Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta: A Complete Guide

Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia

Ready to go whale watching in Puerto Vallarta? I don’t blame you. It’s mind-blowing. Every. Single. Time! Luckily, we live here, so we get to do it every season with every guest who visits, and it never gets old. 

Taking a whale watching tour is always a highlight for people who travel here for vacation as well as us expats. It’s one of the top things to do in this city.

Whether this is your first or your umpteenth time looking for whales, this guide will show you the ropes. It’s all the essentials you need to know before you go.

About the whales in Puerto Vallarta

Every winter, about 26,000 humpback whales migrate from the icy waters of the Arctic to the warmer waters of the Banderas Bay in the Pacific Ocean. They spend most of the year bulking up and preparing for their journey. When they get to Puerto Vallarta, they only have one thing in mind: Tequila. I kid. They are only here to mate or give birth.

The bay’s shape protects them from predators, and the warm waters offer the ideal calving conditions.

When baby whales are born, they have very little blubber to keep them warm. Therefore, they must fatten up on mom’s milk for a few months before making the long trek back north.

The gestation period for whales is about 11 months, so the whales that get knocked up in these warm tropical waters return the following year to give birth. And those babies come back to the same place to continue the cycle.

Humpbacks are known for breaching, meaning they thrust their entire body — all 45-55 feet and 35 tons — into the air and then fall back down with the most enormous belly flop in the world.

Fun fact: No two whale tails are the same. It’s like their fingerprint. It’s also how researchers identify each whale.

Watch our whale watching video here:

When is whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta?

The whale watching season officially starts in December and lasts through March. Sometimes, they come a little early and leave a little later, but don’t count on it. If you are coming here to spot whales, don’t take any chances.

If you plan your trip to Mexico in December and whale watching is on the agenda, make it as late as possible. The opposite goes for March — go as early as possible.

As a bonus, it’s the dry season, so you’ll have blue skies and a 0% chance of rain to ruin your boat trip.

What is the best month for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta?

The best time for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is January and February. We’ve gone in December and March and saw just a few gentle giants, but nothing like what we see in Jan-Feb.

What is the best time of day to see whales in Puerto Vallarta?

Most tours are held twice per day. The morning slot is typically around 8 am, and the second time is around noon.

Whales aren’t on a time schedule and are pretty active throughout the day. However, various tour operators told us that the morning sessions are better because the day is cooler and the water is usually calmer.

Plus, there is something so serene about being on the water first thing — the morning sun is glorious here.

But truth be told, there aren’t many reasons for me to get up when it’s still o’dark thirty in the morning. Whales are one of them.  

Whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta: Are they worth it?

The whales are so close to shore we’ve seen them while sitting in an oceanfront pool. We’ve even caught glimpses of their spray and tails from our rooftop deck, five blocks from the ocean.

You are probably thinking right now… If you can see whales from shore in Puerto Vallarta, do you really need a tour? That’s like saying, “I saw elephants on TV once. Do I really need to see them in Kenya?”

The answer is a very loud YES.

Let me explain why.

The chances of you seeing one from the shore are ok. But you won’t feel the mist from their blowhole on your face. You won’t hear their guttural grunts or feel the waves they create when they pop up next to your boat.

That only happens on a tour, on the water. Plus, it’s your only chance to see them up close and personal.

There are a zillion options for whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta. From super budget-friendly to the other end of the spectrum, you can find an experience that suits your travel style.

All the tours I’ve been on and recommend are responsible whale watching tours. The captains maintain a safe distance from the giant creatures so we can observe their behavior without disturbing them. 

On the other hand, the whales did not receive the memo about keeping a safe distance from humans, and sometimes they surface right next to your boat!

Our Puerto Vallarta whale-watching experiences.

I typically avoid working on my ocean-view terrace due to all the distractions (*ahem* whales). However, since I was writing about them, I thought it made sense to give it a whirl. As I was working, I looked up to see a few boats in a cluster, which always means whale action. Then I noticed the mist and a splash and shed a little tear. 

