Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruises

The bay faces west, so sunsets are reliable. The only real choice is romance or party.

Independent guide · Last updated September 2026

Because Banderas Bay opens to the west, Puerto Vallarta delivers sunsets almost every clear evening, and a cruise is a lovely way to see the coastline light up. The tours split cleanly into two kinds — decide which you want before booking, because they're very different nights.

The two types

If you want wildlife and snorkelling rather than a sunset, the Marietas Islands trip is the better use of a day on the water.

What to check before booking

• Boat size — the single biggest factor in the atmosphere.
• What's included — open bar vs a couple of drinks changes the price and the crowd.
• Duration and route — some just circle the bay, others include a swim stop.

If in doubt, a small sailing cruise disappoints far fewer people than a big party boat that turns out not to be your scene.

What a typical cruise includes

Most sunset cruises run two to three hours, leaving in the late afternoon to catch the sun going down over the bay. Expect drinks (from a couple of included cocktails to a full open bar), some snacks or canapés, music, and a route that hugs the coastline past the city and, on longer trips, toward the south shore. Some include a short swim or snorkel stop before sunset — worth seeking out if you want more than a floating bar.

Reading between the lines of the listing

Tour descriptions use predictable code. "Adults-only" and "open bar" signal a party boat; "romantic", "sailing" and "small group" signal the quiet end. "Party catamaran" is exactly what it says. Photos tell you the rest — count the loungers versus the dance floor, and the boat's size. Matching the wording to what you actually want prevents the most common disappointment: booking a raucous booze cruise expecting a peaceful sail, or vice versa.

Best conditions and timing

Sunsets are reliable year-round because the bay faces west, but the dry season (November–April) gives the clearest skies. In the green season an afternoon storm can occasionally cloud the horizon — though dramatic clouds also make the best colours. Check the sunset time for your date and pick a departure that puts you on the water 30–45 minutes before it.

Who each type suits

• Couples / calm evening: a small sailing catamaran with wine and canapés.
• Groups / celebrations: a larger party cruise with an open bar and DJ.
• Families: an early, non-alcohol-focused cruise, ideally with a swim stop.
• Photographers: a smaller boat that can position for the light.