Whale Watching & Eco Tours in Puerto Vallarta
Discover the marine life of Banderas Bay with Vallarta Whales, a pioneer in responsible whale watching and ecotourism in Puerto Vallarta.
Led by Oceanologist and Certified Naturalist Guide Isabel Cárdenas, our small-group tours combine unforgettable wildlife encounters, scientific knowledge, personalized attention, and respect for the ocean.

30+ Years of Experience

Certified Naturalist Guide

Small-Group Experiences

Responsible Ecotourism
Explore Our Puerto Vallarta Marine Tours
Choose the experience that best matches your trip. From seasonal humpback whale encounters to island adventures and year-round marine wildlife tours, every Vallarta Whales excursion is designed to offer a personal, educational, and responsible way to discover Banderas Bay.
Explore the natural side of Puerto Vallarta on a marine wildlife experience created for travelers who want to discover more than the city.
Discover one of the most recognizable natural destinations near Puerto Vallarta. The Marietas Islands experience
Not sure which experience is right for you?
Our team can help you compare the tours, check seasonal availability, and choose the best option for your group
More Than a Tour, A Meaningful Connection With the Ocean
At Vallarta Whales, we believe the most memorable wildlife experiences begin with understanding and respecting nature.
For more than three decades, we have shared the incredible marine life of Puerto Vallarta through small-group tours that combine adventure, education, and responsible ecotourism. Every excursion is designed to offer authentic encounters with humpback whales and other marine species while encouraging a deeper appreciation for the ecosystems that make Banderas Bay one of Mexico’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
Whether you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta for the first time or returning to experience whale season again, our goal is simple: to help you create unforgettable memories while discovering the ocean through the eyes of passionate marine professionals.


More Than a Tour, A Meaningful Connection With the Ocean
Every Vallarta Whales experience is inspired by the lifelong work of Oceanologist Isabel Cárdenas, one of Puerto Vallarta’s pioneers in marine wildlife education and responsible whale watching.
For more than 30 years, Isabel has participated in scientific research, environmental education, and conservation initiatives throughout Banderas Bay. Her passion for the ocean has helped thousands of visitors better understand humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and the remarkable biodiversity that makes this region unique.
Rather than simply observing wildlife, Isabel believes every encounter should become an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and protect the natural world.
Her commitment to conservation continues to shape every tour, creating experiences that are informative, respectful, and unforgettable for guests of all ages.
Small Groups
Enjoy a more personal experience with fewer passengers, better visibility, and more opportunities to interact with your guide.
Oceanologist-Led Experiences
Learn directly from professionals who understand the science, behavior, and conservation of marine wildlife.
Responsible Whale Watching
Every tour follows official wildlife observation guidelines designed to protect humpback whales and their natural behaviors.
Educational Adventures
Discover fascinating stories about whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and the unique ecosystems of Puerto Vallarta.
Local Knowledge
More than three decades exploring Banderas Bay means knowing where wildlife is most active and how to create meaningful encounters.
Passion for Conservation
Every tour supports environmental awareness through education, responsible tourism, and respect for nature.
Exprience the difference
Isabel has a strong sustainability commitment, all waste
generated during the tours has an appropriate final disposal.
Buying local and avoiding single use plastics

