Whale Watching Photo Safari
tours/Whale Watching Tours/Whale Watching Photo Safari

Whale Watching Photo Safari

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Travelers in the best Puerto Vallarta whale watching tour.Travelers watching humpback whales in Puerto Vallarta from an inflatable speed boat.
Travelers taking photos from up close of a humpback whale breaching the water in Puerto Vallarta.Travelers on a Puerto Vallarta ecotourism whale-watching tour, on board a speed boat.Tail of a humpback whale during the winter season in Puerto Vallarta.Travelers admiring a whale breaching during Puerto Vallarta Whale Seaason.

Mark your calendars! Whale-watching season in Puerto Vallarta begins on December 8th, 2025. Book in advance to secure your spot!

Witness the beauty and grace of humpback whales in the wild from up close on our whale-watching tour in Puerto Vallarta! Capture incredible photos and lasting memories as we cruise through Banderas Bay where we’ll witness the awe-inspiring grandiosity of 40ft. humpback whales surfacing along the coast of beautiful Puerto Vallarta.

Relax aboard our inflatable speed boat as we watch the whales breach, dive, and show off their flukes on this small-group guided excursion!

Less than 3 hours tours in Vallarta3 Hours

Minimum age for this tour.Min. 6 years old

Relaxed activities in Puerto VallartaRelaxed

Ideal activities for adults in VallartaAdults

Small groupsSmall groups

To book this experience in Private
contact us at 1-888-526-2238
or [email protected]

EXPERIENCE WHALE WATCHING IN PUERTO VALLARTA GUIDED BY MARINE MAMMAL EXPERTS

Each winter, the humpback whales migrate from their arctic feeding grounds to breed and rear their young calves in the warm, sheltered coasts of Banderas Bay. This makes Puerto Vallarta one of North America's premier whale-watching destinations.

Our fantastic Photo Safari tour is conducted in inflatable speed boats specifically designed for whale-watching activities. We’ll observe, from sea level, whales in their natural habitat, witnessing them breach, emerge to breathe, and flash their flukes above the surface. At every turn, a unique view and exciting moments await! You’ll want to have your camera ready to capture impressive shots of whales and dolphins out in the wild!

Our experienced bilingual Marine Mammal experts love sharing their knowledge about humpback whales and other resident and migratory species as we take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and its magnificent wildlife found above and beneath the surface! Each boat is equipped with hydrophone equipment, allowing you to listen to the unique songs and sounds of the whales.

Designed to give you a new appreciation of the fascinating wildlife in Banderas Bay, Vallarta Adventures’ Whale Watching Photo Safari is a must during the winter months!

  • Exciting speed boat ride across the bay

  • Whale Watching led by Marine Mammal experts

  • Whale singing experience, thanks to our unique hydrophones

  • Fruit and purified water

  • Please arrive at Vallarta Adventures’ check-in point at least 45 minutes before departure.
  • Minimum age: 6 years old
  • Child prices apply to ages 6 to 11. Adult prices apply to ages 12 and older.
  • An additional $25 Pesos conservation fee per person will be collected at check-in. All proceeds go toward the conservation of humpback whales.
  • This tour is Whale Sighting Guaranteed from December 20th to March 1st. If whales are not seen, we offer you the opportunity to take a second complimentary tour. Refunds do not apply.
  • For safety reasons, expecting mothers and persons with back or neck problems are restricted
  • This tour is conducted on inflatable boats without onboard facilities. If you prefer a more equipped boat, visit our Whale Watching Adventure.
  • In accordance with federal regulations drones are prohibited in this tour.
  • Camera
  • Sun protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses
  • Safari hat with neck strap (the wind can easily blow away caps or hats without straps)
  • Extra money for dock fees and Humpback Whale Conservation Fee

The waters of the Pacific Ocean host one of the world's most stunning mammals - the humpback whale. Each winter, the humpbacks migrate from the Arctic to breed and rear their young on the coasts of Banderas Bay.

Our whale tour in Puerto Vallarta takes you to strategic locations carefully selected to give you the best chance of seeing these majestic creatures breach out of the water in front of you.

