4-Hour Whale Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta

This four-hour cruise takes you whale watching on Banderas Bay from Puerto Vallarta, aboard a catamaran. Every winter, through to March, the bay is described as a showcase for whales that come to give birth, breed, breach and play in the warm waters.

The itinerary explains that humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay every December through March. The bay lies on the Pacific, bounded on the north by Punta Mita and on the south by Cabo Corrientes, with a coastline of about 100 kilometers (62 miles). The listing notes that, although locals regard it that way, it is not the largest bay in Mexico.

Expert tour guides talk about the migration patterns and habits of these animals during the outing, so you learn about them as well as see them. Along the way, you see the Puerto Vallarta coastline from the Hotel Zone to the Romantic Zone, and the resort-filled coastline of Riviera Nayarit.

Onboard, the catamaran serves a continental breakfast, snacks and an open bar. The inclusions list snacks and open bar; gratuities are not included. Transportation to the meeting point is also not included, so you must get there on your own. The listing does not name the meeting point, so ask for it when you book.

The trip suits a wide range of visitors: it is described as suitable for all fitness levels, service animals are allowed, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, while infants sit on an adult's lap. Public transportation options are available nearby. Because the whales are present in the bay from December through March, plan for those months rather than the rest of the year, and confirm the season with the operator.