Whale Watching Experts
in Puerto Vallarta

For more than 30 years, our passion has been connecting people with the extraordinary marine life of Banderas Bay.

Led by Oceanologist and Certified Naturalist Guide Isabel Cárdenas, Vallarta Whales offers small-group experiences where wildlife encounters, education, and respect for the ocean come together.

30+ Years of Experience

Certified Naturalist Guide

Small-Group Experiences

Responsible Ecotourism

More Than 30 Years Exploring Banderas Bay

Vallarta Whales was created from a deep connection with the ocean and a belief that the best wildlife experiences should be exciting, educational, and respectful.

For more than three decades, our work in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay has been connected to marine research, environmental education, conservation, and responsible ecotourism.

Today, we bring that experience aboard every tour—helping our guests not only see the incredible wildlife of Banderas Bay, but understand and appreciate it

Small groups.
Personal attention.
Meaningful encounters with nature.

Meet Oceanologist Isabel Cárdenas

Oceanologist · Certified Naturalist Guide · Environmental Educator

Isabel Cárdenas has dedicated more than 30 years to studying, exploring, and sharing the natural environment of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.

Her experience includes participation in research, conservation, and environmental education projects, giving Vallarta Whales a perspective that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing.

Today, Isabel and her team share that knowledge with travelers through personal, educational, and responsible experiences on the bay.

Why Explore With Vallarta Whales?

Expert-Led Experiences

Explore Banderas Bay with knowledgeable naturalist guides who understand its wildlife and ecosystems.

Small Groups

Fewer guests allow for more personal attention, better interaction with your guide, and a more comfortable experience.

Responsible Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife always comes first. Our tours are designed around respectful observation and responsible navigation.

Local Knowledge

More than 30 years of experience in Puerto Vallarta gives us a deep understanding of Banderas Bay and its marine environment.

Discover Banderas Bay With Us

Choose the experience that fits your trip.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 16 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Ricardo Carretero 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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 Roche 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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 Morris 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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 Carrillo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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-Gregg 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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 Fukushima 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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 Dominguez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience. Highly recommend!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   LA GALLEGA A taberna do porto 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Agustín Suárez Pelayo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Increíble experiencia. La profesionalidad, el servicio es inmejorable. Super recomendable.