Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Cruise & Open Bar with Lunch

Summary

Humpback whales dolphins and ceviche in banderas bay with locals

You’ll watch humpback whales up close in Banderas Bay while snacking on guacamole and sipping margaritas from an open bar. Swim or float after lunch (that ceviche!), chat with guides who know every whale by name, and laugh with strangers as dolphins race alongside you. It’s less about ticking boxes — more about real moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to spot a whale’s tail flick up just meters from your boat? That’s how our day started out on Banderas Bay — not with a plan, just hope and that weird excitement you get when you’re handed coffee before 9am and the sea air is already salty. The crew were joking around in Spanish (I caught maybe half), and our guide, Ana, pointed out these little white puffs far off — “That’s their breath,” she said. I squinted for ages before I saw it myself. Not gonna lie, I didn’t expect to feel my heart thump like that over a splash.

The whole thing felt both slow and sudden. One minute we were lazily munching guacamole and blue corn chips (they really do taste different), the next everyone was leaning over the rail whispering “there!” as a humpback surfaced right beside us. There was this silence — except for someone’s phone dropping on deck — then everyone laughed at once. Ana told us about the whales coming here every winter to breed; she knew all these facts but made them sound like stories her grandma told her. Dolphins zipped by too, messing around in the wake, and some kid tried to name them all.

I tried snorkeling after lunch (ceviche so fresh it still tasted of lime and sea) but honestly I spent more time floating on one of those water mattresses, watching pelicans dive-bombing for fish nearby. The sun kept shifting behind clouds, so sometimes it was warm on your face and sometimes you’d shiver a bit until someone passed you another margarita from the open bar. At one point I thought about how weirdly peaceful it felt out there — just ocean sounds and distant laughter from the slides at the back of the boat. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a whale watching tour in Puerto Vallarta, this one’s not just about whales. It’s messy hair, sticky fingers from chips, stories from locals, that kind of thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and ocean activities

• Cruise through Banderas Bay
• Spot humpback whales and dolphins
• Observe sea turtles and rays
• Enjoy water slides and snorkeling
• Use water mattresses and paddle boards
• Receive guidance from expert staff

Top questions

What months can I see humpback whales in Puerto Vallarta?

Humpback whale season in Banderas Bay runs from December to April.

Is food included on this whale watching cruise?

Yes, breakfast pastries and fruit are served at boarding; later there’s fresh guacamole with blue corn chips and authentic Mexican ceviche made with local fish.

Are drinks included? Is there an open bar?

Yes, there is an open premium bar with margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, piña coladas plus coffee, juice and soft drinks.

Are water activities part of this tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear, water slides, paddle boards and water mattresses are available during free time on the boat.

Where does this tour depart from?

You must choose your meeting place when booking; options are provided during reservation.

Can vegetarians or vegans be accommodated?

Yes; vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if requested when booking.

Is this whale watching cruise suitable for families?

Yes; all ages are welcome but infants must sit on an adult's lap for safety.

Will we have a local guide onboard?

An expert local guide leads the tour and shares information about whales and marine life throughout the trip.

What’s included

Your day starts with breakfast pastries and fruit as you board your yacht in Puerto Vallarta; later you’ll snack on freshly made guacamole with blue corn chips plus authentic Mexican ceviche prepared onboard using local fish. There’s an open premium bar serving margaritas, beer, wine and soft drinks all day. Water activities include snorkeling gear, paddle boards, slides and floating mats — all set up by staff who keep things safe (and fun). A knowledgeable local guide leads your whale watching adventure through Banderas Bay before returning to shore.