Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Bioluminescence Boat Tour & Sunset

Summary

Sunset boat ride to Los Arcos then swim in glowing blue water

You’ll board a local boat in Puerto Vallarta for a sunset ride to Los Arcos Sanctuary, spotting birds along the way with your guide’s stories setting the mood. As night falls, you’ll slip into bioluminescent waters—every movement lighting up around you—before heading back with salt still on your skin and maybe a new friend or two.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to swim through stars? That’s what I kept thinking as we left Puerto Vallarta behind, the sky turning this soft orange-pink that almost made me forget I was on a boat with a bunch of strangers. Our guide, Rodrigo, handed out these welcome drinks (I still don’t know what was in mine—something citrusy and cold) and pointed out pelicans skimming the water. The air smelled a bit salty and sweet, like sunscreen mixed with ocean spray. I’d read about bioluminescence tours before but honestly didn’t expect much—maybe some faint glow if we were lucky.

The boat slowed as we reached Los Arcos Sanctuary. Rodrigo started telling us about the birds nesting on the rocks—he even mimicked one of their calls, which cracked everyone up. There was this weird hush as the sun finally dipped below the horizon; you could hear distant music from some party onshore, but mostly just water lapping against the hull. We waited for night to really settle in, and I remember fidgeting with my lifevest because it felt too tight (but hey, safety first). The group was small—maybe 10 of us—and people started sharing snacks and stories about where they were from. It felt oddly cozy for being out on open water.

Then came the part I can’t quite describe right—the swim. Rodrigo gave us the go-ahead and as soon as I slid into the bay, every movement sent these blue sparks swirling around my arms and legs. It wasn’t like anything I’ve seen before; it looked fake, almost like CGI. Someone next to me laughed out loud—it echoed across the water—and I realized we all had goofy grins plastered on our faces. My skin felt cool under the surface but warm above it, and for a second I forgot about everything else except those tiny lights dancing around me. Even now, weeks later, sometimes when I close my eyes I see that blue shimmer again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset boat tour and bioluminescence

• Set off by boat to marine park
• Observe sunset or sunrise over bay
• Tour Los Arcos Sanctuary with guide
• Wait until nightfall to see bioluminescence

Top questions

Can children join the bioluminescence tour at Los Arcos?

No, children under 9 years old are not allowed for safety reasons.

Is swimming required during this Puerto Vallarta bioluminescence tour?

No, but swimming is optional—you can stay on the boat if you prefer.

What’s included in this Los Arcos bioluminescence boat tour?

Your fee includes all taxes, a lifevest for swimming safety, and a welcome drink.

How many people are on each tour group?

The maximum group size is 14 people per departure.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your evening includes all fees and taxes covered upfront, a lifevest provided before swimming in Los Arcos’ glowing bay, plus a welcome drink as you set off into sunset waters with your local guide leading the way.