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Planning a whale watching trip on your next visit to Puerto Vallarta? I’ve got the top options for you!
Whale watching is an experience not to be missed. We’ve gone whale watching all over the world, and Puerto Vallarta is easily one of my favorite places. We saw so many whales and each tour we’ve been on was incredible!
However, not all tours are 5-star. So to make sure you have the BEST experience possible, we put together the top 5 whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta.
Each one is a bit different, so read through and pick the best one for you – then book it so you don’t miss out!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this small group, small boat whale watching tour! We love that you can get around the bay quickly in a small boat, and ask your guides tons of questions in a small group setting. Check out the 200+ raving reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: Whale watching season is limited. Book your dates now and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- Whale Watching Tours in Puerto Vallarta
- When to go Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta
- Other Activities to do While You’re in Puerto Vallarta
- Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Whale Watching Tours in Puerto Vallarta
1. Whale and dolphin watching with a biologist
This 4.5-hour whale-watching tour is one of the best in Puerto Vallarta. Not only do you get up close to humpback whales, but you get to learn all about them from a professional! This tour has 350+ glowing reviews for a reason (check them out here!).
Your tour guide will either be a marine biologist or a professional wildlife photographer who has worked for National Geographic and Animal Planet, so you’re in good hands!
You will likely see a variety of other fascinating marine animals including orcas, giant mantas, and several different types of dolphins.
This tour company also runs research programs for whales and dolphins. During the trip, you’ll learn more about their efforts and how you can get involved. This is a great option for anyone passionate about marine research and conservation.
The price starts from $100 USD per person, and the maximum group size is 15, so this is a pretty budget-friendly option as whale-watching tours go. The tour company guarantees that you’ll see whales, or they’ll give you your money back.
Book this top-rated tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart!
2. Private whale watching tour
Is whale watching high on your bucket list? It was for me! I think taking a private whale watching tour takes your experience to the next level, especially if this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
This private tour gives you the chance to ask your marine biologist guide every question you can think of! It’s a really special experience for those who are passionate about whales and other marine mammals.
The price of the 3.5-hour tour is $760 USD per group, and the maximum capacity is 10. If you’re traveling with a group of friends or as a family, this is a great option as you’ll get to enjoy the experience together without having to share with strangers. It can actually work out to be less expensive than taking a shared tour – bonus!
The great thing about this tour is that it also includes lunch, so your private boat turns into a floating restaurant with a view!
Dates are limited – reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it here.
3. Small boat whale encounter Puerto Vallarta
I’ve been on whale watching tours with over 100 people on the boat, and let me tell you – that’s not ideal! That’s why I jumped at the chance to book this small group whale watching tour. With a smaller boat and fewer people, seeing the whales is much easier.
This tour uses a fast boat, so you can actually get around the bay much quicker. We saw a lot more whales on this smaller tour than with the larger ones, simply because we could go to more places. I also appreciated talking with the whale experts on board, rather than just hearing their commentary over a loudspeaker.
To make it even better, there’s a hydrophone on board that you can use to listen to the whales singing underwater! You’ll also be helping researchers identify whales for conservation projects to protect them – so neat!
This epic whale watching experience is only $100 USD.
Book this tour with over 200 glowing reviews here, before it books up!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Budget-friendly whale watching tour
You don’t have to break the bank to go whale watching! Many whale watching tours can be pretty expensive, so I really appreciate that this 3-hour tour is cheaper than the rest.
This one is all the more unique because instead of a large boat, you’ll cruise around the bay in smaller inflatable boats. Don’t worry – they are still perfectly safe, but they let you navigate the waters faster and visit more whale-spotting locations than larger tours. This tour also has those fancy hydrophones, so you can hear the whales underwater. I was blown away when I first saw these at work!
This tour takes off in the morning, so you can avoid the heat of the day and save time for other can’t-miss Puerto Vallarta activities. It’s available from mid-December to mid-March, so don’t wait to book your spot! You can reserve this tour for $89 USD per person.
Check availability and book this budget-friendly whale watching tour here!
Related Read: Still need a hotel? Our where to stay in Puerto Vallarta guide has top picks for every budget!
5. Small group tour with a biologist guide
Last but certainly not least, we have this small-group tour with a biologist guide! Led by our captain and marine biologist guide, we saw a ton of whales on this tour. It was really cool learning about the whales’ behaviors and migration patterns, and our guide knew an impressive amount about the birds, dolphins, and manta rays we saw too.
Before we even got on the water, our guide gave a short presentation about the animals, which I thought was really valuable. Then we had about three hours on the water to enjoy the views and spot whales. It truly is a can’t-miss tour in Puerto Vallarta.
You can book this whale watching tour for $100 USD, including coffee and snacks, the hydrophone, an onboard bathroom, and more information than you’ll know what to do with!
Book this tour here to access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
When to go Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta
You’re likely to spot whales in Puerto Vallarta from December to March, but the best months are said to be January and February. This is smack dab in the middle of whale watching season, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to see whales if you go during this time.
