Puerto Vallarta: Bioluminescent Kayak or SUP Night Tour Los Arcos

Summary

Paddle at night from Mismaloya to Los Arcos as bioluminescence lights each stroke and silence wraps you in the bay’s living glow

You’ll paddle from Mismaloya to Los Arcos with a local guide, watching bioluminescence spark beneath your kayak or SUP in near-silence. Afterward, relax by a campfire with snacks and hot chocolate before heading back with roundtrip transport included. This is one of those nights you’ll remember every time you see blue light on water.

What’s the experience like?

“If you move your hand just like this, watch what happens,” our guide Luis said, his voice low so it wouldn’t break the hush. I dragged my fingers through the water and—no kidding—it lit up blue around my knuckles. It was like something out of a movie, except it was just us, some kayaks (and SUPs for the brave), and this quiet stretch between Mismaloya and Los Arcos. The air had that salty-wet smell you only get at night on the coast, and every paddle stroke left a little comet trail behind. I kept grinning like an idiot.

The whole thing started at their beach club—there was hot chocolate brewing already, which I thought was wishful thinking because it’s Mexico, right? But after paddling in the dark with that breeze off Banderas Bay, I was glad for something warm later. We set off before dawn (they said sometimes it’s evening depending on the season), and honestly, there’s something about being out there with just the sound of water and birds waking up somewhere in the cliffs. Luis told us stories about Los Arcos—how some locals say fish glow brighter when there’s no moon. Not sure if that’s true but I wanted to believe it.

I tried to say “bioluminiscencia” in Spanish—Li laughed at my accent and then tried to teach me again while we floated near those big rocks. The light show isn’t fireworks; it’s quieter than that. You have to pay attention, let your eyes adjust. Sometimes it flashes when a fish darts by or when you dip your hand too fast. On the way back, we sat by a campfire eating cookies and fruit (the pineapple tasted extra sweet after all that saltwater). I still think about that weird mix of cold fingers and warm cup, sand sticking to my ankles while everyone swapped photos they’d snapped along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bioluminescence kayak tour and beach club

• Depart from Mismaloya beach club
• Paddle to Los Arcos Marine Park
• Experience bioluminescence on water
• Return to beach club
• Enjoy cookies, chocolates, and hot chocolate
• Relax by campfire with sea breeze
• View free photos from tour
• Optional pizza at restaurant

Top questions

Is transportation included for this bioluminescence tour?

Yes, roundtrip transportation is included from Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

Depending on season, tours leave before dawn or in the evening for best bioluminescence visibility.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No prior experience is needed but moderate fitness is recommended.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, cookies, seasonal fruit, chocolates and hot chocolate are served at the beach club afterward.

Can I choose between kayak or SUP?

Yes, you can choose either a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for this tour.

Is this activity suitable for children?

The tour is not recommended for infants or travelers with limited mobility; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Are photos included?

Yes, photos taken during the tour are completely free.

What should I bring?

You should bring comfortable clothes that can get wet; bottled water is provided.

What’s included

Your experience includes roundtrip transportation from Puerto Vallarta to Mismaloya beach club where you’ll get bottled water, use of snorkeling equipment if you want it, snacks like cookies and seasonal fruit plus hot chocolate or coffee after paddling—and they’ll send you all your photos for free before dropping you back off at your hotel.