Puerto Vallarta: Sea Safari, Jungle Horseback & Pizota Beach BBQ

Summary

Snorkeling at Los Arcos, tortillas in Quimixto, waterfall swim then BBQ by Pizota’s quiet shore

You’ll snorkel among bright fish at Los Arcos near Puerto Vallarta, visit Quimixto for fresh tortillas and salsa made by locals, ride horseback through jungle to a hidden waterfall for swimming or just sitting quietly, then end with a relaxed BBQ lunch on peaceful Pizota beach—sun-warmed sand underfoot and ocean all around you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salt spray—sharp and cool—when our boat pulled up near those jagged arches at Los Arcos. You could hear the gulls before you saw them. Slipping into the water with my mask on, I half expected to panic (I always do), but it was oddly calm under there. Fish everywhere—yellow stripes darting around rocks. Our guide Marco kept pointing out things I would’ve missed, like a tiny puffer hiding in the shadows. I swallowed a bit of seawater by accident and laughed about it later.

After we dried off (sort of), we cruised down to Quimixto. There’s this slow rhythm in the village—dogs napping in doorways, someone selling mangoes from a bucket. We ducked into a local home where Rosa was pressing tortillas by hand. She let me try one; mine looked like a sad pancake, but she smiled anyway. The smell of roasting chiles hit me right away—made my eyes sting but in a good way. Li laughed when I tried to say “molcajete” properly—probably butchered it.

Then came the horseback ride through the jungle trails behind Quimixto. It’s muddier than you’d think and my horse seemed to know exactly how little I knew about riding. The air felt heavy, almost green if that makes sense. At the waterfall, everyone just kind of went quiet for a minute—the sound drowned out everything else. Some people swam; I just sat on a rock and let my feet dangle in the cold water for ages.

The last stretch to Pizota was by boat again—a bit sunburned by then—and suddenly there’s this empty beach with nothing but palms and driftwood. Lunch was already sizzling on the grill when we arrived: grilled chicken, steak, sausages. Eating with your hands while your toes are buried in warm sand… honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling, culture, horseback ride, BBQ

• Snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Park
• Visit Quimixto village
• See handmade tortillas and salsa
• Horseback ride through jungle trails
• Relax and swim at hidden waterfall
• Enjoy beach BBQ at Pizota

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this sea safari tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests meet at the designated departure point.

How long does the Puerto Vallarta sea safari last?

The experience is a full-day tour combining snorkeling, village visit, horseback riding, and beach BBQ.

Can cruise ship passengers join this day trip?

No, cruise ship passengers cannot participate due to time conflicts with local schedules.

What is served at the Pizota beach BBQ?

The lunch includes grilled chicken breast, flank steak, sausage for grilling, plus sides and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, safety equipment including snorkeling gear is provided for all guests.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

Yes; minimum age is 10 years old and maximum weight is 260 pounds (118 kg).

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or people with back problems?

No; it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions.

Do you need previous horseback riding experience?

No prior experience is required; guides assist all levels during the jungle ride.

What’s included

Your day includes professional local guides throughout each activity, all necessary safety equipment (including snorkeling gear), beverages during your adventure, and a freshly prepared buffet lunch served right on Pizota beach before returning by boat in the afternoon.