Puerto Vallarta: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Biologist Guide

Summary

Whale watching Puerto Vallarta with marine experts plus dolphin encounters

You’ll join marine biologists in Puerto Vallarta for real whale & dolphin watching—not just sightseeing but helping with actual research too. Expect close-up moments with humpbacks and playful dolphins, a simple lunch onboard, and plenty of stories from your guide. The quiet when a whale surfaces will stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the meeting point because I got distracted by a street vendor selling mango on a stick (sticky hands, totally worth it). But our guide, Valeria—a biologist who somehow makes science sound like gossip—waved me over with a grin. The boat was smaller than I’d pictured, but that made it feel more like we were sneaking into the whales’ world instead of just visiting. She handed out granola bars and said something about “cetaceans,” which I pretended to understand until she explained it meant whales and dolphins. Everyone laughed, so I guess I wasn’t alone.

The water off Puerto Vallarta was choppy that morning, and salt spray kept getting on my glasses. It didn’t matter though—when Valeria pointed out the first humpback’s spout in the distance, everyone went quiet except for this one kid who just whispered “whoa.” There was this weird mix of sunscreen smell and sea air, and for a second all you could hear was the boat engine slowing down. We drifted closer (not too close—Valeria is strict about respecting their space), and she started jotting notes for her research project. She actually let us help track sightings—I’m not sure my handwriting helped much, but still.

At one point, dolphins showed up—spotted ones darting around like they were showing off. Someone tried to mimic their whistles (not me, promise), which made even the captain crack up. Lunch was this baguette sandwich—simple but way better than I expected after a couple hours in the sun. If you have dietary stuff, they sort it out if you ask ahead; I overheard someone mention vegan options.

I didn’t expect to learn so much about how these animals live here or how much work goes into protecting them. Valeria talked about their research funding coming from tours like ours—which made it feel less like just another day trip to see whales in Puerto Vallarta and more like we were part of something bigger. I still think about that silence when we spotted the mother whale with her calf—nobody moved or spoke for what felt like ages. Kind of sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale and dolphin watching tour

• Meet professional biologist guides
• Depart for whale watching excursion
• Observe humpback whales mating and birthing
• Watch various dolphin species
• Spot giant mantas and marine turtles
• Participate in marine research project
• Return from the tour

Top questions

Is whale watching in Puerto Vallarta available year-round?

No, humpback whales visit Puerto Vallarta mainly during winter months for mating and giving birth.

Are guides on this tour professional biologists?

Yes, guides are specialists in cetaceans with backgrounds in marine ecology or wildlife photography.

What animals might we see besides whales?

You could see bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins, giant mantas, marine turtles—and sometimes orcas or false orcas.

Is lunch included on the tour?

Yes, a baguette sandwich is included; vegetarian or vegan options are available by request at least 24 hours before.

Can infants join this whale watching tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are also allowed onboard.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board during the tour.

If we don’t see whales or dolphins do we get a refund?

Yes—the company guarantees sightings or your money back.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water and granola bars as snacks onboard plus a baguette sandwich for lunch (with vegetarian or vegan options if requested ahead), all guided by professional biologists who share their research along the way—you’ll be part of their ongoing study while searching for whales and dolphins off Puerto Vallarta’s coast.