The practical guide
What to wear and expect
Practical advice for Rhythms of the Night: the port, shoes, layers, money, ages, health, port rules and what to do if the sea or weather turns.
Book the sunset sail and show on Viator ↗Quick answer
Wear comfortable shoes with no heels or wedges, because the paths at the cove are sandy, uphill and lit by candles. Bring a light layer in winter, bug repellent in summer and some spending money. Check in at the cruise port at least 45 minutes before departure. The minimum age is 6, drugs and vapes are banned at federal ports, and hotel transfers are not included.
Getting to the cruise port
The booking page says you meet at the operator's check-in office inside Puerto Mágico, the cruise port in Puerto Vallarta. Wikipedia says the El Salado wharf, where the current cruise terminal stands, was inaugurated in 1970. The fare does not cover the trip to the port, so arrange your own transport and leave a margin. The calendar and your confirmation give the departure for your date, which is more reliable than any time you read elsewhere.
Arriving early
The booking page says to arrive early, and the operator's own page asks guests to be at the check-in point at least 45 minutes before departure. Treat that as a minimum. Boarding, checking in and paying any fee due on the day all take time, and a late arrival can cost you the sail.
Shoes
The operator asks for comfortable shoes and says no heels or wedges. The booking page explains why: after landing you follow candle-lit paths with steps and sandy, uphill sections, and you do it in the dark. Flat, closed or well-strapped shoes that cope with sand are the sensible choice. Dress as you would for a smart-casual dinner outdoors, but plan every other choice around the paths.
Layers and weather
The operator suggests a light sweater or jacket in the winter months and a hand fan and bug repellent in summer. Wikipedia gives Puerto Vallarta an average daily high near 30 degrees Celsius and a low near 21, with about 75 per cent humidity, and a rainy season from mid-June to mid-October. You will be on open water in the evening and outdoors for dinner and the show, so pack for the water as well as the warm air.
Money and extras
The operator tells guests to bring extra money for dock fees, photos and souvenirs. The booking page lists gratuities and an admission fee as not included, so check what is payable on the day. Have a card or some small cash ready at check-in. The open bar and dinner are in the fare; photos and souvenirs are optional extras that you can skip.
Ages, health and mobility
The minimum age is 6, with no exceptions. The booking page says there is no accessible boarding, calls the paths steps and sandy uphill sections, and says the evening is not suitable for people with limited mobility. It tells pregnant guests and people with heart conditions to consult a doctor before booking. If any of that applies to someone in your group, decide before you pay, not at the dock.
Port rules
The booking page says rules at federal ports are strict: drugs and vapes are banned, and anyone refused entry because of them is not refunded. Leave vapes at your hotel. This applies at the cruise port where the evening starts, and it is the kind of point that costs people their evening if they ignore it.
If the sea or weather turns
The booking page says weather and sea conditions can delay or cancel a departure. Wikipedia says tropical storms can bring thunderstorms to Puerto Vallarta in November and that most rain falls from July to September. If the forecast looks poor, check your confirmation and Viator's terms for your date to see what happens next, and keep a free evening in town as your fallback.
Who this isn't for
Cruise-ship passengers should look elsewhere, because the booking page says the return time does not suit them. It is also not for people who need accessible boarding, children under 6, or anyone who dislikes boats at night. For those travellers, the comparison guide on this site lists gentler ways to spend a Puerto Vallarta evening.
Read next: Rhythms or a bay sunset cruise?
Frequently asked questions
What shoes should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, with no heels or wedges. The paths at the cove are sandy, uphill and lit by candles, and the booking page warns of steps.
Should I pack a jacket?
The operator proposes a light sweater or jacket for the winter months. In summer it suggests bug repellent and a hand fan.
How early should I check in?
The operator asks guests to arrive at the check-in point at least 45 minutes before departure. The booking page also says to arrive early.
Can I bring a child?
From age 6, with no exceptions. The evening is long and the paths are uphill and sandy, so think about your child's stamina.
Are hotel transfers included?
No. Hotel transfers and gratuities are not included, so arrange transport to the cruise port yourself.
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