Ixtapa: Horseback Riding & Snorkeling

Thinking about adding a bit of adventure and variety to your trip to Ixtapa? This tour combines horseback riding along the beach with snorkeling on Ixtapa Island, offering a fun, active day out. We’ve looked into what it offers, and if you’re considering it, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to ride trained horses on the sand with ocean views—something that’s not just scenic but also a bit different from typical beach days. The second highlight for us is the guided snorkeling that promises encounters with vibrant marine life and coral reefs. The one potential catch? The tour has a minimum of two participants, so if you’re traveling solo, you’ll want to check availability in advance. This tour is ideal if you’re after a well-rounded, manageable adventure that blends land and sea, especially if you enjoy active outings with scenic backdrops.

Key Points

• Scenic horseback riding along the beach offers stunning views and a gentle experience.
• The short boat ride to Ixtapa Island is a quick, scenic transfer that adds to the adventure.
• Snorkeling on the island provides a glimpse of vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• The tour includes lunch and drinks, making it a convenient day out.
• Small group size makes for a personalized experience.
• The tour is flexible with cancellations, offering peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Entails

This experience kicks off with A/C transportation from your hotel or the Main Pier to Playa Linda Ranch. This part is pretty straightforward, and the fact that transportation is included adds value, especially considering how much logistics can impact your day. The ride itself isn’t lengthy—just enough to get you excited for the activities ahead.

Horseback Riding Along the Beach

Once at Playa Linda Ranch, you’ll hop onto trained horses for a 45-minute ride along Ixtapa’s sandy shores. The horses are described as trained, so even if you’re not an experienced rider, you should feel comfortable. The trail is gentle and scenic, with ample opportunity to enjoy the ocean breeze and the views. It’s a relaxing yet invigorating way to see the coastline from a different perspective.

The Boat Ride to Ixtapa Island

After riding, you’ll hop onto a short boat trip—about 10 minutes—to Ixtapa Island. This boat ride is all part of the fun; it’s a quick crossing that adds a sense of adventure before you get to the underwater exploration.

Snorkeling on Ixtapa Island

Once on the island, you’ll gear up with snorkel equipment and follow an experienced guide into the clear waters. Here, you’ll explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter all kinds of marine life. The coral reefs are described as lively and colorful, perfect for snorkelers of all levels. The guided aspect means you’ll be shown the best spots and keep safe, but do note that snorkel gear and instruction are included, making it accessible even if you’re new to snorkeling.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wildlife and Habitat Stop

As an added bonus, the tour includes a brief stop to observe crocodiles and iguanas in their natural habitat. This is a nice touch, especially if you are interested in the local flora and fauna.

Lunch and Refreshments

The tour is described as all-inclusive, which is a big plus. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with scenic views, plus two refreshing drinks. The meal is a nice way to relax and refuel after the physical activities, and the scenic surroundings make it even more enjoyable.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to those who love a mix of scenic outdoor activities—it’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate active pursuits combined with relaxing moments. The small group size (limited to 5 participants) makes it more intimate, so it’s ideal if you prefer personalized attention. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with a partner or a small group, as most tours tend to be private for groups of four or more.

Practical Details and Pricing

At $109 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering it covers transportation, guided activities, equipment, and lunch. The duration is about 5.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day adventure that won’t take up your entire day. The small group setting, with most tours being private for groups of four or more, ensures you’re not stuck in large crowds—something we appreciate when exploring at a relaxed pace.

Flexibility and Cancellation

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which provides some peace of mind if your plans shift unexpectedly. You can reserve now and pay later, giving you the flexibility to lock in your spot without immediate commitment.

What the Reviews Say

The lone review we have is glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating. The reviewer from the US, Jodie, praised the drivers for being good, timely, and informative, which hints at smooth logistics and good communication. Although the review doesn’t specify detailed experiences, the high rating suggests that the tour delivered on expectations and provided a positive experience.

In Summary: Is It Worth It?

If you’re craving a balanced day of adventure and relaxation—with the excitement of horseback riding on the beach and the discovery of marine life through snorkeling—this tour hits many sweet spots. The scenic views, guided activities, and inclusion of a good lunch make it a practical choice. Keep in mind the minimum participant requirement and the fact that most tours tend to be private for groups of 4 or more, so check availability early.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy active outdoor pursuits and want a safe, guided environment to explore both land and sea. It’s a solid pick for those looking for a memorable, well-organized day without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes A/C transportation from your hotel or the Main Pier to the starting point at Playa Linda Ranch.

How long does the whole experience last?
The total duration is approximately 5.5 hours, including transportation, activities, and lunch.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Since the horses are trained and the snorkeling is guided, most people—including beginners—should find it manageable.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch and two drinks are included as part of the package.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 5 participants, making it a small, personalized experience.

What can I expect at Ixtapa Island?
You’ll explore coral reefs and see marine life, with guides leading the way to ensure safety and maximize fun.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkel gear is included along with guidance for underwater exploration.

How physically active is this tour?
It involves a 45-minute horseback ride, a brief boat trip, and snorkeling—so moderate activity levels are expected.

Is this tour family-friendly?
The description doesn’t specify, but given the activities involved, it’s likely suitable for teenagers and older children comfortable in water and on horseback. Always check with the provider if traveling with children.

To sum it up, this Ixtapa horseback riding and snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded, scenic, and fun day out. It’s particularly appealing if you’re looking to combine gentle adventure with relaxing moments, all wrapped up in an intimate group setting. For those craving a memorable glimpse of Ixtapa’s coast and marine life, it’s a solid choice that balances activity, comfort, and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: