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Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta
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Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta
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From $98.00

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Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children10 Children0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants10 Infants
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icon4 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 2 more
Good for avoiding crowds

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Overview

Look for humpback whales off the coast of Mexico on a half-day whale-watching tour from Puerto Vallarta. Depending on the conditions, you might watch for whales in the Bahia de Banderas or out in the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the majestic animals from your marine biologist guide as you ride on a small boat that is equipped with a restroom. Your tour includes lunch served on board the boat and accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Half-day whale-watching tour from Puerto Vallarta
  • Cruise the waters of Bahia de Banderas to spot whales
  • Learn about whale behavior from the marine biologist guide
  • Includes lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, and guide
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From $98.00

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Soft Beverages
Lunch
Professional guide
The listed price does not include a $40 pesos per person port tax, payable at the time of tour check-in. The departure tax is required by our local supplier and/or the local transit or governing authority and is not within our control.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Souvenirs (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Mr. Cream Pancakes & Waffles , Condominios Marina Sol Int. 3y4, Marina Vallarta, 48354 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
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9:00 AM
This activity will end right where it started.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Rain or shine the tour will depart.
  • Seasonal operating December to March
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Minimum numbers of travelers apply. If not met, booked guest will be offered a refund or date change
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Vallarta Natours
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

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Traveler Tips

  • "One thing I wish I had known (and perhaps they should include in the description) is to bring binoculars!" See review

Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

Reviews

5.0
star-5
137 Reviews
5 stars
129
4 stars
8
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Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 137 reviews
star-5
Great day
Russell_H
, Mar 2022
Thalia’s brother, Victor, did a great job in her absence - we saw a lot of whales and they do it the right way, not like some who are disrespectful of the rules. This is the second time we have been with them and it will not be the last.
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star-5
Amazing Day, Highlight of Trip
olinger
, Mar 2022
This was the best day we had on our weeklong Mexico trip The crew was outstanding. We say at least 25 whales, and we were at the end of the season. We also saw a huge pod of spotted dolphins and a manta ray that jumped 2 ft from the boat. Dont miss the opportunity to see the whales from the top level of the boat. Amazing experience.
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star-5
Being near a pod of...
Yannick_M
, Feb 2022
Being near a pod of whales Seeing many whales up close Our guide was knowledgeable She followed the whales not other boats
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star-5
This is an excellent experience!
MaryJane_C
, Feb 2022
This tour had a very knowledgeable guide. This was an awesome experience for our family. Highly recommended.
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star-5
Bucket list trip was beyond what I expected !
Katie_V
, Feb 2022
Having a biologist who knows the areas and the aquatic life really made our trip. We saw 18 whales with 72 views of the whales. It was a small group which made it wonderful. The boat captain was enthusiastic as well. I highly recommend this tour
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star-5
Thalia was absolutely...
Sylvia_F
, Feb 2022
Thalia was absolutely fabulous! Sharing her knowledge as well as getting us a safe distance to enjoy the humpback whales. One special moment was listening to the songs of the male whale!!!
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star-5
One of the best whale trips ever
Robert_A
, Jan 2022
Many whales, superb service, very knowledgable During Covid, sandwiches should not be handmade and wrapped by crew and drinks should be packaged. Sur charge would be welcomed for more secure food prep. Great time!
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Thank you for your observation. Even before Covid, we have always made lunch ourselves, and therefore can certify that its prepared in the cleanest and most sanitized area. Drinks are packed in 1lt glass containers, and poured in clean and sanitized cups. We only use biodegradable products to wash thoroughly everything, and all those products have been approved by boards of health and environment. You would have more chances to get covid (or any food related illness) by sitting at a restaurant, than getting it from our lunch. Only one person touches the food that is'provided on our tours: me ( guide). Indeed a surcharge could be put in place, but we are keeping our prices the sames regarthless of having higher costs due to covid. Thank you for joining us.
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star-4
The young woman who was...
Leslie_B
, Jan 2022
The young woman who was the marine biologist, apologies I can’t remember her name, Tulia? She made the trip. Her thoughtful, amazing knowledge and love of what she does was a highlight. We saw many whales and although from a distance, it was amazing. I very much appreciate your commitment to respect the species as best you can and to keep an eye on others who do not. Thank you very much for the opportunity. One thought, I would recommend more precise directions….there were several of us that had trouble locating the exact spot . Sadly I cannot be more helpful with this, but the Taxi drivers seemed confused. Thanks again,
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Thank you very much for your input. We have little control over how taxi drivers know the area, there is no set address for a marina pier, and we mark specific references as well as the closest street for cars to drive our guests there. But we will add a map to each ticket, hope this helps future guests. We are very happy to learn that you enjoyed the excursion itself with Thalia. Warm regards
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star-5
Wonderful Whale Experience!
MsM
, Jan 2022
Our guide and pilot were both knowledgeable and friendly, and whales came right up to our boat. It was an amazing experience.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2022
Thank you very much for your review. It's incredible to have " human watching" whales right? Lol We always give our best respectfully, and Nature does come up with unexpected surprises
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star-5
This is how whale watching is done.
Shannon_P
, Jan 2022
This was our second tour with Vallarta Natours. We were so happy it was with Thalia, again. She is so knowledgeable and shares it without reservation. We appreciate her approach to every encounter: to not interfere with the natural balance, to be a witness to it, not inject ourselves into this beautiful animals surrounding. We were witness to many whales and a rare dolphin (Thalia is hoping it is) not usually seen in the bay.
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star-5
Awesome Experience!
Cielo_F
, Dec 2020
The guide was a biologist which could answer all our questions and give us information about the whales that was accurate. She could also share part of her research information. So exciting!!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Amazing Experience!
Cielo_F
, Dec 2020
The tour was both informative and exciting! The best part was that I knew we were being respectful to the whales and contributing to scientific research.
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star-5
Hearing them singing
Janet_P
, Mar 2020
You will learn so much about whales and their habits. You'll actually hear them "singing" in the water through a microphone in the water. This is a once in a lifetime experience that you don't want to miss. But their season in PV is ending in late March, so do it now. Loved this and can't say enough good things, and as luck would have it, we saw many moms with their babies, fins waving...unbelievable.
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star-5
Best ever!
Linda_W
, Mar 2020
This was my first time so I didn't know what to expect, but for my friend, who has been on 8 other whale-watching trips, she was thrilled to discover that the experience could be so good. We loved the small group in a small boat, and the crew, especially Christine, our guide were knowledgeable and congenial. We would definitely do it again!
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star-5
Lots of whales!
Michelle_W
, Feb 2020
This was a great tour! We saw a lot of whales and the guide even put a microphone under the water so we could hear the whales sing. We saw several other very full boats and were glad we chose a smaller group for our tour. Highly recommended.
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Watching and listening to whales while being explaied about the context and causes to what is experiences, will always bring the best out of everything. Small groups allow us to pamper all out guest, the way that all deserve while being respectful to Nature
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star-5
Must-do!
jaimeporemba
, Feb 2020
We had a wonderful time on this tour and had a great showing by the whales that day! It began by boarding the boat in the Marina. The boat drove out to a spot with a few other boats and we saw 3 whales almost immediately. They were respectful of the whales space and distance from the boat. One thing I wish I had known (and perhaps they should include in the description) is to bring binoculars! I would have loved to have them. We saw several whales breach that day! On the way back toward land we saw some Dolphins but would have loved to spend a bit more time near the dolphins. Overall a great experience tho and a nice sandwich lunch w/ home made cookies was a nice touch! Bottled water would have been awesome but they did provide a drink that was poured for each of us into cups. Definitely recommend this tour!!!!!!!! So memorable!
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icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Thank you for your recommendation and for sharing with us memorable moments. Respect for the environment is very important for us. That is why we try to reduce the number of disposables to the minimum. We indeed don't have individual bottled water but do have different beverages onboard, and use washable and reusable cups. It's all part of helping the environment. Regarding the binoculars, we actually do not recommend using those. That´s because most people tend to get even more seasick by focusing on one small spot through the binoculars. We offer a wild dolphin encounter tour, on which we spend more time with them, both by respectfully following them, as well as being in the water swimming. That's another great "MUST- DO" adventure!
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star-5
Awesome
Nate_K
, Jan 2020
Great guide and great day to see about 30 whales. Guides were informative and great at catering to our small group. Would recommend this tour 100 times over.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2020
101 Thank you for the recommendation! We care for our guest's enjoyment as much as we care for the whale's protection. Small groups allow us to be as personal as possible and provide with great experiences.
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star-5
Excellent tour
Michelle M
, Dec 2019
This is my 2nd time going on this tour (new travel companions). Great trip with lots of whale sightings.
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icon Response from Host , Dec 2019
Having guests come back on our tours make our hearts pump with joy, it's always so nice to see familiar faces again, and share more memorable moments. Thank you for honoring us with your company. Happy holidays
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star-4
VERY MOVING
Wayne_B
, Mar 2019
We found Thalia both very friendly and the information she gave us was very informative, we got to see a group of 4 whales together and others on there own or a couple together. It was a very good morning that went very quickly. This was our 3rd time to Vallarta but the first time Whale watching, I found it very moving when I first saw them. Very good value, really enjoyed.
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2019
Time flies fast when we are having fun and enjoying the moment. Every second while whale watching is embedded in our mind and soul. We love being able to share precios moments wirh our guests. Thank you
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star-4
Good experience, it's getting late...
Carol P
, Mar 2018
Good experience, it's getting late in the season for whales in the Sea of Cortez so we were pleased to see many of them. Water was too rough to go out into the Pacific where there would have been more activity.
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