Upon arrival at Los Peines Pier (a federal port in Puerto Vallarta), you'll undergo security checks, including identifying your boat and a personal belongings check in the lobby. If driving, parking is available at the Los Peines Parking Lot for a fee.
Description
Our 4-hour whale watching experience offers a truly unique opportunity to witness the incredible life cycle of Humpback Whales in their natural habitat. What makes this expedition stand out is that Banderas Bay serves as a vital annual destination for these magnificent cetaceans to reproduce, calve their offspring, and rest, providing an unparalleled chance to observe these crucial behaviors firsthand. Beyond unforgettable encounters with whales and other pelagic animals, such as dolphins and mantas, you'll spend an outstanding morning navigating the beautiful bay, having fun while learning fascinating insights into the lives of these majestic creatures and the diverse marine ecosystem.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Tue, Thu, and Sun
Start times
9:30 AM
Season
Starts Dec 10
Adult (ages 2–90)
$141
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 4.
Tour Options
Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta
What's included
Included
Life vest
Hydrophone to listen to the whale´s and dolphin´s vocalizations
Federal mandatory port tax, for use port facilities
Didactic materials
Soft drinks and purified water
Turkey Ham with cheese panini
Licensed Bilingual Naturalist Guide
Fruit & Snacks
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
10 reviews
5
10
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Puerto Vallarta
Rated higher than 80% of 345 reviewed tours in Puerto Vallarta
Starting price $141 is 34% above the typical $105 for tours of similar length in Puerto Vallarta
Excurgo comparison of 904 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta take?
Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta lasts about 4 hours.
How much does Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta cost?
Prices start at $141 per person for this Puerto Vallarta experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, starting at 9:30 AM.
Can I cancel Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Upon arrival at Los Peines Pier (a federal port in Puerto Vallarta), you'll undergo security checks, including identifying your boat and a personal belongings check in the lobby. If driving, parking is available at the Los Peines Parking Lot for a fee. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 14 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 10 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Vallarta Whales.
Reviews(10)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
lauraleticiac2026
August 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
The tour was amazing; we saw whales, dolphins, turtles, etc., etc. The boat was super comfortable; the best guide in the world, super professional and friendly with a lot of knowledge and experience. Everything was perfect! Highly recommend this tour!!
J
jasondU570ZO
January 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic day on the water with lots of whales and friendly people
This was a fantastic day! We were lucky and it was a busy day and we had like a dozen different sightings, plus dolphins. Isa the naturalist guide was friendly and gave us so much good information. And you could feel her love of nature as she talked us through the day. Even if the whales weren't there, it was pretty out on the bay with the mountains all around. The boat was great, small enough we could see around, but covered so we didn't bake in the sun and they had a bathroom. They gave us snacks with fruit skewers and some homemade type cookies. The sandwhich was decent and they provided some beverages. Getting there was easy with the taxi dropping us off at the lobby area after going through the security checkpoint where they verify what boat you are going to. The port fee was covered so we didn't need to worry about that. And Isa greeted us right as we got out of the taxi so we didn't have to wander around wondering where to go. Overall just a great relaxing day on the water.
1 people found this helpful
9
984marisav
July 28, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The best whale tour in the Bay
It's the best whale tour in the Bay. They are all specialist, highly experienced and professional biologists, which makes a difference to taking a tour with regional boaters who have no scientific support or safety and environmental protocols.
An unmissable experience! Thank you very much to Isabel for this beautiful experience.
M
marisolmB385BV
July 25, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The experience with vallarta whales was incredibly magical, I would definitely do it again. The staff was attentive to us, something I really liked is that they also took care of the safety of the animals, showing love and awareness for them. If you are in Puerto Vallarta and want to live a unique experience I totally recommend this one!
1 people found this helpful
9
914kenial
July 24, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Just magic. We loved seeing the whales so fascinating, enjoying the trip just like us and everything overall was amazing. Since we arrived, the staff is very nice, they explain everything super well, I personally felt a little nervous but they project a lot of security. I want to thank you because it was my first time watching whales and it couldn't be better!
J
juliamarinar2025
July 24, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience, super recommended!
One of the best experiences, I am a fencer and every few years I try to enjoy these tours with Vallarta Whales, of which it is always a wonderful experience. Isabel is always friendly and professional, answers all my doubts and makes these tours a unique experience. Super recommended!
1 people found this helpful
M
mhV2482WN
July 24, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The most comfortable, complete and informative tours you will find. The Service is first class, they quote you and are on time on site, they have food to provide during the tour, they give very interesting explanations about the whales and their behavior, and overall the experience is very good.
You will not be disappointed with absolutely anything, plus the price is quite affordable!
1 people found this helpful
K
kevinmX4624IS
July 23, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The best boat ride of my life!
One of the best experiences I have ever lived in Vallarta. Seeing whales so close, free in their surroundings, was just stunning. The Vallarta Whales team knows what they do: punctual, friendly and super professional. I recommend it 100%, it is totally worth it.”
1 people found this helpful
F
freydora
July 23, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The experience with Vallarta Whales was beautiful from start to finish. I felt safe the whole time, the staff was very attentive and always took care of both us and respect for the animals. They explained everything super well, and the tour was very punctual and well organized. It is an activity I would recommend especially if you are looking for something different and magical to do in Vallarta. Wear a cap, biodegradable blocker and get ready to get excited
1 people found this helpful
H
helioscroc
July 14, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Whale Watching Belt Visit
The Service provided by Vallarta Whales, by the Isabel Cardenas Guide in the boat La Bruna, was excellent. As a biology professor, I required a Marine Mammal and Other Vertebrate Watching Practice Service. The knowledge of technicians and scientist of the guide were first, very successful knowledge of species and area description, in terms of biology, geology and oceanology. They have to board a hydrophone and this is great because we could hear the whales singing.
Service on the Bruna boat, was very good, the boat is perfect for groups to go comfortable, has bathroom, and the Service of the captain and sailors was very good, always concerned for the safety of everyone. The snacks they provided were very good, a small snack and surprised us with the fruit skewers.
This trip is recommended for all types of people and groups, in addition to being able to perform marine indole practices by biologists and ocenalogists.
Operator response
Estimado profesor, fue un gusto tenerlos a bordo, deseamos seguir compartiendo la maravillosa fauna marina de Bahía de Banderas con usted y sus alumnos.
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