the naked eye, telescopes or binoculars make it even easier to admire the celestial wonders overhead. Appreciating that Earth is a moving platform, it provides a view of the stars and solar system that coincides with the change of seasons. Learning the names and shapes of the constellations such as the Big Dipper or Orion or pointing out the rings of Saturn is a great way to spend an evening with children or grandchildren.
CHILDREN’S GAMES
Our staff is on hand to keep your children and or grandchildren happy and busy with craft workshops, scavenger hunts, special games, a pool party, a party with piñatas, movie nights and even s’mores around the fire.