Puerto Vallarta is one of the destinations that is fortunate enough to receive Humpback Whales in the winter due to its warm waters.
We are in the middle of the whale watching season in the waters of Banderas Bay. This period runs from December to March and is when the whales come to the Mexican Pacific away from the cold waters of the North, in order to mate and become mothers.
This is one of the most extraordinary experiences you can have during your visit to the port.
The best months for whale watching are January and February, according to experts, since in these months the whales are usually more playful and can be seen more easily.
Vallarta is known for having tours specialized in whale watching. They will take you to a unique experience. However, we recommend you to look for tours that are characterized by their seriousness, quality and commitment it is essential to hire services from Semarnat-certified touristic providers.
Humpback whales are characterized by the way they arch their back before diving, although they are also known as the “whale with the big wings” due to their pectoral fins (up to 5 meters long).
Despite being among the heaviest animals in the world, they are quite playful and “acrobatic”, as they are commonly seen propelling themselves out of the water.
Females tend to be larger (15 to 19 meters long) than males (14 to 17.5 meters) and weigh between 30 to 40 tons, according to Semarnat’s Action Program for the Conservation of the Humpback Whale Species at Risk.
Although there are no exact numbers, it is estimated that around 26,000 whales migrate every year to the Mexican Pacific coasts, according to Fidetur Puerto Vallarta.
The regulations for visitors on humpback whale watching are:
- Remain silent so as not to disturb the whales and it is strictly forbidden to feed them.
- Touching and/or swimming with the whales.
- It is forbidden to use sonar and echo sounder equipment to locate whales.
At Pinnacle Resorts we recommend Tours that you can hire and that offer a professional and quality service.
Vallarta Adventures
– Availability: Every day
– Duration: 3 hrs.
– Includes: Light snack
Purified water
Hydrophone
– Your guides are very friendly and knowledgeable about humpback whales. Vallarta Adventures has 3 different options in whale watching tours, to choose the one that best suits the experience you are looking for.
Chica Locca Tours All Inclusive
The most comfortable whale watching experience in Banderas Bay.
All Inclusive Premium Open Bar + Tasty Snacks &Fresh Ceviche
Comfortable observation decks and cushions.
Famous “Chica Locca Service”.
Pre-book a photographer (not included) or purchase images on the ship.
WildLife Connection
Availability: Every day
– Duration: 4 hrs. 30 min. (approx.)
– Includes: Licensed bilingual guide
Educational explanation
Donation for research
Hydrophones on board
Light breakfast
Bottle of water
Soft drinks
Granola
Cake
The next step is to choose the date and whale watching tour of your choice. It is important that before booking, you consult with your tour operator about possible travel restrictions, identify the place of departure and boarding time.