Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta: 6 That Repay an Early Alarm

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

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

Spend about four hours at sea with a marine biologist such as Jemma, Gemma, or Camilla, watching humpback whales and dolphins near Puerto Vallarta. A short land briefing, small covered boat, hydrophone recordings, research activities, sandwiches, and a maximum of 20 people make this both an educational outing and a serious wildlife excursion.

“It was very informative and the Marine Biologist, Jama was very enthusiastic and answered all of our questions. There was no guessing where the whales were. She and her Captain were able to find them is several places! We saw several breaches and were able to listen to the whale songs with a hydrophone. We saw several babies (huge). We then went to see several groups of dolphins. Apparently they stay in their territory. Would highly recommend this tour!”

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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 mega yacht with Chica Locca Tours, looking for humpback whales and dolphins as Puerto Vallarta slips into sunset. The crew serves drinks, guacamole, blue corn chips, and sometimes ceviche. Guides such as Luis and Isaiah help keep the mood lively and informative.

“Crew was attentive, boat clean and nice, and most importantly the whale sightings were plentifully. Don’t have any concerns booking this operator. They do it well!”

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3.Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta

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

Set out from Marina Vallarta on a shaded, fast boat with up to 10 people. Guides such as Carlos and Rodrigo explain whale behavior, use a hydrophone to play their songs, and may help with photo identification and conservation research. Bring waterproof clothing, your ID, and patience for changing sea conditions.

“Our tour guide, Carlos, was considerate of the whales, and knowledgeable given that he's also a veterinarian. The reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because Carlos said everyone will get the "same" view regardless of which side of the boat you sit on... That wasn't the case on our tour. The captain always pulled up to whales on the same side, and we were always looking at whales through the people on the other side of the boat, so I'd recommend that your party split up on each side of the boat.”

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

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

Cruise Banderas Bay from Marina Vallarta aboard a small boat limited to 12 people. A marine biologist such as Thalia or Pilar explains humpback behavior, points out mothers and calves, and may use an underwater microphone to play whale songs. Lunch, soft drinks, and a return to the marina are included.

“This tour was amazing. We were a little skeptical about taking an afternoon tour as we have always done mornings and seen plenty of whales. We saw so many whales up close and personal that were interacting with our Boat. Our tour guide and boat captain did an amazing job. You takeoff right from the marina. The small tour is the way to go, much more personable. We will definitely do this tour again next year when we are back. Oh and the lunch was also amazing after three hours on the ocean.”

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5.Mega Yacht Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 94 reviews · 3 hours · from $87

Spend three hours aboard a roomy Chica Locca mega yacht in Banderas Bay, watching humpback whales, dolphins, and turtles from November through April. Guides including Isai and Captain Nick share useful whale facts, while the crew serves premium drinks, guacamole, chips, and snacks. Return beneath Puerto Vallarta’s lights with music, dancing, or quiet seats.

“I highly recommend doing this one! The crew was a lot of fun and very attentive with making sure we had drinks, snacks and enjoying ourselves. There were plenty of whales to see & the weather was perfect to catch the sunset before heading back. I plan on doing this one again for sure!”

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6.3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling

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

Join a bilingual guide and captain from the marina for a three-hour search for humpback whales in Puerto Vallarta Bay. You may see whales, dolphins, snorkel, and stop at a beach, though snorkeling equipment and exact timing are not always clear. Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, a camera, and 39 MXN for port tax.

“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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