Whale watching tour from Nuevo Vallarta
- From Departs from Nuevo Vallarta
- 4 hours
- up to 50 guests
- December to March
Photos: Fernando Flores, CC BY-SA 2.0 · terri_bateman, CC BY 2.0 · Ferfive, CC BY 4.0
Four hours watching humpback whales in the open water of Banderas Bay, from the marina at Nuevo Vallarta, December to March.
What you do
- Whale watching
Highlights
- Humpback whales in their winter water
- Open bay outside the protected coastal strip
- Time to wait out a long dive and move between groups
- A short run from the marina to the whale grounds
About this trip
Humpback whales spend the winter in Banderas Bay, and Nuevo Vallarta's marina opens onto the bay itself, so there is no long ride out to sea before the search can start.
Federal rules shape the route. The season notice closes a 2 km strip along the coast from Punta de Mita to the mouth of the Ameca River, where mothers and calves gather, and that strip takes in the whole beach at Nuevo Vallarta. So the yacht heads straight out past it, and the captain works the open bay, staying within about 4 nautical miles of the marina so the run home stays short.
We designed this trip from the official zones and the distances from the marina; it is our plan, not an operator's. It runs on two motor yachts whose operators take guests whale watching in the bay: Escándalo, a 48 ft Sea Ray, and New Beginning, a Cheoy Lee.
Itinerary
After departure: 0:00
Board at Marina Nuevo Vallarta
Meet the crew at the dock and head out through the marina channel into the bay. The times here are at the 8 knots we plan on for this trip.
After departure: 0:15
Whales in the open bay
About 2 km offshore the closed coastal strip ends and the search begins. Over three hours with the whales, moving between groups as they surface and dive.
After departure: 3:25
Back to Nuevo Vallarta
The run back to the marina, about half an hour.
Yachts that run this trip
Questions
When is whale watching season in Nuevo Vallarta?
SEMARNAT, the federal environment ministry, sets the dates for Banderas Bay each year in a notice. They were December 8 to March 23 for 2025-26, the same as in 2019-20. The 2026-27 notice is not out yet; we'll confirm the dates once it is.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No. Whales are wild and nobody can promise one. Our cancellation policy covers a trip we cannot run because of weather, maintenance or other unforeseen circumstances, with a full refund or a new date; a trip without a sighting is not covered.
How close do we get to the whales?
The federal standard for whale watching, NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010, sets the rules. A boat over 10 m long, as both boats on this trip are, stays at least 80 m from a humpback. No more than four boats may stay with one whale or group, each for up to 30 minutes, and near whales a boat keeps under 5 knots. Only boats authorised by SEMARNAT may take guests to watch whales, and they carry its identifying mark on board. Swimming is not allowed during whale watching, so this trip has no swim stop.
Which marina do we leave from?
Marina Nuevo Vallarta. Both yachts on this trip are based at Marina Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, about 20 minutes away by road, and board guests at Marina Nuevo Vallarta too. Any fee for boarding away from their home marina is on the quote.
Is the trip suitable for small children and older guests?
Yes. The yacht can turn for home early if someone has had enough, and each yacht's page shows its shade, seating and bathroom.
What should we bring?
A light jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, shoes with rubber soles, and a camera and binoculars if you have them. If you get seasick, take your usual remedy before boarding.
How do I book, and what if I have to cancel?
A 50% deposit confirms your date and the balance is due 7 days before the trip. Apart from a trip we cannot run, the deposit is not refundable, but it can be moved to another date within 6 months on the same yacht. Terms vary by yacht and we confirm them in writing before you pay.
Is the crew's tip included?
No. Tipping the crew is customary; we suggest 10% to 15% of the charter price, at your discretion. The quote we send lists what the price includes.
$1,200+ Tax
4 hours · 2 guests