Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Sunset & Bioluminescence Boat Tour

Summary

Sunset cruise at Los Arcos then swim in glowing waters

You’ll start your evening on a boat from Puerto Vallarta or Mismaloya Beach, catching stories from your local guide as you cruise toward Los Arcos for sunset views with drinks in hand. After dark, slip into glowing waters alive with bioluminescent plankton—swim or just watch them dance around your hands before heading back under the night sky.

What’s the experience like?

We met up just before sunset—our group was a mix of locals and travelers, everyone shuffling around with that quiet excitement you get before something unusual. Our guide, Miguel, had this easy way of telling stories; he pointed out Mismaloya’s old film history as we pushed off from the beach. I’d never heard about Elizabeth Taylor coming here for “The Night of the Iguana.” The sea air was warm but not sticky, and I could smell sunscreen and that faint salty tang you only get near real ocean rocks.

The boat ride to Los Arcos wasn’t long—maybe twenty minutes?—but it felt like its own little journey. The islands looked almost unreal in the low light: jagged arches cutting into the sky, birds everywhere (frigatebirds mostly), and pelicans doing these wild dives right next to us. Someone handed me a cold beer (they check IDs), and I remember thinking how strange it is to be sipping a drink while watching birds hunt their dinner. The sun started melting into the water, painting everything in these weirdly intense colors—purples and oranges that didn’t look real on my phone screen. Nobody talked much for a minute or two.

After dark, Miguel cut the engine near the caves and told us to dip our hands in. At first I thought he was joking—then there it was: tiny sparks lighting up around my fingers. It’s hard to explain what bioluminescence really feels like until you see it yourself. Some people snorkeled into the caves (I hesitated but went for it), where every kick made blue-green swirls in the black water. It was cold inside but not uncomfortable—just enough to make you shiver awake. I accidentally splashed myself in the face and laughed out loud; nobody minded because everyone else was giggling too, half-whispering so we wouldn’t break whatever spell this was.

Back on board heading home, I wrapped myself in a towel and tried to memorize how the lights moved under my hands. The boat rocked gently and someone passed around snacks—chips maybe? I still think about that glow sometimes when I close my eyes at night. Not sure if I’ll ever see anything quite like it again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise and bioluminescence tour

• Meet at Zona Romántica or Mismaloya
• Depart from Mismaloya Beach
• Hear The Night of the Iguana story
• Cruise around Los Arcos Islands
• Watch sunset over the islands
• Experience bioluminescent plankton glow
• Snorkel inside dark caves

Top questions

What time does the Los Arcos bioluminescence tour start?

The tour start time changes seasonally: 5:30 PM (Nov–Feb), 6:00 PM (Mar–May & Aug–Oct), 6:30 PM (May–Aug).

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Los Arcos sunset tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling gear is included for all participants.

Where do we meet for the Puerto Vallarta sunset & bioluminescence tour?

You can meet at a gas station in Zona Romántica or directly at Mismaloya Beach; details are confirmed after booking.

Are drinks provided during the Los Arcos boat tour?

Bottled water, soda/pop, and beer (for those of legal drinking age) are included.

How long is the boat ride from Puerto Vallarta to Los Arcos?

The ride takes about 20 minutes from Mismaloya Beach to Los Arcos Islands.

Can infants join this sunset & bioluminescence experience?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

Is public transportation available to reach the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby both meeting points.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back issues?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup options at two locations in Puerto Vallarta or Mismaloya Beach, all snacks and drinks onboard (including bottled water, soda, and beer for adults), plus use of snorkeling equipment so you can dive right into those glowing waters after sunset before returning by boat under starlit skies.