The 4 Puerto Vallarta Bioluminescence Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 327 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $83Our pick

Ride from Zona Romántica to Los Arcos with guides such as Alex or Victor, watch the sunset, learn about the marine sanctuary, then swim among glowing plankton after dark. The best display comes in the water, especially on a moonless night. Snorkel gear, life vests, towels, and water are provided.

“That was awesome! Alex was a fantastic guide! Our boat ride was interesting, with ops for sunset photos, info on local marine life and what creates the bioluminescence. Getting I the water and experiencing the bioluminescence is an experience like no other!”

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2.Sunset and Bioluminescence Boat Tour at Los Arcos Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Cruise from Mismaloya to Los Arcos for sunset, then snorkel in dark caves as glowing plankton flicker around you. Guides such as Gabriel, Alexis, Efraim, and Ivan lead the outing, with gear, snacks, drinks, and shared transport included.

“First, they pick you up at a gas station in a van with seatbelts that don’t work. Then we drove to a very sketchy neighborhood and got on a small sketchy boat. Our guide was very nice and helpful. The bioluminescence was cool but the snorkel masks they provided smelled of gasoline and the bite piece was mostly chewed off. To top it all off the van that was to take us back to the sketchy gas station wasn’t there when we got back. I asked when it would be there and was told “any minute”. Forty minutes later it still was there. I don’t appreciate being lied to. They…”

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3.Bioluminescence in Los Arcos Marine Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $76

Meet at Margarita Grill in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, then ride south for sunset and a 90-minute Los Arcos boat tour. Guides such as Eduardo, Alejandro, and Fernando explain local birds, marine life, and bioluminescence. Swim in the glowing water or watch from the boat.

“our guide was adorable, he was very sweet and gave us tips of all the best beaches along the coast as we traveled to los arcos.”

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4.Los Arcos Bioluminescence & Swim by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 3 hours · from $61Best value

Meet your English or Spanish-speaking guide in Zona Romántica, travel to Mismaloya, and watch the Pacific sunset with a welcome drink. After dark, head by boat to Los Arcos, where microscopic organisms may create a blue glow in the water. Swimming is optional.

“We honestly didn’t expect the bioluminescence to be so visible, but it completely exceeded our expectations. Guillermo was a fantastic guide who made the whole evening feel relaxed and special. Starting with the sunset on the beach was beautiful, and later seeing the caves light up so clearly in the dark was absolutely breathtaking. Something truly unique and unforgettable that we would highly recommend.”

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