Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

The Puerto Vallarta whale and dolphin watching cruise offers an enticing all-inclusive experience for nature enthusiasts. Priced at $79 per person, the tour provides guests with a selection of alcoholic beverages and a light lunch as they witness the majestic marine life of the region. While the opportunity to hear underwater sounds through a hydrophone adds to the unique appeal, some visitors have raised concerns about unsecured chairs and language barriers. With free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior, it’s a tempting option for those seeking an up-close encounter with whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. However, the full scope of the tour’s pros and cons warrants further exploration.

Key Points

• This 4.0-rated, 143-review whale and dolphin watching cruise in Puerto Vallarta offers an all-inclusive experience starting at $79 per person.
• The cruise includes alcoholic beverages, light lunch, and the opportunity to witness whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays.
• Limited English commentary is available, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed.
• Guests should consider safety concerns, such as unsecured chairs, and be prepared for a primarily Spanish-language experience.
• The cruise is a popular choice for marine life sightings, with positive reviews highlighting exceptional service and memorable whale encounters.

Overview and Pricing

The Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta is a popular excursion, boasting 143 reviews with a 4.0 rating from Viator and Tripadvisor.

Priced from $79.00 per person, the cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

With a maximum of 40 travelers, infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but stroller accessible.

Confirmation is received at booking, and the cruise includes alcoholic beverages, lunch, and sightings of whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

Ground transportation and gratuities are also included, while photographs are available for purchase.

Included Amenities

The cruise’s included amenities feature a selection of alcoholic beverages, such as rum, beer, tequila, and brandy.

In addition, guests can enjoy a light lunch, including croissants, sandwiches, chips, fruit, and soda/pop.

The highlight of the cruise is the opportunity to witness the majestic whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with the added bonus of a hydrophone for capturing their underwater sounds.

The amenities also include:

1. Dock Tax (32MXN) and Bracelet (25MXN) per person.
2. Ground transportation and gratuities.
3. Photographs available for purchase to commemorate the experience.

Meeting Point and Directions

Meeting point for the Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta is H. Escuela Naval Militar 11, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Participants will depart from VALLARTA BY BOAT at the Puerto Mágico Maritime Terminal. At the end of the tour, guests will return to the original meeting point.

Departure Location	Departure Time	Return Location
Puerto Mágico Maritime Terminal	Varies	H. Escuela Naval Militar 11

Travelers should arrive on time as some guests have experienced delays in boarding the vessel. The cruise provides an opportunity to spot various marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise’s exceptional service, whale sightings, and attentive staff. Common sightings include whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and sting rays.

However, the food and drinks received mixed reviews, with some guests noting discrepancies in the food offerings. Plus, a language barrier was reported, as commentary was primarily in Spanish with limited English translation.

Safety concerns were also raised, particularly about unsecured chairs on the boat leading to falls.

• Guests reported memorable sightings and enjoyable crew interactions.
• Some were disappointed by the language barrier and food quality.
• Safety issues were noted regarding the boat’s seating arrangements.

Recommendations and Tips

Bring sunscreen and dress in layers to prepare for the changing weather during the Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta.

Expect a mix of languages, as the commentary is primarily in Spanish with limited English translation.

Arrive on time, as some guests have experienced delays in boarding.

Consider alternate tours if safety and comfort are top priorities, as there have been reports of unsecured chairs on the boat leading to falls.

Despite potential limitations, many guests have reported memorable sightings and enjoyable crew interactions, so be ready to embrace the experience.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings

Guests aboard the Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta can expect to encounter a variety of marine life.

The tour’s hydrophone allows passengers to hear the underwater sounds of these magnificent creatures.

Common sightings include:

1. The graceful movements of humpback whales as they breach the surface, captivating onlookers.

2. Playful pods of dolphins, often swimming alongside the boat, delighting passengers with their acrobatic displays.

3. The serene presence of sea turtles gliding through the waters, a testament to the area’s diverse ecosystems.

These encounters provide a window into the vibrant marine life that thrives in the waters surrounding Puerto Vallarta.

Crew and Language Considerations

The language barrier may pose some challenges for English-speaking passengers, as the tour commentary is primarily in Spanish with limited English translation.

However, the crew members are attentive and make efforts to assist guests, even if their English proficiency isn’t always fluent.

While the majority of the information is provided in Spanish, the staff is accommodating and willing to explain things further or translate when necessary.

Guests should be prepared for a mix of languages during the tour, but the overall experience and staff interactions can still be enjoyable, even with the occasional communication difficulties.

Safety and Accessibility Concerns

Some safety and accessibility concerns have been raised about the whale and dolphin watching cruise in Puerto Vallarta.

While the cruise offers an exciting opportunity to witness marine life, a few issues have been highlighted by previous customers:

1. Unsecured chairs on the boat have led to some passengers experiencing falls, raising safety concerns.

2. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, potentially excluding mobility-impaired visitors.

3. Strollers are allowed, but the accessibility on the boat may be limited.

Guests are advised to consider these factors when booking the tour, especially if they’ve specific accessibility needs.

Despite these concerns, the cruise remains a popular choice for those seeking to explore the wonders of Puerto Vallarta’s marine ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

According to the overview, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the cruise. The tour includes alcoholic beverages, lunch, chips, fruit, and soda as part of the amenities provided to guests.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Cannot Attend?

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Guests who cancel within 24 hours may be subject to fees. Refunds and rebookings are at the discretion of the tour operator.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise?

The cruise does not have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. The maximum number of travelers is 40. Children of all ages are welcome to join the whale and dolphin watching excursion.

Can I Book Private or Group Tours?

Private and group tours can be booked for the whale and dolphin watching cruise. Bookings are subject to availability, and customers should inquire with the tour operator for additional details and pricing options.

What Should I Bring to Make the Most of the Experience?

To make the most of the whale and dolphin watching experience, bring sunscreen, dress in layers, and consider bringing a small backpack for essentials. Arrive on time to ensure a smooth boarding process.

The Sum Up

The Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta offers an immersive all-inclusive experience, with a range of amenities and opportunities to witness marine life. While the tour receives positive feedback, safety and language barriers may impact some guests’ experiences. Travelers should consider these factors when booking to ensure the excursion aligns with their preferences and needs.