📅 Availability: Daily
⏰ Departure Times: Nuevo Vallarta: 7:00 AM · Puerto Vallarta: 7:00 AM · Los Muertos Pier: 9:00 AM
⏳ Duration: 3 hours
🎯 Focus: Whale encounters · Nature · Marine education · Adventure
⚠️ Important: Port fee + conservation fee not included.
👕 Light sun-protective clothing
🧴 Biodegradable sunscreen
🧢 Hat with a strap
💵 Cash for fees and tips
Recommended: a light windbreaker during cooler months.
- 🚤 Scenic high-speed boat ride
- 🐋 Guided whale watching with naturalists and biologists
- 🎧 Hydrophone to hear whale songs underwater
- 🍎 Fresh fruit and purified water
- 🦺 Safety gear and life jackets
08:00 AM – Departure from Nuevo Vallarta / Puerto Vallarta
Navigation + hydrophone-assisted whale watching
11:00 AM – Return to the marina
🟦 Puerto Mágico — 07:30 AM (Apex Speedboat)
🟦 Los Muertos Pier — 09:30 AM (Panga — Not Apex)
🔎 Note: The 09:30 AM departure from Los Muertos Pier is operated on a panga boat (standard vessel). The 07:30 AM departures are operated on high-speed Apex inflatable boats.
🧍♂️ Children: 5–11 years · Adults: 12+
🐋 Sightings guaranteed from December 20 to March 1 (if no whales are seen, you may repeat the tour for free)
🚫 No refunds available
⚠️ Not suitable for pregnant travelers or guests with back/neck issues
🛶 Inflatable boats with no onboard facilities (for more comfort: Catamaran Tour)
🚫 Drones prohibited by federal regulation
❌ Not included: Conservation fee + port fee ($30 + $40 MXN per person)
Child: $70 USD – Ages 5 to 11
After completing your booking:
• You’ll be redirected to our confirmation page 🎉
• There you can download your digital ticket instantly and securely 🎟️
• You’ll also receive your booking reference and full experience details
• On the day of your tour, just show your digital pass and enjoy! 🌴
💬 Want personalized assistance?
If you tell us your date, how many people, and what you’re looking for (beach, snorkeling, adventure, romantic, family, etc.),
we’ll recommend the best option and help you.
Have questions before booking? Talk to a local advisor live.
💬 Talk to a live advisor⏰ Mon–Fri 10:00 AM–9:00 PM · Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Vallarta time)
What the experience is like
Interactive Map
The official season begins in early December and usually ends by late March. We guarantee whale sightings from December 20th through March 1st.
January and February are typically the most active and recommended months for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta.
There isn’t a “typical day” for this tour — whales and dolphins set the route! Our itinerary adapts daily to their movements to ensure the best viewing experience in Banderas Bay.
The whale’s location varies each day, but they’re generally found along the coastline between the Marietas Islands and Puerto Vallarta.
Humpback whales are the most common visitors. Occasionally, orcas can also be spotted, while other species such as Bryde’s and minke whales appear less frequently.
Yes! The minimum age to participate is 6 years old.
We recommend dressing warmly for early morning departures: long pants, a light jacket or sweater, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a strap (it can get windy on the water).
A smartphone works great if you use burst mode. For professional cameras, a 70–200mm zoom lens is ideal — and remember to protect your gear from sea spray.
Our Photo Safari is done aboard fast inflatable boats — perfect for those who want a closer encounter with humpback whales. For a more relaxed experience, try the Catamaran Whale Watching Adventure , which includes onboard facilities, meals, and drinks.
You can also combine whale watching with other
Marietas Islands experiences:
Nopalera Beach,
Hidden Beach Speedboat,
Majahuitas Beach Club.
For families,
Las Caletas
is an excellent choice.
Contact us to find the perfect experience for you!
Real Traveler Reviews
What visitors are saying about the whale watching experience in Puerto Vallarta
Cancellations with at least 48 hours’ notice: full refund (minus a 1–5% administrative fee).
Less than 48 hours: non-refundable.
Date changes: subject to availability; preferably requested 48 hours in advance (in exceptional cases, up to 12 hours before the activity).
Weather: if the activity is canceled, you may reschedule or request a refund depending on the activity.
Medical reasons: with a medical receipt or certificate, a refund may be evaluated.
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