Feb 12, 2025
Simply the Coolest thing I’ve ever done! - This was the coolest thing we did all trip! It was such a magical experience that I am going to remember for the rest of my life!! I highly recommend booking this excursion- it was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 6, 2025
Just book it! - We had a great time! Both of our guides, Alejandro and (I think) Eduardo, were very friendly, energetic and knowledgeable of the area and the wildlife. You can tell these guys love what they do and want to share the beauty of Puerto Vallarta with their guests. We absolutely loved that we did a little bit of whale watching on our way to Los Arcos and got to see some whales, which was very unexpected. We also appreciated sooo much that they had towels available for us. They kept the vibe fun with energetic music while we were speeding across the ocean to and from our destinations. We had so much fun and would definitely want to tour with these guys again. This was a fantastic experience! 10000/10, we highly recommend!!
Review provided by Viator
Feb 6, 2025
Bioluminescence and whales! - I think we went on a night when the bioluminescence was a little underwhelming, but it was still memorable and educational. We went during whale watching season and we saw several. We even saw one dive with its tail against the sunset-so beautiful! We also saw the mirror effect on the water after a whale dives. I guess their dive breaks the surface tension of the water and it’s completely smooth in that one area. We loved learning about the bioluminescence and uniqueness of the blue footed boobies at Los Arcos. The tour itself was quick. I didn’t feel like much time was wasted. There’s a public parking garage near the bar (under the park with these beautiful mosaic benches). Take a right from the park if you’re facing the beach and Burros Bar has a yellow sign out front. We got our complimentary drinks (quite a few virgin options), and then took a short walk to the pier to get on our boat. Then we drove around looking for whales while the sunset. I think we saw 3 different ones. We spent probably 10-20 mins in the water. I’m not quite sure. Apparently they’re difficult to capture in pictures. Our experience was not like the online photos. It was more like occasional sparkles around you, but we still loved it. We were chilly afterward, but not miserable. We were back before 9. Two adults, 3 teens and a 9 yr old, and we all really enjoyed it.
Review provided by Viator
Feb 4, 2025
Great boat ride - Great boat ride first exploring the shore of Puerta Vallarta! We also lucked out and witnessed a whale breech at sunset close to us- those who’ve been whale watching before expressed this was the closest and best move they’ve seen! Guillermo was a great guide and showed us bioluminescent algae in the water dark alcoves of rocks, and even jumped in the water to agitate them to brighten for us. Fun boat ride back. Very worth the money. Some confusion at the meeting point though- a drink was covered with the cost of the trip, but not beer, best to ask what’s included.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 2, 2025
I loved this experience!... - I loved this experience! The ride to get there and back is a bit long but if this is something you're into, I'd definitely say do it at least once!
Review provided by Viator
Feb 2, 2025
Alex was a great guide,... - Alex was a great guide, made the trip fun and interesting. There were seven on our tour, which was just about the right number of people. We did not have as much luminescence in the water as I hoped, but what we saw was amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Feb 2, 2025
Stunning! - The sunset was gorgeous and we were lucky enough to see a humpback whale! The bioluminescence was stunning and I highly recommend getting in the water. It was like swimming in stars. Water wasn’t too cold. Our guide Guillermo was very kind and knowledgeable. He got into the water with me and my husband. Overall such a cool experience!
Review provided by Viator
Feb 8, 2025
Memorable - The meeting spot was easy to find and we enjoyed our time at Burrows bar. Alejandro was a great guy, fun and interesting! The boat ride was beautiful and we saw a turtle. Getting out of the boat and falling into the cold water was a challenge and because of the bright moon we could not see much of the bioluminescence. Fortunately, when we were back on the boat, Alejandro gave us a bioluminescence demonstration. The demonstration inside the boat was better than jumping into the water. On the way back we bumped into another boat by mistake but it was not a big deal.
Review provided by Viator
Feb 5, 2025
Not for everyone - if you get seasick easily or are afraid of tipping over in a small boat this is not your jam. My friend was not aware that we would be in a small boat flying over waves to get to our destination and in the description there wasn’t much warning. I had a ton of fun and the captain was very knowledgeable and fun. I think he just needed to reassure my friend that he has a professional and she is gonna be OK and she might’ve had a little more fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 3, 2025
Los Arcos, stars, whale and bioluminescence - Pros and cons about this tour. Transportation is a water taxi, so rough ride, and getting on and off the boat was difficult. I am older and short. Longer legged people had a bit easier time. That said, we saw a minor sunset, a whale up close, and the bioluminescence as promised. My husband and I did not get in the water as the current was strong, the water cold and we are not good swimmers. But I could stick my hand in the water, stir around and see the bioluminescence without getting all wet. Only half of the other passengers went in the water so we were not alone in our reluctance. Alejandro was our guide and gave a good introduction to Los Arcos sanctuary and its bird life. Manuel was captain of the boat and patiently took time so we could see the whale. And the stars were amazing away from the city lights. You have to jump or dive off the boat, but there is a ladder to climb back in. And only masks provided as you do not actually snorkel. It was a good experience but not one I would repeat, primarily because of the transportation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
