Small-Group Half-Day, Meal Included

Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta runs through Vallarta Natours.

Overview

This half-day trip from Marina Vallarta puts a maximum of 12 travellers on one boat for roughly three and a half hours on the water, looking for humpback whales between December and March. The meeting point is Mr. Cream Pancakes and Waffles at Condominios Marina Sol in Marina Vallarta, and the boat departs straight from the marina, so there is no long transfer before the watching begins. One reviewer reported spotting whales within nine minutes of leaving the dock.

A professional guide narrates the trip, points out animals and explains behaviour, and some reviewers describe the guide as a biologist with deep knowledge of the area's whales. Reviews repeatedly mention humpbacks with calves, breaching whales, dolphins, sea turtles and even hearing the singing of a whale. Several travellers noted that the crew keeps a respectful distance and moves on when too many other boats crowd a pod.

Soft drinks and lunch are provided, with reviewers mentioning sandwiches, chips and cookies, and a vegetarian option is available if requested at booking. Hotel transport is not included, and a port tax of MX$50 per person is paid separately. The tour suits most travellers, runs rain or shine, and is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, though wheelchair users must advise the operator in advance.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina VallartaCheck in at Mr. Cream Pancakes and Waffles, Condominios Marina Sol, Int. 3y4, Marina Vallarta. The tour ends back at this same point.
2. Board at the marinaThe boat departs directly from the marina with a maximum of 12 travellers on board.
3. Cruise the bayThe crew searches the bay for humpback whales and other wildlife, moving between spots rather than anchoring in one place. Soft beverages and lunch are included in the tour.
4. Return to the marinaThe boat heads back to the meeting point at Marina Vallarta to close out the roughly three and a half hour tour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this tour.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so travellers make their own way to the meeting point at Mr. Cream Pancakes and Waffles in Marina Vallarta. The listing notes it is near public transportation. Budget for the MX$50 per person port tax as well.
• Group feel. The listing caps the group at 12 travellers, and reviewers often say the small boat makes the experience more personal. Several mentioned unobstructed views and that everyone could see easily.
• Food and drink. Soft beverages and lunch are included. Reviewers describe sandwiches, chips and cookies, with several calling the lunch a pleasant surprise after hours on the water. Ask for the vegetarian option at booking.
• Weather and season. The tour runs December to March and departs rain or shine. Poor weather can cancel a departure, in which case the listing promises a different date or a full refund.
• What you might see. Reviews report humpbacks, mothers with calves, breaching, dolphins, sea turtles, a sea lion and hearing a whale sing. Wildlife is wild, so sightings vary, but many reviewers describe large numbers of whales.
• Photos and accessibility. The tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, but wheelchair users must inform the operator in advance about the type, size and weight of the chair. The listing also notes the guide may be multi-lingual.

Common issues. The main practical limits come from the listing itself: hotel transport is not included, a MX$50 per person port tax is paid on top, and the tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run, otherwise guests are offered a refund or a date change. Departures depend on reasonable weather, and cancellations within 24 hours of start time receive no refund. Infants must sit on laps.

Common Questions