Sunset and Bioluminescence Boat Tour at Los Arcos Islands

Puerto Vallarta – Pickup & Meeting Points
Your adventure begins in Puerto Vallarta with three convenient meeting locations:
5:30 PM – OXXO at the Cruise Ship Terminal
Just one block from the terminal, this is our first pickup stop and the easiest option for cruise ship passengers.
6:00 PM – Gas Station in Downtown Puerto Vallarta
After collecting guests from the OXXO, our accredited driver continues through downtown to meet those who selected this second pickup point.
6:30 PM – Mismaloya Beach (Mismaloya Xtreme Office)
Our third and final meeting point is at Mismaloya Beach, where we provide restrooms, changing facilities, and a rinse-off area. Here, you’ll meet your guides and board the boat to begin the adventure.
From Mismaloya, the journey continues.

Mismaloya, where your journey begins with a captivating nod to the rich history of this enchanting place. As the boat departs from the picturesque cove, your guide shares the story of The Night of the Iguana, the iconic 1964 film that put Mismaloya on the map. You'll hear how the filming brought Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to this sleepy fishing village, sparking international intrigue, romance, and fame that forever transformed Puerto Vallarta into a beloved destination.

The Los Arcos Islands—an iconic Marine Geological Sanctuary—rise dramatically from the sea, their rocky arches and caves creating natural silhouettes against the vibrant sky. The Islands come alive with a stunning display of birdlife. Frigatebirds, with their distinctive forked tails and elegant, gliding movements, soar high above, silhouetted against the warm hues of the fading sun. Brown pelicans dive gracefully into the water, their large wings slicing through the air as they hunt for fish in the glowing waters below.

As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a canvas of pinks, oranges, and purples, casting shimmering reflections on the ocean’s surface. The boat slows down in a perfect viewing spot to take it all in.

Whether guests are sipping on a beverage, snapping photos, or simply soaking up the serene atmosphere, this is the most magical moment of the cruise. The islands, silhouetted against the fiery horizon, create a postcard-perfect view.

Experiencing bioluminescence at Los Arcos is like stepping into a natural wonderland of light and magic. As the sun dips below the horizon and the waters around the towering rock formations darken, the true spectacle begins. Tiny, glowing microorganisms light up the ocean like stars scattered across the night sky. Every movement—whether it's your hand gliding through the water or a gentle wave—activates these organisms, creating a mesmerizing glow.

Snorkeling inside the dark caves takes the experience to another level. Once inside, the absence of natural light amplifies the bioluminescence. Each kick of your fins sends radiant blue-green sparks swirling around you, as if the water itself is alive. The cool, calm atmosphere of the caves enhances the feeling of stepping into a surreal, otherworldly environment.
As you float in the inky darkness, surrounded by the shimmering glow, it’s impossible not to feel a deep connection to nature’s magic.