The government regulates whale watching season, so it’s important to check before you go to make sure that you’re not going outside of the exact dates from December to March. If you go whale watching within this time, many tour companies will provide a money-back guarantee if you don’t see any whales.
However, during January and February, the whale population is at its peak. The water is warm and the whales are most active, meaning that you’re more likely to see them breaching, spy hopping, and swimming close to the shore.
Other Activities to do While You’re in Puerto Vallarta
There’s a good reason why Dan and I keep coming back to Puerto Vallarta – not only is the whale watching here on a whole other level but there are a ton more fun activities to try too!
- Swim with dolphins – Take your whale watching adventures to the next level by swimming with dolphins! The biologist’s guide takes you to known pods of dolphins, where you can throw on snorkel gear and jump in the water! How fun!? The guides ensure it’s all safe for you and the dolphins.
- Explore the jungle on an ATV tour – One of my all-time favorite activities in Puerto Vallarta was going on an ATV tour. Dan and I went on this half-day Jorullo Bridge ATV experience that takes you to some of the most scenic natural spots in the area, as well as over the longest suspension bridge in Latin America!
- Visit the Rhythms of the Night Show – When it comes to the best dinner shows in Puerto Vallarta, the Rhythms of the Night Show is a tough one to beat! It takes place on a secluded island with incredible dancing, acrobatics, music, and, of course, the food is amazing too. You also get to enjoy a beautiful catamaran cruise to and from the island! You can book your ticket online here.
- Walk the Puerto Vallarta Malecon – The boardwalk here is absolutely full of amazing museums, some of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, and more shops than you can count! This is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs for the folks back home, have a go at making your own chocolate, or simply enjoy a drink at Señor Frogs!
- Explore underwater – While there’s plenty to do on land, it’s like a whole new world beneath the waves! If you can, snorkeling or scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta is a must. This scuba diving tour is jam-packed with caves and more tropical fish than you can count. Or to stay closer to the surface, this snorkeling cruise visits the beautiful Marietas Islands.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Now that you know when to go and where to go to see whales, it’s time to find a place to stay!
There are TONS of great hotels in Puerto Vallarta – no matter your budget or preferences. From luxurious budget resorts to cozy boutique hotels, deciding where to stay in Puerto Vallarta is super exciting, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite spots with you!
Hilton Vallarta Riviera – $$$
The Hilton Vallarta Riviera is one of the best resorts in town – it’s all-inclusive, so you’re free to have plenty of peaceful downtime. They also have 7 restaurants, a private beach, a pool, a spa, and a gym. Rooms have super comfy beds and can include a terrace, balcony, and a private jetted tub overlooking the ocean! There’s evening entertainment and a kid’s club to keep the little ones happy
Rooms here at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera average around $350-$650 USD per night, but you can often get a good deal (on the lower end of that range) if you book in advance.
Amapas Apartments Puerto Vallarta – $$
The Amapas Apartments in Puerto Vallarta are a series of adult-only, self-contained apartments, located in my favorite area of town – the Romantic Zone. It’s really close to the beach and restaurants, as well as tons of shopping and nightlife options. They even have a pool, with all rooms being air-conditioned too!
With one and two-bedroom apartments available, a stay here typically starts around $96 USD per night, which I think is a great deal considering the size of the apartment and its location! This is another really popular spot though, so don’t forget to book your stay online in advance.
Posada de Roger – $
Another superb budget choice is the Hotel Posada de Roger that’s right in the heart of the Romantic Zone. All rooms here have AC, and they even have an outdoor pool that gets tons of sun. If you fancy making up some packed lunches, they also have a shared kitchen which is free for guests to use. No wonder it’s our go-to place to stay in Puerto Vallarta!
A one-night stay here at Posada de Roger starts at $64 USD per night, but it is pretty popular, so I’d recommend making your reservation in advance on Booking.com. You can always cancel the stay for free if you change your mind, so it’s a win-win!
Oasis Hostel – $
Who said you couldn’t live the dream on a budget? The Oasis Hostel offers both dorms and private rooms, which all have air conditioning with traditional Mexican decor. It’s around 5 km (3 mi) to get downtown, but that’s really easy with a taxi, or you can also rent a bike straight from the hostel.
Rooms here are super affordable, starting at just $19 USD including breakfast! Whether you’re backpacking through Puerto Vallarta or prefer to spend your money on experiences over accommodation, this is a great choice. You can book your space on either Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Note: For more options, you can also browse all the hotels in Puerto Vallarta here!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
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We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
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Thanks for reading!
I never get tired of going whale watching in Puerto Vallarta! After living and visiting Puerto Vallarta, it’s one of my favorite places in Mexico, and seeing the whales here is ALWAYS a highlight. The tours are overall really affordable and you shouldn’t miss out if you’ve never had a chance to see these incredible creatures.
If you’re in the midst of planning a beachy getaway, make sure to check out our other blogs about Mexico. We’ve traveled across the country in search of the best experiences – from restaurants to tours to hidden gems. We’d love to help you plan your dream trip!
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