Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise Puerto Vallarta: Banderas Bay

Follow the whales instead of a schedule

A whale and dolphin watching cruise in Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta that runs December through March, with a bilingual marine biologist guide, continental breakfast, open bar, and lunch. The boat changes course based on where humpback whales and dolphins are spotted that morning, so no two trips follow the same route.

The Experience

The boat leaves Puerto Vallarta and heads into Banderas Bay, where humpback whales migrate December through March. Instead of sticking to a fixed route, the captain and marine biologist guide watch for activity and adjust course to follow the whales and dolphins as they move through their habitat. Continental breakfast comes first—coffee, fruit, bread, granola—then the search begins. A hydrophone on board lets you listen to whale calls underwater while you watch them breach and play at the surface.

The open bar runs the whole time: tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice and water. Lunch arrives mid-morning—croissants, sandwiches, chips and fruit. The guide speaks English and Spanish, so commentary reaches everyone on board. Children from age one are welcome; infants can sit on a lap or ride in a stroller if needed. The whole outing runs about four and a half hours, and the boat is equipped with safety gear and designed for all fitness levels.

Because the whales and dolphins set the itinerary, you might see a pod of dolphins one trip and a breaching humpback the next. The marine biologist explains what you're watching—behavior, migration patterns, why they're here—so the sightings mean something. The hydrophone and the open bar keep the pace relaxed; this is not a rushed tick-box tour.

What’s included

• Marine transport.
• continental breakfast with coffee, fruit, bread and granola.
• open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice and water.
• lunch with croissants, sandwiches, chips and fruit.
• whale watching and dolphin watching in Banderas Bay.
• hydrophone to listen to whale calls.
• bilingual marine biologist guide in English and Spanish.
• safety equipment on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Live&Travel Tours

Is this one for you?The bilingual guide delivers commentary in both English and Spanish throughout the cruise, so mixed-language groups follow the same explanation without needing separate tours. If you're traveling with young children, the flexible itinerary—where the boat follows the whales rather than a fixed schedule—means you're not locked into a tight timeline and can move at the pace the marine life sets.

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Top questions

When does the whale watching season run in Puerto Vallarta?

The cruise operates December through March, when humpback whales migrate through Banderas Bay. Outside those months, whale sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if we don't see whales or dolphins?

The boat adjusts its route based on where marine life is spotted that day, but sightings depend on animal behavior and cannot be promised. The guide will explain what you do see and use the hydrophone to listen for whale calls.

Is the open bar included for the whole cruise?

Yes, the open bar runs the entire four-and-a-half-hour trip and includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice and water.

Can I bring my infant or toddler on this cruise?

Children from age one are welcome. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and small children can ride in a pram or stroller if you bring one.

What does the marine biologist guide explain during the cruise?

The guide provides commentary in English and Spanish about whale and dolphin behavior, migration patterns and the ecosystem of Banderas Bay. The hydrophone lets you hear whale calls underwater while the guide describes what's happening.

What's included in the lunch on the boat?

Lunch consists of croissants, sandwiches, chips and fresh fruit served during the cruise.