Everything You Want or Need to Know (And How To Go)
Each winter season, Puerto Vallarta and the entire Banderas Bay region welcome the return of thousands of humpback whales that migrate south to these warmer waters. Here they birth and rear their young while giving everyone a spectacular show at the same time. It’s hard not to ooh and ahh as these 30-ton mammals leap and frolic together. Of course, you can see whales from the balcony of your hotel. But for the best experience, you really need to get out on a boat in Banderas Bay with an expert guide on a whale watching tour!
A whale tale or “fluke” next to a Zodiac whale watching tour as it is descending back down into Banderas Bay
Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is such a quintessential thing to do in Mexico. However, you may be surprised to learn that it wasn’t much of a thing at all until around 1993. That was the year our friend Bill from Pegaso Sailing Tours started asking around… was anyone offering whale watching tours in Vallarta? Indeed, there was a smattering of whale watching tours available. Well, about four boats were doing something like this, but nothing too official. And whale watching on a sailboat? Definitely not a thing yet.
Flash forward to this year’s whale watching Season in Puerto Vallarta. There are several different ways you can see whales in Banderas Bay now. All kinds of boats for all kinds of travelers. We decided to sit down with Bill and learn more about the evolution of whale watching in Puerto Vallarta. And of course, with a little bias, Bill explained why sailing with the whales is the best way to mingle with the whales in the bay. But follow along and we will tell you about all the whale watching options in Puerto Vallarta, when is the best time to go, and which whale watching tours are best for your travel tribe.
Today, boats from all over Banderas Bay gather to seek out whales in Puerto Vallarta.
Why Sailboats Are Perfect for Whale Watching Banderas Bay
Well with the introduction to sailing with whales in Puerto Vallarta, sailboats were about to become the hot new thing in whale watching. There are multiple reasons sailing with whales is a great option. Sailboats are slow and quiet, making them much more welcome in the whales’ sphere. The result is a better whale watching experience. The whales are more likely to get closer to the boat, and it’s also more comfortable for the people on tour. Why? Because pangas and Zodiacs are small motorboats. They don’t have a lot of space or shade, and while they can get you there “fast”, the motors are loud, and the propellers and wakes disruptive… these are things the whales are not attracted to.
It’s not that folks don’t see whales when they go out on these types of boats, it’s just a very different experience. Even catamarans, which are wonderful, can’t offer the same whale watching experience as a traditional sailboat. There’s only so much space out on the outer decks and you cannot all rush to one side. But on a sailboat, the view is the same from anywhere. Just turn your head or flip around in your seat. Plus, it’s stable, there’s a galley (guacamole & margaritas anyone?) and a bathroom too.
Sailboats offer more creature comforts than a Zodiac or panga, and more lounging space than most of the catamaran tours here. And the maximum number of people on a sailboat is minimal compared to the larger boat tours too. It’s just a better experience all around, and that’s really what this is about. This is why when I take my family whale watching in Puerto Vallarta, I always choose a sailboat. As Bill says: “Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is the experience of a lifetime. You create memories you’ll treasure for decades to come. Not only is it worth it to ride in style and comfort, but for many people, it’s the only way to go. Why wouldn’t you give yourself the best possible experience, particularly if it’s the kind of thing you’ll do maybe a handful of times in life?”
Ethical Whale Watching in Mexico
Savvy travelers know that certain local tours offered in places throughout the world can be exploitative and tantamount to abuse. It’s important to be an animal-friendly tourist whenever possible. Elephant rides in India, Thailand, and other countries are an example of such tours to be aware of and avoid. But whale watching, at least in Mexico, is not one to avoid.
Puerto Vallarta whale watching tours are different because there are regulations in place to protect the whales. Boats must stay at least 60 yards (200 feet) away, and there are lots of other rules to keep in mind too. You can check them all out here: https://ecobac.org/en/mexican-whale-watching-regulations/ In fact, the Pacific Coast of Mexico is now a model for the whole world thanks to the work by RabenMexico.org & ECOBAC (Ecology & Conservation of Ballenas (whales). Their whale photo identification program is amazing. They zoom in on the flukes and fins to create a database of whales spanning the Pacific Coast from Baja California, the Sea of Cortez, and all the way down to our Banderas Bay.
