Whale Watching Photo Safari

Please arrive at Vallarta Adventures’ check-in point at least 45 minutes before departure.

Minimum age: 6 years old

Child prices apply to ages 6 to 11. Adult prices apply to ages 12 and older.

This tour is Whale Sighting Guaranteed from December 20th to March 1st. If whales are not seen, we offer you the opportunity to take a second complimentary tour. Refunds do not apply.

For safety reasons, expecting mothers and persons with back or neck problems are restricted

This tour is conducted on inflatable boats without onboard facilities. If you prefer a more equipped boat, visit our Whale Watching Adventure.

In accordance with federal regulations drones are prohibited in this tour.

Camera

Sun protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses

Safari hat with neck strap (the wind can easily blow away caps or hats without straps)

Extra money for dock fees and Humpback Whale Conservation Fee

The waters of the Pacific Ocean host one of the world’s most stunning mammals – the humpback whale. Each winter, the humpbacks migrate from the Arctic to breed and rear their young on the coasts of Banderas Bay.

Our whale tour in Puerto Vallarta takes you to strategic locations carefully selected to give you the best chance of seeing these majestic creatures breach out of the water in front of you.

Conducted on inflatable speed boats to ensure the unique opportunity to watch whales from sea level, our excursions are guided by exceptionally talented marine mammal behavior experts who are passionate about protecting wildlife and the environment.

As we follow these magnificent mammals across Banderas Bay, our professional guides’ knowledge and insight will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wildlife that you’ll encounter during an unforgettable whale-watching experience in Mexico.

If you are coming with children or seniors, make sure you also take a look at our Combo Whale Watching & Dolphin Adventure and our Whale Watching Adventure, to decide which one is right for you. Our Travel Advisors are also available via phone, email, or WhatsApp to help you make the best decision.

Whale season in Puerto Vallarta officially begins on December 8th and runs through March 23rd, but you can sometimes spot whales as early as November or as late as May. However, the best time to see whales in Puerto Vallarta is during the months of January and February, since it is when they are more active.

We are lucky to have dolphin residents who spend all year swimming around Banderas Bay and out to the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. These playful creatures often swim alongside our boats, splashing and surfing in the waves.

The humpback whale population that passes through Puerto Vallarta has been predicted to be over 18,000 whales. However, these remarkable creatures are vulnerable to extinction and are constantly threatened by ocean debris, pollution, and entanglement.

At Vallarta Adventures, we practice responsible whale watching to ensure the protection and increase the longevity of the humpback whale population in Puerto Vallarta.

Our Marine Mammal experts are part of RABEN, which stands for Red de Asistencia a Ballenas Enmalladas (in English, this stands for Whale Disentanglement Network). This specialized team has a high level of training that prepares them to save humpback whales and other various marine mammals from fishing nets and other hazards.

Dozens of whales have been released in the past few years. To learn more about this important commitment, visit our Sustainability section.