As you can imagine, after two whale seasons in Puerto Vallarta and countless tours, we’ve tried it all. We’ve gone on multiple private tours, huge tour boats, small inflatables with marine biologists, and several small private sailboats. 

They all have pros and cons. And they weren’t all top-notch tours.

We’ve been lucky to spot whales on some trips, but the crew didn’t seem knowledgeable about finding them.

We’ve been on a sailboat that was too slow to catch up with the whales, so we didn’t see any up close, or even sort of up close. 

We went on a tour where seeing whales was not a priority, and the crew showed no interest in catching up with them. 

So yeah, all whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta aren’t created equal.

Last week, we went on a speedboat tour with a marine biologist. At first, I was bummed we didn’t choose a sailboat. I thought that since sailboats were quieter, we wouldn’t disturb the whales. But that didn’t seem to be a problem for the group of hot-blooded males fighting over the lone female (they are mammals, after all).

At one point, they were fighting directly next to our boat. Feeling the mist from their spray kiss my face was magical and pretty emotional.

They were pushing each other out of the way, bumping each other, and slapping their tails and fins in the water, trying to demonstrate their strength and virility for the female.

As with most creatures in the wild, only the strong get to breed. So, it’s up to the males to woo the females, and they do that by breaching, singing, and showing their overall prowess.  

After all the fighting, we saw more than 15 whales breach. It literally felt like a show just for us. Even the marine biologist howled in pure delight every time we saw one breach.

I say “just for us” because we were able to quickly motor over to the whales when we spotted them from our speedboat. Only one time, in our four-hour tour, were other boats near us. Had we been in a sailboat, we would have had to stay near the groups of other ships.  

Best whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta

Now that I’ve explained the importance of whale-watching tours and finding the right ones, here are my top five.

Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta

Best for people who want a deep dive into the whale watching season.

 4.5-hours Cost: MXN 1530 ($90)

This is the whale tour with a marine biologist we went on last week. It was on an inflatable boat with a roof for shade. I wasn’t expecting it to be as comfortable as it was, but the bench seats had thick cushions, making it easy to sit for 4.5 hours. Although we didn’t seem to sit for long. Every time a whale performed its magic, we all stood up and cheered as we would have in a football game. 

It’s definitely our best whale watching tour in Puerto Vallarta, but we might be a bit biased because we saw the most whale breaches on this tour. We totally hit the whale jackpot.

During our tour, our marine biologist, Thema, took notes and photos of each whale we encountered for their research project. She informed us that one of the creatures we spotted had been missing for a few years, and they were worried something happened to him. 

All that info just by knowing the whale’s tail. 

 What’s included in this tour?

• maximum of 20 people
• a basic sandwich and a drink
• It’s led by a marine biologist with a master’s degree in marine ecology, a science journalist, or a professional wildlife photographer for National Geographic magazine and Animal Planet. They know their stuff. 
• they guarantee that they’ll give you your money back if you don’t see whales, dolphins, or turtles. 

What’s not included?

• gratuities

Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta on a Catamaran

Best for people who get seasick or have tender backs. 

3 hours. Cost: MXN 1,747 ($101)

We took this tour last year when my mom was here. 

Her back had been bothering her, so we were concerned that a speed boat would be too rough if the waters were choppy. When we were searching for a whale tour with a large stable boat, we found this tour. 

It had about 50 people on board, but since it’s a double-decker catamaran (read=super stable like a cruise ship), it never felt crowded.

I had my doubts about actually finding whales on this boat. I mean, it’s not like we could skedaddle right over to whale in the distance. But we saw them from start to finish. 

There was a marine biologist onboard, and we heard the whale song from a special hydrophone that she dropped in the water. We also held a whale vertebra that weighed almost as much as my mom.

We were not disappointed by this whale-watching tour at all! In fact, we were pleasantly surprised.

The only downside is that we had to pop from one side of the catamaran to the other a few times to see the whales. 

