Every year something magical happens in Banderas Bay – hundreds of humpback whales arrive. These remarkable creatures appear in mid-December, give birth to their young, and stay until March. You'll be in awe of these playful 50-ton mammals leaping and crashing in the waves. Join a boat trip to see them up close before they begin the long journey north.
Free cancellation
Language: Spanish, English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 2 hours to 4 hours
Why you’ll love this…
- Observe humpback whales
- Panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta
- Listen for whalesong and observe their playful behaviour
What to expect
Read more
What's included
Boat cruise
-
Expert crew and local guides
-
Refreshments: coffee, juices, soda, mexican burrito and snacks
-
Lifejacket
-
Hydrophone
Boat cruise
What to remember
- Not included: Tips, Photos and extras, Port fee at the marina - 3 USD
- Includes transfers from the meeting point. Transfers from individual hotels are not included
- Only available during the winter season - usually from mid-December to March
- Children aged from 3 to 6 years old are only allowed when you book a private boat
- We prioritize responsible and respectful wildlife viewing on all of our dolphin and whale-watching tours, and we try to avoid interfering with their natural behaviours as much as possible. While sightings can't be 100% guaranteed due to this conservation-focused effort, we'll try our best to make sure you see them
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Bring a hat
- Bring money for extras or gratuities
- Transfers not included
- Some entrance fees and optional extras are payable locally
- Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
- Subject to weather conditions
- English-speaking guide for all nationalities
- Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change
- This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Read more
Provider
TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 3 days before the experience begins.
What people say about this experience
Based on 10 reviews from verified customers
70%
30%
0%
0%
0%
Review categories
Staff
4.8/5
Safety
4.8/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Service
4.8/5
Annie
From United Kingdom - March 2024Solo traveler
45 - 54 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
The trip itself was great, however the communication regarding the pick up wasn't. Although I had chosen my pick up point as offered via the App, no p ...
Siobhan
From United States of America - March 2024Traveled as a couple
18 - 24 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
This was our second excursion with TB tours and it was fantastic. The service and hospitality was second to none.
Chris
From United Kingdom - March 2024Traveled as a couple
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Ann
From Netherlands - March 2024Traveled as a couple
45 - 54 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Informative guide on boat, saw turtles, dolphins and whales, couldn't ask for more
MrH
From United States of America - March 2024Traveled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
The whale watching was very good although not seeing a lot of them but we appreciate it can be hit and miss on the day .Bean bags not a suitable sitti ...
Paul.
From United States of America - February 2024Traveled with a group of friends
45 - 54 years old
Great
Overall rated4/5
The costs for any excursion has increased significantly and most TUI excursions do not include pick up from hotels. We booked 4 x trips and only 1 inc ...
You might also like
Activities
Sierra Madre Muleback Riding Tour
It's all about family fun in the foothills of Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains today. Grown-ups can hop on a horse while kids can enjoy a relaxing mule ride. You'll amble along cactus-covered paths, stop to taste tequila at a distillery and walk across the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world. Be sure to bring your camera, too – knockout natural scenery comes as standard.
free cancellation
Guided Tour
Activities
Whizzing on a quad bike is the perfect way to add a little adventure to your Mexican holiday. Hop on and zoom through dirt roads through the region's most impressive landscapes. The spectacular views will add to the experience. There'll be a swim stop at the El Salto waterfall, where you can refresh in the cool waters before jumping back onto your quad for more fun.
free cancellation
Guided Tour
Activities
Canopy Zip Line at Los Veranos
Soar high above the jungle and river on this zipline adventure. You'll be picked up and taken to the canopy site, where you'll meet your instructor and be given a safety briefing. Once you're buckled up, it's time for the thrills to start. Refuel on lunch at a riverfront restaurant and then wet your whistle at a tequila tasting, followed by a visit to a local animal sanctuary.
free cancellation
Available in:
es, en
Activities
Puerto Vallarta goes beyond pristine beaches. A picturesque old town, promenade and romantic district are just a few of its highlights, and this tour packs in all of them. Kick off with a guided walk around the town centre, stopping at a market and jewellery shop. Then, you'll visit a tequila factory for a tasting of the liquor. There's the option to book the tour with lunch at a local restaurant.
free cancellation
Available in:
es, en
Activities
Discover one of Mexico's last best kept secrets on this full day tour. Nestled in the hills of the Sierra Madre mountains lies San Sebastian del Oeste, one of the most important mining towns in Mexico and all of New Spain in the 11th century. You'll get a guided walk of this area, learning all about the original 1605 Spanish miners who traded the region's gold and silver. You'll also get to visit the nearby church, local bakery, and tequila distillery – before wrapping things up tucking into lunch at a traditional restaurant.
free cancellation
Available in:
es, en
Activities
Known for its beaches and world-class surfing, small-town Sayulita offers hippie-chic vibes and plenty of charm. On this walking tour, you'll discover the colourful streets of the ‘Magic Town', a denomination it was given for maintaining its original architecture, history and culture. Delve into tasty Mexican cuisine if you book the tour with lunch, or enjoy free time for exploring if you'd prefer.
