Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta: Get Ready for An Amazing Outdoor Experience! Every winter, Puerto Vallarta welcomes some very special visitors: humpback whales. The air in the Mexican Pacific turns cooler at this time of year, and the whales come to enjoy the warmer waters.
According to fishermen, the first jump signals the official start of the season. Picture this: you’re out on the ocean, surrounded by the vast silence and endless horizon, when out of nowhere, a massive 40-ton beast emerges right in front of you. The sight is unforgettable: an ancient dance that connects humans with nature.
The 2025-2026 humpback whale-watching season in Puerto Vallarta is set to kick off in December. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy one of the most exciting experiences on the Mexican Pacific coast.
An Unforgettable Outdoor Adventure
There is an extra reason to choose Puerto Vallarta if you are planning a trip to the Mexican Pacific coast: the season for watching humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) is about to begin, and it’s sure to be a truly magical experience.
Every year, these majestic creatures migrate from their feeding grounds in cold waters to the warm waters of Banderas Bay, which encompasses Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings.
The 2025-2026 humpback whale-watching season is set to kick off on December 8 and will continue through the end of March, with some excursions possibly extending into April. The optimal months for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta are January and February, when the likelihood of activity is at its peak. During these months, you can expect to see more playful behavior, jumping, and surface activity.
If you are planning a humpback whale watching tour in Puerto Vallarta, consider the following:
Book in advance to ensure availability. Tours tend to reach capacity quickly during high season.
Rise and shine early. The sea can be calmer in the morning, which is a good reason to leave early.
Ensure you have a camera with a good zoom lens or binoculars so you do not miss any of the spectacular jumps.
When booking, confirm that the tour operator of your choice is authorized for whale watching, follows good navigation practices, has specialized guides or marine biologists, and offers preferred morning schedules.
Adrenaline and Excitement on the High Seas
After you have made your tour reservation, prepare for an unforgettable journey packed with exhilarating experiences. The experience of going on a humpback whale-watching tour in Puerto Vallarta can be summed up as follows:
You navigate Banderas Bay, keeping an eye out for any signs: air currents lift them up, tails rise, and they leap off without warning.
The guides typically provide explanations of the whales’ behavior, including courtship, calving, and the positions of their tails while diving.
You can even go on some boats that have hydrophones, which allow you to hear the song of humpback whales underwater.
Even though the tour operator has mapped out common sighting areas, the whales are the ones who ultimately decide on the route. The presence of these creatures is sometimes apparent when they approach the boat, and at other times, they are seen in the distance.
Here are Some Extra Tips
Arrive early, preferably wearing light clothing, and remember to bring a jacket for cool mornings out at sea.
Remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, and non-slip shoes. Patience and respect are key when observing humpback whales. This eco-friendly activity is all about fostering a connection with nature.
Local Preservation Initiatives
Humpback whale watching is a recreational, educational, and above all, extremely enjoyable outdoor activity. It also supports important conservation efforts in Puerto Vallarta and the region.
A good example of this is the work of Ecología y Conservación de Ballenas, AC (Ecobac.) This is a non-profit organization that focuses on research, environmental education, and sustainable ecotourism. It is dedicated to the humpback whales of Banderas Bay and other areas of the Mexican Pacific.
Among its activities are:
Whale cataloging by identifying them through their unique tail patterns. Advocating for conscientious boating habits, as exemplified by the “Less speed = more lives” initiative. RABEN (the Entangled Whale Assistance Network) is responsible for the rescue of humpback whales and other cetaceans that become entangled in fishing nets.
When you book with a responsible tour operator, a portion of the fee you pay usually goes to these conservation programs. This dual dimension of protection and entertainment contributes to much more responsible tourism.
The humpback whale migration is an incredible natural phenomenon that can be observed during the humpback whale-watching season in Puerto Vallarta. Keep in mind that the 2025-2026 season is set to begin in December of this year and will extend through March or April of 2026.
To ensure an unforgettable experience, we recommend booking your preferred tour well in advance. We recommend that you choose certified operators such as Vallarta Adventures or Ecotours Vallarta. These companies work in partnership with Ecobac and RABEN, which are local non-profit organizations dedicated to the conservation and rescue of entangled whales.
We invite you to enjoy your next whale-watching experience in Puerto Vallarta in a responsible and conscious manner!
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