From the hip resort of Sayulita to the jungles of the Sierra Madres in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, adventures in nature appeal to everyone in the family, whatever their fitness level.
Riviera Nayarit, the lush Pacific Coast region of Nayarit state, extends from the gated resort community of Nuevo Vallarta (pronounced No-voh VY-ar-tah) north to the San Blas peninsula.
Families will find diverse cultural and environmental riches as well as nice beaches facing the calm, shallow Banderas Bay. Read on to plan family adventures that range from making your own tortillas in an outdoor oven, to riding a mule, ATVing through sub-tropical forest for a zip line tour, rappelling down waterfalls, and lots of wet fun.
How Riviera Nayarit Differs from Puerto Vallarta
The established beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, farther south on the coast, is in the state of Jalisco. Although the entire coastline region shares an airport, the destinations are very different.
Puerto Vallarta is about beaches, shopping, galleries, dining and nightlife. You can visit a tequila distillery and take street taco tours. Outside the historic village, the diverse and inclusive crowd frequents many fine hotels, cultural events and activities. The Westin Puerto Vallarta is one resort that families love.
Nayarit, in contrast, is more rugged with a greater focus on eco adventures. Visit the region year round because it boasts a mild tropical climate that averages 80°F (27°C.) Having said that, it can be very hot and humid during the summer rainy season and cool on winter evenings.
Here’s a look at Riviera Nayarit’s top nature attractions, guided adventures, and treks through the rugged environment, from south to north along the coast.
Start at the Region’s Commercial Center: Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta is a purpose-built enclave of affordable, contemporary beachfront resorts. It’s conveniently just 12 miles from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, or a 15-minute drive or a water taxi away from the charming village of PV. The new Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit is a well-priced all-inclusive in Nuevo with beach access.
Since Nuevo Vallarta is a planned community of hotels and condominiums, there’s not much to see or do in town. However, we can recommend a fine seafood restaurant that is worth a stop. La Laguna Tino’s at Blvd Nayarit #393 Nuevo Vallarta is open daily for lunch and dinner. Stop for some fresh seafood and watch the turtles play by the dock outside.
Riviera Nayarit Road Trip: Route 200 along the Pacific Coast
If you have time, skip the modern highway from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and take the very scenic Route 200, a well paved, two-lane blacktop, north. Use a bit of Spanish, a good map and a rental car -– or hire a car and driver from Tropical Incentives as we did. Families can have fun days out and meet the locals at several bustling villages.
Bucerias Stop for a Meal and a Walk
Heading north from Nuevo Vallarta, you’ll come across Bucerias first. This is a hip town where those who work in the region’s tourist trade can afford to live. And live well, they do. This tiny fishing town is a popular spot for shopping and dining. Each January, Bucerias is the setting for the “Virgen de la Paz” festival which includes the blessing of the local fishing fleet.
Fishing is the Sustainable Adventure at La Cruz
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a nice place to stop for a fresh seafood meal or a stroll on the beach. At our first visit, from Route 200, you could see the barren tree struck by lightning whose remaining limbs formed a cruz or cross to become the town’s namesake.
This bayfront town grew quickly after a government-sponsored marina and residential complex were built. That development lured a lot of expatriates to settle. Every Sunday, there is a Farmer’s Market as well as an art n’ crafts market selling crafts and international cuisine. The daily fish market opens at 7am for the catch of the day.
Turtle Rescues and Whale Watching Adventures Off the Riviera Nayarit Coast
Known as the region’s official mascot, four protected species of tortugas (leatherback turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, hawksbill turtles, green turtles) make Riviera Nayarit their home. Families can watch these noble creatures come ashore to lay eggs in the sand (June to September) or assist as the tiny hatchlings break out of their shells and return to the sea (August to November). On every beach, local volunteers and hotel security patrol each evening to be sure that nesting turtles are not disturbed by passersby, and that new nests are marked so the eggs can be relocated for safekeeping.
Wildlife Connection, an eco-tour group based in Marina Vallarta, offers an evening tour between July and March so that visitors can participate in the release of baby turtles and learn more about their conservation.
Families visiting between November and April can see humpbacked whales as they migrate south from the Arctic to raise their calves in the protected waters of Banderas Bay. Vallarta Adventures offers a variety of whale watching tours appropriate for all ages and physical abilities.
Riviera Nayarit Adventures In Towns Near Nuevo Vallarta
As the state of Riviera Nayarit becomes more popular, families find a variety of eco-adventures close to their home base. These are some of our favorite natural adventures.
ATV Tours of the local jungle areas. Take a half or full day tour that includes safety instruction and a lesson. Ride along rough trails to rivers, stop for a dip and visit waterfalls to refresh for the ride back.
For more options, look up above the town to the many hillside clusters whose guests have brought SUP schools, windsurfing, boating, sunset cruises, deep sea fishing, ATVs and horseback riding facilities to the region.
Learn to Surf. Visit some of the area’s best surf beaches according to your skill level and local conditions, for a personal surfing lesson you will never forget.
Luxurious Approach to Nayarit Adventures at Punta de Mita
Punta de Mita is a small town located at the northernmost point of Banderas Bay, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortes meet.
The region is best known to Americans for the Four Seasons Punta Mita, which dominates the huge gated Punta Mita community outside town. The complex has several other hotels (including the St. Regis Punta Mita), private residences and condominiums. Most visitors the private 7,014-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at the Four Seasons, and myriad other golf, tennis, SUP, watersports and recreation facilities.
