Whale Watching Puerto Vallarta: Sea-Level Photography Guaranteed
Los Arcos and migrating whales from the water, not from a distant shore
A whale watching tour in Puerto Vallarta operating December through March, departing from either Nuevo Vallarta Dock-C or Puerto Vallarta dock with a live guide in English or Spanish. You travel by boat to sea-level vantage points where migrating whales breed and give birth after traveling over 16,000 miles from the Arctic, and pass Los Arcos National Marine Park. The tour runs three hours and includes bottled water, seasonal fruit, a sandwich, and a life jacket.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Whale watching and marine park tour
- Pass by Los Arcos National Marine Park
- See marine sights from the water
- Continue viewing from the water
What’s included
- Bottled water.
- seasonal fruit and sandwich.
- life jacket.
- live guide in English or Spanish.
- boat ride to sea-level whale watching spots and Los Arcos National Marine Park.
Times
- Every day except Wednesday and Sunday 07:45 08:00
- Wednesday 07:45 08:00 11:45 12:00
Before you book
Operated by Los Veranos Canopy Tour
Prices and times updated 9 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Whale season in Puerto Vallarta runs from December through March, when whales migrate from the Arctic to breed in tropical waters. The boat departs from either Nuevo Vallarta Dock-C or Puerto Vallarta dock (you choose which one suits your location), and heads to the sea-level spots where you can photograph and observe the whales up close. This perspective is hard to catch from land, and the operator guarantees the sighting or you don't pay.
The three-hour tour passes Los Arcos National Marine Park and keeps you on the water where the whales actually are. You'll have bottled water, seasonal fruit and a sandwich during the outing, plus a life jacket for safety. A live guide speaks English or Spanish and navigates the route, so you focus on watching and photographing instead of steering the boat or wondering where to look.
Children are welcome from age 5 onward. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health, but it suits all other fitness levels. Public transportation options are available near both departure points if you're arriving without a car.
Is this one for you?Book the Nuevo Vallarta departure if you're staying north of Puerto Vallarta, or the Puerto Vallarta dock option if you're based in town: the choice removes the drive to the wrong end of the bay. The guarantee means you pay only if whales show, which is how the operator prices certainty into a seasonal tour.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
When does whale watching season run in Puerto Vallarta?
Whale watching season runs from December through March, when whales migrate from the Arctic to breed in tropical waters off Puerto Vallarta.
Where do I board the whale watching boat?
You can depart from either Nuevo Vallarta Dock-C or Puerto Vallarta dock, depending on which option you choose at checkout.
How long is the whale watching tour?
The tour runs three hours from departure to return.
What's included in the whale watching tour?
The tour includes bottled water, seasonal fruit, a sandwich, a life jacket, and the guide's expertise: entry to Los Arcos National Marine Park and the boat ride are part of the package.
Whale Watching Puerto Vallarta: Sea-Level Photography Guaranteed
3h · EN · ES
from US$ 99 per person
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