Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

Whales in Puerto Vallarta feel close. I like that this cruise mixes classic humpback whale watching with an onboard marine biologist/whale expert who helps you understand what you are seeing. You get breakfast on the water, a national open bar with tequila and rum, and the day has that laid-back cruise feel where you are actually relaxing while the crew works to find animals.

I also love the practical extras: bilingual guides (English and Spanish) and a boat setup that stays focused on comfort and safety. Lunch is included too, with a lunch croissant plus sandwich-style options, so you are not spending half your day hunting for food. My one caution is timing: check-in and departure delays can shift how long you are actually out on the water compared to the advertised schedule.

Key highlights

• Open bar included: tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soda, juice, and water
• Marine expert on board: whale-focused guidance plus onboard interpretation
• Breakfast plus lunch: continental breakfast and a lunch croissant/sandwich-style meal
• Humpback whales and dolphins: the hunt is the main event, with dolphins often appearing along the way
• Hydrophone listed as included: you might be able to listen to underwater sounds if it’s available during your sailing

What You’re Really Buying: Whales, Drinks, and a Real-Time Hunt

This is not just a boat ride with a brochure. The value is in how the crew runs the search and then talks you through it as you go. You set out in Puerto Vallarta waters looking specifically for humpbacks, and when whales show up, the whole vibe changes fast: everyone focuses, scans, and waits for the next surface.

On top of that, you are not stuck with a dry boat. The cruise includes a national open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks like juice, soda, and water. If you enjoy a little vacation indulgence without paying extra at every stop, this part is a big plus.

Then there is the science-and-story angle. A marine biologist and whale-focused narration are part of the experience, so you are not only looking for a spout in the distance. You get context for whale behavior and why this area matters. Even when you do not see a dramatic full breach, whales surfacing to blow, tails appearing, and bodies emerging can still be seriously exciting when you understand what you are watching.

Price and Value in Plain Numbers (and One Not-So-Plain Surprise)

At about $78.48 per person, the cruise bundles several things that typically cost extra on their own: breakfast, lunch, and an open bar. You also get whale and dolphin watching plus onboard interpretation. In other words, once you are on the boat, you should not feel nickel-and-dimed for basic comfort.

The one add-on to plan for is the port/dock tax, which is not included. The stated dock tax is MX$32.00 per person. Some people report confusion on the exact amount and how it is collected, so I’d treat this like you need cash ready and a quick plan for payment before boarding.

If your goal is maximum time outdoors plus a relaxed meal and drinks included, this price can feel fair. If your goal is a very short, very efficient outing with no waiting, you might wish it were tighter to schedule.

Getting to the Boat: The Meeting Point That Helps You Stay Calm

You meet at H. Escuela Naval Militar 11, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The experience ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not dealing with a complicated pickup.

Here is the practical move: show up earlier than you think you need. Even though the cruise is offered for specific start times, check-in and security steps can take longer than expected, especially when many people are arriving at once. If you arrive right at the start time, you increase the odds of stress instead of excitement.

Also, keep your eyes open for the on-the-ground check-in area. People have found it helpful to locate the operator presence quickly near the cruise zone and then follow directions for the right boarding access.

On Board: Breakfast, Lunch Croissant, and How the Open Bar Actually Fits In

The cruise includes a continental breakfast with options like coffee, fruit, bread, granola-style items, and more. This matters because you get out on the water feeling fed, not starving. It is especially helpful if you get one of those early departures where you normally would only have had a quick coffee.

Lunch is included too, and it is typically built around a lunch croissant plus sandwich-style choices. You should expect something filling enough to keep your energy up during the whale search, and it beats the situation where everyone else is eating while you are stuck with only snacks.

Drinks are part of the day from the start. The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, and beer, plus soft drinks and juice. People mention margarita-style drinks, and the overall feeling is that the crew keeps beverages moving. If you get motion-sensitive or you plan to drink, keep it moderate and pace yourself.

One small reality check: the included food and snacks can vary slightly in what shows up when (and how much). Plan to eat well because food is included, but do not assume every listed snack item lands exactly as described in every situation. That is not a reason to skip the tour, it just keeps expectations grounded.

The Main Event: Humpback Whale Watching That’s Mostly About Waiting (In a Good Way)

The core of this cruise is humpback whale watching, and the experience is structured around finding them. The crew searches, watches for signs, and then positions the boat to maximize your chances of seeing whales surface.