Punta de Mita beaches are fine white sand with close-in coral reefs for easy snorkeling. Deep sea fishing, whale watching and surfing can be enjoyed nearby. The open-air restaurants along the coast are popular weekend destinations for Mexican families, who drive up, enjoy the beach and dine on fresh seafood and refreshments. There are also many small hotels, surf shops, snorkeling and dive equipment rentals, tours by boat and places to horseback ride.
Litibu is home to the popular Iberostar Playa Mita all-inclusive resort with more resorts and hotels to come.
Sayulita Adventures in Nature: Explore the Wild Side
Sayulita is a well-known surfing destination for West Coast families. Somehow, despite how much it’s grown in scope and sophistication since our last visit, it charms newcomers. This artsy, hippie community is packed with toes-in-the-sand cafes, funky beach shacks, luxurious private villas and day spas.
Teens will love the great shopping for leather goods, shoes and clothes. Wander in and out of many crafts shops selling new and traditional Mexican handiwork. From plaster day-of-the-dead figures to political T-shirts, your family will find it all in Sayulita. Look for the shops selling colorful beaded Huichol artworks. These handcrafts help support the indigenous Indians by selling their beaded artwork and jewelry. While everything is affordable, remember that prices descend as you walk inland away from the beach.
Nayarit Eco Adventures Near Sayulita
All year long, visitors can take stand up paddleboarding and surfing lessons right from the beach. In the autumn high-surf season, the town is especially popular with young singles from Southern California, but it’s a fun daytrip from other Riviera Nayarit towns any time. Plus, there are local eco-adventures worth the trip.
Horseback Ride on the Beach. Sayulita is the perfect place for a horseback adventure. Start at local stables where you can snack and get ready. Explore local jungle trails on your way to a quiet stretch of beach.
Marietas Island Eco Adventure with Snorkeling. Discover sea turtles, dolphins, coral reefs and blue-footed boobies at this marine sanctuary and go snorkeling off your boat.
Making Sayulita Your Home Base for Riviera Nayarit Adventures
For overnight stays in Sayulita, one friend recommended Villa Amor, a striking collection of thatched palapa buildings on a hillside above Playa los Muertos beach. While they do welcome families, it’s known for its romantic ambiance, friendly staff and great water views. Check out the restaurants for suggestions of local vacation rentals on or near the beach.
If you decide to stay awhile like we did, settle in for some fabulous seafood at the waterfront Don Pedro’s, whose second floor tables have a wonderful sunset view. The restaurant was founded by two California surfers who fell in love with this town, and that feeling permeates their cuisine and presentation. If they have any in the cellar, try the Casa Madero wine that is grown and aged in Mexico.
San Pancho Eco-Tours: Nature & Adventure in Riviera Nayarit
San Francisco, like the saint, is locally known by the nickname San Pancho. This classy, quiet town is just 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta yet worlds away in ambiance. Imagine its notable Polo Club in full swing between November and May.
Allow time to walk around the narrow streets of what appears to be a traditional Mexican village of about 1,600 residents. San Pancho’s large ex-pat community imbues it with a sophistication that supports many fine restaurants and shops. Don’t miss the enormous outdoor mural in the town square made of bottle caps. It’s very impressive.
A San Pancho Boutique Hotel
One particularly intriguing hotel is Cielo Rojo, a stylishly restored home with nine rooms, two of them suites sleeping four. Located on a quiet street just a few minutes from the town square, it’s an intimate hideaway with great design, modern Mexican paintings, classic antiques, and an organic restaurant and wine bar. Families will find many gluten-free and healthy dishes made with homemade tortillas. Adults will enjoy sampling the artisanal tequila made by the hosts.
Riviera Nayarit’s Outdoor Adventures Available in San Pancho
There is a lot to do near San Pancho in terms of soft and hard adventure. Make it your base if you want to be off the beaten track but in a stylishly ex-pat Mexican community. The local Entre Amigos cultural center offers children’s art classes and more arts programs.
San Pancho also boasts outfitters who arrange horseback riding, diving, climbing, yoga and jungle excursions. Take your pick of surfing and other watersports nearby. The noted local tour operator Vallarta Adventures runs trips out to Hidden Beach, a cave formation in Las Marietas Islands that hides its own sand beach.
The local Project Tortuga group, Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde, runs a marine turtle nursery in San Francisco; visitors welcome from June to September.
Farther North along the Coast from San Pancho
Farther up the coast is pretty Lo de Marcos, said to evoke the Riviera Nayarit of 30 years ago. This fishing village’s broad stretch of beach hosts a super posh One&Only Mandarina luxury resort. Meanwhile, the town is still full of under-$100-per-night boutique hotels. Be sure to walk around their Mexican markets..
Rincón de Guayabitos is also fun for an outing. The colorful boats moored in its half-moon harbor give it a Mediterranean charm. There are a few new all-inclusive resorts in Rincon that enable low-budget and off-the-beaten path family tourism.
This port is said to be an excellent base for serious fishermen. If rough water is not your thing, Grupo de Ecologistas de Nayarit hosts beachfront sea turtle nesting camps nearby.
Hidden San Blas and La Tovara National Park
Families with school-age kids will enjoy the two-day excursion we made to San Blas, the colorful small town where Junipero Serra, founder of the famous California Missions, was born.
San Blas and the village of Matachen are gateways to La Tovara National Park, a mangrove region that houses hundreds of bird species. Read our account of a San Blas Riviera Nayarit adventure weekend here.
For a variety of other hotel choices in the region, see our Riviera Nayarit Hotels & Resorts Guide
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.