Distance and time
The vessel keeps the distance the rules require and limits the time spent with each group of whales. If a whale approaches on its own, the captain keeps the vessel calm and does not follow it.
Whale season · Banderas Bay
Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta
Humpback whales visit Banderas Bay roughly from December to March. On a private yacht you head out with just your group, at your own pace, and the captain watches the whales under Mexico's federal approach rules.
01The season
Roughly December to March
Every winter, North Pacific humpback whales leave their cold-water feeding grounds and travel to warmer waters such as Banderas Bay.
Here they mate, give birth and nurse their calves before heading north again. The exact dates shift from year to year, which is why we speak of an approximate season from December to March. Outside those months sightings are unlikely, but the bay still offers snorkeling, beaches and sunsets.
- Approximate season
- Dec–Mar
- Species
- Humpback
- States sharing the bay
- 2
- Departure points
- 3
02What to expect
What you might see from the deck
No two sightings are alike. These are some of the behaviors people watch for during the season.
- Blows: the cloud of vapor a whale exhales is often the first sign that one is nearby.
- Breaches: the whale launches almost entirely out of the water and lands on its side with a huge splash.
- Fin and tail slaps: whales smack the surface with their long pectoral fins or their tail.
- Mothers and calves: calves are born in these warm waters and swim close beside their mothers.
- Other wildlife: dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays or seabirds sometimes show up too.
Nobody can promise a sighting: it depends on nature, the weather and how the animals behave that day.
03Responsible viewing
Rules for watching with respect
In Mexico, whale watching is regulated by federal rules that set, among other things, how close boats may get and how long they may stay. The captain follows them on every outing.
No swimming with whales
The rules do not allow swimming, diving or snorkeling with whales, or touching or feeding them. Snorkeling is saved for other stops, such as Los Arcos.
Taking turns
When several boats gather near the same group of whales, the rules limit how many may watch at once. The captain waits for a turn or looks for another group.
Regulations can change from one season to the next. The captain follows the rules in force and has the final say on anything related to safety.
04The vessel
Choosing a yacht for whale watching
What matters most is a high vantage point, a steady deck and enough room for your group.
- A flybridge gives you a higher lookout. The Bayliner 43 and the Azimut 46 Fly both have flybridges with panoramic views.
- Catamarans have wide, stable decks that are comfortable for families and groups.
- Whales move all around the bay, so departing from Nuevo Vallarta or La Cruz de Huanacaxtle works too.
Flybridge motor yacht
Bayliner 43
- Guests
- Up to 12 guests
- Length
- 43 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Drinks & snacks
Flybridge motor yacht
Azimut 46 Fly
- Guests
- Up to 15 guests
- Length
- 46 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Drinks & snacks
Classic flybridge yacht
Hatteras 58
- Guests
- Up to 20 guests
- Length
- 58 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Open bar & food
Sailing catamaran
Lagoon 45
- Guests
- Up to 25 guests
- Length
- 45 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Drinks & snacks
Sailing catamaran
Leopard 44
- Guests
- Up to 15 guests
- Length
- 44 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Drinks & snacks
Flybridge motor yacht
Sea Ray 55 (Riviera Nayarit)
- Guests
- Up to 15 guests
- Length
- 55 ft
- Departs
- La Cruz de Huanacaxtle or Nuevo Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Drinks & snacks
05Tips
Make the most of your outing
Pack the basics
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light layer for the breeze. If you get seasick easily, talk to your doctor before you go.
Keep your camera handy
A breach is over in an instant. A fully charged phone, a waterproof case and, if you have them, binoculars all help.
Combine plans
Pair whale watching with snorkeling at Los Arcos, a south-shore beach or the sunset, so the day is a good one even if the whales stay out of sight.
Experiences at seaCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
When is whale season in Puerto Vallarta?
Roughly December to March. During those months humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to mate and raise their calves. The exact dates change every year, so it is worth checking your date with us; outside the season, sightings are unlikely.
Will we definitely see whales?
No, nobody can promise a sighting. Whales are wild animals, and whether they appear depends on nature, the weather and sea conditions. That is why it makes sense to pair the outing with snorkeling, a beach stop or the sunset, so you enjoy the day either way.
How close can you get to the whales?
As close as Mexico's federal rules allow; they set the distance and viewing time for boats, and the captain respects them at all times. Sometimes a whale approaches on its own, and when that happens the vessel stays calm and does not follow it.
Can you swim with the whales?
No. The whale-watching rules do not allow swimming, diving or snorkeling with whales, or touching or feeding them. If you want to get in the water, the captain can take you to another stop, such as Los Arcos, where snorkeling follows its own rules.
Which yacht is right for whale watching?
One with a flybridge for a higher view, or a catamaran for its wide, stable deck. Your group size and departure point matter too. The Bayliner 43 or one of our catamarans are good options, and we can help you choose for your date.
Can I see whales departing from Nuevo Vallarta or La Cruz?
Yes. Whales move throughout the bay, on both the Jalisco and the Nayarit side, and vessels depart from Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The captain decides where to head based on conditions on the day.
What should I bring on a whale-watching trip?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light layer for the breeze and a camera or charged phone. Snorkeling gear is already included on every vessel. If you get seasick easily, talk to your doctor before the outing.
Have a date in mind?
Tell us how many people are coming and what you would like to do on the water. We check which vessels are available and send their details in writing.
Just have a question? Use the contact page — no booking needed. Contact