Budget Snorkel Combo, 3.5 Hours

Puerto Vallarta: 3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling runs through Travel Vallarta.

Overview

The trip runs about three and a half hours in total, starting at the marina on Los Peines 332 in the Isla Iguana area. After a welcome from the crew, the captain heads out into the bay to search for whales, and the listing includes dolphin watching among its highlights.

Once a whale is found, the boat keeps a respectful distance in line with safety rules, but you can still watch breaches, tail slaps and mothers swimming with calves. One reviewer said the crew located the whales quickly, and another described a sighting of a mother whale and her calf. When whale watching wraps up, the trip continues with a snorkeling stop where reviewers report colorful fish and good gear, often followed by time at a beach before the return to the marina.

A guide and life jackets are included. Hotel pickup is not, so you make your own way to the meeting point. The trip suits anyone visiting during whale season who wants whales, snorkeling and a beach stop combined in a single booking, and one reviewer described it as a great experience for their family.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the marinaMake your own way to Los Peines 332, Isla Iguana, Puerto Vallarta. Pickup from hotels is not included.
2. Board the boatThe crew welcomes you at the marina. Life jackets are included in the tour.
3. Cruise into the bayThe captain and guide head to the best known spots for locating humpback whales, with dolphin watching listed among the tour's highlights.
4. Whale watchingOnce whales are located, the boat holds a respectful distance while you watch breaches, tail slaps and mothers with calves.
5. Snorkeling and beach stopSeveral reviewers describe a swim stop to snorkel among fish, with some also mentioning time at a beach before heading back.
6. Return to the marinaThe boat heads back to the starting point at Los Peines.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this trip before you book.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own transport to Los Peines 332 in the Isla Iguana area. One reviewer found the location tricky to reach by bus from a hotel, so allow extra time or call the operator if you get lost.
• What to wear. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim, plus sunscreen for the boat. A camera is the one item the listing tells you to bring.
• The boat. One reviewer was initially concerned by the boat's small size but ended up calling it their best excursion, and said a bigger boat trip the following day was far less enjoyable.
• Snorkeling. The snorkel stop gives you time in the water among fish. One reviewer found entering deep water scary but was glad they jumped in, so consider your confidence in open water before booking.
• Language and timing. One reviewer expected an English-language tour but found it was not, and the same reviewer mentioned a late start. It is worth checking the tour language with the operator before you go.
• Extra fee. A port tax of 39 MXN is payable and is not covered by the booking.

Common issues. Pickup is not included, and one reviewer traveling by bus from a hotel had trouble finding the meeting point and phoned the operator for help. One reviewer also reported a late start and that the tour was not conducted in English despite being sold as such. A port tax of 39 MXN is not included in the booking price.

Common Questions