According to Bill, and in full agreement with us, the ethics of whale watching is definitely something to consider when choosing a whale watching tour. And of course, just another reason to choose a sailboat over a motorboat. With the typical outboard motor on pangas and Zodiacs, the propeller sticks out and makes these accidents much worse. Conversely, with a sailboat, the propeller is well hidden from accidental encounters with whales. As previously mentioned, whales tend to be attracted to sailboats more than motorboats. And if they happen to come up and scratch their back on your boat because it seems interesting to them (it does happen), it’s your incredibly lucky day.
Speaking of Lucky, a humpback whale that has an amputated tail was spotted in Banderas Bay for the first time in 20 years off the coast of Bucerias recently. Unbelievable that he is able to make the journey from California without a tail, which is his primary source of propulsion.
Luckily with the protection of rabenmexco.org and the conservation practices and education offered by ECOBAC, these incidents are fewer and father between. We could nerd out all day on how amazing these organizations are to the conservation of whales in Mexico, but we will save that for a future blog. Let’s move on to when, where and how you can see whales in Vallarta shall we.
ECOBAC.org & RABENMEXICO:org are the Guardians of the Pacific Coast Whale Migration in Mexico.
Whale Watching Season In Puerto Vallarta: When Is It? Is It Worth It?
Beginning in late November and early December, locals begin noticing a dorsal fin here, a major splash there, and just like that, whale season is upon us! The official whale watching season in Banderas Bay is around the 2nd or 3rd week in December to about the 3rd week in March every year. This fluctuates slightly, so you will want to check the dates if you are planning your Mexico Visit around whale watching. The season officially ends in March, though sometimes whales stick around through late spring. Bill says the prime time for whale watching is January through February.
Are the whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta worth it? Absolutely! Whale watching is not something that you can do just anywhere in the world; it is limited to the handful of places the whales migrate to and from each year. Couple that with the fact that not everyone has access to a boat or the means to get on one, and it truly is a rare and beautiful gift to go whale watching. It’s 100% worth it.
We live here, and we still look forward to going out sailing with the whales every year! I mean, who wouldn’t with a spectacular show like this one Facebook!
Choosing The Best Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta
A lot has happened since 1993, and these days there are plenty of whale watching tours to choose from. Some are offered on pangas and Zodiacs; others are offered on sailboats and catamarans. Some have food and cocktails, or a marine biologist on board, while others may not even have a permit. (Whale watching without a permit actually is legal, but different rules apply. You can’t get as close to the whales, for example.)
Which whale watching tour is the best in Puerto Vallarta? Honestly, it’s whichever one excites you. Remember: this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. What do you want that experience to look and feel like? Bill’s advice is to list all the things you want, like free cocktails and snacks, morning or sunset, a sailboat or motorboat, a photographer or marine biologist on board, etc., and choose the tour you can best afford that checks the most boxes.
Zodiac Whale Watching Tours
Zodiak tours were one of the pioneers of whale watching in Puerto Vallarta
Best for adventurous travelers looking to bounce around the bay at high speeds, Zodiac whale watching boats is your best option of reaching the whales sooner than most other boats. Also, you kind of feel like you could be a Nat Geo explorer on a Zodiac. Better yet, this company is dedicated to ecotourism and part of the sale goes towards the Whale Conservation and Education projects in Banderas Bay. The Zodiacs have some shade, morning and afternoon tours to choose from and marine biologist on board. Adventurous families love this one, but those with back problems probably want to choose another boat. Bouncing around the bay is exactly what you will be doing a lot of. Not to worry though, if it is your dream whale watching trip, we can recommend a couple of great chiropractors in town too!
Panga Whale Watching
Eco Explorer getting ready for their first official panga whale watching tour of 2022-2023 season.
Pangas are great for whale watching for multiple reasons. Typically, they are more economical. Always small groups. No frills, just straight out to the whales. Depending the company you choose, your whale watching guide could be a marine biologist, naturalist guide, or just a salty sea captain who has been navigating Banderas Bay with over 20 years of experience and first hand knowledge where to find the whales and how to read their behaviors. We work the Eco Explorer primarily for our panga whale watching tours. Their panga boats are used by divers, so they even have a bathroom on board for the longer trips. They are all shaded, and the panga ride is slightly smoother than the zodiak. However still keep in mind a bit bouncy if we have a swell in the bay. We also offer a bit more economical option on a standard panga rental for 4 hours. This is a seasoned captain and crew with extensive knowledge of the bay, but no biologist on board. But the whales do not care what you paid for the trip, they will be happy to put on a show for you anyway.