Since we’ve only been living in Puerto Vallarta for two years, we haven’t trained the whales to stay on our side of the boat yet. Maybe next time we’ll bring treats to see if that works ;).

What’s included in this tour?

• open bar service
• buffet lunch
• snacks

What’s not included?

• port fee – $40 pesos per person ($2.30)
• Pro-Nature Conservation fee approx. 25 pesos per person ($1.25)
• gratuities

Small-Group Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta 

Best if you’re looking for a shorter whale tour with a small group

3 hours. Cost: MXN 1305 ($75)

This is one of the top-rated small-group Puerto Vallarta whale-watching tours, and it’s budget-friendly (as far as boat tours go). For about $75, you get a three-hour boat ride with a bilingual marine mammal expert.

They use a hydrophone to listen to and track the whales and, if they decide to show up for the day, the dolphins, too.

While on board, you’ll help them conduct their research projects and use the whale tails to identify each individual. They have a maximum of 10 people per boat, so it’s the perfect whale watching in Mexico for a small group.

What’s included in this tour?

• snacks
• use of hydrophone

What’s not included?

• breakfast
• alcoholic Beverages
• gratuities
• marina dock fee, paid in cash during check-in ($3.00 or MXN 50.00 per person)

Whale Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

Best if you’re in Nuevo Vallarta or with a large group who likes to party

4-hours. Cost: MXN 1934 ($112)

If you happen to be staying in Nuevo Vallarta, this whale watching tour is for you. It has two pickup options: one at Paradise Village Public Pier Nuevo Vallarta and the other in Puerto Vallarta’s Puerto Magico.  

You’ll spend about four hours on a luxury catamaran that is equal parts party time and whale time tour. It’s a large ship, so you’ll have plenty of space to spread out as you watch for whales with a cocktail in hand.

What’s included in this tour?

• continental breakfast 
• buffet lunch
• international open bar

What’s not included?

• gratuities
• hotel pickup and drop-off
• entrance fees (port fees)

Private Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Best for people who want their own boat to feel like a baller.

3.5 hours. Cost: MXN 12,308 ($714) for the entire boat.

This is the best exclusive whale watching tour in Puerto Vallarta for ultimate luxury. You’ll have the small speedboat all to yourselves with a maximum of eight people. No need to worry about vying for the best views or which side of the boat to sit on. It’s all yours!

Once your captain and biologist find the whales, you’ll hang out with them at a responsible distance so they aren’t disturbed. And so the day goes until lunch, which is served on the water with a panoramic view of Puerto Vallarta.

What’s included in this tour?

• non-alcoholic beverages
• lunch
• professional guide
• private tour

What’s not included?

• gratuities
• 40 pesos per person port tax, payable at the time of tour check-in. 
• hotel pickup and drop-off
• souvenirs (available to purchase)

What kind of whales are in Puerto Vallarta right now?

The most common Puerto Vallarta whales are humpbacks. But every so often, orcas and Bryde’s whales make an appearance.

Are Puerto Vallarta whale watching tours eco-friendly?

You betcha! Not only do all the tours above follow responsible whale watching guidelines, but the Mexican government strictly regulates the tours, and operators must have an official license.

Additionally, when you’re on one of the above tours, you’ll feel how much love the captains and marine biologists have for these marine mammals. They never get too close or stress out the whales.

On our last whale tour, our captain spotted something weird floating in the water. Thinking it might be a whale in distress, we sped over to get a closer look. Thankfully, it wasn’t a whale. But if it was, our tour would have taken on an entirely new mission.  

How do I pack for a whale watching trip?

Always. And I mean always, bring seasickness tablets. I’ve never been seasick before, but on our first whale watching tour in Puerto Vallarta, they told us ahead of time to buy Meclizine (meclizina in Spanish). Most seasickness meds make you super drowsy, but this doesn’t and totally works. We have taken it ever since, anytime we get on a boat.

You can find it at most major pharmacies here, like Guadalajara Farmacia.

