El Faro Lighthouse Marina
Dine in a restored lighthouse offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the marina and Pacific Ocean, especially magical at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unforgettable golden hour views
El Faro Lighthouse Marina
Best Time
Unforgettable golden hour views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine in a restored lighthouse offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the marina and Pacific Ocean, especially magical at sunset.
"The combination of breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and outstanding service makes this place a true gem."
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Reservations are essential, especially for sunset. Call ahead or book online to secure your spot!
🍸 Cocktails with a View
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails with stunning marina vistas. A must-try experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Marina Views
Top of the lighthouse
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the marina, ocean, and city. Perfect for sunset.
Unique Lighthouse Dining
Restaurant at El Faro
Dine in a restored lighthouse, offering a memorable and unusual setting for a meal.
Scenic Elevator Ascent
Lighthouse elevator
Ride a glass-walled elevator offering stunning views of the marina as you ascend.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Sunset Views
Dress Code & Elevator Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Reservations are essential, especially for sunset. Call ahead or book online to secure your spot!
🍸 Cocktails with a View
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails with stunning marina vistas. A must-try experience!
✨ Dress for the Occasion
Smart casual attire is recommended to match the upscale ambiance and views.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Reservations are essential, especially for sunset. Call ahead or book online to secure your spot!
🍸 Cocktails with a View
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails with stunning marina vistas. A must-try experience!
✨ Dress for the Occasion
Smart casual attire is recommended to match the upscale ambiance and views.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
⬆️ Elevator Experience
The glass elevator ride up offers fantastic views of the marina below.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Faro Lighthouse Marina is celebrated for its unparalleled 360-degree views, especially at sunset, and its unique setting atop a restored lighthouse. Guests praise the attentive service and delicious cocktails, making it a memorable dining experience despite its premium pricing. Some minor service inconsistencies and food critiques exist, but the overall consensus highlights the breathtaking scenery and ambiance as the main draw.
"This restaurant is located in a restored lighthouse building - an unusual and memorable spot with a full 360-degree view.
The atmosphere is calm and pleasant. The evening we visited, a rainbow appeared after the rain - and we could see our sailboat below, under the arch of light. Truly beautiful.
The food was tasty, and the cocktails were served with great attention to detail. The place is not cheap, but the view makes it worth it. You definitely need to book a table in advance - it gets busy, especially around sunset.
There were a few downsides. Our reservation was lost - though luckily, they found us another table. Also, the staff didn’t seem to pay much attention to the condition of the table. Cocktails were placed directly on paper napkins instead of proper coasters. With cold drinks, condensation quickly soaked the napkins - glasses stuck, napkins tore, and it all became a bit messy. It’s something they could easily fix."
Elena Slovakova
"Great dinner and Fabulous views and service. The shrimp and passion fruit salsa were wonderful. The duck was good but the skin wasn’t rendered or crispy and it was a little over, ordered medium but there was no pink at all, still tender enough and the red wine reduction was delicious."
Kelly Salazar
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, you must stop by the restaurant at El Faro in the Marina! The view is absolutely stunning, but what really made our experience unforgettable was the incredible service.
Captain Esteban Dávila went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect, welcoming us warmly and making us feel at home. Our waiter, Rosendo, delivered impeccable service—attentive, professional, and always with a smile. Together, they created one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.
The combination of breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and outstanding service makes this place a true gem. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy Puerto Vallarta at its finest! 🌅🍷✨"
Ximena Cruz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Faro Lighthouse Marina is located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing service from most areas of the city. If you're staying in the Marina Vallarta area, it's often within walking distance.
Parking is generally available in the Marina Vallarta area, though it can be busy. It's advisable to check for specific parking regulations or options near the lighthouse.
While direct public transport to the lighthouse itself might be limited, buses do run along the main roads near the Marina Vallarta. From there, you may need a short taxi or walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the lighthouse grounds is generally free, but the restaurant at the top requires reservations. There might be a fee for specific tours or events.
The lighthouse itself may have specific visiting hours, but the restaurant, '36 by El Faro,' is typically open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. It's best to check their current operating hours.
There is no direct entrance fee for the restaurant, but you will be expected to dine or purchase drinks. Reservations are highly recommended.
While the grounds might be accessible, the primary attraction for many is the restaurant at the top. Access to the upper levels is usually tied to dining or bar patronage.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is incredibly popular for photography due to the stunning light. Golden hour before sunset and the blue hour after also offer beautiful opportunities.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional shoots or commercial use might require special permits. Always be respectful of other guests.
You can capture panoramic views of the marina, ocean, boats, and the lighthouse itself. The glass elevator also provides unique photographic angles.
Drone usage is often restricted in populated areas and near marinas. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on seafood and international cuisine. Dishes like shrimp with passion fruit salsa and duck have been praised.
Yes, the cocktails are frequently mentioned as being delicious and beautifully presented, with many guests enjoying them with the view.
The restaurant is considered pricey, but many reviewers feel the unique view and overall experience justify the cost.
A smart casual dress code is generally recommended. While not overly formal, guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the upscale dining environment.
While specific menus can vary, fine dining establishments often have vegetarian options. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant about their current offerings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting for brunch or an early dinner to avoid the busiest sunset crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience. While the restaurant is upscale, families can enjoy the views and perhaps share some appetizers or drinks. Be mindful of the dining prices and the general ambiance, which might be more suited for older children or teens who can appreciate the unique setting.
🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Booking a table in advance, especially for a window seat, is highly recommended to maximize the romantic ambiance. The attentive service, coupled with the unique setting, contributes to a memorable and intimate atmosphere that couples often rave about.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1The golden hour and sunset are prime times for capturing dramatic light and vibrant colors. The glass elevator also presents opportunities for interesting shots looking down onto the marina. Be prepared for crowds during peak times, but the views are generally expansive enough to find good compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The El Faro Experience: More Than Just a View
The atmosphere is generally described as calm and pleasant, making it suitable for romantic dinners, brunches with friends, or family outings. While the food receives mixed reviews, with some dishes being highly praised and others noted for minor imperfections, the quality of the cocktails and the attentive service from staff like Captain Esteban Dávila and waiter Rosendo are frequently highlighted as exceptional.
Despite the occasional hiccup, such as lost reservations or minor service oversights like the lack of coasters, the overall consensus is that El Faro provides a memorable and worthwhile experience, largely due to its unparalleled location and the effort put into creating a special ambiance.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at El Faro
+1Beyond the sunset, the panoramic views from the top are a photographer's dream. You can capture the sprawling marina filled with yachts, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and the cityscape of Puerto Vallarta. The glass elevator ride provides a unique perspective, allowing for dynamic shots as you ascend or descend.
When visiting, consider bringing a versatile lens to capture both wide-angle vistas and more detailed shots of the boats or lighthouse features. Early morning or late afternoon light can also be excellent for capturing the marina's activity without the peak crowds.
Dining Delights and Drinks with a View
Cocktails are a definite highlight, often described as delicious and artfully prepared. Guests frequently mention enjoying their drinks while taking in the breathtaking views, making it a popular spot for an aperitif or a full evening of drinks. The bar area itself is noted as inviting.
It's important to note that El Faro is considered a premium dining experience, and prices reflect the unique location and quality of service. Booking in advance is crucial, especially for prime sunset times, to ensure you can savor the food and drinks with the unparalleled backdrop.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit