All-Inclusive Cruise, 4 Hours 30 Minutes

Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive runs through Vallarta By Boat.

Overview

This is a half-day whale and dolphin watching trip run by Live&Travel Tours out of the Puerto Mágico Maritime Terminal, next to the cruise docks in Puerto Vallarta. You board a Vallarta by Boat vessel near Gate 9 on Avenida Medina Ascencio, and from there the boat heads out to look for humpback whales, dolphins and whatever else shows up. A marine biologist comes along and narrates in both Spanish and English, and the boat carries a hydrophone so you can listen to the whales underwater when conditions allow.

The trip is billed as all-inclusive. Drinks include an open bar with rum, beer, tequila and brandy plus sodas, and food covers a light lunch such as croissants or sandwiches along with chips and fruit. Gratuities, photographs, hotel pickup and ground transportation are not part of the package.

The official duration is 4 hours 30 minutes. Reviewers repeatedly describe an attentive, persistent crew that keeps hunting for active whales, and many report mothers with calves, breaches and dolphin pods. It suits families, cruise passengers docking nearby, and anyone who wants whales with drinks included, but not travellers who get seasick easily or need wheelchair access.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the terminalMake your way to H. Escuela Naval Militar 11, at the Puerto Mágico Maritime Terminal (API) near Cruise Dock Gate No. 9. Hotel pickup and ground transportation are not included, so allow plenty of time for check-in and port security.
2. Check inCheck in at the operator's storefront for a boarding pass. The Puerto Vallarta dock tax of MX$35.00 per person is not included in the tour price, and traveller reports vary on how it applies to cruise passengers, so ask at check-in.
3. Board the boatBoard the Vallarta by Boat vessel following the instructions given at check-in.
4. Whale and dolphin watchingThe captain cruises the bay searching for humpback whales, mothers and calves, and dolphin pods. The marine biologist narrates and the hydrophone is used to listen to the whales.
5. Lunch and open barSandwiches or croissants are served with chips and fruit, and the open bar runs during the sailing.
6. Return to the terminalThe boat returns to the meeting point at the maritime terminal, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in traveller reviews and in the listing details, and they shape how this trip actually goes.

• Bring cash. 00 per person and is not included in the booking price.
• Allow extra time. Reviewers recommend planning enough time to arrive, get checked in and pass through port security. If coming from a cruise ship, leave a buffer so you are not rushing to the gate.
• Big boat, not small. Although the listing states a maximum of 40 travellers, one reviewer reported a large vessel with well over 100 passengers. Group size and boat type may exceed what the listing states.
• Seasickness matters. More than one reviewer reported rough water and passengers getting sick, even in clear weather. If motion is a problem, take medication before boarding rather than waiting.
• Food and drink. The listing promises a light lunch of croissants or sandwiches with chips and fruit.
• Dress and accessibility. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are fine and infants must sit on laps. The listing states most travellers can participate.

Common issues. 00 per person catches some travellers off guard at security. The sailing requires good weather; if it is cancelled for poor conditions, a different date or a full refund is offered.

Common Questions