Banderas Bay whale watching cruise with open bar

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Free cancellation

1/9

Duration3h

GroupUp to 55

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic 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.