Bioluminescence and Sunset Boat Tour Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta

4.7 (108 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Duration2.5 hours
Daily
Group

Bioluminescence and Sunset Boat Tour Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta

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Overview

This shared evening boat tour sails from Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romántica to Los Arcos National Marine Park, a protected area of rock islands and clear water. You watch the sunset from the sea, hear your local guide explain the wildlife and the science of bioluminescence, then wait for darkness, when the water can sparkle around every movement. You may swim or simply watch from the boat. Park tax, a life jacket and bottled water are included. It suits adventurous adults and teenagers who want a memorable night on Banderas Bay.

Highlights

Sunset from the sea on the south coast of Puerto Vallarta
Night swim in bioluminescent water, or watch the glow from the boat
Local guide, with the tour in English and Spanish
Park tax, life jacket and bottled water included
Shared boat tour with a short, easy evening schedule of about two and a half hours
Return by speedboat to the Los Muertos Pier

Full Description

Los Arcos National Marine Park at night

Los Arcos National Marine Park lies off the south coast of Puerto Vallarta, near Mismaloya, and is made up of rocky islands and arches carved by the sea. By day it is known for snorkelling; at night it takes on a very different character, with dark cliffs against the sky and the sound of the waves. Few visitors see the park after sunset, which makes a Los Arcos night tour a distinctive experience.

The area is protected, so your guide explains local fauna, flora and the rules for visiting the park. Park tax is included in the tour, and everyone wears a life jacket in the water, so you can focus on the experience.

What is bioluminescence in Puerto Vallarta?

Bioluminescence is a natural light produced by tiny marine organisms, such as plankton, when the water around them is disturbed. In the dark, every stroke of your arm or splash of an oar can leave a trail of blue-green sparkles. Many travellers search for the bioluminescence tour in Puerto Vallarta because it feels like swimming through stars.

The effect depends on the season, the moon and the water, so it is strongest on dark nights and can be weak on others. We cannot guarantee it, but your guide chooses the best spot and explains what you are seeing. Switching off lights on board helps your eyes adjust and reveals the glow.

Sunset on Banderas Bay

The tour starts in the late afternoon so that you can watch the sunset from the water. The sky turns orange and pink behind the islands and the lights of Puerto Vallarta begin to appear along the coast, a view that is quite different from the beach.

Sunset times change through the year, so your guide times the stops to give you the best colours and still reach the glowing water in darkness. Bring a light jacket, as the breeze on the water can feel cool after the sun goes down.

Planning your evening tour

The trip takes about two and a half hours in total: around thirty minutes by boat to the park, an hour at the park for the sunset, the guided explanation and the swim, then a thirty minute speedboat ride back to the Los Muertos Pier. Check the booking panel for the departure time on your date.

The tour starts in the Zona Romántica of Puerto Vallarta, and the exact meeting point is confirmed after booking. Wear swimwear under light clothes, bring a towel and a change of clothes, and leave valuables at your hotel. Food and tips are not included.

Itinerary

Meeting point in the Zona RománticaMeet your guide at the point confirmed after booking and walk to the pier.
Boat ride to the parkAbout thirty minutes by boat along the south coast to Los Arcos National Marine Park.
Sunset and guided explanationWatch the sunset and learn about the local wildlife and where bioluminescence comes from.
Night swim or viewingSwim in the glowing water with your life jacket, or watch from the boat; the guides stay with you.
Speedboat back to Puerto VallartaAbout thirty minutes by speedboat to the Los Muertos Pier, where the tour ends.

What's included

Boat tour to Los Arcos Islands marine park
Local guide, tour in English and Spanish
Park tax
Life jacket
Bottled water
Sunset and bioluminescence viewing

Not included

Food
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

Anyone who wants to see it from the water
A half-day plan — about 2.5 hours
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

Children under 13 years
Pregnant women
People with mobility impairments
People over 70 years
Anyone who cannot swim or is uncomfortable in dark open water
Baby carriages and crutches cannot be taken on board

Meeting point

The meeting point is in the Zona Romántica of Puerto Vallarta, and the exact place is confirmed after booking. From there it is a short walk of about five minutes to the pier. The tour ends at the Los Muertos Pier. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to reach the meeting point by taxi or on foot, and arrive about 15 minutes early.

Important information

Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes
Bring a light jacket or dry change of clothes for the boat ride back
Drugs and other prohibited substances are not allowed on board
Baby carriages and crutches are not allowed on board
The glow of the water depends on the season, the moon and the sea, and cannot be guaranteed
Park tax, a life jacket and bottled water are included; food is not
Follow your guide's instructions in the water at all times

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the bioluminescence and sunset boat tour cost?

The price depends on the date and the departure. The booking panel on this page shows the current price per person, so you can see it before you confirm.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. The meeting point is in the Zona Romántica and is confirmed after booking. The tour ends at the Los Muertos Pier.

How long is the bioluminescence tour?

About two and a half hours in total, including the boat rides, the sunset, the guided explanation and the swim or viewing time.

Will I definitely see bioluminescence?

It depends on the season, the moon and the sea, so we cannot guarantee it. Your guide chooses the best place and explains what to look for.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. The tour is not suitable for children under 13 years. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, people over 70 or people with mobility impairments.

What should I wear and bring?

Swimwear under light clothes, a towel, a dry change of clothes and a light jacket. Leave valuables at your hotel and use a waterproof bag for your phone.

Do I have to swim?

No. You can swim in the glowing water or watch it from the boat; the guides accompany you at all times.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Often yes, depending on availability. Choose your date in the booking panel; if it does not appear, that departure is full.

What is the best time to see bioluminescence?

Dark, moonless nights usually give the strongest glow, while a bright full moon can reduce it. The tour runs after sunset, so the water is dark enough on most evenings.

Is the Los Arcos bioluminescence tour worth it?

Yes, if you want a quiet, magical evening on the water with a sunset, wildlife talk and a night swim. Just keep in mind that the glow cannot be guaranteed.