Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

Whales can ruin your schedule—in a good way. This 4-hour-ish Puerto Vallarta whale watching cruise puts you on a catamaran for a long look in the Bay of Banderas, with live onboard commentary and an all-day party feel that never forgets the main event: whales.

I especially like the combo of open bar plus the crew’s running help during the hunt for whales. The second big win for me is the onboard food: a continental breakfast, then a full lunch spread that can include things like ceviche and guacamole-style flavors. The main drawback to plan for is simple logistics: there’s no hotel pickup, and you may also need to pay port fees at the API in Puerto Vallarta.

Key points to know before you go

• Open bar all trip: you get international drinks onboard, including tequila, rum, cognac, vodka, and more.
• Food is part of the experience: continental breakfast plus lunch with items like vegan ceviche and marlin burritas.
• Max 120 people: it’s large enough to feel social, but small enough to move around for whale spotting and photos.
• Live narration during the whale search: expect on-the-water guidance, not just “good luck out there.”
• Bring your timing game: if you miss departure (especially from a cruise ship), refunds may not apply.

Whale watching from Puerto Vallarta’s pier: the Bay of Banderas plan

The whole day is built around one thing: getting you into the right water with time to watch. You start at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio (Zona Hotelera Nte.), and then you’ll head out looking in the Bay of Banderas—an area where you have a good chance of spotting whales and other marine life.

What I like about the setup is that it’s not rushed sightseeing. The cruise is long enough that you’re not just looking from a distance once and then heading back. You get multiple stretches on the water where the crew can reposition based on what they’re seeing, and that matters because whale watching is all about timing and location.

Duration is listed at about 4 hours, but in real life it can run a bit shorter or longer depending on how quickly whales show up and how traffic works around the docks. If you’re the type who hates “almost four hours,” plan your day with buffer time near the meeting point.

Onboard vibe: catamaran comfort, space for photos, and shade

This is a catamaran ride, which usually means a steadier feel than smaller boats, plus plenty of room to spread out. With a cap of 120 travelers, you should still be able to find a viewing spot—especially if you’re willing to move a little when the crew calls something out.

One practical thing: you’ll want to think about sun and wind. The boat design includes shade/awning options on board, and that’s huge when you’re out in the open water for an extended search. You’ll be taking photos and spotting movement, so having at least some relief from glare makes the experience more comfortable.

Also, this cruise runs like a social outing. You’re not stuck in silence waiting for a whale spout. There’s live commentary, the bar is operating throughout the ride, and the crew is actively managing the experience so you’re ready when whales appear.

The open bar: what’s included and how to use it smartly

The drink situation is one of the biggest selling points here. This tour includes an international bar for the duration of the cruise, and the spirit list includes tequila, rum, cognac, vodka, and more.

For value, that’s not a small detail. Many whale tours charge extra for drinks, then limit what you can order. Here, you can treat the bar like a built-in part of the day. If you want a more mellow experience, just pace yourself. If you want a full-on celebration, you’ll find it easy to keep the mood going without making frequent trips to the bar.

If you’re sensitive to loud music, plan for the fact that you’ll be on a moving party boat. Some people love that energy. Others prefer quieter moments when whales are nearby. Bring sunglasses and a hat—your eyes will thank you.

Breakfast and lunch onboard: ceviche, paninis, and marlin burritas

Food is handled in two chunks. First is a continental breakfast (think coffee and simple breakfast items). Later you’ll get lunch as a buffet-style onboard meal.

The menu details are one of the more interesting parts of this cruise. Lunch can include things like chips, vegan ceviche, ham and cheese paninis, and marlin burritas. The overall vibe is Mexican beach lunch with enough variety to keep picky eaters calm and let adventurous eaters try something new.

If you’re counting calories, you’ll still be fine. You don’t have to eat everything, but you do get real fuel for a couple hours on the water. And if you’re traveling with a group, it helps that the meals are onboard and included—less hunting for food on shore after the cruise.

One more practical note: there may be a photographer on board taking pictures. That can be fun for “we actually did this” memories, but it’s also smart to ask how/where photos are shared so you’re not left guessing after the cruise.

