
Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 529 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta worth booking?
Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta is a 3-hour experience in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from $99 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 529 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (529)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $99 per person
We have the whale whisperer, one of the best marine mammals specialist in Mexico, he personally guide this tour and make it unique.
What you get
- Use of hydrophone
- Whales goverment permits
- Snacks
- Whales conservancy wrist bands donation.
- Life Vest
About this experience
We have the whale whisperer, one of the best marine mammals specialist in Mexico, he personally guide this tour and make it unique.
What's included
Included
- Use of hydrophone
- Whales goverment permits
- Snacks
- Whales conservancy wrist bands donation.
- Life Vest
Not included
- Breakfast
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Government fees
What you'll see and do
Bay of Banderas
You´ll be taken by an expert on Marine Mamals and get involve in a totally diferent adventure full of adrenaline and action, right in the midle of the wild whales, check out how the males compete for the females and how the moms care about the calves. 3 hours in a totally shade and fast boat equiped with sound to hear them to sing. You´ll learn by a bilangüal tour guide, and be able to participate on photo id and research projects to protect the whales.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Puerto Vallarta
We are located at Marina Vallarta, at just 5 minutes from airport, 2 blocks away from the Whale statue.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We are located at Marina Vallarta, at just 5 minutes from airport, 2 blocks away from the Whale statue.
Options you can book
WHALE WATCHING AND MARIETAS
MARIETAS ISLAND VISIT: On this option we will be visiting the very famous Marietas Islands, we will do bird watching and snorkel optionally.
WHALE WATCHING VALLARTA 3 HOUR
JUST WHALE WATCHING: On this option we will be able to do a 3 hour whale watching around the bay.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Eco Explorer Vallarta
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please consider that all our guests must show an ID, f you do not present it at the time of check in you will not be allowed to board the boat.
- Toddlers ar not allowed on public tour, only private tours.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 529 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
529 verified traveler reviews for Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Nice day on the water.
Our guide was very knowledgable and entertaining.
via Tripadvisor
Seeing the whales was truly humbling
Listening to Carlos I got how respectful he is of nature. Spending so much time on the open water he has built a deep respect for its power and unpredictability. We were grateful that Eco Tours honored our reservation even though we were only two passengers on the boat. I learned a lot about whales in the Bahia, Mega Terra as they are called. Seeing the whales was truly humbling and amazing. Next year, I plan to go again.
via Tripadvisor
Definitely recommend the whale watching cruise!!!!
Carlos was an amazing tour guide. Wonderful experience
via Tripadvisor
Awesome Unique
Beautiful experience and Carlos was a sweetheart! We saw many mamas and their babies. It was a unique experience.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Whale Tour!
What an incredible whale watching tour! Even though it was late in the whale season, they still found several for us to see, including a young whale who was jumping and splashing in the water. Emilio was a fantastic boat captain and Carlos was so very knowledgeable about the whales and other sea life!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 6+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 185
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puerto Vallarta.
How much does Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta cost?
+
Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puerto Vallarta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta take?
+
Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Puerto Vallarta is not rushed.
Is Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 529 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Puerto Vallarta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta suitable for kids and families?
+
The operator sets a minimum age of 6. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta?
+
Around 185 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Puerto Vallarta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Puerto Vallarta and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Puerto Vallarta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
+
On Outty we rank every Puerto Vallarta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours, Signature Taco Tour in PV with Vallarta Eats, Food & Mixology Tour:Tequila,Tacos, Mezcal and Agave Cocktails. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Puerto Vallarta?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta.
Pick your date




