Enjoy a day in the sun playing tennis on one of Punta Mita's nearby courts. A variety of outdoor courts, including hard and synthetic grass courts, are available for day or night play. Players of all skill levels will enjoy the tropical climate and surroundings Punta Mita has to offer.

With 300 days of sunshine and average high temperatures of 82 F year-round, Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta is a tennis player's dream. Given such ideal conditions, the bay area has spawned a good number of highranking amateur and professional players, who can practice to their respective heart's delight, honing serves, lobs, backhands and other skills that give competitors a run for their money.

Tennis facilities abound throughout the area, the most comprehensive being Canto del Sol Beach and Tennis Resort (226-0123) in the Hotel Zone. A fully equipped club, the site offers four inside hard courts and four outside clay courts, six of which are lighted. Guests can also use changing rooms, steam showers and a complete pro shop, offering name brand clothing, tennis shoes, equipment and services such as racket stringing. Tennis enthusiasts can play on a one-time basis, paying for court time (approximately $150 pesos per hour) or, if staying at the resort, arrange for accommodations that include free tennis. Longer-term guests can purchase a membership for one month ($700 pesos), six months ($2750 pesos) or one year ($4500 pesos) per individual. Memberships include court time, but the use of lights carries an additional charge. Four pros are available to teach all levels for approximately $35 USD an hour. Canto del Sol is home to four major tournaments a year, including one for children and a pro-am, which teams up professionals and amateurs in doubles matches. A stadium court provides spectator seating for 500-plus. Single players in search of a comparably ranked partner can use a sign-up board provided by the resort.

Puerto Vallarta's newest tennis facility (July 2005) Sport and Raquet Club El Tigre in Paradise Village ((322) 297-0773) offers residents and visitors in Nuevo Vallarta a state-of-the-art sports center with five hard-surface, lighted outdoor courts, a ball machine, an on-site teaching pro, social memberships and day passes ($185 pesos per person). Private lessons run $50 USD per hour, plus the cost of the pass if not a member.

Most larger hotels in Puerto Vallarta also offer outdoor tennis courts, a teaching pro (from $200 pesos and up) and equipment rentals for guests, as well as locals. If not a guest, some offer a day pass, and others rent the courts by the hour (between $50 and $110 pesos in daylight, with an up-charge of about $50 pesos at night for lights). Smooth (non-spiked / non-marking) tennis shoes are preferred, and a few courts require tennis attire. Hours generally run between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.

In Marina Vallarta, facilities offering tennis courts include:

• Marriot Casa Magna 221-0004
• Westin Resort and Spa 226-1100

In the Hotel Zone:

• Sheraton Buganvilias 226-0404
• Los Tulles 226-1030
• Holiday Inn 226-1700

North of Vallarta:

• Marival 297-0100
• Four Seasons Resort (Punta de Mita in Nayarit) 01 (329) 291-6000

Prices are subject to change.