Conducted on inflatable speed boats to ensure the unique opportunity to watch whales from sea level, our excursions are guided by exceptionally talented marine mammal behavior experts who are passionate about protecting wildlife and the environment.

As we follow these magnificent mammals across Banderas Bay, our professional guides' knowledge and insight will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wildlife that you'll encounter during an unforgettable whale-watching experience in Mexico.

If you are coming with children or seniors, make sure you also take a look at our Combo Whale Watching & Dolphin Adventure and our Whale Watching Adventure, to decide which one is right for you. Our Travel Advisors are also available via phone, email, or WhatsApp to help you make the best decision.

Whale season in Puerto Vallarta officially begins on December 8th and runs through March 23rd, but you can sometimes spot whales as early as November or as late as May. However, the best time to see whales in Puerto Vallarta is during the months of January and February, since it is when they are more active.

We are lucky to have dolphin residents who spend all year swimming around Banderas Bay and out to the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. These playful creatures often swim alongside our boats, splashing and surfing in the waves.

The humpback whale population that passes through Puerto Vallarta has been predicted to be over 18,000 whales. However, these remarkable creatures are vulnerable to extinction and are constantly threatened by ocean debris, pollution, and entanglement.

At Vallarta Adventures, we practice responsible whale watching to ensure the protection and increase the longevity of the humpback whale population in Puerto Vallarta.

Our Marine Mammal experts are part of RABEN, which stands for Red de Asistencia a Ballenas Enmalladas (in English, this stands for Whale Disentanglement Network). This specialized team has a high level of training that prepares them to save humpback whales and other various marine mammals from fishing nets and other hazards.

Dozens of whales have been released in the past few years. To learn more about this important commitment, visit our Sustainability section.

The official whale-watching season starts in the first few weeks of December and typically ends by the end of March. We guarantee whale sightings from December 20th through March 1st.

January and February are typically the best months to see whales in Puerto Vallarta.

There is no such thing as a "typical day" on this adventure tour, because often it is the "wild ones" (the whales and dolphins) who are in charge of the daily itinerary! We can't always predict where they are, so we will let them guide us along their preferred route of the day. One thing’s for sure – wherever they go, beauty and adventure will follow!

Every day is unique. That's because whales are in a constant state of movement around the bay. However we usually find them along the coastline between the Marieta Islands and Puerto Vallarta.

Humpback whales are the most frequently sighted whales in Banderas Bay. During the winter, orcas can also be see, but the less commonly encountered species are bride and minke whales.

Yes! The minimum age requirement for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is 6 years old.

Whales are spot in Puerto Vallarta during the winter months That means you need to dress appropriately for chilly early morning weather. Pants are better than shorts, and it’s a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket for the ride. Closed-toed shoes will also keep your feet warm, so we suggest using them instead of sandals.

Most likely, at some point there will be an intense glare from the sun, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring some shades along. Safari hats with neck strap that can be tied or tightened are recommended, because caps or any other kinds of hats are likely to fly off in the breeze during the speed boat ride.

In most cases, when you go whale watching in Puerto Vallarta, you'll take photos using a mobile phone. If so, we suggest you take photo bursts. iPhones have Live mode settings that also work out well. The reason for this is that whales jump quite unexpectedly. You want the best chance of a great shot and that's more likely if you have multiple photo frames to pick from.

If you bring a professional camera, then be sure to include a telephoto lens. Anything from 70 to 200 mm should work just fine. Just be sure you protect your equipment from the inevitable splashes of water.

Our Whale Watching Photo Safari is conducted in inflatable speed boats that can move swiftly following whales paths, and is perfect for those seeking a specialized tour with the highest chance of seeing Humpback Whales from upclose. On the other hand, our Whale Watching Adventure will take you on ample and steady catamaran boats with facilities on board, food and drinks, which can be ideal for those who prioritize the comfort of an all-inclusive whale-watching experience.

There are two tours in which it is highly possible to spot whales. Marietas Island & Beach BBQ is a fun opportunity to combine whale watching with bird watching, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and more! For families, Las Caletas Beach Hideaway is an excellent choice if you have little ones who would be thrilled by the possibility of spotting a few whales along the way.

Please contact us for more information about which whale watching experience is right for you.

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