Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

5.0 (353 reviews)3 h 30 minPuerto VallartaFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 12:30 pm, 4 h before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 3 h to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in Puerto Vallarta20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 20 min to the start point
  3. 8:40 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 3 h 30 min. Latest sensible start: 11:40 am.
  4. 12:10 pm
    Tour ends20 min back to the pier
  5. 12:30 pm
    Back at the gangway4 h before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical Puerto Vallarta call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 3 h 30 min; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:40 am and be back at the gangway around 12:30 pm — 3 h to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 1:30 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.

We don't have a verified start point for this tour yet, so we assume 20 min each way from the pier — the typical ride in Puerto Vallarta. Check the meeting point on the booking page.

Among the 400 Puerto Vallarta shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 4 h); 86% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Puerto Vallarta call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

Enjoy a small-group marine eco-activity where you'll be able to witness the power and gentleness of magnificent animals: Humpback whales. You will be guided into the wonders of whales, by a specialized guide ( biologist, ecologist or naturalist). The boats are small and have a bathroom. The tour will follow the regulations for the activity, so you will enjoy it as much as possible, without disturbing the whales. Join in and meet these amazing and graceful giants and become a responsible whale watcher!

Max 12 per group English, French, Spanish

What's included

  • Professional guide
  • Soft Beverages
  • Lunch

Not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Port tax fee, Puerto Vallarta

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
From the cruise pier
About 20 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Rain or shine the tour will depart.
  • Seasonal operating December to March
  • Minimum numbers of travelers apply. If not met, booked guest will be offered a refund or date change
  • If wheel chaired guest, it's mandatory to let us know in advance about the type, size and weight of the wheelchair.

Traveler reviews

5.0
353 traveler reviews
5
97%
4
3%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read all 353 reviews

Operated by Vallarta Natours. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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