Puerto Vallarta: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

See humpback whales up close in Puerto Vallarta’s warm Pacific waters with lunch, drinks, and local stories on board

You’ll sail Banderas Bay with a local guide spotting humpback whales up close—sometimes right beside the boat—while enjoying fresh ceviche and an open bar on deck. Live stories bring the bay’s wildlife to life as you drift under Pacific sun. It’s not polished or fancy—just honest moments with whales and real people on the water.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first splash — not from us, but from this massive humpback whale just off Puerto Vallarta. One minute we were just drifting out past Nuevo Vallarta, sipping coffee (the kind that tastes better at sea for some reason), and the next our guide, Marisol, was pointing and everyone scrambled to the rail. I’d seen photos before but nothing really prepares you for how big these whales are when they surface so close you can hear their breath. The air smelled salty and a bit sweet — maybe from the ceviche they started passing around?

Marisol kept up this gentle commentary, switching between Spanish and English without missing a beat. She’d tell us about the calves born here each winter, sometimes pausing to laugh with one of the crew or answer someone’s question about migration. I tried to ask her how to say “whale” in Spanish (it’s “ballena,” by the way) but probably mangled it — she smiled anyway. There was this little kid near me who gasped every time a tail slapped the water; honestly, I felt like doing the same.

The sun got stronger as we sailed further into Banderas Bay, but there was shade under the catamaran’s canopy if you wanted it. Lunch was simple but fresh — chips, vegan ceviche (surprisingly good), marlin burritas that were gone fast, and these ham-and-cheese paninis that tasted better than they had any right to. Someone spilled a drink when another whale breached nearby; nobody cared. It all felt easygoing and slightly messy in a good way.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there — or so lucky to watch these animals with people who actually care about them. Even now, I can still hear that deep whoosh when one surfaced right beside us. If you’re thinking about a whale watching cruise in Puerto Vallarta, just go while they’re here. There’s something about seeing them with your own eyes that sticks with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching cruise with lunch

• Board luxurious catamaran
• Sail in Pacific Ocean
• Watch humpback whales
• Enjoy buffet lunch and drinks
• Relax with panoramic views

Top questions

When is whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta?

From November to April each year.

Is lunch included on the whale watching cruise?

Yes, lunch is included along with chips, vegan ceviche, paninis, and marlin burritas.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, there is an international open bar available on board.

Is live commentary available during the cruise?

Yes, guides provide live commentary in multiple languages.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

Is public transportation nearby for reaching departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What kind of boat is used for this whale watching cruise?

A spacious catamaran designed for comfortable viewing.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing aboard a comfortable catamaran with live local commentary in English or Spanish; continental breakfast; chips; vegan ceviche; ham-and-cheese paninis; marlin burritas; an international open bar; plus plenty of shaded seating while you watch whales play in Banderas Bay before heading back to shore.