Vallarta Whale Watching
Vallarta Whale Watching 1
Vallarta Whale Watching 2
Vallarta Whale Watching 3

Vallarta Whale Watching

Your front-row seat to the ocean show.

4.3 ★★★★★ | 25 reviews

Duration

3½ hours

Check-in

Departures at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Season runs December 8 to March 20

Boat

Catamaran, 150 passengers

🚨 Ask about seasonal and group discounts

From $107 USD per person

Date

People

We'll message you on WhatsApp to confirm your spot. You will not be charged yet.

Watch humpback whales in Banderas Bay aboard the Vallarta Sol, a two-deck catamaran with plenty of room to move around, sit comfortably and pick your angle on the show. We leave from Puerto Mágico and sail the bay following the whales' activity, with 3.5 hours on the water, a guide and a marine biologist on board, and a domestic open bar that opens the moment we clear the federal zone. The upper deck gives you an elevated view for photos, while the main deck offers shade and seating if you would rather take it easy.

The season runs roughly from December 8 to March 20, subject to SEMARNAT authorization. There are two departures daily, at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

It works for all ages and is especially good for large groups, whole families and companies: there is space, service on board and enough time to enjoy the sail itself on top of the whale watching. Kids 6 to 11 pay $53 USD, kids 3 to 5 only cover a $13 USD minimum consumption, and children under 3 go free. Traveling with a large group? Message us for a special rate.

Practical tips: arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time. Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses, a light layer for the wind and your camera.

Whale watching happens in a natural habitat, so we cannot guarantee sightings on every departure. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before departure. In bad weather the tour is rescheduled; refunds apply only when the authorities close the port.

How the day unfolds

8:30 am / 12:30 pm

Check-in at Puerto Mágico

9:00 am / 1:00 pm

We set sail aboard the Vallarta Sol

Once past the federal zone

The domestic open bar opens

During the trip

Sailing Banderas Bay with a guide and marine biologist on board, and two decks to choose your viewing spot

On board

Focaccia service and granola bar station

12:30 pm / 4:30 pm

Back at Puerto Mágico

What’s included

Turkey breast focaccia with a touch of stracciatella, pistachio cream and fresh vegetables, plus a granola bar station

Turkey breast focaccia with a touch of stracciatella, pistachio cream and fresh vegetables, plus a granola bar station

Domestic open bar: Corona beer (250 ml), rum, vodka, whiskey and tequila. Juice, coffee and soft drinks too

Domestic open bar: Corona beer (250 ml), rum, vodka, whiskey and tequila. Juice, coffee and soft drinks too

Life jackets and safety equipment on board

Life jackets and safety equipment on board

Guide and marine biologist on board the whole trip

Guide and marine biologist on board the whole trip

Not included

  • Port fee of $35 MXN (about $2 USD) per person, paid directly at the dock
  • Tips for the crew
  • Hotel to dock transportation
  • Premium or imported drinks

Meeting points

Puerto Mágico, Puerto Vallarta

Vallarta WKND booth.

Los Muertos Pier, Puerto Vallarta

Reviews from travelers who confirm what you are about to live

Zarael Rodríguez
Google
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
2 weeks ago
Everything was excellent, the service was excellent 10/10. We took full advantage of the open bar, one drink after another. The food is served at Las Ánimas; it's good and tasty. Monse took care of us. Thank you so much, everything was excellent.
Gill Cullen
Facebook
👍 Recommends
|
April 2026
We spent an unforgettable Easter Sunday with the amazing crew at Vallarta WKND. The highlight? My 10-year-old son had the absolute time of his life and did not want to get off the boat! He is now telling us he wants to work as a crew member when he grows up. That says everything about how kind and fun this team is. Highly recommended!
Светлана М
Tripadvisor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
February 2026
Great! Beautiful tour, we saw a lot of whales. The team is very professional and attentive. The catamaran is not very crowded. Everything was beautiful!
Irais M
Tripadvisor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
January 2026
All the staff very professional and warm. The food they offer is very good quality, too. An extraordinary experience that I would certainly repeat.
Alexa
Tripadvisor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
July 2022
Amazing! This was such an awesome experience and my family and I truly enjoyed it. I have an autistic daughter and a wild toddler: they were accommodating, friendly, helpful and professional. I would definitely recommend this company and would go with them again. We had a wonderful day and felt safe at all times.
Jérémy B
Tripadvisor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
December 2021
I enjoyed the tour a lot on my vacation with my friends. We went to Los Arcos, Las Ánimas and Quimixto and it was awesome. Back in France, while we were planning our trip to Mexico, we booked on the website because it was very easy. It was a lot of fun and they made us feel part of the group.

🚨 Ask about seasonal and group discounts

From $107 USD per person

Date

People

We'll message you on WhatsApp to confirm your spot. You will not be charged yet.

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