Small-Group Whale Photo Safari

Puerto Vallarta Small-Group Whale Watching Experience (Whale Photo Safari) runs through Vallarta Adventures.

Overview

This three-hour run out of Puerto Vallarta puts up to 30 travellers on an open boat with no shade and no toilet, searching for humpbacks across Bahia de Banderas. Vallarta Adventures runs it from the Terminal Maritima at Puerto Magico, with a 07:30 start and check-in 30 minutes before departure. One reviewer found the smaller vessel more agile for positioning as the whales moved.

On the water, a guide narrates while the crew drops hydrophones over the side so passengers can hear the whales singing underwater. Snacks and purified water are handed out. Sightings reported by travellers include breaching males, mothers with calves, bottlenose dolphins, a sea turtle and a large ray, though nature sets the schedule and nothing is guaranteed.

It suits reasonably mobile travellers who want a shorter morning trip and still have the afternoon free. It does not suit pregnant travellers, people with back problems or wheelchair users, per the listing.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Puerto MagicoCheck in at the Vallarta Adventures terminal on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, 30 minutes before the 07:30 departure. Staff wear turkish blue uniforms.
2. Pay the feesA 40-peso admission fee per person and a 25-peso whale conservation contribution apply, collected outside the booking price.
3. Cruise Bahia de BanderasThe boat passes through the bay searching for humpbacks. Hydrophones go into the water so the group can listen to whale song.
4. Snack and dolphin watchA light snack and purified water are served on board. Reviews mention dolphin pods and other wildlife such as rays and turtles along the way.
5. Return to the terminalThe trip ends back at the same meeting point, roughly three hours after departure, with the rest of the day free.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this tour more than the brochure lets on.

• No shade aboard. The boat has no cover and no toilet, so use the bathroom before boarding. One reviewer advised wearing sunscreen and covering up if you burn easily.
• Bring a layer. One reviewer recommended a fleece or lightweight jacket for the ride.
• Bring cash for fees. The port admission fee of 40 pesos per person and a 25-peso conservation fee are paid outside the booking. Gratuities are also not included.
• Get there early. The listing asks travellers to arrive 30 minutes before the 07:30 departure and check in with staff before boarding.
• Open boat limits. This boat has no bathrooms and no shaded areas, per the listing. The listing advises against the tour for people with back problems.
• Photography pays off. Many travellers reported breaching whales close to the boat, plus dolphins and calves. One reviewer described getting incredible photos on the trip.

Common issues. The duration is listed at three hours, but one reviewer measured the trip at closer to two and a half. The open boat means no shade, no toilet and real sun exposure. Extra costs apply: a 40-peso admission fee and a 25-peso conservation fee per person, plus gratuities. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, is not wheelchair accessible, and may be cancelled or rescheduled for weather or if the minimum number of travellers is not met. No drone use is allowed under federal rules protecting endemic birds.

Common Questions