Puerto Vallarta: Dolphin Watching Cruise With a Biologist

Exploring the wonders of Banderas Bay has never been more captivating. Set out on a 4-hour dolphin watching cruise led by a knowledgeable marine biologist, and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This small-group experience offers an intimate and eco-friendly opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the marine ecosystem. After the dolphin sighting, learn about the vibrant Los Arcos National Marine Park through a 45-minute snorkeling excursion. With insightful commentary and a priority on wildlife wellbeing, this tour promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you eager to discover more about the diverse marine life of Puerto Vallarta.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Puerto Vallarta.

Key Points

• A 4-hour small-group dolphin watching cruise in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta, led by a marine biologist.
• Opportunity to witness dolphins in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecosystem.
• Includes a 45-minute snorkeling excursion at the Los Arcos National Marine Park to explore the vibrant underwater world.
• Cruise features breakfast, snacks, and soft drinks, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.
• Operated by Ecotours de México, a reputable eco-tourism company committed to sustainable practices and marine life protection.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Cruise

This 4-hour dolphin watching cruise in Puerto Vallarta offers a small group experience limited to 10 participants, led by a marine biologist.

The cruise begins at Ecotours de México in Marina Vallarta, where you’ll board a speedboat for a 45-minute ride to Banderas Bay.

During the 2-hour dolphin watching portion, you’ll have the chance to see these magnificent creatures playing and frolicking in their natural habitat.

After, you’ll enjoy a snorkeling excursion at Los Arcos National Marine Park for 45 minutes.

The return trip to the starting point takes 30 minutes.

Throughout the cruise, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast, granola bars, and soft drinks, while learning about the local marine life from the expert biologist guide.

Itinerary and Duration

The cruise begins at Ecotours de México in Marina Vallarta, where participants board a speedboat for a 45-minute ride to Banderas Bay.

They’ll spend 2 hours dolphin watching and observing marine life in the bay.

Following this, the group will enjoy a 45-minute snorkeling excursion at Los Arcos National Marine Park before the 30-minute speedboat return to the starting point.

The entire tour lasts 4 hours, allowing guests ample time to spot dolphins playing and frolicking, as well as the possibility of seeing sea turtles while snorkeling.

The itinerary is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience in the natural wonders of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal waters.

Dolphin Watching Experience

During the cruise, guests can expect to witness the captivating displays of dolphins playing and frolicking in the waters of Banderas Bay.

A marine biologist accompanies the group, providing valuable insights and educational commentary about the behaviors and characteristics of these magnificent marine mammals. The biologist’s expertise ensures that the viewing of the dolphins is done in a responsible and ethical manner, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the animals.

Guests may even have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, depending on their behavior and the conditions.

Throughout the experience, you will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of these remarkable creatures and their importance within the local marine ecosystem.

Snorkeling at Los Arcos

After the dolphin watching segment, guests embark on a snorkeling adventure at the renowned Los Arcos National Marine Park. This protected area, nestled within the captivating Banderas Bay, offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life. During the 45-minute snorkeling session, visitors can swim alongside a diverse array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a passing ray. The tour ensures the safety and wellbeing of the marine environment, allowing guests to witness the natural wonders without disrupting the delicate ecosystem. The experience is both educational and exhilarating, providing a fitting conclusion to the day’s excursion.

Marine Life	Visibility	Conditions
Tropical Fish	Excellent	Calm
Sea Turtles	Good	Moderate
Rays	Possible	Favorable

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Cruise Features and Highlights

Biologists guide participants in searching for dolphins playing and frolicking in the expansive Bandatas Bay. Cruisers can enjoy a delicious breakfast and refreshing soft drinks as they learn about these magnificent marine mammals from the experts.

The crew ensures the safety and well-being of the dolphins, with a possibility to swim with them depending on their behavior. Snorkeling at the stunning Los Arcos National Marine Park offers the chance to spot sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Throughout the 4-hour cruise, participants gain valuable insights into the local marine ecosystem from the knowledgeable biologist guide. This small-group tour provides an immersive and educational dolphin watching experience in Puerto Vallarta.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The 4-hour boat cruise includes the services of a knowledgeable biologist guide, a delicious breakfast, granola bars, and refreshing soft drinks. However, hotel pickup and drop-off, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities are not covered in the tour price.

Inclusions	Exclusions
4-hour boat cruise	Hotel pickup and drop-off
Biologist guide	Alcoholic drinks
Breakfast, granola bar, soft drinks	Gratuities
Boarding fees ($50 pesos)

The tour price covers all the essential elements of the dolphin watching experience, allowing participants to focus on spotting dolphins and other marine life while learning from the expert biologist guide. Any additional expenses are clearly outlined to help travelers plan their budget accordingly.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking for the Puerto Vallarta dolphin watching cruise can be done online or through the Ecotours de México office, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s departure.

This flexible policy allows guests to plan their activities with peace of mind, knowing they can adjust their schedule if needed.

The small group size, limited to just 10 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

Guests can rest assured that the cruise adheres to responsible practices, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the marine life they’ll encounter.

Whether booking in advance or making a last-minute decision, the Puerto Vallarta dolphin watching cruise offers a convenient and worry-free way to explore the natural wonders of Banderas Bay.

About Ecotours De México

Ecotours de México, the company behind the Puerto Vallarta dolphin watching cruise, is a reputable eco-tourism operator committed to sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

They’ve been organizing responsible wildlife tours in the region for years, with a focus on educating visitors about the local marine ecosystem.

The company’s knowledgeable biologist guides lead the dolphin watching excursions, providing fascinating insights into the behavior and habitats of these intelligent creatures.

By limiting group sizes and adhering to strict protocols, Ecotours de México ensures the safety and wellbeing of both participants and wildlife.

Their commitment to eco-tourism makes them a trusted partner for those seeking an immersive and enriching experience in Puerto Vallarta’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear. The tour provides equipment, but if you prefer to use your own, you’re welcome to do so. This allows you to be more comfortable and familiar with the gear.

Is There a Requirement for Swimming Ability?

There’s no strict requirement for swimming ability, but participants should be comfortable in the water for the snorkeling portion. The tour operator provides life jackets to ensure safety during the cruise and water activities.

How Close Can We Get to the Dolphins?

On this cruise, participants can get quite close to the dolphins, though they won’t be permitted to swim directly with them. The biologist guide ensures the safety and well-being of the marine life by maintaining a respectful distance.

Is the Cruise Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not specifically wheelchair-accessible, but the company may be able to accommodate guests with mobility needs. It’s best to inquire about accessibility options when booking the tour.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Cruise?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration of the cruise. The package is a set 4-hour experience, and they don’t provide any flexibility to modify the length. Extending the tour would require booking a separate excursion.

Recap

The Puerto Vallarta dolphin watching cruise offers an immersive eco-friendly experience led by a marine biologist. Guests can observe dolphins in their natural habitat, then snorkel at the vibrant Los Arcos National Marine Park.

This small-group tour prioritizes wildlife well-being and provides an opportunity to deepen one’s appreciation for the local marine ecosystem.

Booking and cancellation policies are available, and the tour is operated by Ecotours De México.

You can check availability for your dates here: