Puerto Vallarta

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

Badge of ExcellencePuerto Vallarta, Mexico
Small Group Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

From $105.00

Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
  • 4 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Look for humpback whales off the coast of Mexico on a half-day whale-watching tour from Puerto Vallarta. Depending on the conditions, you might watch for whales in the Bahia de Banderas or out in the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the majestic animals from your marine biologist guide as you ride on a small boat that is equipped with a restroom. Your tour includes lunch served on board the boat and accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Half-day whale-watching tour from Puerto Vallarta
  • Cruise the waters of Bahia de Banderas to spot whales
  • Learn about whale behavior from the marine biologist guide
  • Includes lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, and guide

What's Included

  • Soft Beverages
  • Lunch
  • Professional guide
  • The listed price does not include a $40 pesos per person port tax, payable at the time of tour check-in. The departure tax is required by our local supplier and/or the local transit or governing authority and is not within our control.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Mr. Cream Pancakes & Waffles
    Condominios Marina Sol Int. 3y4, Marina Vallarta, 48354 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Start time

09:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Stroller accessible
  • Rain or shine the tour will depart.
  • Near public transportation
  • Seasonal operating December to March
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Minimum numbers of travelers apply. If not met, booked guest will be offered a refund or date change
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
DEBORAH_R
Talia and Captain are simply the best of the best. Both are experts in their fields. Talia shares her extensive education in biology so you see the whales in their habitat as nature intended. Make changes humans. Save our beautiful planet and all creatures who share her. Thank you for the most amazing experience. I’ll never forget this beautiful day.

Reviews

5.0
172 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 172 reviews
A wonderful experience
Kimberly_H, Mar 2023
We loved having a knowledgeable guide with us. Not only did we see whales and dolphins but aquatic birds and a resident crocodile! The biggest drawback was the way the boat was designed made it difficult to see any whales as we approached them. The other issue we had as first-time travelers was finding the Marina gate. It's across from the pancake shop but the directions weren't clear. We figured it out though. I would definitely recommend this trip and be sure to sit in the bow of the boat!
Thalia gave us a lot of...
Roxanne_F, Mar 2023
Thalia gave us a lot of information about whales and dolphins that we did not know. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed seeing the orca and humpback whales. We’ll join her again for other trips.
The best excursion ever
raynald_d, Mar 2023
Learned so much on the whales thanks to our marine biologist she was so knowledgeable and shared her knowledge with us
Great time
Franklin_C, Feb 2023
Getting to see the whales and other marine life up close and our friendly and knowledgeable guide and boat Capitan
Super fun!
Tanja_M, Feb 2023
The captain and marine biologist Talia were amazing! Very respectful to the whales, extremely informative about whales, dolphins, turtles and other things we saw during our adventure.
Great morning in the bay
Alison_M, Jan 2023
Fantastic trip. The marine biologist was very knowledgeable and a great guide. Unbelievable whale sightings. Would definitely recommend to anyone
Perfect Experience
H_C, Jan 2023
Outstanding experience with a truly eco concious, wildlife and ocean respecting operation. Would recommend to anyone!
Extraordinary day!!
Betti_H, Dec 2022
Ohhh my, this was the highlight of our trip. We saw over 20 whales in four different pods. Our biologist Talia was so knowledgeable and cared so much about the whales. It was just an extraordinary event! Even a tasty lunch on the trip back to the docks. ❤️❤️
Thank you whales!
DEBORAH_R, Dec 2022
Talia and Captain are simply the best of the best. Both are experts in their fields. Talia shares her extensive education in biology so you see the whales in their habitat as nature intended. Make changes humans. Save our beautiful planet and all creatures who share her. Thank you for the most amazing experience. I’ll never forget this beautiful day.
2nd time just as good!
Steve_V, Dec 2022
This was our 2nd time on the tour and it was just as great as the first time. The crew is wonderful, friendly and always there to answer any questions.
Great day
Russell_H, Mar 2022
Thalia’s brother, Victor, did a great job in her absence - we saw a lot of whales and they do it the right way, not like some who are disrespectful of the rules. This is the second time we have been with them and it will not be the last.
Amazing Day, Highlight of Trip
olinger, Mar 2022
This was the best day we had on our weeklong Mexico trip The crew was outstanding. We say at least 25 whales, and we were at the end of the season. We also saw a huge pod of spotted dolphins and a manta ray that jumped 2 ft from the boat. Dont miss the opportunity to see the whales from the top level of the boat. Amazing experience.
Being near a pod of...
Yannick_M, Feb 2022
Being near a pod of whales Seeing many whales up close Our guide was knowledgeable She followed the whales not other boats
This is an excellent experience!
MaryJane_C, Feb 2022
This tour had a very knowledgeable guide. This was an awesome experience for our family. Highly recommended.
Bucket list trip was beyond what I expected !
Katie_V, Feb 2022
Having a biologist who knows the areas and the aquatic life really made our trip. We saw 18 whales with 72 views of the whales. It was a small group which made it wonderful. The boat captain was enthusiastic as well. I highly recommend this tour
Thalia was absolutely...
Sylvia_F, Feb 2022
Thalia was absolutely fabulous! Sharing her knowledge as well as getting us a safe distance to enjoy the humpback whales. One special moment was listening to the songs of the male whale!!!
One of the best whale trips ever
Robert_A, Jan 2022
Many whales, superb service, very knowledgable During Covid, sandwiches should not be handmade and wrapped by crew and drinks should be packaged. Sur charge would be welcomed for more secure food prep. Great time!
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Thank you for your observation. Even before Covid, we have always made lunch ourselves, and therefore can certify that its prepared in the cleanest and most sanitized area. Drinks are packed in 1lt glass containers, and poured in clean and sanitized cups. We only use biodegradable products to wash thoroughly everything, and all those products have been approved by boards of health and environment. You would have more chances to get covid (or any food related illness) by sitting at a restaurant, than getting it from our lunch. Only one person touches the food that is'provided on our tours: me ( guide). Indeed a surcharge could be put in place, but we are keeping our prices the sames regarthless of having higher costs due to covid. Thank you for joining us.
The young woman who was...
Leslie_B, Jan 2022
The young woman who was the marine biologist, apologies I can’t remember her name, Tulia? She made the trip. Her thoughtful, amazing knowledge and love of what she does was a highlight. We saw many whales and although from a distance, it was amazing. I very much appreciate your commitment to respect the species as best you can and to keep an eye on others who do not. Thank you very much for the opportunity. One thought, I would recommend more precise directions….there were several of us that had trouble locating the exact spot . Sadly I cannot be more helpful with this, but the Taxi drivers seemed confused. Thanks again,
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Thank you very much for your input. We have little control over how taxi drivers know the area, there is no set address for a marina pier, and we mark specific references as well as the closest street for cars to drive our guests there. But we will add a map to each ticket, hope this helps future guests. We are very happy to learn that you enjoyed the excursion itself with Thalia. Warm regards
Wonderful Whale Experience!
MsM, Jan 2022
Our guide and pilot were both knowledgeable and friendly, and whales came right up to our boat. It was an amazing experience.
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Thank you very much for your review. It's incredible to have " human watching" whales right? Lol We always give our best respectfully, and Nature does come up with unexpected surprises
This is how whale watching is done.
Shannon_P, Jan 2022
This was our second tour with Vallarta Natours. We were so happy it was with Thalia, again. She is so knowledgeable and shares it without reservation. We appreciate her approach to every encounter: to not interfere with the natural balance, to be a witness to it, not inject ourselves into this beautiful animals surrounding. We were witness to many whales and a rare dolphin (Thalia is hoping it is) not usually seen in the bay.

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