Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary

This local boat tour combines a ride around Puerto Vallarta's bay with a visit to the Los Arcos marine wildlife sanctuary, where you can swim in bioluminescence once night falls. The outing is listed at about 180 minutes and runs at sunset or, on some dates, at sunrise. The operator limits the group to 14 people.

The trip starts with a boat ride across the bay while the sun goes down, or comes up, depending on the departure you choose. The boat then heads to the sanctuary, where you can watch birds before it gets dark. The listing does not give a stop-by-stop schedule, so the exact order of the outing is best confirmed with the operator.

The highlight comes at nightfall. Bioluminescence happens when phytoplankton glows in the water and shows up as blue light. The operator describes the swim as feeling like floating among the stars. Keep in mind that this is a natural phenomenon, so how strongly it shows depends on the conditions on the day.

Sunrise departures are offered for dates that fall around the full moon, so if your preferred date is a full-moon night and the evening tour is full, ask about the dawn option. The tour suits travelers who enjoy the sea, want a quieter evening outing and are comfortable swimming at night with a life vest.

Age rules matter here, and the listing is not consistent. One line says children under 5 cannot attend for safety and that minors cannot be held in your arms, while the additional information says the tour is not allowed for people under 12. Check the minimum age with the operator before booking. The tour is described as suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

Life vests, bottled water and all fees and taxes are included. Public transportation options are available nearby. The listing gives no meeting point, so confirm it when you book.