Whale Watching Tours
in Puerto Vallarta

WHALE ECO TOUR

Since ancient times, the Bay of Banderas has been important as a breeding and calving ground for the humpback whale north pacific population. These wondrous creatures will thrill you with their breaches, songs and behavior displays. You’ll have the opportunity to see their impressive courtship displays as well as the tenderness between mothers and their calves, help us with our photo-identification project and support the Humpback Whale Research and Conservation Project.

SEASON: Every Day, December 15th- March 30th.

HIGHLIGHTS:
* Biologists and Naturalists on all trips.
* Hydrophone (underwater microphone) to listen to humpback whale songs.
* Ample time to find and view whales.
* Small groups (10 persons per boat)
* Possible dolphin, orca, manta ray, sea turtle and sea bird sightings.
* Excellent photographic opportunities.
* Lunch in a palapa restaurant in Punta Mita
* Whale Certificate

ITINERARY:
Depart from the location closest to you:
7:30 a.m. Departure from Downtown Puerto Vallarta, OR
8:00 a.m. The lighthouse at Marina Vallarta (Timòn street) OR
8:15 am Outside OXXO (Sea Life Water Park) in Nuevo Vallarta OR
8:25 am Outside Pie in the Sky bakery (Bucerias)
45 min. panoramic drive to Punta Mita, highlighting the North Shore’s ecosystem, its flora, fauna and villages on the way to Punta Mita.
- Introductory presentation on marine mammals in general and humpback whales in particular.
10:00 a.m. Three hour motorboat ride looking for and watching whale groups
1:15 Full lunch at a seaside restaurant in El Anclote Beach.
3:30 p.m. Return to Puerto Vallarta

INCLUDES:
* Knowledgeable bilingual guide
* Transportation
* Continental breakfast
* 3 hour boat ride
* Beverages
* Full lunch
* Whale watching certificate
* Federal Tax

PRICE (U.S. Dollars):
$80 per adult
$55 children under 11

WHAT TO BRING:
Comfortable clothes, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen (preferably an eco-friendly one), hat, sneakers or sandals, shorts, light jacket, camera or video.

WHALE PHOTO SAFARI

A photo captures a single moment in time, and this specialized excursion is designed to capture the magical moment when you encounter wild dolphins and majestic humpback whales in the Bay of Banderas. The essence of the Whale Photo Safari is to find the wildlife and enjoy those precious moments when you can sit peacefully and watch the whales and dolphins play, breach, eat, or just hang out.

SEASON: Every Monday through Thursday, December 15 through March 30.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Conducted on 27 ft "pangas," our whale watching photo safaris are guided by exceptionally talented marine mammal behavior experts who are passionate about protecting wildlife and the environment. As we follow these magnificent mammals across Banderas Bay, our professional guides' knowledge and insight will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wildlife that you'll encounter on this unforgettable whale watching experience.

There is no such thing as a "typical day" on this adventure tour...often it is the "wild ones" (the whales and dolphins) who are in charge of the daily itinerary. We can't always predict where they are, so we will let them guide us along their preferred route of the day.

ITINERARY:
Depart from the location closest to you:
8:00 am from Marina Vallarta, OR
8:30 am Vallarta Adventure Center in Nuevo Vallarta

Tour lasts approx. five hours.

INCLUDES:
* Knowledgeable bilingual guide
* Transportation
* Continental breakfast
* Snacks and soft drinks
* Whale watching certificate
* Federal Tax

PRICE (U.S. Dollars):
$77 per person

WHAT TO BRING:
camera, binoculars, a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen (preferably an eco-friendly one), and a light jacket.

WHALE WATCHING CENTER

We are a team of oceanographers studying Humpback Whales since 1995. We use a semi-inflatable boat for Whate Watching: “The Prince of Whales”, especially designed by Jacques Cousteau for this purpose and used by the National Geographic Researchers.

This whale watching excursion is limited to 12 passengers, so you will get a more personal experience than on the larger boats. Also the semi-rigid boats gets you down closer to the level of the whales.

AREA:
Wherever the whales are! Daily we scout the positions of the whales and go to them.

SEASON:
Every Day, December 15th- March 30th.

ITINERARY:
4-HOUR TOUR, departing from the Puerto Vallarta Marine Terminal at 8:30 am OR at 1:30 pm
A 15-peso (per person) is required to enter the terminal.

INCLUDES:
Hydrophone, GPS and CD stereo system. - Fruit, bottled water, sodas and snacks. - Certification in our research program. - Informative brochure regarding the Humpback Whale's behaviors.

PRICE (U.S. Dollars):
$75 per adult
$45 children under 11

WHAT TO BRING:
Sunscreen Lotion (at least 15 SPF), a Hat or a Cap, Windbreaker, Towel (optional), Binoculars, Camera & Extra Film