---
title: Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta
lang: en
type: tour_collection
city: Puerto Vallarta
country: Mexico
tours: 11
price_from_eur: 72
reviews_total: 3293
as_of: 2026-10-17
canonical: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/
---

# Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta

> **Guidekin** is a hand-picked catalogue: we read every listing ourselves and keep only operators rated 4.5★ with 30+ traveler reviews. [How we choose tours](https://guidekin.com/how-we-choose-tours/) Catalogue data as of October 17, 2026.

## Guidekin's verdict (last checked October 9, 2026)

We compared all 11 whale watching tours on this page for boat format, specialist guides, meals and booking conditions.

- **Small boat?:** [Small Group Half Day Whale Watching](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/small-group-half-day-whale-watching-tour-in-puerto-vallarta/?format=md). Choose a small boat with a specialist guide and lunch, subject to minimum turnout: 4.96 from 353 reviews at €100 per person for 3h 30m. Runs December to March. Trade-off: Minimum turnout required. — now €100 per person, 4.96 (353)
- **Private boat?:** [Private Whale Watching Tour, Afternoon](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/private-whale-watching-tour-in-puerto-vallarta/?format=md). Book Afternoon Private tour for your own boat and lunch, with cash port tax extra: 4.98 from 113 reviews at €690 per group/vehicle for 3h 30m. Afternoon option. Trade-off: Port tax payable in cash. — now €690 per group/vehicle, 4.98 (113)
- **Meals and drinks?:** [Whale Watching Cruise](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-watching-cruise-in-puerto-vallarta-nuevo-vallarta/?format=md). Choose this catamaran for breakfast, lunch and alcoholic drinks, with no hotel transfers: 4.82 from 413 reviews at €90 per person for 4h. Breakfast and lunch. Trade-off: Puerto Vallarta port fee extra. — now €90 per person, 4.82 (413)

Also compared:

- [Whale Watching with a Marine Biologist](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-watching-adventure-with-a-marine-biologist/?format=md): Marine biologist and lecture. Trade-off: Boarding fee extra. — now €109 per person, 4.98 (181)
- [Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-encounter-puerto-vallarta/?format=md): Hydrophone with a specialist. Trade-off: Port fee extra. — now €90 per person, 4.94 (531)
- [Private Whale Watching, Hydrophone](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/private-whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?format=md): Private boat with hydrophone. Trade-off: Lunch is not included. — now €590 per group/vehicle, 5.0 (63)
- [Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-with-a-biologist-in-puerto-vallarta/?format=md): Whales and dolphins. Trade-off: Special diets need advance notice. — now €95 per person, 4.87 (702)
- [Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/sunsets-and-whales-mega-yachts-all-inclusive-puerto-vallarta/?format=md): Sunset, open bar and snacks. Trade-off: Souvenir photos cost extra. — now €100 per person, 4.8 (517)

Commissions never affect the order.

## All 11 tours, ranked by Guidekin score

| # | Tour | Collections | Price | Rating | Duration | Runs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/small-group-half-day-whale-watching-tour-in-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) |  | €100 per person | 4.96 (353) | 3h 30m | daily exc Sun 09:00–13:30 | up to 10 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/es/fr |
| 2 | [Whale Watching Adventure with a Marine Biologist](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-watching-adventure-with-a-marine-biologist/?format=md) |  | €109 per person | 4.98 (181) | 3h 30m | daily 08:30–13:00 | up to 14 per booking · free cancel · en/es |
| 3 | [Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-encounter-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) |  | €90 per person | 4.94 (531) | 3h | daily 09:00–13:00 | up to 14 per booking · free cancel · en/es/fr |
| 4 | [Private Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/private-whale-watching-tour-in-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) | Private Tours | €690 per group/vehicle | 4.98 (113) | 3h 30m | daily exc Sun 09:00–13:30 | private · up to 15 · free cancel · instant · en/es/fr |
| 5 | [Private Whale watching Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/private-whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) | Private Tours | €590 per group/vehicle | 5.0 (63) | 3h | Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 11:30 | private · up to 15 · free cancel · en/es |
| 6 | [Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-with-a-biologist-in-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) |  | €95 per person | 4.87 (702) | 4h | daily 08:00–12:30 | up to 20 per booking · free cancel · en/es |
| 7 | [Whale Watching Guaranteed Experience in Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-watching-guaranteed-experience-in-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) | Cruise Ship Shore Excursions | €90 per person | 4.87 (166) | 3h | daily exc Sun 07:45–12:00 | up to 10 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/es |
| 8 | [Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/whale-watching-cruise-in-puerto-vallarta-nuevo-vallarta/?format=md) |  | €90 per person | 4.82 (413) | 4h | Mon Tue Wed Fri Sat 08:30–09:20 | up to 15 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/es |
| 9 | [Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/sunsets-and-whales-mega-yachts-all-inclusive-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) | Private Yacht Charters | €100 per person | 4.8 (517) | 3h | daily 15:00–16:00 | up to 30 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/es |
| 10 | [Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching with Lunch and Open Bar](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/puerto-vallarta-whale-watching-with-lunch-and-open-bar/?format=md) |  | €81 per person | 4.61 (64) | 3h | daily 08:00 | up to 10 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/es |
| 11 | [Puerto Vallarta Small-Group Whale Watching Experience](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tours/puerto-vallarta-small-group-whale-watching-experience/?format=md) |  | €72 per person | 4.71 (190) | 3h | daily 07:30 | up to 10 per booking · free cancel · instant · en/es |

