Pirate Show and Dinner on a Cruise in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re thinking about spicing up your Puerto Vallarta trip with a night at sea, the Pirate Show and Dinner cruise offers a fun, themed experience that blends entertainment, good food, and beautiful bay views. We haven’t taken this tour ourselves, but based on available reviews and detailed info, it’s clearly a lively choice for travelers looking to add a touch of adventure to their evening.

What really catches the eye here are the in-costume pirate characters, the spectacle of fireworks, and the chance to dine on lobster tails and filet mignon while floating on a historic-looking, 700-ton galleon. It’s a unique setting that promises an evening full of lively music, fun activities, and an immersive pirate atmosphere.

However, there are some caveats — communication issues and the possibility of last-minute cancellations have been noted. So, if your trip depends on this experience, it’s worth confirming details and understanding their cancellation policy. That said, this cruise could be perfect if you’re after a themed night out that combines entertainment and a delicious meal, especially if you’re traveling with adults who love a bit of theatrical fun and a good show.

This experience suits those who want a lively, themed night with a mix of entertainment, good food, and bay views. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate a bit of history and costume play, or those simply looking for a memorable night with friends.

Key Points

• Themed Pirate Atmosphere: Expect characters in pirate costumes, a pirate tavern, and a lively, immersive setting.
• Entertainment and Visuals: Fireworks, live music, and special effects make for a fun, festive vibe.
• Quality Dinner: Lobster tail and filet mignon are served, offering a nice upgrade for dinner while cruising.
• Group Size & Duration: The tour caps at 20 travelers, lasting about 4 hours starting before sunset.
• Potential Communication Issues: Some reviews mention difficulties contacting the operator and last-minute cancellations.
• Cost & Value: At $245 per person, you’re paying for the experience, entertainment, and a meal, which can be a good value if you enjoy themed events and bay cruises.

The Experience: What This Tour Offers

The pirate-themed cruise begins just before sunset, a perfect time to catch Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful evening light. You’ll board a 700-ton wooden galleon—a real-looking vessel that adds an authentic touch to the pirate fantasy. This isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a theatrical event with actors in costume, performing a pirate show that’s likely to include games, dance, and interactive segments.

The live music sets the tone, making the entire atmosphere lively and engaging. Expect the crew and characters to encourage dancing and participation, which adds to the overall fun factor. The fireworks display is a highlight, offering stunning visual effects against the backdrop of the bay and city lights.

The dinner service features lobster tails and filet mignon, accompanied by side dishes. It’s a solid choice for a cruise dinner, especially in a setting where most of the experience is entertainment. The open bar with national and international drinks is included, so you can indulge in a variety of beverages without worrying about extra costs during the night.

The experience around the bay is relaxed but lively, with plenty of opportunities for photos, fun activities, and enjoying the scenery. The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, making it convenient for those staying nearby.

What’s the Value of This Tour?

At $245 per person, this experience is on the pricier side compared to typical boat tours, but it’s important to weigh what you’re getting: a themed night, a full dinner, live entertainment, and fireworks—all in a unique setting. For travelers who enjoy theatrical shows, costumed characters, and a vibrant atmosphere, this can feel like a memorable splurge.

However, reviews highlight some hiccups, notably communication issues. One traveler recounted a frustrating experience with last-minute cancellations and poor coordination, which underscores the importance of confirming details well before your trip. The policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on updates and stay in touch with the provider.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off at 5:30 pm from the Área Militar de Vallarta, a location you’ll want to confirm in advance. The cruise lasts approximately four hours, meaning you’ll be back around 9:30 pm—just in time to continue your evening in Puerto Vallarta’s lively nightlife or relax afterward.

Once onboard, the first half hour is probably spent settling in, exploring the boat, and getting into the pirate spirit. The crew in costumes will be mingling, setting the scene for the show. As the boat departs the dock, the bay views are spectacular, with the sunset providing a beautiful backdrop.

As the pirate show starts, expect a mix of live music, dancing, and interactive games. The fireworks display is timed to light up the sky, making for memorable photos. Throughout the cruise, the open bar is accessible, so you can enjoy drinks while taking in the sights.

Dinner is served during the cruise, with lobster tails and filet mignon as the main courses. The meal is served in a setting that feels festive and theatrical, complementing the pirate theme. The entertainment continues with more music and lively activities, culminating in a fun-filled evening that’s both visual and flavorful.

Finally, the cruise returns to the starting point, leaving you with plenty of memories—and perhaps a few new pirate stories.

The Realities of the Experience

While many find this cruise to be a highlight of their trip, it’s not without its quirks. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and lively but also means spots can fill up quickly. Booking well in advance, sometimes up to 160 days, is recommended.

The cost includes most things—dinner, show, open bar, and activities—but remember there’s a $3 port fee per person, and tips are not included. Transportation is also not part of the package, so plan to get to the meeting point on your own.

One critical point is communication. One reviewer mentioned difficulty reaching the operator regarding the meeting location, which could lead to confusion on the day of the tour. It’s a reminder to confirm all details ahead of time and be prepared for possible last-minute changes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for adults and young adults who enjoy themed entertainment, lively shows, and a festive atmosphere. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even celebrating a special occasion, the combination of dinner, music, and fireworks makes for a fun night out.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, quiet cruise or those sensitive to last-minute cancellations or communication issues. Also, since the focus is on entertainment and a lively party atmosphere, it might not appeal to those preferring tranquil sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

The Pirate Show and Dinner cruise in Puerto Vallarta offers a spirited, theatrical night out that combines a historic-looking vessel, a lively pirate show, and a delicious meal. It’s a great way to add some adventure and fun to your stay, especially if you enjoy themed events and interactive entertainment.

While the experience is visually stunning and full of energy, it’s worth considering the potential for communication hiccups and last-minute cancellations. Booking early and staying in touch with the provider can help smooth out these issues.

For those who thrive on vibrant shows, enjoy a good meal with drinks, and want to sail on an authentic-looking pirate galleon, this cruise could be a highlight. If you’re after a relaxed, quiet evening, or are concerned about logistics, it might be worth exploring other options.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a lively, memorable night, willing to embrace the theatrical pirate theme and ready for a fun-filled adventure on the bay.

FAQ

Is there a dress code for this cruise?
While the tour recommends comfortable clothes and shoes, there’s no strict dress code. Just aim for casual, neatly-presented attire suitable for a boat cruise and evening activities.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers dinner (lobster tail and filet mignon), live music, an open bar with national and international drinks, the pirate show, activities, and a tour around the bay.

Are children allowed on this cruise?
The data doesn’t specify family or child restrictions, so it’s likely geared more toward adults. If traveling with children, it’s best to verify with the provider beforehand.

How long does the cruise last?
Approximately 4 hours, starting at 5:30 pm and returning around 9:30 pm, just before nightfall.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded, so plan accordingly.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour begins at Área Militar de Vallarta. Confirm the exact location and transportation options directly with the provider, especially given some past communication issues.

If you’re craving an evening of fun, spectacle, and good food with a pirate twist in Puerto Vallarta, this cruise might just be your kind of night. Just remember to confirm your booking early and stay in touch with the operator to avoid surprises.