11 Standout Private Whale Watching Charters in Mexico

1.Private Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Our pick

Spend about 3.5 hours on a private boat in Banderas Bay with a guide such as Victor, Carlos, or Talia. Search for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life while learning how to watch responsibly. Lunch, soft drinks, and a boat bathroom are included. Departures run December through March.

“We had a great time with Talia on a private whale watch excursion. We actually got to see them doing amazing things just like the picture at the top of the ad! We loved the small boat as there were only 5 of us. Talia has a masters in Marine Bio so it was very informative throughout. They also catered to dietary needs of two of us for the lunch. Would highly recommend.”

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2.Private Whale Watching in San José del Cabo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $200Best value

Spend about 2.5 hours on a private whale-watching boat from San José del Cabo with a guide such as Sophie or Paola. Look for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life, then listen underwater with a hydrophone. The tour includes free photos, a captain, and return to the starting point.

“Paola was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide! We wanted to be away from the craziness of the San Lucas marina and our efforts were rewarded. The entire process was effortless and wonderful. I recommend contacting Salty Cabo directly, however, because Viator isn’t helpful to modify or change your excursions.”

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3.PRIVATE Whale Watch Tour | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $369

Set out from Cabo San Lucas with a private marine biologist and captain for about 2 to 2.5 hours. See the Arch, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock before searching the Sea of Cortez or Pacific for humpback and grey whales, dolphins, sea lions, and turtles. Photos taken by your guide are included at no extra cost.

“The guide and boat captain were so knowledgeable and friendly. We saw tons of whales! We would definitely repeat this activity and recommend it highly.”

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4.Los Cabos Private Yacht Whale Watching & Drinks – Up to 18 Guests

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Board a private yacht at C Dock in Cabo San Lucas for roughly three hours of whale watching, Arch views, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and time on a floating mat. Crews such as Arturo and Nadia, Freddy and Gil, and Pablo and Eric have handled recent trips. Water, soda, and equipment are included. Food and alcohol depend on the option you book.

“The crew was amazing (Freddy and Eal) - the captains were very professional, would book this trip again. We saw whales, stopped by the arch and caught amazing views in every direction. Only feedback is to the owners of the vessel (not the crew), you might want to consider replacing the various cushions, as these are pretty beat up and have seen better days. Would help with the experience.”

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5.Private Whale watching Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Spend three hours crossing Banderas Bay with a private crew from Eco Explorer Vallarta. Guides such as Carlos, Emilio, and Hector help you search for whales, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays, while a hydrophone lets you hear marine life below the boat. The tour leaves Marina Vallarta at 11:30 am and carries up to six people.

“Carlos was so great at explaining the whales and finding them for us, and hector was a perfect captain! For being the end of whale season, we had plenty of wildlife to see (we are guessing about 20 whales and tons of dolphins). This tour definitely did not disappoint and I would recommend it for anyone wanting to see these magnificent animals!”

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6.Private Whale Watching on Luxury Yacht in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Start at 8:00 a.m. from Cabo’s marina for a private 2.5-hour yacht trip. Stop at El Arco for photos, then search for humpback whales with a marine biologist guide. Crews may include Ruben, Alonso, Sylvia, José, or Eloy. Water and soft drinks are included, while hotel transport and tips are extra.

“What a fantastic experience we had with this company and their wonderful staff. Our boat captains made this an especially memorable day for us.”

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7.Private Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Spend about 2.5 hours on a private Cabo San Lucas boat with a marine biologist guide. You’ll pass Lover’s Beach, Pelican Rock, Neptune’s Finger, and the Arch, then search for humpback and possibly gray whales. Maria and Adrian have led highly praised trips, with bottled water, park fees, and an optional photo purchase included.

“This was an amazing experience. Maria and Adrian gave us a two hour experience that was like no other. We saw dozens of humpback and gray whales. Maria, a marine biologist, was knowledgable about all things whale related and I felt like we had a private expert the whole time. The price is very reasonable for what you get. She also took pictures and at the end we had an option to buy all of them for $50. That’s nice if you want to sit back and relax without being behind a camera. Overall 10/10. Would recommend”

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8.Private Tour 3 Hours of Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Set out from Los Peines dock for a private three-hour boat trip in the Bay of Banderas. Your captain searches for whales, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles, with space for up to eight people. English is offered, though guide language should be confirmed. Bring food and drinks, or use the onboard cooler with ice.

“A spectacular day, we saw many whales, thousands of whales, dolphins and turtles, a great day!!!!! I recommend both tours, the snorkeling one too.”

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9.Humpback Whale Watching • Private Tour • Punta Mita

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Grimar Adventures Punta Mita for a 90-minute private boat trip from Punta Mita Pier. A certified captain and English-speaking guide search for humpback whales, keeping a respectful distance while you watch them surface, show their tails, or breach. Drinks and permits are included, and your group of up to eight has the boat to itself.

“Small boat, nothing special.. Other than an amazingly special experience. We saw whales the whole time! Our guides were great. Thank you”

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10.Private whale watching in Puerto Vallarta for 3 Hours

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 2 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

You’ll join a private panga trip from Los Peines, Isla Iguana, and head into the Bay of Banderas with an experienced captain trained to locate whales. The three-hour outing includes bottled water, life vests, and a whale guide. Dolphin sightings are possible, and the boat returns to the starting dock.

“Excelente día muchas ballenas y demasiada actividad el capitán fue muy amable y nos explicó un poco hacerca de las ballenas las aves y también observamos delfines un día muy divertido”

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11.Private Whale Watching in San Jose Del Cabo snack,drinks,Warranty

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $200

Set out from Mantarraya near La Marina Inn for a private two-hour whale watch in the Sea of Cortez. Guides such as Ángel, Captain Eduardo, Captain Ed, and Jimmy have led trips with whale and ocean commentary, snacks, water, and soft drinks included. Departures are listed at 8:00 or 10:00 AM.

“Captain Ed and Jimmy were fantastic! The tour was exceptional, and their expertise about the ocean and whales was impressive. They went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of with plenty of food and drinks. A truly unforgettable experience!”

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