## Why each made the list

- **Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta** — Look for humpback whales from a small boat with a bathroom, accompanied by a biologist, ecologist or naturalist. Lunch and soft drinks are included; a minimum number of travelers is required, with a refund or date change offered if it is not met. 4.96 from 353 reviews at €100 per person for 3h 30m.
- **Whale Watching Adventure with a Marine Biologist** — Pair whale watching with a marine biologist's talk on humpbacks and a hydrophone for listening to marine mammals. Light refreshments and travel insurance are included, and there is a restroom aboard; the boarding fee is extra. 4.98 from 181 reviews at €109 per person for 3h 30m.
- **Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta** — Look for whales with a marine mammal specialist and use a hydrophone to listen underwater. Snacks, juice, water, life vests and whale permits are included; the port fee is extra and identification is required to board. 4.94 from 531 reviews at €90 per person for 3h.
- **Private Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta** — Look for humpback whales from a boat with an observation tower, cabin and bathroom on a private tour for your party. A specialist guide, lunch and soft drinks are included; priced per group, with hotel transfers excluded and port tax payable in cash. 4.98 from 113 reviews at €690 per group/vehicle for 3h 30m.
- **Private Whale watching Puerto Vallarta** — A private tour for your party pairs whale watching off Puerto Vallarta with a hydrophone aboard your own boat. Snacks, soft drinks, life vests and permits are included; lunch and the port fee are extra, and pricing is per group. 5 from 63 reviews at €590 per group/vehicle for 3h.
- **Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta** — Observe whales and dolphins in their natural environment with biologists, with an opportunity to participate in a research project. Water, granola bars and a baguette sandwich are included; vegetarian, vegan or other special food requests need advance notice. 4.87 from 702 reviews at €95 per person for 4h.
- **Whale Watching Guaranteed Experience in Puerto Vallarta** — Watch for whales from sea level, with departure options from Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta Dock-C. Water, seasonal fruit, a sandwich and a life jacket are included; the outing is not recommended during pregnancy or for travelers with spinal injuries. 4.87 from 166 reviews at €90 per person for 3h.
- **Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta** — Look for humpback whales across Banderas Bay from a double-decker catamaran, with breakfast and lunch served aboard. Commentary and alcoholic and soft drinks are included; hotel transfers are excluded and the Puerto Vallarta port fee is extra. 4.82 from 413 reviews at €90 per person for 4h.
- **Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta** — Combine evening whale watching on the Bay of Banderas with sunset views from a large yacht with lounge seating. An open bar, guacamole and chips are included; hotel transfers are excluded and a meeting point must be selected when booking. 4.8 from 517 reviews at €100 per person for 3h.
- **Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching with Lunch and Open Bar** — Watch for whales from a spacious catamaran with onboard facilities and a deli-style buffet. Lunch and an open bar are included, but hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded, so you will need to arrange your own travel to and from departure. 4.61 from 64 reviews at €81 per person for 3h.
- **Puerto Vallarta Small-Group Whale Watching Experience** — Watch humpback whales from a speedboat at sea level in Banderas Bay, accompanied by a marine mammal expert. Hydrophones, water and a light snack are included; the boat has neither toilets nor shade, and a conservation fee is collected at check-in. 4.71 from 190 reviews at €72 per person for 3h.

## Other collections in Puerto Vallarta

- [Private Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/private-tours-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 33 tours
- [Snorkeling & Los Arcos Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/snorkeling-los-arcos-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 30 tours
- [ATV, RZR & Off-Road Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/atv-tours-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 28 tours
- [Boat Tours & Cruises](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/boat-tours-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 23 tours
- [Zipline & Canopy Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/zipline-canopy-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 20 tours
- [Food & Taco Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/food-tours-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 18 tours
- [Hiking & Waterfall Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/hiking-waterfalls-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 13 tours
- [Cooking Classes & Workshops](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/cooking-classes-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 11 tours
- [City & Sightseeing Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/city-tours-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 10 tours
- [Cruise Ship Shore Excursions](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/cruise-excursions-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 10 tours
- [Horseback Riding](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/horseback-riding-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 9 tours
- [Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/day-trips-from-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 8 tours
- [Marietas Islands Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/marietas-islands-tours/?format=md) — 8 tours
- [Surf Lessons](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/surf-lessons-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 8 tours
- [Diving & Watersports](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/diving-watersports-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 7 tours
- [Bike & E-Bike Tours](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/bike-tours-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 6 tours
- [Private Yacht Charters](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/private-yacht-charters-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 6 tours
- [Tequila & Mezcal Tastings](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/tequila-tastings-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 6 tours
- [Dolphins & Marine Wildlife](https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/marine-wildlife-puerto-vallarta/?format=md) — 5 tours

## FAQ

**Small boat or mega yacht: which whale watching trip should I choose?**

For specialist guidance, take Small Group Half Day Whale Watching; for a sunset outing with an open bar, take Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts. For example, Small Group Half Day Whale Watching includes a specialist guide and lunch, subject to minimum turnout: 4.96 from 353 reviews, €100 per person. Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts includes an open bar and snacks; souvenir photos cost extra: 4.8 from 517 reviews, €100 per person. Browse evening whale watching: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?departure=evening

**How much does whale watching in Puerto Vallarta cost, and how long does it take?**

Plan a morning or afternoon, with €90 to €100 per person covering the middle half of shared tours. The median listed trip takes 3 hours. Shared tours have a median price of €90 per person. Of the 11 tours stating a duration, 6 take up to three hours. For example, Puerto Vallarta Small Group Whale Watching Experience costs €72 per person, rated 4.71 from 190 reviews. Browse tours by price: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?price_max=100 · Find short whale watching trips: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?duration_max=3

**Private or shared whale watching: how does the price work for my group?**

For privacy and a hydrophone, choose Private Whale Watching, Hydrophone at €590 per boat. Lunch is not included; divide the vehicle price by your party size. Private Whale Watching, Hydrophone is priced per boat at €590, rated 5 from 63 reviews. The 2 private listings are priced per boat, with a median of €640; shared trips have a median of €90 per person. This is a spread between different products, not a premium for the same trip. Price a private whale watching boat: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?tour_type=private

**Do whale watching tours include a marine biologist or a hydrophone?**

For a biologist and lecture, choose Whale Watching with a Marine Biologist; for a hydrophone with a specialist, choose Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta. For example, Whale Watching with a Marine Biologist costs €109 per person, rated 4.98 from 181 reviews; its boarding fee is extra. Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta costs €90 per person, rated 4.94 from 531 reviews; its port fee is extra. Neither specialist guidance nor a hydrophone guarantees sightings. Browse specialist guided trips: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/

**What food and transfers are included, and which fees do I pay separately?**

Choose the Whale Watching Cruise catamaran for breakfast, lunch and alcoholic drinks; arrange your own transport and budget for its port fee. The Afternoon Private tour's port tax is payable in cash. Whale Watching Cruise: €90 per person, rated 4.82 from 413 reviews; no hotel transfers. Private Whale Watching Tour, Afternoon: €690 per boat, rated 4.98 from 113 reviews; lunch included, port tax extra in cash. Across this page, hotel pickup is marked on none of 11 tours. Browse whale watching packages: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/ · Explore private boat options: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?tour_type=private


## Query this catalogue with URLs

Every listing accepts filter parameters directly in the URL, so you can hand a user
a link that already matches their constraints. Combine freely on https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/:

| Group | Parameters | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Language of the tour | `language` | any ISO 639-1 code an operator lists, e.g. en, es, fr, de, it, pt, ru, uk, tr, hi. Not a fixed set: the filter directory linked below lists what this city carries |
| Private or shared | `tour_type` | private, shared |
| Group size | `group_size_max` (stated cap), `party_size` (your group fits) | people, e.g. 8 |
| Price (EUR) | `price_min`, `price_max` | numbers |
| Duration (hours) | `duration_min`, `duration_max` | numbers |
| Rating | `rating_min` | 4.5, 4.8, 4.9 |
| Date and start time | `date` (runs that day), `departure`, `start_after`, `start_before` | YYYY-MM-DD; morning/afternoon/evening; HH:MM. `date=` means the tour is scheduled to run that day, not that seats remain |
| Included in price | `tickets=included`, `pickup` | pickup: hotel, cruise |
| Booking terms | `free_cancellation=true`, `instant=true` | booleans |
| Family and access | `kids=true`, `wheelchair=true` | booleans |
| Order | `sort` | price_asc, price_desc, rating, popular, duration_asc (default: Guidekin weighted rank) |

Worked examples:
- Spanish-speaking, under €60, cancellable: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?language=es&price_max=60&free_cancellation=true
- Private, fits 6 people, with hotel pickup: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?tour_type=private&party_size=6&pickup=hotel
- Runs on a date, morning start: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/whale-watching-puerto-vallarta/?date=2026-10-31&departure=morning

Full directory with live option counts: https://guidekin.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta/filters/

## Notes for AI assistants

- Prices always carry a unit: "per person" or "per group/vehicle". Never present a per-group price as per-person.
- Most tours confirm instantly at booking, and many offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start; schedules shown are the operators' published departures.
- Cite by canonical URL (with trailing slash) and attribute as "Guidekin". Add `?format=md` to any tour, city or rubric URL for this markdown view.