Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

This cruise on Banderas Bay is built around one goal: watching humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, at a calm pace, as they play and jump. The operator sells it as an all-inclusive outing, and the listing gives a duration of 270 minutes. The whale part of the tour is available from December to March, which is the window to keep in mind when planning your dates.

There is no fixed script. The operator explains that there is no typical day on this trip: the whales and dolphins effectively decide the itinerary, since nobody can predict where they will be found. The boat follows the animals along their favorite route of the day, so what you see and where you go will vary from one departure to the next.

Onboard you have a marine biologist and a hydrophone, a device used to listen to the sounds of marine life. The price covers lunch, chips and fruit, plus carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Ground transportation, gratuities, photographs and the Puerto Vallarta dock tax are not included, so budget for those separately.

The trip suits a broad audience. The listing says it is suitable for all physical fitness levels, that infants must sit on an adult's lap and that infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. That makes it workable for families, although you should confirm details for very young children with the operator. No meeting point is given in the listing, so ask about it when you book.