Lunch And Open Bar, 3 Hours

Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching with Lunch and Open Bar runs through Vallarta Adventures.

Overview

Three hours on the water with Vallarta Adventures, built around one thing: finding whales. The boat leaves from the Terminal Marítima at Puerto Mágico in the hotel zone at 08:00, and check-in opens half an hour before that. Once on the water, the crew searches for whales and shares educational commentary along the way, and reviewers describe seeing many of them, including mothers with calves and some breaching.

Food and drink are part of the package rather than an add-on. Lunch on board means sandwiches and fruit, and an open bar is available, with reviewers describing cold beer and drinks served in abundance. One reviewer felt the drinks were just OK but that the whales were the real point. Another did not realize lunch was included and had eaten beforehand, so check the inclusions before you go. The return leg can be lively; one review mentions a dance skit from the crew on the way back.

This suits travellers who want a lively, well-hosted boat trip rather than a quiet naturalist cruise. The vessel carries up to 150 people, so it is a big-group experience, but it has restrooms on the lower level and a crew that multiple reviewers called attentive and knowledgeable. Hotel transport is not included, so you make your own way to the marina.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at the marinaArrive at the Vallarta Adventures check-in area at Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico 30 minutes before departure. Staff in turkish blue uniforms will point you to the right place.
2. Board the boatCheck in with the team before heading to the boarding area. Departure is at 08:00.
3. Cruise the bay for whalesThe crew searches for whales and shares educational commentary along the way. Several reviewers saw many whales, including mothers with calves and some breaching toward the later part of the trip.
4. Lunch and open barSandwiches, fruit and an open bar are served on board during the trip.
5. Return to the marinaThe activity ends back at the meeting point after roughly 3 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from what to wear to how the port security works.

• Bring a jacket. One reviewer noted it was a little cold heading out on the water and recommended wearing a light jacket.
• Big boat, big group. The tour runs with a maximum of 150 travellers, and one reviewer described over 100 people on board. Several others said the boat felt solid and safe and that the crew worked hard to keep everyone served and happy.
• Simple food. Lunch is sandwiches and fruit with an open bar, and reviewers consistently describe it that way. One said the drinks were just OK but the whales were the point; another wished they had known food was included and skipped eating beforehand.
• Port security rules. Mexico's Federal Maritime Ports enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes and vapes. Leave them behind, because Federal Security can deny access with no refund or date change. Drones are also prohibited on this tour under federal regulations protecting endemic birds.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included, so plan your own transport to the Terminal Marítima at Puerto Mágico. Aim to be at check-in 30 minutes before the 08:00 departure, and note there is a port admission fee of MX$40.00 per person not covered by the tour.
• Restrooms on board. The boat has a bathroom on the lower level, which several reviewers specifically mentioned as a plus. No serious fitness is needed, as most travellers can participate and the time is spent on the vessel.

Common issues. The group is large, up to 150 travellers, and one reviewer described fighting for space at the front to see whales. Food and drinks are functional rather than fancy, with one traveller calling them just OK. Beyond the boat, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, hotel transfers and gratuities are extra, and the MX$40.00 per person port admission fee is paid separately. The trip needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather; if either condition fails, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Federal Security can also deny access under the no-drug policy, which applies to vapes and e-cigarettes, so leave those at the hotel.

Common Questions