free cancellation
Available in:
es, en
Activities
Puerto Vallarta Private Boat Charter with Self-Navigation
Fishing fans will fall hook, line and sinker for this selection of boats available for private charter in Puerto Vallarta. Fully personalisable and flexible, you call the shots on this trip out to sea – where to go, what to do and even what music to play. And if fishing's not your thing, fear not – you can charter this boat for diving trips, snorkelling or simply cruising, too. Boat specificationsNEPTUNO: 33ft; Suzuki 175 HP engine; capacity for 14 guests, fishing 6 guest; equipment (life jacket, snorkel, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, icebox, bathroom, 6 paddle boards, fishing equipment, bait box, tuna tubs)SPECTRA: 38ft; Yamaha 250 HP engine; capacity for 10 guests, fishing 6 guests; equipment (life jacket, snorkel, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, icebox, bathroom, 4 paddle boards, fishing equipment, inflatable mat)SPORT KAT: 29ft; Yamaha 250 HP engine; capacity for 8 guests, fishing 4 guests; equipment (life jacket, snorkel, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, icebox, bathroom, cabin, sun deck, fishing equipment, outriggers, bait box, tuna tubs)SUPER PANGA: 27ft; Mercury 115 HP engine; capacity for 7 guests, fishing 4 guests; equipment (life jacket, snorkel, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, icebox, fishing equipment, outriggers, bait box, tuna tubs)PATO BOBO: 45ft; 2 Yamaha 250 HP engines; capacity for 25 guests; equipment (puff chairs, life jacket, snorkel equipment, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, iceboxs, 2 bathrooms, sunbathing area, 3 kayaks, 4 paddle boards, 3 inflatables)
free cancellation
Available in:
es, en
Activities
Puerto Vallarta Private Fishing Boat Charter
Fishing fans will fall hook, line and sinker for this selection of boats available for private charter in Puerto Vallarta. Fully personalisable and flexible, you call the shots on this trip out to sea – where to go, what to do and even what music to play. And if fishing's not your thing, fear not – you can charter this boat for diving trips, snorkelling or simply cruising, too. Boat specificationsNEPTUNO: 33ft; Suzuki 175 HP engine; capacity for 14 guests, fishing 6 guest; equipment (life jacket, snorkel, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, icebox, bathroom, 6 paddle boards, fishing equipment, bait box, tuna tubs)SPECTRA: 38ft; Yamaha 250 HP engine; capacity for 10 guests, fishing 6 guests; equipment (life jacket, snorkel, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, icebox, bathroom, 4 paddle boards, fishing equipment, inflatable mat)SPORT KAT: 29ft; Yamaha 250 HP engine; capacity for 8 guests, fishing 4 guests; equipment (life jacket, snorkel, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, icebox, bathroom, cabin, sun deck, fishing equipment, outriggers, bait box, tuna tubs)SUPER PANGA: 27ft; Mercury 115 HP engine; capacity for 7 guests, fishing 4 guests; equipment (life jacket, snorkel, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, icebox, fishing equipment, outriggers, bait box, tuna tubs)PATO BOBO: 45ft; 2 Yamaha 250 HP engines; capacity for 25 guests; equipment (puff chairs, life jacket, snorkel equipment, GPS and Bluetooth sound system, iceboxs, 2 bathrooms, sunbathing area, 3 kayaks, 4 paddle boards, 3 inflatables)
free cancellation
Available in:
es, en
Activities
Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Tour
Every year something magical happens in Banderas Bay – hundreds of humpback whales arrive. These remarkable creatures appear in mid-December, give birth to their young, and stay until March. You'll be in awe of these playful 50-ton mammals leaping and crashing in the waves. Join a boat trip to see them up close before they begin the long journey north.
free cancellation
Available in:
es, en
Activities
Puerto Vallarta Private Boat Charter
Make the most of your Mexican getaway with a private boat charter. Exclusively for you and your party, you'll sail out of Puerto Vallarta on a trip designed only by you. Call the shots on your own adventure – where to go, what to do and even what music to play. You can charter boats for fishing and diving trips, snorkelling and special occasions. Piquis (16 people) is a fast and large fishing yacht, its wide spaces allow you to carry out any activity. Ideal for fishing inside and outside the bay, this yacht can take you around the bay and be able to snorkel, paddleboard or visit one of the beaches in the region. Especially recommended for large groups. Isabella (12 people) is a large and comfortable luxury Viking type fishing yacht. Ideal yacht for fishing, takes you to enjoy a day in search of species in the bay. Equipped with beds, bathroom and showers, sail around the bay and get to know the most beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta and do your favorite activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding.Isabella II (12 people) is an ideal yacht for fishing outside and inside the bay, a large and comfortable boat for a fishing trip. Equipped to make trips around the bay of Puerto Vallarta, it takes you to do the activities of your choice, snorkel, paddleboard or simply sunbathe on its deck, Isabella II is the ideal one.Gisele (10 people) is a custom fishing yacht, classic and comfortable for you to enjoy a boat trip, one of the most popular activities in Puerto Vallarta. Gisele will take you on a tour of the bay to snorkel, paddleboard or visit one of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta.Karina II (10 people) takes you around the bay of Puerto Vallarta to discover the variety of beaches in the region. This fishing yacht takes you in and out of the bay in search of the marine species of the area or snorkel in Los Arcos and enjoy with your family a full day of sea and lots of sun.Nicolle (10 people) is a Bertram fishing boat. It is reliable and ideal for having a good time fishing or doing activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. This fishing yacht has official permission to visit the Islas Marietas National Park and get to know this magical destination.
free cancellation
Available in:
es, en