Whale Watching Guaranteed Experience in Puerto Vallarta

Taking a whale watching tour is one of those bucket-list moments for anyone visiting Puerto Vallarta during whale season. This particular tour, offered by Los Veranos Canopy Tour, promises a 3-hour adventure to see humpback whales in their natural environment, with a sighting guarantee. While I haven’t personally gone on this exact trip, the details and reviews paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect—and why it might just be worth your time.

What really draws us in are the comfortable, speedy boats and the knowledgeable guides. The fact that it’s a legally sanctioned tour, with trained and licensed guides, provides peace of mind—important for a close encounter with such majestic creatures. One potential drawback is the seasonality—the best whale sightings happen between December and March—so timing is key. This tour suits nature lovers, family groups, and anyone eager for an authentic, up-close experience with marine life in a relaxed, well-organized setting.

Key Points

• Authentic natural habitat viewing: See humpback whales undisturbed in their environment.
• Speed and comfort: Large, high-speed boats glide smoothly at up to 40 mph.
• Sighting guarantee: The tour promises a whale sighting or your next trip free.
• Knowledgeable guides: Learn about whales and marine life from trained, licensed professionals.
• All-inclusive price: For $89, you get transportation, guides, safety equipment, and a tasty box lunch.
• Timing: Usually available in the mornings or afternoons, during peak whale season.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The tour begins at the Puerto Vallarta marina, with two possible meeting points, depending on your booking option. After assembling, you’ll hop aboard a large, high-speed boat built for comfort and speed—think about skimming over the water with barely a ripple at 40 mph. These boats are designed for a smooth ride, which is especially appreciated if you’re prone to seasickness or just prefer a cushy trip.

The journey to Banderas Bay takes about 30 minutes each way. The boat’s speed not only makes the trip exciting but also maximizes your time on the water, increasing the chances of spotting whales. Once in the bay, the main event begins: whale watching. During peak season (December to March), humpbacks are prolific, often breaching and jumping high out of the water, giving spectators spectacular shows.

Your onboard guide will share insights into the whales’ behaviors, their migratory patterns, and other marine life in the bay, including dolphins—sometimes even killer whales, as one reviewer noted. We loved the way guides are both informative and approachable, making the experience enriching rather than just a sightseeing trip.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at the marina—either Los Veranos Canopy Tour or another designated location. The boat departs, and you’ll experience a 30-minute scenic ride across the bay, during which you can enjoy the views and get your camera ready.

Once in Banderas Bay, you’ll spend about three hours spotting whales, with the chance to see breaching, tail slapping, and even spy the calves playing nearby. The guides are skilled at locating the whales, and the sighting guarantee means if you don’t see a whale, you can return or get a voucher for a future trip—though this is rarely needed, based on reviews.

After the whale watching, you’ll return via another 30-minute boat ride to your starting point. Included in your tour are transportation, expert guides, safety gear, and a seasonal fruit, soft drink, and sandwich lunch—a nice touch that keeps you energized.

Why This Tour Stands Out

While many whale watching options exist in Puerto Vallarta, this one’s sighting guarantee sets it apart. It’s reassuring to know that if the whales are shy or the weather isn’t ideal, the company commits to making sure you get your chance to see these incredible animals.

The speed boat aspect is another highlight. Unlike slow, crowded boats, this tour’s high-speed vessel slices through the water, making the experience more dynamic and fun. Plus, the comfortable seating and modern equipment mean you can focus on enjoying the scenery and learning from your guide without discomfort.

The Experience: From Start to Finish

Booking and Meeting: The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is a flexible option if your plans shift. You can reserve now and pay later, which makes planning easy. The meeting point varies, but typically, it’s at Los Veranos Canopy Tour or another nearby dock.

Transportation and Comfort: The transportation is included, and the boat ride itself is a highlight—fast, smooth, and exciting. The boats are designed for safety and comfort, and since the trip lasts only about 3 hours, it’s perfect for those who want a focused, adrenaline-filled experience without a full-day commitment.

