Puerto Vallarta Ocean Expedition: Horseback Ride, Waterfall & BBQ

4.6 (139 reviews)6 h 30 minPuerto VallartaWildlife & natureSnorkelingFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 3:30 pm, 1 h before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 0 min to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in Puerto Vallarta20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 20 min to the start point
  3. 8:40 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 6 h 30 min. Latest sensible start: 8:40 am.
  4. 3:10 pm
    Tour ends20 min back to the pier
  5. 3:30 pm
    Back at the gangway1 h before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical Puerto Vallarta call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 6 h 30 min; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:40 am and be back at the gangway around 3:30 pm — 0 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 4:30 pm or later. On a short call (ship leaving by 2:00 pm) skip it or ask for the first departure.

We don't have a verified start point for this tour yet, so we assume 20 min each way from the pier — the typical ride in Puerto Vallarta. Check the meeting point on the booking page.

Among the 400 Puerto Vallarta shore excursions we track, this is one of the longer ones (the median runs 4 h); 86% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Puerto Vallarta call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

This adventure combines snorkeling, culture, nature, and relaxation while exploring some of the most beautiful and less-visited areas of the bay. The day begins with snorkeling at Los Arcos Marine Park, an iconic sanctuary known for its dramatic rock arches and vibrant tropical fish. Guests then visit the small coastal village of Quimixto, where they step inside a local home to see traditional tortillas and molcajete salsa prepared by hand, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday coastal life. The experience continues inland with a scenic horseback ride through lush jungle trails leading to a hidden waterfall where guests can relax and swim. The day concludes at the secluded beach of Pizota, accessible mainly by boat, where a freshly prepared beach BBQ is served by the ocean in a peaceful natural setting.

Max 28 per group English, Spanish

What's included

  • Safety equipment
  • Buffet lunch
  • Professional guide
  • Beverages

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Port fees (to be paid in cash at the port)
  • Access Fee

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure. Look for the Vallarta Adventures check-in area and staff in turkish blue color uniform. Check in with our team before proceeding to the boarding area.
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure. Look for the Vallarta Adventures check-in area and staff in turkish blue color uniform. Check in with our team before proceeding to the boarding area.
From the cruise pier
About 20 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age is 10, no exceptions
  • Maximum weight is 260 pounds - 118 kg. no exceptions
  • Please be advised that Mexico's Federal Maritime Ports operate a strict No-Drug Policy, including electronic cigarettes, vapers, and all kinds of drugs. Please be advised not to bring them to any of our tours. We cannot offer a refund or change of day for any guest to whom Federal Security has denied access.
  • This option is not suitable for cruise ship passengers due to time conflicts with our local schedule
  • People who suffer from heart disease, back, spine or knee problems cannot participate in this activity

Traveler reviews

4.6
139 traveler reviews
5
83%
4
5%
3
4%
2
4%
1
4%

Read all 139 reviews

Operated by Vallarta Adventures. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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