Rhythms of the Night: What to Know Before You Go

I went to Rhythms of the Night last night, and overall, I’m really glad I experienced it. The setting is absolutely magical, the show is visually stunning, and the whole place feels like you’ve stepped into a dream. That said, there are a few things I wish I had known ahead of time — not dealbreakers, but definitely worth sharing so others can go in with the right expectations.

First, let’s talk logistics. After purchasing your (quite pricey) tickets, you’ll get an email confirmation — and buried in the fine print is a note about an additional $20 USD per person fee, payable when you arrive at the port. This doesn’t include the smaller port tax. It’s not something made clear during the booking process, and honestly, that part felt a bit shady and frustrating.

When you arrive at the marina, the organization is a little chaotic. It’s not awful, just… disorganized. And in my opinion, VIP tickets didn’t offer much of a benefit. There are plenty of seats on the boat, and everyone boards relatively quickly.

Onboard experience: Snacks are minimal (think a couple slices of ham and cheese with raw veggies), and drinks are basically water — likely intentional so people don’t overdo it before the main event. That said, the music is lively, and the boat crew sets a festive tone from the start.

Once you arrive, the night transforms.

The venue is stunning. You disembark just before sunset, and the fire-lit, jungle-inspired setting is absolutely Instagram-worthy. Staff dressed in elaborate, otherworldly costumes welcome you as you wander through the torch-lined paths. It’s all very immersive.

The show itself is phenomenal.

The open-air amphitheater is a beautiful stage tucked into the jungle. While the seating has no back support, it’s cushioned and surprisingly comfortable. I was worried about bugs, but they weren’t a problem at all — maybe they spray. The performers are incredible — hypnotic, powerful, and beautifully costumed. It truly feels like a Cirque du Soleil-style production with a mystical twist. The only drawback: you can’t get a drink during the show, even though drinks are included in the package. It would’ve been nice to sip a cocktail while watching.

After the show, it’s dinner time.

You’re guided to your dinner area by group, and then… you’re on your own. It’s buffet-style in a dimly lit jungle dining area (tip: you might need your phone light to see the food). While I’d been warned the food might not be great, I personally thought it was very good. But finding a table and navigating the buffet line was a bit clunky — especially for groups. One of us had to stay and claim a table while the others went to the buffet line. By the time it was my turn, the line was quite long, and we ended up eating in shifts. Not ideal, but we made it work.

After dinner, you have time to explore the beautifully designed surroundings before the bell rings for your boat departure. Boarding was smooth, and the ride back was a party — fun music, dancing, silly entertainment, and stronger drinks than on the way out. The return was seamless, and getting a taxi took less than five minutes, even though our boat was the last to dock.

Final thoughts:

This is a truly unique experience that’s worth doing at least once — especially when you have guests in town. The beginning felt disorganized, and the surprise $20 fee left a bad taste — but once you arrive at the island, the magic kicks in. The production is world-class, the staff are impressive, and the setting is unforgettable. Most of my issues had nothing to do with the show or the dinner but more the earlier part of the night prior to getting to the venue.

Would I go again? Not regularly, but yes — especially to share it with someone who’s never been. Just go in knowing what to expect, and you’ll have a much better time.

Will Hutt

The PV Insider