Every winter, the calm waters of Banderas Bay become one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations for humpback whale watching. These magnificent animals migrate thousands of miles to Puerto Vallarta to mate, give birth, and care for their calves in a safe and protected environment.
Watching a whale breach, hearing its song through a hydrophone, or witnessing the interaction between a mother and her calf is an experience that stays with you forever.
At Vallarta Whales, we believe whale watching is more than a tour—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, learn from marine experts, and experience one of the Pacific Ocean’s greatest natural events in a respectful and responsible way.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or exploring Mexico on your own, our whale watching tours are designed to create unforgettable memories while protecting the wildlife that makes Puerto Vallarta so special.
Protecting the Ocean Is Part of Every Tour
The ocean gives us unforgettable experiences, and we believe it’s our responsibility to help protect it.
Every Vallarta Whales tour follows responsible wildlife observation practices that respect the natural behavior of whales and other marine species. We promote environmental education, support sustainable tourism, reduce unnecessary waste, and encourage our guests to appreciate nature without disturbing it.
Our commitment goes beyond following regulations—it’s part of who we are.
By choosing Vallarta Whales, you’re supporting a company that believes conservation and tourism can work together to protect the incredible biodiversity of Banderas Bay for future generations.
Sustainable Practices
Environmental Education
Responsible Whale Watching
Respect for Marine Life
No use single-use plastics
Waste separation
EXCELLENT Based on 16 reviews Posted on Google Ricardo CarreteroTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely AWESOME!!! One of the best experiences I have had [and I have travelled extensively ! ;) ]. The whale-watching trip was truly amazing! It is worth pointing out that the tour guide Isabel is an marine biologist and knows her stuff really well. You will be guided/lectured by a professional who loves what she does The tours she offers are phenomenal! Also, nature helped quite a bit: we saw, separately, three mothers with their calves, and the calves were constantly playing and jumping! We saw a total of about a dozen whales (including large males jumping), almost a hundred dolphins (in 7 or 8 pods), sea turtles, various birds, and even flying fish! I had never seen flying fish in person before; they were fascinating. And, since Isabel is a nature lover, she also brings a hydrophone to listen to the singing males (males are the only ones that sing). At some point we stopped above a singing whale and we were able to hear the signing even without the hydrophone... an absolutely unreal experience. If you love nature, the tours offered by Isabel as an absolute must!Posted on Google Joseph RocheTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a great day we just had on this trip! Isabel is so knowledgeable, warm, friendly and attentive to her guests. We had beverages, nice lunch and friendly companions. The day was glorious, we saw 2 sets of mother whales with their offspring and more. We even had a whale come from under our boat and along the side! You could even see its barnacle’s! Highly recommend this 4 hour tour! 5 stars! Thank you Isabel! 🙏🏼❤️Posted on Google Ellen MorrisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best whale watching experience! I learned so much from Isabel about humpback whales and their behavior. We saw it all - whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and birds! Isabel was also incredible kind and welcoming to my toddler (age 2). He loved all of the snacks and sandwiches she brought on board and she had a small life vest just for him.Posted on Google Raúl CarrilloTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Experiencia increíble! Elegimos Vallartawhales por recomendación de un amigo, ya que son una empresa certificada y respetuosa con la fauna, y que cumple las normas y la legislación. Nos acompañó Isabel, una bióloga excelente, aprendimos muchísimo y vimos muchísimas ballenas, delfines y tortugas, respetando a los animales. Y además, con la simpatía y profesionalidad de Isabel y resto de la tripulación. 100% recomendable, la mejor opción en Vallarta!!! Amazing experience! We chose Vallartawhales as recommended by a friend. They respect animals and also the law, as they have all the permits for this activity. With Isabel, an excellent biologist, we learnt a lot, watched a lot of whales, dolphins & sea turtles, but also with the máximum respect and care to animals. Plus the sympathy and professionalism of the staff. 100% recomendable, the best option in Vallarta!!!Posted on Google Dru Wilson-GreggTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went on a whale watching tour with Vallarta Whale Watching in Dec/24 it was truly amazing! I highly recommend Marasol (oceanographer) and Niko (captain)..very knowledgeable and tons of fun! Thank you for the best experience i will never forget😊Posted on Google George FukushimaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic whale watching trip. We saw 10 humpbacks including a baby, and many dolphins. Iza the guide was so informative and pleasant and Alex the captain was stellar.Posted on Google Jessica DominguezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience. Highly recommend!!Posted on Google LA GALLEGA A taberna do portoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Agustín Suárez PelayoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Increíble experiencia. La profesionalidad, el servicio es inmejorable. Super recomendable.
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Office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm daily (Central Time).
322-135-9260
322-147-2529
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