Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta

Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta is a three-hour boat outing led personally by a guide the operator calls the whale whisperer, one of Mexico's leading marine mammal specialists. The operator presents his presence as what makes the tour different from a standard whale watch.

The description says you are taken out among wild whales to see how the males compete for the females and how the mothers look after their calves. The boat is described as fast, fully shaded and equipped with a hydrophone, so you can listen to the whales sing. The guide is bilingual and explains what you see.

Guests can take part in photo-identification and research projects aimed at protecting the whales. The price also includes the government permits for whale watching, a donation to the whale conservancy through wrist bands, life vests and snacks.

You need to show an ID at check-in, and anyone without one will not be allowed to board. Toddlers are not allowed on the public tour, only on private tours. Breakfast, alcoholic beverages, gratuities and government fees are not included.

The outing is described as suitable for all physical fitness levels, but it is not recommended for pregnant travelers, for travelers with spinal injuries or for those with poor cardiovascular health. Public transportation is available nearby. The listing does not give a meeting point, so confirm it when you book.