Whale Watching: When you arrive in the bay, your guides will scan the waters for signs of whales. Common behaviors include breaching—where whales leap out of the water—and tail slaps. You might also see dolphins or even killer whales, as a recent review mentions. The guides are well-trained, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions, making this an educational tour as well as an exciting one.

Lunch and Other Activities: The included box lunch is seasonal fruit, a soft drink, and a sandwich—simple but sufficient for a short trip. Sometimes, the tour includes dolphin watching as well, adding extra excitement.

Return: After three hours of marine adventure, you’ll head back to the marina, feeling satisfied with your close encounter with these gentle giants. Most reviews praise the professionalism of guides and the stunning views, making it clear this tour is well-organized and enjoyable.

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Pricing and Value

At $89 per person, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the all-inclusive nature—transport, guides, safety equipment, and lunch are included. The sighting guarantee further enhances the value, reducing the risk of disappointment. For travelers looking for a high-quality, hassle-free whale watching experience, this price point is reasonable.

Compared to other tours, the focus on comfort, safety, and education makes it stand out. Plus, the fact that the tour is legally sanctioned and run by trained professionals provides peace of mind. The short duration is ideal for those who want a concentrated wildlife experience without committing to a full-day trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers eager for a safe, guided encounter with whales. It’s also well-suited for those who value comfort and reliability—the high-speed boats and trained guides ensure you’re in good hands. If you’re visiting during the whale season (December through March), this tour offers the best chance to witness the incredible antics of humpback whales in their natural habitat.

However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments, as the tour involves boat transfers and some rocking on the water. And if you’re prone to seasickness, the high-speed ride might be a consideration.

Final Thoughts

This whale watching tour provides a fun, educational, and memorable experience. The combination of speed, comfort, and a sighting guarantee makes it appealing for travelers who want to maximize their chances of seeing whales without sacrificing comfort or safety. The knowledgeable guides add a layer of depth that turns a simple boat ride into an engaging wildlife adventure.

While the experience is seasonal—and best during the whales’ peak season—the professionalism and attention to detail suggest you’ll leave with more than just photos, but genuine stories of your time with these magnificent creatures.

For those visiting Puerto Vallarta and yearning for an authentic marine encounter, this tour is a smart pick. Just remember to book early during peak season, bring comfortable clothes, and get ready for a splashy, unforgettable experience.

FAQ

When is the best time to do this whale watching tour?
The tour is most effective from December through March, when humpback whales are in Banderas Bay during their migration.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours—from departure at the marina to return.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, expert guides, safety equipment, and a box lunch with seasonal fruit, a soft drink, and a sandwich.

Is there a guarantee I will see whales?
Yes, the tour offers a sighting guarantee. If you don’t see whales, you can usually return or get a voucher for another trip.

Are the boats comfortable?
Absolutely. The boats are large, high-speed vessels built for smooth rides at speeds up to 40 mph, ensuring a comfortable experience even in choppier waters.

Can I book last-minute?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, last-minute bookings are quite flexible.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments. Also, drones are not allowed on the boat.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended. The tour provides safety gear, but bring your own if you want extra protection.

What if I want to see other marine life?
Dolphin watching is sometimes included, adding to the overall excitement of the trip.

To sum it up

This Whale Watching Guaranteed Experience in Puerto Vallarta offers a well-rounded, enjoyable opportunity to witness some of nature’s most impressive marine animals. The speed boat design, coupled with expert guides and the sighting guarantee, makes it a solid choice for travelers seeking both adventure and peace of mind. It’s perfect for those who want a focused, authentic wildlife encounter without the fuss of a long day or uncomfortable rides.

If you’re visiting during whale season, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s a chance to see humpbacks breach in their natural habitat, learn about their behaviors, and create memories that won’t soon be forgotten. Just remember to book early, dress comfortably, and prepare to be wowed by the ocean’s gentle giants.

You can check availability for your dates here: