Viator Rating : 5 (209 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.3/10 (Solid Experience)
Puerto Vallarta
Banderas Bay Whale Watching: All-Inclusive Luxury
180
Overview
Ultimate Whale Watching Experience All-Inclusive in Banderas Bay offers a fantastic way to see amazing whales! This boat tour lets guests watch humpback whales as they swim in Banderas Bay. These giant whales come to the warm waters from December to April to have babies.
During the tour, guests might also see turtles, dolphins, and many kinds of birds. The tour happens during the day and is all-inclusive, which means food and drinks are included! Enjoy yummy guacamole, chips, and fresh Mexican ceviche. There's also an open bar with lots of drinks.
Expert guides teach guests about the whales and make sure everyone has a great time. This tour combines luxury, fun, and excellent service. The tour includes ground transport from Sayulita office to La Cruz Marina ONLY. It's important to pick the meeting spot before booking. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Upsell Risk (6 - Optional) : Upsells exist but avoidable
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
See Humpback Whales Up Close: Watch amazing humpback whales in their natural home.
All-Inclusive Fun: Enjoy unlimited drinks and tasty Mexican snacks.
Expert Guides: Learn all about whales from knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Luxury Boat Trip: Relax on a comfortable yacht with excellent service.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing the whales up close and personal.
-
The crew was friendly, helpful, and made the experience fun.
-
The all-inclusive drinks and snacks were a hit.
-
The boat was clean and comfortable.
Some customers mentioned the music was loud.
-
Transportation to the boat can be disorganized.
The Journey
Banderas Bay
Discover the wonders of Banderas Bay, a breathtaking coastal haven off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This expansive bay serves as a critical breeding and migration ground for majestic humpback whales, offering unparalleled whale-watching opportunities during the winter months. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of these gentle giants breaching and playing in their natural habitat. Beyond whales, encounter playful dolphins, graceful sea turtles, and vibrant rays. Complement your wildlife encounters with thrilling water activities – snorkeling amidst colorful coral reefs, gliding down water slides, or exploring the calm waters on a paddle board. Banderas Bay promises an unforgettable blend of wildlife encounters and aquatic adventure.
Know Before You Go
This amazing experience includes tasty snacks, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattresses, and an open bar with water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and piña coladas. Ground transportation is provided ONLY from the Sayulita office to La Cruz Marina, so it's important to choose your meeting place before booking. Please note that gratuities for the crew are not included but are always appreciated. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Hot Tip
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Also, remember your camera to capture the amazing whale sightings! Some guests suggest bringing seasickness medicine if you're prone to motion sickness. Most of all, be ready to have a fantastic time!
Review Summary
People usually say that whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta deliver unforgettable experiences with frequent sightings of humpback whales, dolphins, and memorable breaching activity, particularly during peak season (December-February).[1][2][3][5] Travelers consistently praise knowledgeable guides, friendly staff, and excellent service quality.[1][3] The food and open bar amenities receive positive feedback, though some visitors note that tour lengths are occasionally shorter than advertised and meals may not accommodate all dietary restrictions.[5] A few travelers mention communication challenges with tour operators and the absence of onboard restrooms on smaller boats, but the overall consensus strongly emphasizes the magical and unforgettable nature of the experience.[3][5]
This page is complied by Dyvarcity Team
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Explore the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Whether it’s a thrilling Puerto Vallarta ATV tour or relaxing day at the hot springs, Dyvarcity has the perfect experience for you. Dive into adventure with whale watching tours, surfing, or a turtle release, and savor local food with a Puerto Vallarta food tour, taco tour, or tequila tour.
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