Stop 1: Bay of Banderas and the real whale-spotting rhythm

Your main “stop” is the Bay of Banderas. That’s where the crew works to find whales and you get your best viewing chances.

Here’s the rhythm of a good whale watch, and how this kind of cruise usually delivers it:

• You spend time searching, watching for spouts, backs, and tail activity.
• When the crew finds a pod, you get focused viewing time rather than just a quick pass.
• You’re set up to see not only the big surface moments, but also the behaviors that make whale watching special—like close surfacing and calm swimming.

Based on what’s been seen during whale watching in this region and what the cruise experience is designed for, you can have a good chance of humpbacks and pods with calves. When whales show up close, the experience turns from scenic to unforgettable fast—especially when you’re close enough for the whole “breach and splash” moment.

Also, don’t assume it’s only whales. This cruise is positioned for whales and other marine life, and people have reported seeing dolphins and sea turtles during trips like this. That’s a bonus, not the main promise—so keep your eyes wide for movement.

Who this cruise fits best (and who might want a different day)

This is a great match if you want:

• A half-day whale experience without planning your own boat logistics.
• An included-food outing, where you don’t have to make decisions about lunch.
• A social day on the water with an open bar and onboard commentary.

It also works well for mixed groups—couples, families, and multi-generational trips—because you get multiple “engagement layers”: whale spotting, narration, and food/drinks.

A couple situations where I’d think twice:

• If you’re very strict about exact timing, remember it’s listed as approximate and can shift with whale sightings and dock logistics.
• If you dislike any pushy tip/donation conversations, you’ll want to stay aware. Some people have found the crew’s money and review requests uncomfortable on certain days. If that’s a hard no for you, mentally prepare and keep your own boundaries clear.

Price and value: why $99 can actually feel fair here

At $99 per person, this cruise can be a solid value because you’re not just buying boat time. You’re also getting:

• Continental breakfast and lunch onboard (including vegan options like vegan ceviche).
• An open bar with multiple spirits included.
• Live narration while you search for whales.
• A comfortable catamaran setup with enough space to move and photograph.

The one cost to watch is port fees. Entrance fees aren’t included, and you may need to pay port fees at the API in Puerto Vallarta. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s the kind of extra that makes your final cost higher than the headline price.

If you’re comparing alternatives, look at what’s actually included. A whale cruise that charges for both food and drinks can cost much more than this once you add the extras.

Getting there at Puerto Mágico: simple, but don’t wing it

This tour starts at Puerto Mágico Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.

If you’re coming from the cruise terminal area, build in extra time. The on-site kiosk can be easy to miss if you show up right at the last second. Arriving early helps you get checked in, find the right spot, and settle before boarding.

It also pays to bring small bills and plan your tipping preferences ahead of time. This is normal for boat tours, but your comfort matters more than anyone else’s script.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta whale cruise?

If you want a straightforward whale-watching outing that also includes breakfast, lunch, and an open bar, this is one of the better ways to spend a half day in Puerto Vallarta. The key is timing and expectations: you’re going out to find whales, not guaranteed a single “perfect” encounter every time.

I’d book it if you’re flexible about exact duration, want the food/drink convenience, and you care more about the experience on the water than getting back to shore on the dot. I’d pass or choose a quieter option if loud onboard vibes or discomfort around money requests could ruin the day for you.

FAQ

Is this whale watching cruise about 4 hours?

It’s listed at approximately 4 hours. Your actual time on the water can vary a bit depending on how the search and dock logistics work.

What meals are included during the cruise?

You get a continental breakfast and a lunch onboard. Lunch options can include items like chips, vegan ceviche, ham and cheese paninis, and marlin burritas.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. The tour includes an international bar with drinks served during the cruise, including spirits such as tequila, rum, cognac, and vodka.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point.

Are port fees included in the price?

Entrance fees aren’t included, and port fees may apply at the API in Puerto Vallarta.

What if my cruise ship timing makes me miss the boat?

Refunds won’t be issued if you miss the tour/activity due to late or non-arrival of a cruise ship. If that risk applies to you, arrive early and give yourself extra time to get to the meeting point.