Whales puting on a show for Eco Explorer guests in January of 2023
We also highly recommend Wildlife Connection for their whale and dolphin combo. This company is Banderas Bay’s dolphin experts. If you want to swim with dolphins in the wild, this is the company that will take you there. And if you are lucky enough to travel to Vallarta between December & January, they offer a 3 in 1 combo that includes the whales & dolphins in the morning, then a baby sea turtle release in the afternoon. What an amazing eco-tour!
Catamaran Whale Watching
Catamarans are a great way for multi-generational families to get out and see whales. Catamarans are also great for those traveling with young ones, or anyone with a short attention span for that matter. Bathrooms on board, shaded spaces as well as open deck seating, and some even have multiple decks for viewing. Most catamaran tours are full day whale watching excursions including food, beverages, and sometimes a stop to swim or snorkel if you dare to jump in the winter water. Of course, whales are the main feature of the catamaran tours during whale season, but you will spend less time seeking out whales and more time on other activities. For a luxury catamaran experience we like the Canuwa Catamaran Whale Watching tour which has an upper deck great for viewing from a distance. And for a more relaxed whale watching experience, the Cielito Lindo trimaran is a great choice to lounge around on the bow’s trampoline at the surface level of the water so you are eye level with the whales when they present themselves.
A great whale show from the Akali Catamaran whale watching excursion to the South sent by one of our clients just today as we were working on this blog!
And technically not a catamaran, and not exactly a functioning sailboat, the Marigalante Pirate Ship is another great way to see whales, but with the whole added element of a pirate themed cruise that makes this whale watching excursion in Puerto Vallarta unique.
Private Whale Watching Tours in Puerto Vallarta & Banderas Bay
Pangas, zodiacs, catamarans, sailboats, luxury yachts, fishing charters, speed boats….you name it, Vallarta has a million ways to see whales. If you would like to customize your own trip, let us know what is your ideal whale watching experience in Vallarta, and we can try to match you up with the best options. You can find a list of private charters dedicated to whale watching here. Or you can choose to customize your own whale watching experience from any one of our Private Yacht Charters in Puerto Vallarta. Just contact one of our Whale Watching Activities Specialists and we can customize your own tailor-made tour for you.
And while Bill was so generous with his time to sit down with us and provide us a wealth of information about whale watching in Banderas Bay, we would like to be equally generous in providing more complete info on the sailing tours that are offered here in Puerto Vallarta, and also departing from Nuevo Nayarit.
Pegaso Whale Watching Sailboat Tours
Bill runs his tours at Pegaso on two different sailboats: a 36-foot Islander and a 50-foot Gulfstar. The Islander has a maximum capacity of 15, but they try to keep it to 12 and fewer as often as possible. The Gulfstar maxes out at 28, but they limit that one to 20 passengers. “The idea with Pegaso is once we get over 30 people, there is no way to provide personal service. Since personal service and a once-in-a-lifetime experience are what the Pegaso brand is built on, we keep our numbers reasonable, so everyone has the best time possible,” says Bill.
In addition, this philosophy allows his crew to really shine. Everyone on staff at Pegaso has unique and important skills and experience that they bring to the table. A more personalized experience shines a spotlight on those qualities. For example, Gemma is a marine biologist, and each of Pegaso’s captains has 25 years of experience or more. They know their stuff, and they have all the best stories too! With the food, wherever possible, they use the freshest, most local ingredients. Breakfast, snacks, guacamole, salsa, everything is freshly prepared on board. It’s simple, healthy, and delicious… just like life on the water in Puerto Vallarta.
Half-day Sailing and Whale Watching
Pegaso offers half-day whale watching tours that last around 3.5 hours. It’s eco-friendly and no-frills whale watching at its finest! Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning or a baguette sandwich in the afternoon, plus an open bar and delicious snacks throughout the trip. Sit back and relax as your guide shares their immense knowledge about the whales and marine life in Puerto Vallarta.
