Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tour with Horseback Ride & BBQ

Six and a half hours: snorkeling, horseback jungle trails, a waterfall swim, and ocean-side grilled lunch at Pizota beach.

This 6.5-hour activity in Puerto Vallarta combines snorkeling at Los Arcos Marine Park, a horseback ride through jungle to a hidden waterfall, a visit to the coastal village of Quimixto to watch traditional tortilla and salsa preparation, and a beach BBQ at the remote Pizota beach. A professional guide in English or Spanish leads the full day. Snorkeling gear, lunch, beverages and all equipment are included.

The experience

The day starts in the water. You snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Park, where rock arches frame schools of tropical fish in clear bay water. After that, the boat takes you to Quimixto, a small coastal village where you step into a local home and watch someone grind molcajete salsa and make tortillas by hand: the kind of everyday moment most visitors never see.

Then comes the horseback ride. You mount up and follow jungle trails inland, climbing toward a hidden waterfall where the air cools and the noise of the bay fades. There's time to swim in the pool below the falls or just stand in the spray. The horses and the guide handle the navigation. You need a moderate level of fitness and a minimum weight under 260 pounds, but the ride itself is the kind of slow, steady pace that lets you look around.

The day ends at Pizota, a beach so remote that boat access is the only way in. A freshly grilled buffet waits for you there: marinated chicken breast, flank steak, sausage, all cooked over fire with drinks and ocean views. The group stays small enough that you're not standing in a crowd, and the whole operation (snorkeling gear, the guide, the food, the beverages) is already paid for. Port fees are collected in cash when you arrive.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and safety equipment.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• buffet lunch with grilled chicken, flank steak and sausage.
• beverages throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Thursday and FridayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (10 to 11 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 28

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 22

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Vallarta Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day that mixes water, culture and nature without assembling the pieces yourself. The guide handles the route, the timing holds everything together, and you move from snorkeling to village to jungle to beach without stopping to plan. Small groups mean you're not herded through stops, and the horseback section suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to move at a steady pace rather than race.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 11 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like at Los Arcos Marine Park?

Los Arcos is an iconic marine sanctuary known for its dramatic rock arches and vibrant tropical fish. You'll snorkel in clear water among the formations, spotting reef fish and the underwater landscape that makes the park a protected sanctuary in the bay.

Do I need horseback riding experience for this activity?

No prior experience is required. The ride follows jungle trails at a steady pace, and the guide leads the way. You do need to be at least 10 years old, weigh under 260 pounds, and have a moderate level of physical fitness, since the terrain is uneven and the waterfall involves some walking.

What happens at Quimixto, and how long do we spend there?

Quimixto is a small coastal village where you visit a traditional home to watch locals prepare handmade tortillas and freshly ground molcajete salsa. It's a brief cultural stop that shows everyday coastal life without the tour-group feel of busier towns.

Is the beach BBQ included, or do I pay extra?

The beach BBQ at Pizota is included in the price. You get grilled chicken, flank steak, sausage, and beverages served right on the beach. The only cash expense at the port is the port fee, which is collected when you arrive.

What should I bring, and what equipment is provided?

All snorkeling gear and safety equipment are provided. Bring sunscreen, a towel, a change of clothes, and cash for the port fee. Souvenir photos are available to purchase if you want them.

Who can't do this activity?

This activity is not suitable for anyone with spinal injuries, heart disease, back or knee problems, or poor cardiovascular health. Pregnant travelers should not participate. Minimum age is 10. Maximum weight is 260 pounds. Cruise ship passengers often can't join due to timing conflicts with local schedules.