Puerto Vallarta: Whale & Dolphin Watching All Inclusive

Whale and dolphin watching in Puerto Vallarta offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic marine creatures up close. The all-inclusive tour provides a seamless experience, transporting guests to the prime viewing spots and equipping them with knowledgeable guides. While the scenic drives and open bar add to the enjoyment, the true highlight lies in the chance to observe the captivating behaviors of these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. With seasonal availability and accessibility considerations, this tour caters to a wide range of travelers seeking an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the ocean.

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour tour in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers a chance to see humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
• The tour includes transportation, an open bar, and light snacks, making it an all-inclusive experience.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and features a live English and Spanish-speaking guide.
• Customers have generally rated the tour highly, with praise for the tour guide and the value for money.
• While sightings are not guaranteed, the tour has a high likelihood of encountering humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers whale and dolphin watching activities in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta, with a duration of 3.5 hours.

It’s available from December to March and costs $53.65 per person.

The tour features a live English and Spanish-speaking guide, and is wheelchair accessible.

Highlights include a scenic drive, dolphin and humpback whale sightings, and an open bar with rum, beer, tequila and brandy.

Additional inclusions are soft drinks, fruit, croissants or sandwiches, a hydrophone for underwater sounds, and a marine biologist on board.

Ground transportation, tips, and photographs are also provided.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at Puerto Mágico, Centro Comercial in Puerto Vallarta, where you will embark on a 1-hour transfer to the starting point.

Once there, they’ll enjoy a 40-minute scenic drive with views before beginning the 1-hour whale and dolphin watching experience.

Enjoy a 40-minute scenic drive before embarking on a 1-hour whale and dolphin watching experience.

During this time, guests will have the opportunity to spot humpback whales and dolphins, as well as other wildlife.

After the main activity, the tour concludes with a 1-hour return transfer back to the original meeting point.

Inclusions

Maritime transportation is provided for the duration of the tour.

Guests can enjoy an open bar featuring rum, beer, tequila, and brandy. Soft drinks, fruit, and a light snack such as a croissant or sandwich are also included.

An onboard hydrophone allows participants to listen to underwater sounds. The tour is led by a knowledgeable marine biologist.

Dock tax and bracelet fees are covered, as is ground transportation to and from the starting point.

Tips and photographs are also provided as part of the all-inclusive experience.

Customer Feedback

Based on 48 reviews, customers have provided an overall rating of 4 out of 5 for the whale and dolphin watching tour in Puerto Vallarta.

The tour guide received a 4.5/5 rating, with customers praising their knowledge and helpfulness. The transportation was rated 4/5, and the value for money was 4.2/5.

Feedback highlights included enjoying the whale sightings, music, and drinks, though some faced accessibility issues.

Customers enjoyed the whale sightings, music, and drinks, though some faced accessibility issues.

One customer was excited about the whale sightings and knowledgeable guides but had dietary concerns with the breakfast offerings.

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Meeting Point and Reservation

Where can travelers meet for the whale and dolphin watching tour in Puerto Vallarta?

Passengers will meet at VALLARTA BY BOAT – Terminal Marítima Puerto Mágico, located at Av. Medina Ascencio and Escuela Naval Militar, Muelle de Cruceros Door No.9.

The tour can be reserved in advance, with the option to pay later. Travelers have up to 24 hours before the tour to cancel and receive a full refund.

It’s important to note that the itinerary may change based on wildlife activity during the excursion.

Seasonal Availability

The whale and dolphin watching tour in Puerto Vallarta is available from December to March, allowing visitors to witness the magnificent humpback whales and playful dolphins during the peak of their migration season.

This four-month window offers the best opportunity to observe the marine life in Banderas Bay, one of the best whale watching destinations in Mexico.

The whales arrive to breed and calve, while dolphins are often spotted frolicking alongside the tour boats.

Though the specific wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, the tour maximizes the chances of encountering these majestic creatures during their seasonal visit to the area.

Wildlife Sightings

Although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, the whale and dolphin watching tour in Puerto Vallarta offers visitors the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring presence of humpback whales and playful dolphins. The tour’s marine biologist is on hand to provide insights into the behaviors and habitats of these magnificent creatures. During the 1-hour viewing session, guests may spot breaching whales, pod-hunting dolphins, and other marine life.

| Sightings | Frequency |

| — | — |

| Humpback Whales | Very Likely |

| Bottlenose Dolphins | Highly Likely |

| Sea Lions | Occasionally |

| Manta Rays | Rarely |

Accessibility and Dietary Concerns

According to customer reviews, the accessibility and dietary accommodations for the whale and dolphin watching tour in Puerto Vallarta received mixed feedback.

While some customers appreciated the helpful crew, others faced accessibility issues. A Canadian traveler, Linda, noted that the tour provided wheelchair access but encountered some challenges.

Plus, a fellow Canadian, Maia, expressed concerns about the breakfast options, indicating that her dietary needs weren’t fully met.

A fellow Canadian, Maia, expressed concerns about the breakfast options, indicating that her dietary needs weren’t fully met.

The tour operator should consider improving accessibility and expanding dietary options to better accommodate all guests on this whale and dolphin watching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. It indicates the tour is wheelchair accessible, suggesting it may be suitable for all ages, though families should consider the 3.5-hour duration when deciding if it’s appropriate for younger children.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

The tour allows passengers to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, an open bar with rum, beer, tequila, brandy, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks are already included as part of the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for the tour. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Casual attire is acceptable, as the focus is on enjoying the whale and dolphin watching experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The tour website doesn’t mention any specific discounts for seniors or children. However, travelers should check if any promotional offers or combo packages are available at the time of booking to get the best deal.

Can I Take Photographs or Videos During the Tour?

Yes, guests can take photographs and videos during the tour. The tour description states that the inclusions cover "Ground transportation, tips, and photographs", indicating that photography is permitted and even encouraged throughout the excursion.

The Sum Up

The "Puerto Vallarta: Whale & Dolphin Watching All Inclusive" tour offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the region’s marine life in an immersive and educational setting. With knowledgeable guides, an open bar, and stunning ocean vistas, this 3.5-hour adventure is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience. Accessibility, transportation, and dietary accommodations make this tour convenient and inclusive for a wide range of travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: