Puerto Vallarta: Sunset Cruise Aboard a Luxury Yacht-private

When it comes to experiencing Puerto Vallarta from a fresh perspective, a private sunset cruise on a luxury yacht is hard to beat. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve seen how it appeals to travelers looking for a mix of comfort, scenic beauty, and a touch of exclusivity. It’s the kind of experience that’s perfect for couples celebrating something special, small groups wanting a memorable evening, or anyone eager to enjoy the coast in style.

What really catches the eye are two things: first, the privateness of the tour—no crowded boats here—and second, the stunning views you get from the yacht, especially at sunset. Plus, the added perks like high-speed WiFi and an open bar make it feel both luxurious and practical. On the flip side, one consideration is the price point—at over $1,300 for a group of up to 12, it’s definitely an investment. But if the idea of cruising in privacy with all the comforts sounds appealing, this tour could be a top choice. It’s especially well-suited for those looking for a hassle-free, personalized experience with gorgeous scenery.

Key Points

• Private and intimate: Ideal for those wanting a personalized, exclusive experience.
• Stunning coastal views: Perfect for capturing memorable photos, especially at sunset.
• Comfort and convenience: Modern yacht with WiFi, bathrooms, and cozy seating.
• All-inclusive: Snacks, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres included.
• Flexible itinerary: Stops at Los Arcos, Banderas Bay, and Malecón offer diverse scenery.
• Not suited for young children: Best for travelers over 4 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Sunset Cruise Stands Out

A major plus of this tour is that it’s completely private. You’re not sharing the boat with strangers, which means your experience can be tailored a bit—whether that’s focusing on photo stops, relaxing with drinks, or simply enjoying each other’s company. The luxury yacht itself is well-equipped, featuring 3 cabins and 2 bathrooms, making it comfortable even if you decide to stay on the boat after sunset.

The scenic highlights include cruising to the Los Arcos Nature Preserve, a must-see with striking rock formations and abundant marine life. The boat’s itinerary takes you along the coast of Puerto Vallarta, providing a unique vantage point on the city’s famous Malecón and Banderas Bay, especially during golden hour. Plus, the inclusion of high-speed WiFi (Starlink-powered) is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to share snaps or catch up on messages even while floating away from the crowds.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off at the marina, where a brief safety orientation gets you familiar with the vessel. From there, your adventure begins with a cruise to Los Arcos Nature Preserve. Here, you’ll get about an hour to take in the natural beauty of the rock formations and maybe snap some great photos. This is one of the main highlights—you’ll love the views of the islands, especially if the weather is clear.

Next, the crew stops for a quick photo session at the Arcos, giving you about 15 minutes to capture shots of the striking formations. Then, the boat heads towards Banderas Bay for a sunset photo stop. This part is where many guests say the views are simply unbeatable—imagine the sky turning shades of orange and pink, with the coastline glowing below. It’s a perfect moment for photos or just soaking in the natural beauty.

Following sunset, the cruise continues along the coast, passing by Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Malecón. You’ll enjoy a leisurely hour of sightseeing, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the city’s lively atmosphere from offshore. Throughout the cruise, you can indulge in snacks and drinks, with an open bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, plus hors d’oeuvres to keep you fueled.

The tour wraps up as you head back to the marina, leaving you with a sense of serenity and a camera roll full of beautiful shots.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The all-inclusive aspect makes this cruise a good value for what it offers. Snacks, a variety of drinks, and the convenience of onboard bathrooms and WiFi are all covered. This means you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the scenery without worrying about extra costs or logistics.

However, gratuities for the crew aren’t included, so tipping is appreciated if you feel you’ve received great service. You might also want to bring your own essentials such as a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothes—especially since you’ll be outdoors and exposed to the sun.

The Experience’s Strengths

Guests have praised the knowledgeable crew and the stunning views. The crew’s professionalism and friendliness seem to significantly enhance the experience, making it more than just a boat ride—it’s a personalized service that adds a touch of luxury. The cruise’s timing in the evening capitalizes on Puerto Vallarta’s renowned sunset—something many find to be one of the most breathtaking sights in the area.

The WiFi feature is also a nice bonus, especially if you need to stay connected or want to post those sunset photos immediately. It’s rare to find this on a boat, and it makes sharing your experience even easier.

Considerations Before Booking

While the experience is generally well-loved, keep in mind that it’s a three-hour tour, which might be on the longer side if you’re not used to boat trips or if you prefer shorter outings. The cost is relatively high, but many visitors feel it’s justified by the privacy, luxury, and scenic value. If you’re traveling with young children under 4, note that this tour isn’t suitable for them, mainly due to age restrictions and the nature of a boat outing.

Weather can also be a factor—if heavy rain or strong winds are forecast, the experience might be less enjoyable or could be rescheduled. Always check the weather forecast before booking, and remember that cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

This sunset cruise is especially well-suited for travelers looking for a luxurious, private experience with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed, personalized outing. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, like an anniversary or honeymoon, this could be a memorable way to mark the moment.

That said, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer quick, energetic excursions, this might not be the best fit. It’s more of a leisurely, indulgent experience designed for those who value comfort and scenic beauty over speed or adventure.

All in all, this private sunset cruise in Puerto Vallarta offers a blend of comfort, exclusivity, and breathtaking views. You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful sights from the water, enjoy high-quality amenities, and have a crew dedicated to making your experience special. It’s a nice way to escape the city’s hustle and relax as the sun dips below the horizon.

While the price might seem steep, many find that the personalized service, privacy, and stunning scenery justify the cost. If you’re wanting a calm, scenic, and memorable evening on the water, this cruise could be just what you’re looking for. Just keep an eye on the weather and plan ahead—this is the kind of experience you’ll want to savor.

Is this a private tour? Yes, the cruise is for your group only, up to 12 people, offering a private experience without strangers.

How long does the cruise last? It’s approximately 3 hours, usually available in the evening to catch the sunset.

What’s included in the price? Snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, WiFi, restroom access, and port taxes are included.

Are there any age restrictions? Yes, children under 4 years old are not suitable for this tour.

Do I need to bring anything? It’s a good idea to bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for outdoor comfort.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is gratuity included? No, crew gratuity is not included, so tipping is appreciated if you enjoyed the service.

This tour offers a calm, scenic, and exclusive way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s coast at sunset. For those seeking a leisurely, high-end water adventure, it’s a fantastic choice that combines natural beauty with luxury.

You can check availability for your dates here: