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5 BEST Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruises

Puerto Vallarta is a dream destination for holidaymakers, and it’s very easy to understand why. Its lush rainforests, picturesque city center, and white-sand beaches are enough to enchant visitors for weeks on end – I know that’s what happened to me!

And while there are plenty of amazing activities to enjoy in the area – from cultural to adventurous and delicious trips! – one of the best Puerto Vallarta excursions is, in my opinion, a sailing one.

Setting sail on a yacht or catamaran to admire the coastline from the water and cruise on the shimmering sea is an epic experience. What can make it even better? Doing it at sunset!

Image of a beach with vegetation on the left, a stretch of coastline, the sea, and a palm tree to the right.

Enjoy the day’s golden hour from the Pacific Ocean, and see the sky turn orange and pink as you relax on deck with – most likely – a drink on hand. 

I’ve handpicked the top Puerto Vallarta sunset cruises to ensure that whichever option you choose will take your breath away. 

Why can you trust me? I’ve been in the travel industry for a decade, and have plenty of experience curating tours all over the world. So much so, that I’ve developed a knack for identifying high-quality excursions that stand out from the rest. I’ve also traveled extensively in Mexico, and loved my time in Puerto Vallarta! I know exactly what a sunset tour in the area needs to offer to be iconic, and those are the only ones you’ll find here.

I generally use Viator to book tours around the world. I especially recommend the platform for its great cancellation policy. It allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so you can be as flexible as you want. 

Limited time? These are the top tours:

THE BEST TOUR Luxury Sunset Sailing
PRIVATE TOUR Private Sunset Sailing Cruise in Puerto Vallarta

The BEST Sunset Cruise in Puerto Vallarta

Hop aboard a sleek Beneteau sailboat for an enchanting Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sunset Sailing on Banderas Bay.

Relax on a beautiful deck while sipping cocktails and indulging in a tasty dinner. A deli platter, tortillas dipped in guacamole, and homemade brownies are a few of the bites you’ll enjoy.  

It’s an amazing experience watching the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean, painting the sky with gold and pink hues. You’ll have first-row seats to the show as you sail, while taking advantage of the open bar of course.

You’ll sail past Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town and the famous Malecon – a coastline that’s also worth checking out. It’s the perfect way to unwind and savor a romantic evening. 

Why this tour? It’s simply the ultimate activity to end your day with. You’ll be sailing for three hours in a luxurious vessel. There will be unlimited drinks and a traditional meal for dinner, and you’ll cruise past the most striking attractions of the area. It checks all the boxes!

Read what the reviews say:

By far the favorite outing of our trip. The crew was absolutely attentive and fun to be around. We lucked out by seeing a momma whale and her baby frolicking in the water while dozens of dolphins swam around . We were treated to one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. Food was great and our glasses were never empty. Special shout out to Captain Sergio and bartender Yoni’’

Michael_A – Read more reviews 

This Puerto Vallarta dinner cruise includes: A sunset cruise, dinner, and an open bar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Sunset Cruise + #1 Show in Puerto Vallarta

Sail into the glorious sunset with this Alma, By Rhythms of the Night as your captain steers the helm in the direction of Las Caletas. Cruise on Banderas Bay, and step onto soft sands for a memorable evening. 

On a secluded beach you’ll be treated to a 3-course candlelit dinner, listening to the sounds of the ocean lapping on the shore. The main includes steak, fish, or chicken with salads and tortillas, and a delectable dessert buffet. An open bar will supply unlimited drinks. 

After dinner, take your seat in an open amphitheater to be mesmerized by the Rhythms of the Night show. The performance showcases ancient tales through dance and music, starred by very talented artists. 

You’ll finally return to Puerto Vallarta, sailing under a starry sky. 

This tour includes: A sunset cruise, dinner, an open bar, and the show. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Whale Watching Sunset Cruise in Puerto Vallarta

Enjoy the evening of a lifetime with this Mega Yacht Whale Watching Sunset Tour [All-Inclusive]. Cruise the Bay of Banderas during a 3-hour trip, and take in the fiery views of the sunset from the sea. The highlight? You’ll be searching for the majestic humpback whales. 

Marvel at their beauty as they swim and tail-slap against the pink and orange skies, and enjoy your favorite cocktails from the onboard open bar. Live music and performances will keep you entertained as you drink and nibble on chips with guacamole and ceviche. 

Note: Whale watching is only possible during the season (December through March).

This tour includes: A whale-watching cruise, live music, performances, an open bar, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Sunset Cruises in Puerto Vallarta

▶️ Embark on a Sunset Cruise Aboard a Luxury Yacht for Private Groups with up to 11 friends. This yacht is equipped with three cabins, two bathrooms, wifi, and AC – perfect for the most comfortable day in the sea.  

As you relax on deck, sip on drinks from the open bar and enjoy hors d’oeuvres served by the attentive crew. Cruise to Los Arcos for epic views, then catch the breathtaking sunset as you sail along Puerto Vallarta’s coast. 

Witness the dazzling city lights from a perspective like no other – the open sea. It’s a captivating sight that adds an extra layer of magic to your cruise!

This tour includes: A sunset cruise, an open bar, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ Set sail on this Private Sunset Sailing Cruise in Puerto Vallarta with your group of 10. Cruise past the stunning Sierra Madre mountains and Puerto Vallarta’s enchanting coastline. 

You’ll be treated to two free drinks per person, made from organic Mexican spirits, and snacks. A knowledgeable guide onboard will share insights into the area’s history and natural environments. 

This tour includes: A private cruise, snacks, drinks, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.