Whale Watching Guaranteed Experience in Puerto Vallarta

Traveling to Puerto Vallarta and looking for a memorable, nature-filled adventure? This whale-watching tour promises just that — and more. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty compelling picture for anyone keen on spotting humpback whales and enjoying a well-organized outing in Banderas Bay.

What we love about this experience is how rapid and comfortable the boat rides are — thanks to the high-speed vessels — and the expert guidance that adds a layer of understanding and excitement to the trip. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and bottled water makes the whole outing feel like a thoughtful package.

One thing to consider is that, as with any outdoor activity, weather conditions can affect the tour. While cancellations are rare and fully refundable if they happen, it’s good to keep in mind that this is heavily weather-dependent.

This tour is ideal for anyone who wants a high-energy, educational, and family-friendly way to experience the whale migration in Banderas Bay — especially if you’re on a cruise or short visit.

Key Points

• Fast, stable boats allow for thrilling rides and better whale sightings
• Expert guides enhance the experience with knowledge and humor
• Legally sanctioned with professional, certified captains ensures safety and authenticity
• Includes lunch and water, making it a convenient, all-in-one outing
• Suitable for most travelers, especially cruise ship visitors
• Weather-dependent, so flexibility is key

An In-Depth Look at the Whale Watching Tour

If you’re considering this tour, you’ll want to know what kind of experience to expect from start to finish. From the booking process to the actual whale sightings, here’s what we’ve gathered.

The Booking and Meeting Point

The tour is offered at a reasonable $85 per person, which, considering the included lunch and the chance to see whales in their natural habitat, offers solid value. It’s designed for small groups — a maximum of 18 travelers — which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

The meeting point is at the Los Veranos Canopy Tour main office on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, so getting there shouldn’t be a hassle. The tour provides pickup options, which is a nice touch if you’re staying nearby or coming from a cruise ship.

Duration and Group Size

This is a roughly 3-hour adventure, making it a perfect half-day activity that won’t leave you exhausted. The smaller group size means more space to move around on the boat, better views, and a more relaxed vibe. Some reviews mention that larger boats can be crowded, blocking views or making movement tricky, but this tour seems to keep the group manageable.

The Boat Experience

The boats used are state-of-the-art APEX speed boats, capable of reaching speeds up to 40 mph. This means you’ll get to cover more ground in less time, increasing your chances of spotting whales. The boats are built for speed, comfort, and stability, which is crucial when traveling at higher speeds over open water.

Traveling on a high-speed boat is definitely part of the fun — the wind in your hair, the splash of water, and the thrill of racing across the bay. That said, if you’re sensitive to motion or prone to seasickness, it might be worth considering how you’ll handle the swift ride.

The Whales and What You’ll See

During the tour, you’ll be looking for the annual migration of humpback whales, which travel thousands of miles to Banderas Bay every winter. According to reviews, sightings are frequent and varied — with some tours even featuring newborn calves, playful pods, breaching whales, and tail slaps.

One guest shared: “We saw many whales, both newborns skimming on the surface as well as giant males breaching and slapping their pectoral fins.” The whales are known to perform spontaneous breaches and tail slaps, providing incredible photo opportunities and unforgettable moments.

The guides do a good job of explaining whale behaviors, making the experience both thrilling and educational. As one reviewer put it: “It was very educational. This was our third whale watching tour, not the largest or smallest we have taken, but we learned the most that we had during any of the tours.”

The Guides and Safety

The tour’s guides and captains are fully certified and professionally trained, which is reassuring. Multiple reviews praise guides like Benji for being knowledgeable, funny, and passionate. They’re adept at locating whales and providing context about their migration and behaviors, making the trip engaging for both casual observers and more curious travelers.

Safety is clearly a priority — the boats are legally sanctioned by the Mexican government, and the guides are experienced. This ensures a smooth experience, even when the waters are a bit choppier.

Lunch and Refreshments

An aspect that stands out is the included lunch and bottled water. After a couple of hours on the water, having a meal waiting for you is a real treat. While the menu details aren’t specified, reviews indicate the food is well-received and adds value to the experience, especially when combined with the sightseeing.

The Overall Value

At $85, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The combination of speedy boats, expert guides, whale sightings, and included lunch makes it a well-rounded package. Considering the high praise from travelers and the consistent 5-star ratings, it’s clear many find this experience to be worth the price.

What Could Be Improved?

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention crowded boats or delayed departures. This seems to be an occasional issue, perhaps related to last-minute bookings or operational hiccups. If you’re sensitive to crowds or want a totally relaxed experience, it might be worth arriving early or confirming details ahead of time.

Plus, the tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations do happen if conditions aren’t safe. However, the full refund policy and flexible rescheduling options make this less of a concern.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This whale-watching experience is perfect for travelers who want a fast-paced, engaging adventure with plenty of opportunities to see whales and learn about them. It’s especially suited for cruise ship passengers or those on a short visit, thanks to its convenient location and brief duration. The small group size and expert guides enhance the experience, making it educational and fun.

If you’re looking for a well-organized tour with guaranteed whale sightings and a touch of local expertise, this is a reliable choice. The included lunch and the thrill of high-speed boat rides make it an outing that balances adventure and comfort.

However, if you have mobility issues, are sensitive to motion, or prefer a more relaxed, less weather-dependent trip, you might want to consider other options or check the weather forecast carefully.

This tour stands out as a core marine wildlife experience in Puerto Vallarta — enjoyable, educational, and filled with the kind of moments you’ll want to share for years.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, many reviews mention that it’s an ideal activity for cruise travelers, with convenient meeting points and a well-organized schedule.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the 3-hour tour, high-speed boat ride, expert guides, and a provided lunch and bottled water.

How many people are typically on the tour?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows for better viewing.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations for weather reasons are fully refundable, and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Are the boats safe and certified?
Absolutely. The boats are legally sanctioned by the Mexican government, and the captains and guides are fully trained and certified.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and seasickness remedies if needed. The tour provides bottled water, but you might want extra if you’re sensitive.

Will I see whales every trip?
While sightings are common and frequent, they depend on weather and whale activity. The tour is legally sanctioned to increase your chances.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, this trip is suitable for most travelers, including those traveling with children, as long as they’re comfortable on a boat and in open water.

If you’re hoping for a thrilling, well-guided, and family-friendly whale-watching outing in Puerto Vallarta, this tour checks many boxes. It’s a lively, educational experience with plenty of chances to see the ocean’s gentle giants — all in a small-group setting that feels just right.