Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching: Catamaran with Lunch & Open Bar

Watch humpback whales from a steady catamaran while the Pacific spreads around you

A three-hour whale watching tour in Puerto Vallarta aboard a catamaran with lunch and open bar included. A marine mammal expert leads the search for humpback whales migrating through Banderas Bay each winter. The tour operates in English or Spanish and suits all fitness levels.

The experience

Each winter, humpback whales migrate from arctic feeding grounds to breed in the sheltered waters of Banderas Bay. You board a catamaran with ample deck space and full onboard facilities, then spend the morning searching for these whales at sea level: a vantage point most people never get. A marine mammal expert narrates what you're seeing, turning the sightings into something you actually understand instead of just spotting shapes in the distance.

Lunch and an open bar are served onboard, so you eat and drink while watching the water. The catamaran's size and stability mean you're not gripping the rail or feeling seasick. You can actually relax and take photographs. The whole outing runs three hours, which gives the search real time without eating your whole day.

Drones are prohibited to protect the flight paths of endemic birds in the area. The boat operates under Mexico's Federal Maritime Ports regulations, which include a strict no-drug policy: electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are also prohibited, and federal security can deny boarding if these rules are violated.

What’s included

• Lunch and open bar service onboard.
• marine mammal expert guide in English or Spanish.
• three hours aboard a catamaran with full onboard facilities.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 150

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 2.21

Prices and times updated 21 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Vallarta Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so book the language that matches your comfort. Both are live expert commentary, not a recording.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 do the humpback whales migrate through Banderas Bay?

Humpbacks migrate to breed and rear their young in the sheltered coasts of Banderas Bay each winter, making that the season when sightings are most likely.

What does the open bar include?

The tour includes open bar service onboard, though the specific beverages available are not detailed in the operator's information.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick easily?

The catamaran is described as steady and ample, designed for comfort, and suits all physical fitness levels. If you're prone to seasickness, the boat's stability should help, though individual tolerance varies.

Can I bring a drone to photograph the whales?

Drones are prohibited on this tour due to federal regulations protecting the flight paths of endemic birds in the area.