6 Best BBQ Experiences In Puerto Vallarta (With Reviews & Prices)

Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about beaches and tequila—it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Mexican BBQ experiences. Whether you’re craving a seaside grill, a horseback feast, or a remote jungle BBQ, the area offers options that combine stunning scenery with delicious food.

Among the many tours, we’re especially fond of the Yelapa Waterfall and BBQ at Majahuitas Beach for its combination of waterfalls, beaches, and great food, and the Sea Safari & Beach BBQ at Pizota Jungle Beach for its off-the-beaten-path vibe.

These experiences showcase the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta while satisfying your appetite for a good grill and local flavor.

For travelers who love relaxed days on the water, the Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas offers a full day of snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing with a tasty barbecue in a scenic setting. If a cultural twist with a bit of adventure is more your style, the Yelapa and Majahuitas Waterfall Hike, Snorkeling, and BBQ is perfect.

And if you’re into horseback riding combined with tequila tastings and authentic Mexican dishes, the Horseback Riding: Tequila Tasting, Mex BBQ & Margaritas provides a fun, lively experience. Below, we’ll explore each of these top BBQ tours to help you pick the right one.

1. Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

This 7-hour trip combines nature, water activities, and a great BBQ at Majahuitas. Departing from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll visit the charming fishing village of Yelapa, hike to a waterfall (if in season), and then relax on a pristine, secluded beach.

The highlight is the buffet lunch and open bar served on the boat, along with opportunities to kayak, snorkel, and swim in clear waters. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and downtime with stunning scenery.

What makes it stand out is the combination of visiting Banderas Bay, Cola de Caballo waterfalls, and the peaceful Majahuitas Beach. Reviewers praise the smooth boat ride, delicious buffet, and fun water activities. “The service and music on board were great,” one reviewer shares, emphasizing how well-rounded this day trip is.

The tour’s value lies in its inclusiveness—light breakfast, buffet lunch, drinks, and multiple activities—making it a good choice for families or couples wanting variety.

Bottom line: If you want a full day of scenic beauty, water fun, and a tasty BBQ with drinks in a relaxed setting, this tour delivers.

2. Horseback Riding: Tequila Tasting, Mex BBQ & Margaritas

This roughly 5-hour adventure combines horseback riding, a tequila tasting, and a Mexican BBQ with unlimited margaritas. Starting with a scenic ride, you’ll explore the countryside, and if conditions are good, even swim with your horse in the river. The highlight for many is the visit to La Dulce Vista, where you’ll sample small-batch, artisanal tequilas crafted on-site, and enjoy a hearty Mexican lunch.

What makes this tour unique is the combination of riding, tasting, and relaxing in one excursion. The guides are known as “funny” and knowledgeable, adding a lively touch to the experience. Reviewers like Martin, the guide, describing him as “down-to-earth” and making the day memorable.

A few mention that the tour can be long and hot, but the unlimited margaritas and the chance to make your own salsa make up for it.

Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a mix of outdoor activity, cultural tasting, and lively socializing, all in a relaxed setting.

3. Sea Safari & Beach BBQ at Secluded Pizota Jungle Beach

This 6.5-hour tour offers an adventurous speedboat ride, visits to fishing villages, and a guided horseback ride into the mountains, ending with a beachside BBQ lunch.

The star attraction is the remote Pizota Beach, where you can swim in waterfalls, relax on the sand, and indulge in grilled seafood and meats served with beverages. The boat trip across Banderas Bay takes you past remote fishing communities and offers panoramic views.

What makes it special is the blend of off-the-beaten-path exploration and water sports. The lunch is a highlight, praised for being “wonderful” and the beach at Pizota for its tranquility. Reviewers mention the attentive staff, and one notes that the horseback ride is a short but enjoyable trip. This tour is perfect for travelers who crave a combination of adventure, culture, and secluded relaxation.

Bottom line: If you love sites away from crowds, horseback riding, and a good BBQ in a jungle setting, this tour is a fantastic pick.

4. Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas

For around 7 hours, this tour takes you from Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most stunning marine parks. You’ll snorkel among vibrant fish and perhaps even spot dolphins or whales in season, then enjoy a barbecue lunch at Majahuitas. The trip includes kayaking and paddleboarding, making it ideal for water lovers who want more than just sightseeing.

What sets it apart is the full day of on-the-water activities combined with a delicious BBQ. The reviews highlight the entertainment and service, with visitors praising the snorkeling and the lunch served after the water activities. The scenic boat ride and the chance to see local wildlife add to the experience.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who love marine life, active water sports, and a substantial BBQ meal in a beautiful setting.

5. Snorkeling in Marietas Islands and BBQ in Playa Majahuitas

This 7-hour tour offers a combination of snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a beach BBQ at Majahuitas. While it currently has no reviews, the itinerary promises a well-rounded day immersed in nature, with opportunities to see marine wildlife and relax on the beach afterward.

What makes this tour appealing is the ecological focus combined with a relaxed lunch. The BBQ and open bar are included, making it a good value for those wanting a full day of water activities and beachside dining. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine adventure with downtime and don’t mind a more flexible schedule.

Bottom line: A good choice for active travelers eager to explore underwater life and unwind with a great BBQ in a scenic environment.

6. Yelapa and Majahuitas Waterfall Hike Snorkeling and BBQ Tour

This 7-hour experience blends cultural exploration, water activities, and a secluded beach barbecue. You’ll stroll through Yelapa’s cobblestone streets, visit the Horsetail Waterfall (seasonally), and then head to Majahuitas for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just relaxing. The boat tour around the Bay of Banderas offers spectacular views.

What makes this tour special is the combination of local village immersion and outdoor fun. Although reviews are limited, the water activities and the peaceful beach are praised. The waterfall hike and the boat tour add a touch of adventure, giving you a taste of both culture and nature.

Bottom line: Great for those interested in exploring local villages, waterfalls, and enjoying a relaxing beach BBQ.

How to Choose Your Perfect BBQ Experience

Picking the right Puerto Vallarta BBQ tour depends on your interests and travel style. Looking for a full-day marine adventure? The Islas Marietas & BBQ lunch at Majahuitas might be your best fit. If you prefer water activities combined with a cultural touch, the Snorkeling in Marietas Islands and BBQ in Playa Majahuitas offers a balanced mix.

For those wanting a lively, social experience with drinks and horseback riding, the Horseback Riding: Tequila Tasting, Mex BBQ & Margaritas is ideal. If seclusion and nature are your priorities, the Sea Safari & Beach BBQ at Pizota Jungle Beach provides a quiet escape.

Think about how much activity you want, your budget, and whether you prefer the water or land-based adventures. Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours like the Yelapa Waterfall and Majahuitas BBQ, which fill quickly during peak season.

Final Thoughts

Puerto Vallarta offers a diverse range of BBQ experiences that cater to different tastes—from full-day snorkeling trips to cultural horseback rides with tequila tastings.

The key is to match your interests with the setting: If you love secluded beaches and water sports, tours like the Sea Safari & BBQ at Pizota or the Marietas Islands tour are excellent choices. For a blend of adventure and local charm, the Yelapa and Majahuitas Waterfall tour is superb.

Whatever you pick, these experiences promise delicious food, beautiful scenery, and a true taste of Mexican hospitality. Booking early ensures you’ll secure your spot on these popular outings. Happy exploring—and don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!