Booking choice: The sunset dinner show cruise, from $119 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Vallarta Adventures runs both: Rhythms of the Night, the sunset cruise with dinner and the ALMA show at Las Caletas, and a three-hour sunset sail with wine and cheese. They are very different evenings for a similar budget per hour.
Here is how they compare and who each one suits.
The quick answer
Pick Rhythms of the Night for a full night out: about five hours with a buffet dinner, open bar and a big show, from $119. Pick the sunset sail for a calmer, shorter evening: three hours with wine, cheese and an open bar, from $99, and dinner in town afterwards.
How do the two evenings compare side by side?
The dinner show is longer, busier and includes dinner; the sail is shorter, quieter and includes wine, cheese and drinks.
| Dinner show cruise | Sunset sail | |
|---|---|---|
| From (adult) | $119 | $99 |
| Length | About 5 hours | About 3 hours |
| Food | Candlelit buffet dinner | Imported cheese |
| Drinks | Open bar | Fine wines and open bar |
| Entertainment | ALMA show at Las Caletas | The sunset and the sea |
| Fees at check-in | $20 access + MX$40 port | $20 access + MX$40 port |
| Rating | 4.5 (2,075) | 4.6 (452) |
Leaning towards the show? Check your date for the sunset dinner show cruise.
Check dates for the sunset dinner show cruiseWhat is the real price difference?
About $20 per person on the from-prices, and both add the same fees at check-in.
The dinner show includes a full dinner, so the sail plus a restaurant meal in town usually costs more in total. The sail wins on value only if you would rather eat light.
Which is better for couples?
The sail for romance and conversation; the dinner show for a memorable night out together.
Reviewers celebrating anniversaries enjoyed both. The dinner show has a party atmosphere on the way home and hundreds of guests; the sail is limited to 30 guests.
Which has the better sunset view?
Both are timed for sunset; the sail spends its three hours on the bay, while the dinner show watches the sunset on the crossing.
One sail reviewer noted their boat stayed too close to the shore to see the sun set into the sea, so the view depends on the night and the route. On the dinner show, sit on the outside deck on the way out.
Which is better in whale season?
The sail: three hours on the bay from December to March gives you more time to look for humpbacks.
Sail reviewers regularly mention whales and dolphins; the dinner show crossing is shorter and the return is after dark.
Hoping for whales? The three-hour sail spends the whole evening on the bay.
Explore the sunset sailWhich is better with children?
The dinner show: the sail has a minimum age of 16, while the dinner show takes children from 6 and runs late.
The dinner show wows older children with fire and acrobatics. See Rhythms of the Night with kids for the details.
What is the verdict for each type of traveler?
Show lovers and first-timers: the dinner show. Quiet romantics and whale watchers: the sail.
- First trip to Puerto Vallarta: the dinner show.
- Anniversary, quiet: the sunset sail.
- Winter, want whales: the sunset sail.
- Group of friends: the dinner show, or a private yacht.
- Limited mobility: neither is wheelchair accessible; ask the operator before booking.
Made up your mind? Check your date for the dinner show before planning the rest of the week.
Check dates for the sunset dinner show cruiseFrequently asked questions
Can you do both on the same trip?
Yes, on different nights; both run around sunset, so not on the same evening.
Is food included on the sunset sail?
Fine wines and imported cheese are included, not a full dinner.
Do both include an open bar?
Yes. Both include an open bar; the sail adds fine wines.
Ready to book
Choose your evening
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & ALMA Show
- Sunset cruise from the Puerto Vallarta maritime terminal and back
- Candlelit buffet dinner with live music (the Michelin-chef menu is Premier only)
- Unlimited open bar on the boat and at dinner
Sunset Sailing with Wine & Cheese
- Sunset sail on Banderas Bay on a sailboat (max 30 guests)
- Fine wines and imported cheese
- Open bar on board
Luxury Yacht Sunset Cruise with Open Bar
Up to 16 guests, appetizers, fees included
