Banderas Bay whale watching cruise with open bar

Humpback whales share the bay with dolphins, rays and sea turtles in the same afternoon.

A 3-hour whale watching cruise through Banderas Bay operates December to March, when humpback whales migrate to the bay to breed and raise their young. You scan the horizon from a stable yacht while the crew tracks the latest sightings, and you're likely to see dolphins, rays and sea turtles alongside the whales. The tour includes fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juices at the start, plus guacamole, ceviche, chips and an open bar throughout: water, coffee, beer, wine, margaritas, tequila and piña colada. You choose your meeting point (Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal) before booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching cruise in Banderas Bay

• Board stable yacht in Puerto Vallarta
• Cruise through Banderas Bay
• Spot humpback whales and marine life
• Enjoy open premium bar and snacks
• Learn from expert guides about whales
• Relax and play in the ocean

The experience

The cruise departs from either Nuevo Vallarta or the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal, depending on which you select at checkout. Service starts with fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juices, then the boat heads into Banderas Bay while the crew scans for whale activity. The expert guide and cruise director stay informed on current conditions and the best viewing locations, so the route adjusts to where the humpbacks are moving that day.

Humpback season runs December through March, and the whales come to the bay to breed, give birth and raise their young. Alongside them you'll encounter dolphins, sea turtles, rays and seabirds. The stable yacht keeps the ride smooth, and the crew sets up safety and comfort so you can focus on the water. Three hours is long enough to drift through multiple locations without the day feeling rushed.

The open bar runs throughout: water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, margaritas, tequila and piña colada. Fresh snacks include guacamole and blue corn chips made on board, ceviche and potato chips. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if you request them when booking. Gratuities are optional. Drones are prohibited due to federal bird protection regulations.

What’s included

• Fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juices at the start.
• guacamole, ceviche, blue corn chips and potato chips throughout.
• open bar with water, coffee, juices, sodas, beer, wine, margaritas, tequila and piña colada.
• expert bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
• vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meal options available upon request.

Before you book

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Chica Locca Tours

Is this one for you?Book the morning or afternoon departure that fits your schedule: both run the same 3-hour route and include the same food and bar, so the choice is yours based on when you want to be on the water. If you're arriving mid-trip with a free afternoon or a port day, you can pick your meeting point in Nuevo Vallarta or at the cruise terminal and be on the bay within hours.

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Top questions

When do humpback whales come to Banderas Bay?

Humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay from December through March to breed, give birth and raise their young. The tour runs during this season when sightings are most likely.

What other marine life might I see besides whales?

Dolphins, sea turtles, rays and seabirds are commonly spotted in the bay alongside the humpbacks on the same cruise.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Yes. Service starts with fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juices, then continues with guacamole, ceviche, blue corn chips and potato chips throughout the 3 hours. An open bar offers water, coffee, juices, sodas, beer, wine, margaritas, tequila and piña colada. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if requested at booking.

Where do I meet the boat?

You choose between Nuevo Vallarta or the Puerto Vallarta cruise terminal when you make your reservation. Public transportation options are available near both meeting points.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The stable yacht provides a smooth ride.

What should I know about the boat and the experience?

The cruise operates on a stable yacht designed for comfort. The expert guide and crew manage safety and keep you informed of whale activity as you scan the horizon from the deck. The tour lasts 3 hours total.