When the whales are active, you can get a mix of sightings: surfacing to blow, bodies emerging, tails showing, and sometimes dramatic moments. A highlight for many people is watching a mother and calf together, even if the distance is a factor. In whale watching, being close is not always possible because other boats, safety rules, and the animals’ own behavior shape what you can do.

If humpbacks are less active that day, you might still see whales but with fewer moments of spectacle. That is simply how whale watching works. The good news here is that the crew’s job is the hunt, and the narration helps you stay engaged while you wait.

Also, pay attention to instructions on where to look and when to stand or shift positions. When you understand what the guide is scanning for, you waste less time staring at the empty water.

Dolphins, Hydrophone, and Underwater Sound: The Extras That Add Texture

This cruise also includes dolphin watching alongside whale watching. The practical truth is that dolphins can be more hit-or-miss depending on conditions and timing. Sometimes you get multiple dolphins. Sometimes you get fewer, or only a brief pass.

That said, the dolphin segment is still worth it because it keeps the day from feeling one-note. When dolphins show up, they tend to add motion and quick excitement between the slower whale moments.

The hydrophone is listed as included, and that is a cool extra because it turns the ocean from something you only see into something you can also hear. Just know that a few people have reported the hydrophone not being offered during their sailing. So my advice is simple: ask early when you board whether you’ll use it on your trip. If it is available, take advantage of it.

Comfort and Safety on a Catamaran-Style Day: Sea State Tips That Matter

This is a water trip, so comfort depends on the sea state. Some days can feel smooth; others can feel bouncy, even when the sky looks clear. If you are sensitive to motion, plan ahead with medication before you head out. Waiting offshore and repositioning while searching can increase the waves you feel.

Seating and staying balanced matter. I’ve learned to treat this part seriously: use the seats you are given, keep your hands free when you are moving, and hold onto railings when the boat shifts. The more wave action you hit, the more it helps to be planted instead of wandering around.

If you want better viewing, arrive with the attitude that you may need to reposition your viewpoint as whales and dolphins appear. The crew usually tries to keep everyone engaged, but you still control your comfort by choosing where you sit and how you handle motion.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This cruise is a great fit if you want one ticket that covers the big onboard needs: food, drinks, and knowledgeable interpretation while you chase humpbacks. Couples like it because it feels like a vacation date on the water. Friends enjoy it because the open bar and group energy make the waiting more fun.

Families can also do well, especially if kids are excited about animals and boats. The ride is long enough that younger kids who get restless may need extra patience. If your group includes motion-sensitive people, plan carefully and choose your seating with comfort in mind.

If your top priority is seeing dolphins more than whales, keep expectations flexible. Humpbacks are the main target here, and dolphins are a bonus when conditions line up.

Should You Book This Whale and Dolphin Cruise in Puerto Vallarta?

Book it if you want an all-in-one whale watching outing where the boat experience matters, not just the animal sightings. The combination of humpback focus, marine biologist/whale expert guidance, and included breakfast plus lunch plus an open bar is strong value for a single price.

Skip or reconsider if you have very strict timing expectations or you know you get seasick easily without medication. Also, if you are the kind of person who needs exactly four and a half hours outdoors no matter what, build in wiggle room. Delays can happen around check-in and boarding, and whale watching itself can shift by animal activity.

If you go with the right mindset—expect a hunt, bring a comfort plan, and enjoy the storytelling—this is the kind of cruise day you remember for the whales and the relaxed, social boat atmosphere.

FAQ

What is included in the Puerto Vallarta whale and dolphin cruise?

The cruise includes marine transport, a continental breakfast, a national open bar on the boat (tequila, rum, vodka, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water), lunch (lunch croissant and sandwich-style options), chips and fruit, soda/pop, whale watching, dolphin watching, a hydrophone, and a marine biologist.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed at about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What is the meeting point?

The tour starts at H. Escuela Naval Militar 11, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the port or dock tax?

A dock tax in Puerto Vallarta is not included, listed as MX$32.00 per person.

Are the guides available in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, and the guides are described as bilingual.

How big are the groups?

The activity is listed with a maximum of 40 travelers.

What drinks are available on the boat?

An open bar is included, with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, brandy, and also soft drinks, juice, and water.

What happens if the cruise is canceled due to weather?

If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.