Day 228: May 14, 2025 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

If you ever find yourself in Puerto Vallarta and can only do one excursion, make it Rhythms of the Night. The 5-hour sunset cruise was awarded Traveler’s Choice for 2024 and it’s easy to see why. In ports, I usually hesitate to take excursions that involve a boat (since I spend all day on one!) but this turned out to be a magical evening.

The one-hour ride into Caletas Bay featured Cocos Boobies dive-bombing into the waters in search of food, as well as a rowdy entertainment team impersonating AC DC, Jennifer Lopez and Bruno Mars. The cove was illuminated with hundreds of tiki torches and candles.

On shore, we were greeted by mermaids, musicians, and various creatures of the jungle.

Dinner tables were spread out across the cove — on the beach, in huts in the jungle, all with fantastic ocean views.

My table was at the far end of the beach, so I had an unobstructed view of the pelicans and parakeets cavorting overhead while enjoying my passionfruit margarita.

Hammocks and plush beach chairs were scattered throughout for after-dinner lounging.

The evening performance was written and created by the co-creator of Cirque du Soleil. The Cirque influence was obvious, but with an Aztec theme. It takes place in an outdoor amphitheater with acrobats, actors, drummers, and fire dancers.

Thoroughly enjoyed this evening, and grateful to Eddie (our shipmate and Puerto Vallarta resident) for the recommendation.