7 Unmissable Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Tours

1.Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 666 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $105Our pick

Join Wildlife Connection at Opequimar Marina for about four hours on a small covered boat with a cetacean biologist such as Jemma, Gema, or Camilla. Expect a short land briefing, whale and dolphin searches, possible hydrophone listening, and research participation. Humpbacks are seasonal, and the boat returns to the marina.

“Camilla & Jorge were so incredible! They were so kind and ensured we were comfortable and taken care of. We enjoyed the information they shared about the whales. They were very passionate and excited to share their knowledge with us. Jorge was a safe driver and Camilla made us yummy sandwiches. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone! We took our 3 teenagers on it and they loved it. We SAW so many whales, it was so incredible! I can’t say enough good things about them.”

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2.Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 509 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $80

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard a comfortable yacht with Chica Locca Tours, searching for humpback whales and dolphins before sunset. Guides such as Isaiah and Luis add lively commentary, while the crew serves drinks, guacamole, blue corn chips, and sometimes ceviche. Expect music, dancing, port security, and a possible delay at departure.

“It was better than expected. The waiting was marginally tense but when we boarded, we found a very comfortable space and welcoming crew. We were immediately asked if we wish any type of beverage as we sat with anticipation. Instructions were explained as well as expectations. This was important since the whale watching season was ending and the chance of seeing whales might be limited. We had many moments where we saw many whales. Food was brought to guests on the ship to avoid mishaps. Food was sufficient to satisfy. If food is your priority you may want to consider a cruise. Kudos to the crew for doing a marvelous…”

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3.Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 469 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Join Eco Explorer Vallarta for a three-hour whale watch from Marina Vallarta. A bilingual marine mammal guide such as Carlos, Rodrigo, or Eric explains whale behavior while a small boat searches for mothers, calves, breaching whales, dolphins, and turtles. You will use a hydrophone, help with photo identification, and return to the marina.

“Top 5 excursions we've been on. Found lots of whales and was very informative on the whales and marine life”

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4.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99

Sail Banderas Bay from Puerto Magico on a roomy catamaran with live commentary, whale watching, breakfast, lunch, and an international open bar. You may see humpbacks, dolphins, sea turtles, mothers with calves, and breaching whales. The tour welcomes up to 120 people and returns to the same meeting point.

“Could not have had a better time! The crew was great, the drinks were excellent and the whales put on a show for us! Could not recommend higher!”

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5.Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

From Marina Vallarta, you’ll spend about three and a half hours on Banderas Bay with a group of no more than 12. Guides such as Thalia and Pilar explain whale behavior, help spot mothers, calves, and breaching males, and may use an underwater microphone so you can hear whale songs. Lunch, soft drinks, shade, and a return to the marina are included.

“Magical experience, a must do. Thalia and her team are amazing. They know where the whales are and maintain safe distances with concern to the whales safety. The group is small which is ideal, the boat is the perfect size. When too many other boats approached we left to find other whales. An absolutely fabulous day. Highly recommend.”

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6.Private Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

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

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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7.3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 62 reviews · 3 hours · from $45Best value

Spend about three hours on a small boat in Banderas Bay watching for humpback whales and dolphins, then visit a coastal swimming or snorkeling spot. English and Spanish guides provide life jackets, but recent departures have varied widely in length and snorkeling access, so bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, camera, and extra pesos.

“No pudimos ver ballenas , sabemos que no es culpa del guía , en eso no se puede saber. Sin embargo como compensación nos llevaron a otras playas , pero fue demasiado el tiempo de estar, el tour era para 4 h y se convirtió en 6 o 7 h, esto afectó nuestros demás planes.”

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