neon party

Imagine cruising the bay on a lively catamaran, music pounding, drinks flowing, and fireworks lighting up the sky—all under the glow of neon lights. That’s the essence of the Neon Party in Puerto Vallarta, a tour that promises a lively night with a festive atmosphere. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tequila, it offers some undeniable highlights that appeal to travelers looking for a fun, social experience.

We’re drawn to how this tour captures the spirit of Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife—stunning views of the coastline and fireworks from the sea—and appreciate the open bar and DJ-driven music that set the tone for a relaxed, party vibe. On the flip side, some may find the experience somewhat inconsistent, especially if they’re expecting a more upscale or authentic outing.

This tour is best suited for those who love to dance, mingle, and enjoy a good time with fellow travelers in a casual setting. If you’re seeking a memorable evening with a lively crowd and great bay vistas, the Neon Party could be just what you’re after. However, if you’re looking for a more refined or quieter evening, you might want to explore other options in Puerto Vallarta.

Key Points

• Vibrant atmosphere with DJ music and neon lights
• Stunning vistas of the bay, boardwalk, and fireworks
• Open bar included, but drinks may be watered down
• Group size limited to 30 travelers for a lively yet intimate feel
• Duration of about 3.5 hours makes it a manageable nighttime activity
• Price at $75 per person offers a good value for the experience

An Overview of the Neon Party Experience

The Neon Party offers a three-and-a-half-hour journey aboard a prestigious catamaran, departing at 8:00 pm from a central location near the Puerto Vallarta port. It’s designed as a nighttime social event — a chance to enjoy Puerto Vallarta from a different perspective, with the city’s lively boardwalk and fireworks providing a spectacular backdrop.

The tour includes DJ music, a light show, and an open bar throughout. Dry snacks are also provided, enough to keep guests fueled for dancing and socializing. The boat’s route explores the bay, giving you a chance to admire the coastline, distant mountains, and the twinkling lights of the city from the water.

What Makes It Special?

One of the standout features of this tour is the view of fireworks from the sea—a real treat if your timing coincides with local celebrations or special events. The light show and neon lighting create a festive ambiance that’s perfect for capturing lively photos and enjoying the night’s energy.

Despite the fun atmosphere, it’s worth noting that some guests feel the drinks are watered down—a common complaint in many party cruises. As one reviewer mentions, “the alcohol is watered down, and drinks are not very strong,” which might be disappointing if you’re expecting a more potent experience. However, the open bar does keep the spirits high, especially when paired with the music and scenery.

The Crowd and Group Size

With a maximum of 30 travelers, the group size strikes a balance—small enough to foster a lively, social environment but large enough for a fun, bustling party. This setup encourages mingling and makes it easy to connect with fellow travelers.

The Itinerary in Detail

The cruise begins at the designated meeting point near the port, where you’ll check in and receive a brief overview. The tour kicks off at 8:00 pm, giving you a chance to settle in and start enjoying the DJ tunes right away. As the boat departs, you’ll immediately be treated to views of the city’s vibrant boardwalk and the lights along the shoreline.

During the journey, the music volume is kept high to set the mood, with a light show that complements the neon theme. Expect the boat to cruise around the bay, offering plenty of photo ops of Puerto Vallarta’s skyline, lit-up beaches, and distant mountains.

One of the highlights comes as the boat positions itself for the fireworks display—from the water, the explosions of color are more vivid and spectacular than you might experience on land. Guests have raved about how “the fireworks from the sea” add an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

The Snacks and Drinks

Dry snacks are available onboard—think simple, light fare that keeps you nibbling while dancing or chatting. The open bar serves a variety of drinks throughout, but reviews suggest that the quality of alcohol is not premium, and drinks can be watered down. Starting the evening with a welcome shot could be a good idea if you want to kick things off with a little more kick.

Ending the Night

The tour concludes back at the port around 11:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to continue your night exploring Puerto Vallarta or heading back to your hotel.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

One guest described it as “a great booze cruise to party with locals,” highlighting its lively, inclusive environment. Another appreciated the music choices and called it “a vibe,” although some felt the drinks could have been stronger or the alcohol better quality. Concerns about watered-down drinks are common, but the overall sentiment remains positive about the fun atmosphere.

A reviewer noted that the boat ride and atmosphere are exactly what you’d expect from a party boat—everyone there to have a good time. The experience offers a casual, social vibe, which is perfect for travelers who want to unwind and enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s lively nightlife.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Tour

• Arrive early at the meeting point, especially since transportation isn’t included. Public transit is nearby, but giving yourself a buffer helps.
• Bring cash or a small tip for staff, especially if you enjoy the drinks and want to tip the crew.
• Dress comfortably and consider bringing a light jacket or cover-up since it gets cooler on the water at night.
• Hydrate and be mindful of your alcohol intake if you want to enjoy the full duration without feeling too tipsy.
• Capture the moments—the views and fireworks provide excellent photo opportunities.
• Be prepared for the crowd—it’s lively but not overcrowded, so go in with a party mindset.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for young travelers, groups of friends, or anyone seeking a fun, informal night out. It’s particularly appealing if you love music, socializing, and vibrant scenery.

Those looking for a relaxing or romantic evening might find this tour too boisterous or loud. Plus, if drinks are an important part of your night, be aware that some guests felt the drinks were watered down—so temper expectations there.

The Neon Party in Puerto Vallarta offers a lively, colorful evening that captures the city’s energetic spirit. With stunning bay views, fireworks, and a DJ-driven playlist, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting to combine scenic beauty with a fun night of dancing and mingling. The open bar adds to the festive atmosphere, even if the drinks aren’t top-shelf.

While it’s far from a sophisticated cruise, it delivers on its promise of a memorable, nightlife experience. If you’re after a casual, social, and visually striking outing, this tour could be a highlight of your Puerto Vallarta stay. Just keep in mind that the drinks might be watered down and the atmosphere is very much geared toward those who love to party.

This tour isn’t for everyone—if you prefer quiet evenings or upscale venues, look elsewhere. But if your idea of a good night involves music, fireworks, and a spirited crowd, then the Neon Party is worth considering.

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation or pick-up is not included. You’ll need to arrive at the meeting point near the port on your own.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 pm and ends back at the same point around 11:30 pm.

How many people can participate?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, helping keep the vibe lively but manageable.

Are drinks free throughout the tour?
Yes, there’s an open bar available on board for the entire duration. However, some guests note that the drinks can be watered down.

What’s included in the tour?
The package includes DJ music, a light show, dry snacks, insurance onboard, and a tour of the bay.

Does the tour include insurance?
Yes, insurance is included onboard, providing some peace of mind.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s geared toward adults who enjoy a party atmosphere. Check age restrictions if traveling with minors.

Would you recommend this tour?
If you’re after a fun, energetic night with great views and a lively crowd, definitely. But if you prefer a quieter experience or higher-quality drinks, you might want to explore other options in Puerto Vallarta.