Ecotours Marine Biologist Trip

Whale Watching Adventure Led by a Marine Biologist runs through Ecotours Vallarta.

Overview

This Ecotours Vallarta outing begins on dry land, with a short talk about humpback whales at the operator's office before anyone steps aboard. Guides here are marine biologists, and the pre-departure lecture covers habitat and migration, which many travellers say makes the sightings out on the water mean more.

A hydrophone system sets this tour apart from standard whale watching runs. When male humpbacks sing, the sound is piped through speakers, and reviewers repeatedly describe hearing the songs as a highlight of the day. Mothers with calves, breaching adults and dolphins all appear in passenger accounts.

Groups are capped at 14, and reviewers describe small boats and an uncrowded atmosphere. Coffee, tea, refilled water, sodas, granola bars and a light bite are provided, along with travel insurance and a restroom on board. Hotel pickup is not included, and there is a boarding fee payable on site. The tour suits most travellers who are comfortable on open water; it is not advised during pregnancy or for those with back problems, and it is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Ecotours VallartaArrive at Proa 20, Marina Vallarta, near the ramp at the end of Calle Proa, half a block past the 8 Tostadas restaurant. Check in and join the humpback whale lecture here.
2. Ecotours Vallarta briefingThe operator's listing allocates 20 minutes at the office for the introductory talk about humpback whales, their habitat and their migration. Admission is free.
3. Marina Vallarta departureThe listing allows 10 minutes at Marina Vallarta, with the admission ticket included, as the group boards the boat.
4. Whale watching in Banderas BayCruise the bay looking for humpbacks, with the hydrophone deployed to listen to singing males when conditions allow.
5. Return to the meeting pointThe activity ends back at the Ecotours Vallarta meeting point in Marina Vallarta.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from the boarding fee to the open-sided boat and the meeting arrangement.

• Bring cash. Gratuities are also excluded, so bring extra cash for both.
• Dress for sun. The boat has open sides with a canopy overhead, according to one reviewer. Sun protection and a layer for wind are sensible choices for hours on the water.
• Motion sickness prep. Conditions on the bay can vary, and the listing notes the experience requires good weather. Anyone prone to seasickness should take precautions before boarding.
• Small boat feel. The group is capped at 14 travellers, and reviewers describe small boats and an uncrowded, personal atmosphere on the water.
• Food and drink. Coffee or tea, refilled water, sodas, granola bars and a light bite are included, and one reviewer noted snacks and water on board. Alcohol is not included, and any dietary needs should be flagged at booking.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included. The meeting point is at Proa 20 in Marina Vallarta, near public transportation, so travellers need to arrange their own arrival.

Common issues. Hotel pickup and alcoholic drinks are excluded, and a US$5.00 per person boarding fee is payable on site. The listing advises against the tour for pregnant travellers and those with back problems, and it is not wheelchair accessible; infants under 2 are not allowed. Although the listing states there is a restroom on board, one reviewer reported no bathroom on what they described as a small boat. The operator requires a minimum number of travellers and good weather, and if either forces a cancellation, a different date or a full refund is offered. Refunds are not issued if a missed cruise ship arrival makes the tour unattainable.

Common Questions