Full-day Sailing and Whale Watching
If you and your party are fanatics about sailing and wales, Pegaso’s full-day whale watching adventure is the one you don’t want to miss! Apart from everything that comes with the half-day whale watching trip, this 7.5-hour tour offers lunch as well, plus many optional activities, including snorkeling, a trip to Playa Nopalita (Nopalita beach), and a visit to the famed Marietas Islands, a critical part of the Banderas Bay ecosystem and recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco. We offer this as a private sailing charter dedicated to spending more time seeking out whales. You can also book the Marietas Islands Sailing public tour during the peak whale watching season and you are pretty much guaranteed to see whales.
Oh, and if you want to combine whale watching with a trip to the famous Playa Del Amor, we can do that too! There is so much information about the Marietas Islands and the hidden beach, we will go more in depth in a future blog. But for now, let us know if you are interested and we will be happy to send you complete information.
The “hidden beach” went viral, but so did the number of tourists trying to visit. Thankfully there are now strict protocols in place at the Marietas Islands National Park that are not only protecting it, but helping recovery and growth for the future.
Now that you know a bit more about the types of Whale Watching Tours you can choose from in Puerto Vallarta, it’s time to study up on a few things before your trip!
Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta FAQs
Is Whale Watching Better In The Morning Or Afternoon?
It really depends on what you want from the experience. Bill says they nearly always put sails up in the afternoon, but in the mornings, they often use the motor. So if you really want to make sure you get to sail, afternoon is a better option.
But if you love snorkeling, and that’s a really important activity to include in your outing, morning is better. Morning is typically the time when the whales are more active, so theoretically, that would be the best time to watch them, but the many pangas and fishermen who head out in the bay early in the morning tend to chase them away.
In the afternoons, the water is choppier, so it’s not necessarily as easy to spot a barely-there dorsal fin. But some of the best shows happen in the afternoon, with breaching and playing that you can see from a great distance. Boat traffic is lighter in the afternoon, so this is sometimes the perfect time to see them, and alongside an incredible Vallarta sunset, there may be nothing sweeter.
Does Whale Watching Make You Seasick?
In a word, maybe. Seasickness is what happens when your inner ear, which is in charge of your balance, can’t make heads or tails of what you’re doing bobbing around on this boat.
Sometimes if it’s a light case of seasickness, all you need to do is focus on the land or something else in the distance that is not moving. But for those who are really prone to seasickness, that’s unlikely to help. They take Dramamine, then spend the rest of the trip passed out below deck.
As you might expect, Captain Bill has seen passengers with seasickness a time or two and has a genius hack: take seasickness medication like Dramamine or Gravol the night before your trip, as well as the day of. When you do it this way, your body has a chance to get used to the drowsiness caused by the medication, so by the time you take it a second time, right before your trip, it doesn’t knock you out.
Another one to try is Vontrol, also over the counter motion sickness pills here that many of my friends swear by. Lucky for me, I do not get seasick…so I cannot vouch for it myself.
Is It Appropriate to Tip On A Whale Watching Tour?
Yes, absolutely! Your captain and crew do so much for you, and their many years of experience go toward keeping you safe as well as entertained, informed, fed, and even a little tipsy if you want to be. Return the favor with tips of your own… 20% is standard, and more is always sincerely appreciated.
What Should I Wear for Whale Watching?
Light layers that you can add or remove are a great choice. Whether you choose a morning tour or afternoon, you’re bound to run into cooler temperatures at the start or end of your trip. Having a light jacket to layer over your t-shirt or tank top is a good idea. If you are snorkeling, it’s easiest to wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Remember a towel! Water shoes, flip-flops, or sandals are fine options for footwear. You’ll also want biodegradable SPF, camera and/or binoculars, and you may want to bring along a hat for more sun protection and UV protective clothing is perfect.
Let us Help You Find the Best Whale Watching Experience in Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Nayarit
A whale watching trip in Puerto Vallarta is the kind of thing you’ll talk about for years to come. Make sure you choose the best one for you by considering all your options, and your budget, and making a list of the things you want most out of the experience. When you know what you want and what’s out there, the choice becomes much easier!
Let us help you plan your Puerto Vallarta whale watching experience. We offer some of the best deals in town on most all of the excursions here. Better yet, we even offer cash discounts for even bigger savings. Just contact us for a quote today!
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