Board a spacious catamaran and head into Banderas Bay to watch humpback whales from November to April. This four-hour cruise blends wildlife viewing with onboard dining, live commentary, and easy departures from Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slices across Banderas Bay as the catamaran casts off—salt spray on your face, gulls daring you to look away. Within the first hour the water changes: dark glass punctured by blows and the soft rise of a calf shadowing its mother. This is humpback country from November to April, when the whales come to birth and nurse in the warm Pacific basin.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires boarding a boat and standing or moving on deck for short periods
Wildlife
History
Banderas Bay has long been a fishing and trading corridor; regulated whale watching developed alongside local conservation efforts to protect humpback calving grounds.
Conservation
Operators in the region generally follow distance and approach guidelines to minimize disturbance; support guides who prioritize non-invasive viewing and local conservation fees.
Reserve your spot on the Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Morning departures improve sightings
Whales are often more active in calmer morning seas—choose the earliest available departure for the best chances.
Bring motion-sickness meds if you’re sensitive
Even on calm days, open ocean movement can trigger nausea—take medication beforehand if you’re prone to seasickness.
Sun protection is critical
Wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses protect against reflected UV on the water.
Pack binoculars and a camera with zoom
Crew will point out distant blows—binoculars and a decent zoom lens let you see behaviors without crowding the animals.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects skin from strong equatorial sun and reflected glare off the water.
Light windproof jacket
Temperatures can be cool on the bay early in the morning and windier on deck.
winter
Binoculars
Helps you spot blows, breaches, and calf-mother interactions at a distance.
Seasickness remedy (patch or pills)
Useful for anyone prone to motion sickness on open-water excursions.