Mark your calendars! Whale-watching season in Puerto Vallarta begins on December 8th, 2025. Secure your spot by booking in advance!
Hop aboard this once-in-a-lifetime ocean excursion and interactive marine mammal adventure! Marvel at the grandiosity and grace of humpback whales as we cruise the calm waters of Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful Banderas Bay and beyond.
Plus, get up close and personal with our family of Bottlenose dolphins as you plunge into their magical world at our world-class Marine Mammal Center. Enjoy hands-on learning and fun with our unique Whale Watching & Dolphin Adventure combo!
Our Marine Mammal Center is accredited by:
5.5 Hours
Min. 5 years old
Relaxed
Families
Small groups
To book this experience in Private
contact us at 1-888-526-2238
or [email protected]
Two Marine Mammal Experiences in One Day!
Make the most of your day with our Combo Whale Watching and our Dolphin Swim Signature Experience! On this marine mammal encounter, you’ll get to enjoy an exciting Whale Watching tour and an incredible Dolphin experience all on the same day!
Get ready to spot humpback whales as they migrate and breed in beautiful Banderas Bay. You’ll board our comfortable catamaran boat to witness the awe-inspiring enormity and grace of 40ft (12m) humpback whales breaching out of the water, surfacing for air, and flashing their flukes!
Our expert guides will share interesting information about these impressive marine mammals, and you might even get a chance to listen to the way they communicate via our unique hydrophones.
But the fun doesn’t end there – you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a close encounter with dolphins! At our state-of-the-art Dolphin Center, you’ll get to splish splash with the dolphins themselves for a truly unique experience you’ll cherish forever. Give dolphin kisses, hugs, and even swim with the opportunity to wear a mask to appreciate the dolphins from the surface!
Our Whale Watching & Dolphin Swim Signature Experience is ideal for those who want to interact and learn more about marine mammals in one excitement-packed experience. You will also save an additional 25% on this combination of two of our most-loved winter family activities.
- An additional $25 Pesos conservation fee per person will be collected at check-in. All proceeds go toward the conservation of humpback whales.
- Please arrive at the check-in point 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
- Minimum age: 5 years old
- Child prices apply to ages 5 to 11. Adult prices apply to ages 12 and older.
- Each child under 12 must come with a person aged 16 or older who pays for their ticket. One companion is required for each child.
- Cameras are permitted in your Whale Watching tour but not during the Dolphin Program. We offer professional photos for purchase after your dolphin experience. This combo is not suitable for pregnant women. If someone in your group is pregnant, they can book the Whale Watching Adventure and a Private Dolphin Swim experience.
- This package is designed to be enjoyed in a single day. However, during high season, it may be extended to two days to ensure an optimal experience.
- Within 24 hours of booking this tour package, our Customer Service team will contact you via email to plan the second activity included in your package. Depending on availability, both activities may be scheduled on the same day or across two days.
- Swimwear and towel
- Sun protective clothing
- Light sweater
- Extra cash for dock fees, Humpback whale conservation fee ($ 25 Pesos) and souvenirs
Embrace the natural beauty and whimsical wildlife of Puerto Vallarta on a whale-watching tour to remember! Hop aboard our spacious catamaran, perfect for families who want to enjoy whale watching from the comfort of a steady vessel with all facilities on board. With friendly service, a deli-style buffet, and an open bar, there’s no better way to spend the day.
Our expert bilingual eco-guides will take you throughout Banderas Bay where you’ll have the opportunity to witness humpback whales breaching, surfacing, and showing off their flukes for plenty of unforgettable photo ops and memories to last a lifetime!
Peak whale watching season runs from December 8th to March 23rd, so make sure to book your trip accordingly!Has swimming with dolphins always been on your bucket list? If so, this swimming with dolphins tour is the perfect opportunity to cross it off!
During the Dolphin Swim Signature Experience in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll spend time getting to know and play with our friendly dolphins in an interactive experience! Enjoy a waist-deep interaction with dolphins on a shallow platform, ideal for little ones and non-swimmers, and then hop into the water for the opportunity to wear a mask to appreciate the dolphins from the surface!
This hands-on experience for dolphins is designed for small groups so you can get a more personal encounter with these remarkable creatures. You’ll even get a chance to kiss and hug the dolphins for an adorable photo op!
For more exciting opportunities to swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta, consider one of our other dolphin encounters, such as the Dolphin Signature Swim, Dolphin Extreme, or Dolphin Encounter! If you have any questions about any of our Vallarta Adventures whale-watching tours and dolphin adventures, please contact us for help!The Vallarta Adventures Rescue Teams collaborate closely with authorities at various levels and stranding networks to ensure they're always ready for any emergency. Our team, featuring experienced wildlife rescuers, veterinarians, and caregivers, concentrates on helping animals in distress, especially caring for those that are sick, injured, or abandoned. This includes the important task of marine mammal disentanglement. The overarching aim is rehabilitating these animals for successful reintegration into their natural environments. To understand more about our dedication to animal welfare, visit our Sustainability page.
The official season begins in early December and goes throughout all of March.
Humpback whales are the most frequently sighted whales in Puerto Vallarta. Orcas are also spotted during the winter season, while the less common species include bride and minke whales.
Yes, the minimum age requirement for our Whale Watching & Dolphin Swimming Tour is 5 years old.
Responsible whale watching in Mexico involves following specific guidelines to prevent collisions and minimize stress or disturbance to whales during our tours. To learn more about responsible whale watching, please visit our blog.
Absolutely! Availability is limited and tends to fill up quickly. To secure your preferred tour date and time, we recommend booking in advance.
Cameras are permitted in the Whale Watching tour, they are not allowed in the Dolphin Program. However, we offer professional photos for purchase after your experience.
The oils and residues from sunscreen, even biodegradable ones, can harm many marine species, including dolphins, so we prohibit the use of sunscreen during all dolphin encounters. We recommend using sun-protective clothing instead.
While we provide secure areas for your personal belongings, we recommend leaving all jewelry and small items in your hotel.
Yes, but before making a reservation, please consult one of our Adventure Advisors for more information.
At Vallarta Adventures Dolphin Center, we follow a comprehensive preventative health care program, which includes daily health assessments, regular voluntary veterinary examinations, and dietary needs evaluations. We also provide a clean and stimulating environment for our animals to thrive. For further details, please refer to our Corporate Responsibility page.