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Bahía Azul Charters
  • Humpback whale slapping its tail off the hills of Puerto Vallarta
  • Humpback whale breaching out of the water
  • A humpback whale's head surfacing in Banderas Bay
  • Pangas with sunshades by the Boca de Tomatlán pier, surrounded by jungle
  • Pangas with sunshades cruising in turquoise water, a palm tree in front
  • Los Arcos of Mismaloya with the mountains behind
  • Pangas in the Boca de Tomatlán estuary at dusk
  • A boat's blue bow cutting through the open sea

Humpback whales

  • Muelle de Playa Los Muertos
  • Marina Vallarta, muelle principal
Share
  • Duration3 h
  • Group sizeUp to 8 guests
  • BoatPelícano Chato
  • Trip typeShared

About this trip

We head out by panga with a naturalist guide to find humpback whales. We keep at least 60 m away and watch for 30 minutes at most, per NOM-131, with a hydrophone to hear their song.

Your day on board

Times for the 8:00 AM departure. Pick another time and they shift with it.

  1. We leave from the Los Muertos pier

  2. Looking for whales with our naturalist guide

  3. Listening to their song on the hydrophone

  4. Heading back to shore

  5. Back at the pier

What the trip includes

Included

  • Captain and naturalist guide
  • Hydrophone
  • Life jacket
  • Water and fruit

Not included

  • Dock fee
  • Tips

What to bring

  • Light sweater
  • Hat
  • Motion-sickness pill

The boat

Pangas with sunshades by the Boca de Tomatlán pier, surrounded by jungle

Pelícano Chato

26 ft, room for 8 guests

Panga with sun canopy, four-stroke engine and a hydrophone to hear whales. No restroom.

Available extras

You can add them when you book.

  • Onboard photographerMX$2,800 each

Policies

Cancellation policy

Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund of your deposit. Under 48 hours, the deposit is non-refundable.

Weather

If the captain or the Port Authority cancels for weather or a port closure, you pick a new date at no cost or get a 100% refund.

Paying the balance

The balance is paid on the day, before departure, in cash or by bank transfer.

Safety and permits

Our boats meet Port Authority (Capitanía de Puerto) requirements and every trip carries passenger liability insurance. Our captains hold current certification. On board: adult and child life jackets, a first-aid kit and a VHF radio. At the Marietas and around whales we follow CONANP rules and NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010.

Provided by the operator.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Marietas wristband included?

No. It's paid in cash on the day, about MXN 220 per person at the current CONANP rate.

Can we visit Hidden Beach?

With the add-on, Wednesday to Sunday, ages 10–65. It depends on the park's daily cap and the tide: you swim about 120 m with a life jacket and helmet.

What if the weather is bad?

The captain decides. You pick a new date at no cost or get a full refund.

What if a shared tour doesn't fill up?

Each shared tour needs a minimum number of guests. If it isn't reached, we let you know at least 48 hours before, and you choose a new date or a full refund.

When is whale season?

December 8 to March 23, per the official season notice.

Are kids welcome?

Yes, we carry kids' life jackets. They pay the same rate as adults.

Is there a restroom on board?

On the sailboat and the catamaran, yes; on the panga, no.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

On private trips, yes: no glass and no single-use plastics.

How much should I tip?

10–20% for the crew is customary, in cash.

When should I get to the dock?

30 minutes early, with cash for the dock fee. We send the exact pin the day before.

Departure points

You choose the point when booking. If it has a cost, it’s added to your total.

Pick a date