This is the thing about seeing whales… the captain cuts the engine when you are near the gentle giants, which means you’re a-bobbing and a-weaving at the mercy of the waves. So, it is better to be prepared than to launch your breakfast over the side.

Other things to pack:

1. Sunscreen
2. Sun hat
3. Sunnies
4. A light sweater/sweatshirt. Don’t judge me — it gets cold in the morning shade zipping around on the water.
5. Cash for the dock fee. Only some tours have it, depending on where their boat is docked. It’s only around MXN 40 ($2.32)
6. Cash for tips. Tipping is a thing in Mexico, so don’t be a dick. Tip the marine biologist and captain.
7. Casual and comfy clothes. This isn’t an Instagram photo shoot.   

How much is whale watching in Puerto Vallarta?

Most tours cost between 1300 and 2000 pesos per person. At today’s exchange rate, that is $75-116.

Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta

Ok, so now you know all the ins and outs of Puerto Vallarta whale watching. Better figure out a place to stay. There are tons of options. I mean tons. So, let me help you narrow it down.

Wherever you decide to stay, check to see how close the property is to the Senora de Guadalupe Church. There are times throughout the year when the church bells ring throughout the night, so unless you’d prefer not to sleep on your vacation, stay a little further away.

Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway – 5* $$$

If you want a small-ish boutique hotel that is lux oceanfront, Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway is for you. It’s right down the street from my apartment and has a gorgeous pool just in front of the ocean. Plus, it’s within walking distance to the Old Town.

Upon arrival, they do it right. They welcome you with a glass of bubbles and a mini-massage! There are two pools, three restaurants, and a spa.

Casa Nicole Boutique Hotel – 4* $$

This super cute small hotel is in the heart of Old Town, aka the Romantic Zone, meaning you can walk everywhere within minutes. Loads of restaurants and bars, the beach, two small grocery stores, and a dozen taco stands are all within a 5-minute walk.

Plus, their plant-lined restaurant serves a fab brunch/lunch. Get the eggs benny. You’re welcome.

Sorry, I was distracted by food. Anyway, the hotel has a fitness center and a small pool and the rooms are bright and airy. Casa Nicole is like an oasis in the middle of the busiest area in the city.

Hotel Boutique Rivera Del Rio – 4* $$

This is a super cute, super small, quirky hotel next to the Cuale River. It used to be a mansion and was divided into separate rooms when it was turned into a boutique hotel. Each room is a different color and vibe with unique works of art throughout.

Celebs like Raquel Welch and Perry Ellis have stayed there, and Vogue and Italian Elle have held fashion photoshoots there.

There is a rooftop pool with a bartender and sunset views. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the beach through the Old Town, so the location is fab. Many of our friends have stayed at the Rivera del Rio and loved its eclectic appeal.

Hotel Posada De Roger – 3* $

Posada de Roger in the Romantic Zone is always full. If there is availability, people come year after year to stay there. Possibly because the rooms start at $64 a night.

If you want to be in the thick of it all, on Basilio Badillo (it’s kind of a little restaurant row), this is the place for you. It’s got a nice-sized courtyard pool that is always bathed in sunlight. The rooms are basic but have AC, and there is a shared kitchen if you want to make a snack or make something for a beach picnic.

If none of those hotels suit your fancy, there are a lot more to choose from. Browse all the hotels in Puerto Vallarta here.

Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta final thoughts

Puerto Vallarta whale watching is one of the best activities to do in this city. However, it could really suck if you’re on the wrong kind of boat trying to peep a whale, and all you get are views of the guy’s big head in front of you.

Take it from me. Been there. Done that.

After living here for two years, we’ve perfected the art of whale season and only go on the best whale watching tours Puerto Vallarta offers. Every time we spot the first whale on our tour, I can’t help but shed a tear. You think I’d get used to it. But the sheer joy and astonishment at the beauty of these humpback whales gives me all the feels.  And I can’t wait to for the next tour.

XO,
K