Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and considering a whale watching tour, you’ve probably stumbled across several options. We’ve looked into one of the most highly-rated experiences—the Whale Watching Cruise offered by Mike’s Fishing & Tours—and it seems to consistently impress visitors. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or just after a relaxing day on the water, this tour might tick a lot of your boxes.

What really stands out are the stunning whale sightings and the all-inclusive onboard experience, which makes the day feel more like a luxurious escape than just another boat tour. Plus, the crew’s reputation for being friendly and knowledgeable appears to elevate the trip from standard to memorable. That said, one thing to consider is that the tour is quite popular and tends to be booked about 28 days in advance, so planning ahead is smart.

For those who are comfortable with a 4-hour excursion, enjoy good food and drinks, and want a chance to see humpback whales in their natural environment, this tour can be a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a mix of wildlife viewing and laid-back, social vibes on a spacious, well-equipped boat.

Key Points

• High Satisfaction: The tour boasts a near-perfect rating of 5.0 based on 347 reviews, with over 96% recommending it.
• Good Value for Money: For $99 per person, you get whale sightings, food, drinks, and a comfortable boat experience.
• Comprehensive Experience: Includes breakfast, a buffet lunch with ceviche and guacamole, and unlimited drinks from an open bar.
• Expert Guides and Crew: Guests praise the crew’s friendliness and their skill in spotting whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
• Relaxed and Luxurious: The catamaran is spacious, clean, and designed for optimal viewing, with shaded spots and panoramic views.
• Booking & Logistics: Most travelers book a month in advance; the meeting point is conveniently located at Puerto Mágico.

The Experience: What to Expect on Your Whale Watching Day

Setting Sail: The Itinerary in a Nutshell

Your day begins at the meeting point in Puerto Mágico, a lively marina area close to public transportation and easily accessible. Once onboard the spacious catamaran, you’ll settle in for approximately four hours of floating fun, wildlife viewing, and relaxation.

The journey starts with a continental breakfast, offering a light but energizing start to your day. From there, the crew kicks things off with lively commentary—often in multiple languages—sharing insights about the whales, local marine life, and the area’s ecological significance. As the boat glides into the Pacific waters, the real show begins.

Whale Spotting and Marine Life Encounters

What makes this tour particularly special is the chance to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat, breaching, tail-slapping, or just peacefully gliding through the water. Many guests have commented on the number of whales they see, with some saying it felt like the whales came right up to the boat. One reviewer noted, “We saw more whales on this tour than I’ve seen in my life”—a testament to how plentiful and engaging the sightings can be.

The crew’s expertise in spotting whales and other marine animals like dolphins and sea turtles adds to the overall experience. Several reviews highlight how attentive and knowledgeable the crew is: “The boat’s captain and crew were very good at spotting whales,” one reviewer said.

Food, Drinks, and Comfort

As the boat cruises along, you’ll enjoy a buffet-style lunch featuring a variety of options—chips, vegan ceviche, ham and cheese paninis, and marlin burritos. The mention of good food is a common theme in reviews, with many praising the quality and the generous portions.

The onboard open bar is another highlight. Guests rave about the selection, including tequila, rum, vodka, and cognac, served throughout the trip. This helps create a relaxed, social atmosphere, perfect for celebrating sightings and chatting with fellow travelers.

There’s also a continental breakfast served at the start, and plenty of shaded and open spots on the boat for lounging. The vessel is described as large, clean, and comfortable, with bathrooms available, which is a considerate touch after a few hours on the water.

How the Tour Is Structured and Why It Works

The Itinerary Detailed

You begin at Puerto Mágico, where you check in and board the catamaran. The crew provides a lively commentary, making the experience engaging and informative. Once at sea, the search for whales begins, often with the crew actively pointing out sightings to guests.

Guests have reported seeing multiple whale pods, with some breaching and tail-slapping—spectacular moments that are worth the price alone. The crew’s consistent efforts in spotting whales and their knowledge about their behaviors make the experience more meaningful. Reviews like “The crew was very good at spotting whales,” underline how important this expertise is.

Food and Beverage Service

The buffet lunch is served mid-morning or early afternoon, giving you a chance to refuel after some whale-watching action. The food is described as pretty good, with options like ceviche and sandwiches, suitable for most diets. The drinks flow freely, and the crew keeps everyone well-hydrated and upbeat.

Comfort and Atmosphere

The boat’s spacious layout means it doesn’t feel crowded even at peak times. Reviewers mention the shaded areas and upstairs vantage points, which are great for panoramic views and staying out of the sun. The atmosphere is friendly, with many noting the crew’s professionalism and helpfulness.

The Pros and Cons: Is This Tour Right for You?

Pros:
– Unmatched whale sightings – Many guests see a variety of whales, often multiple pods.
– All-inclusive experience – Food, drinks, and entertainment are included, adding real value.
– Comfortable and spacious – Large boats with shaded and open-air viewing decks.
– Knowledgeable guides – The crew’s ability to find whales and provide info makes the trip more meaningful.
– High recommendation rate – 96% of travelers would recommend this tour, with glowing reviews.

Cons:
– Booking ahead is essential – It tends to sell out a month in advance, so plan early.
– Weather dependency – Like all marine tours, poor weather could lead to cancellation, though they do offer refunds or rescheduling.
– Limited pickup service – No hotel pickup or transport to/from the port is included, so you need to organize your own transportation.
– Music volume – Some guests found the music too loud; if you prefer peace, this might be a minor issue.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want an easy, all-in-one marine adventure. If you enjoy wildlife and want a good chance of seeing whales breaching and tail-slapping, you’ll find plenty of excitement here. It’s also ideal if you appreciate a relaxed atmosphere with good food and drinks, and don’t mind spending a few hours on a boat.

It works well for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to meet like-minded folks. While not specifically geared toward children, the experience can be enjoyable for families with older kids who love marine life and are okay with a boat ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people who don’t like boats?
Most guests find the boat stable and comfortable. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking appropriate medication beforehand, as the waters can be a bit choppy at times.

Are meals and drinks really all-inclusive?
Yes, the buffet lunch, continental breakfast, and a variety of drinks from the open bar are included in the ticket price.

How many whales can I expect to see?
While it varies, reviews mention seeing plenty of whales, with some guests seeing many pods actively breaching and tail-slapping.

Does the tour provide any special equipment for viewing?
The vessel is designed for optimal viewing with panoramic windows and open decks, though no mention of binoculars or special equipment is made.

Is there any extra cost I should be aware of?
Port fees at API are not included, and if you want professional photos, you might need to purchase them separately. No mention of other hidden costs.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
The tour runs from November to April, aligning with the humpback whale season. Booking early in this window is recommended for the best chance of whale sightings.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is handy in case of weather issues or schedule shifts.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Puerto Mágico. The meeting point is easily accessible but not provided as part of the tour.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, though the tour is more suited to adults or older children comfortable on a boat, as no specific age restrictions are mentioned.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a whale watching tour that combines wildlife viewing, good food, and a relaxed social atmosphere, this cruise delivered by Mike’s Fishing & Tours often exceeds expectations. With friendly guides, plentiful whale sightings, and a comfortable, well-equipped boat, you’re likely to find this a highlight of your trip to Puerto Vallarta.

It’s perfect for those who want a hassle-free experience, with everything from breakfast to a buffet lunch and drinks included. The high reviews and repeated recommendations suggest this is a reliable choice. Just remember to book early, keep an eye on the weather forecast, and be ready for a memorable day at sea.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply after a fun day on the water, this whale watching cruise offers great value and plenty of chances to see the majestic humpbacks in action.