Ultimate Whale Watching Experience All-Inclusive

If you’re headed to Puerto Vallarta and looking for an adventure that blends wildlife, water fun, and stunning scenery, the Ultimate Whale Watching Experience All-Inclusive from Chica Locca Tours might just be your ticket. This tour promises a full-day escape with everything included—meals, drinks, and a host of water-based activities—making it a convenient and lively way to explore the Marietas Islands plus the local marine life.

What we love about this tour is its comprehensive approach: it checks all the boxes for a fun and memorable day—beautiful scenery, whale sightings, and plenty of water toys. Plus, the fact that it offers transport from Sayulita makes it easy to join without fussing over logistics. But, like any adventure, there are small considerations, such as the possibility of choppy seas or the need for advance reservations for certain spots. This tour best suits active travelers, families, or groups who want a lively day out with plenty of options.

The best part? The price of $110 per person seems quite reasonable considering all that’s included. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck—good food, open bar, and varied water activities—making it a solid choice for those who value both convenience and variety.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Food, drinks, and water sports gear are included, so no surprise costs.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and other marine life, especially during whale season.
• Water Fun for Everyone: Snorkel, paddleboard, water slide, and water mattresses provide endless entertainment.
• Comfortable Transportation: Pickup and drop-off from Sayulita are included, simplifying logistics.
• Balanced Itinerary: Mixes relaxation on the beach, active water sports, wildlife viewing, and island exploration.
• Value for Money: At $110, considering the meals, drinks, and activities, this tour offers excellent value.

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

Meeting Point and Transportation

Starting with the logistics, the tour begins with pickup in Sayulita, which many travelers find convenient. The 35-minute shuttle to the Puerto Vallarta marina is comfortable and sets the tone for the day—relaxed and anticipation-building. As many reviews highlight, having transportation included is a real plus because it keeps things simple and saves you from coordinating multiple pickups.

Boarding and Breakfast

Once at the marina, you’ll board a well-equipped boat, often with a lively crew eager to get the fun started. The cruise kicks off with a continental breakfast—fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices—perfect for fueling up before a day on the water. It’s a small detail, but a thoughtful one that keeps guests energized and ready for the day ahead.

The Marietas Islands and Playa La Nopalera

Your first stop is Playa La Nopalera, where you’ll have free time to soak up the sun, swim, or just relax in this beautiful setting. The island’s reputation as a scenic and tranquil spot makes it a favorite among travelers. Several reviews mention how stunning the island is, with one noting, “the islands were stunning!” The shallow waters are perfect for wading and swimming, although some mention the need to swim to the beach, which could be tricky for less confident swimmers.

Water Activities Galore

After some downtime, your boat will move to a prime spot for snorkeling and swimming—gear and water toys are provided, including paddleboards, water mattresses, and water slides. Many guests comment on how well-equipped the boat is, with one reviewer stating, “the snorkeling and water toys were perfect.” The crew is attentive, helping with gear and safety, ensuring everyone gets a good experience.

This part of the tour offers the perfect mix of activity and relaxation. Whether you’re flipping down the water slide, paddling around, or floating on water mattresses, you’re bound to leave with a smile. The water is typically warm and inviting, especially during the season, making water play a highlight for families and adventure seekers alike.

Lunch, Drinks, and Snacks

The onboard lunch is a generous spread, often featuring fresh ceviche, guacamole with chips, and other local flavors. Many reviewers praise the quality, describing it as “great” and “delicious.” The open bar is a major perk—water, coffee, juices, sodas, beer, wine, tequilas, margaritas, and piña coladas are all included, making it easy to unwind and celebrate the day.

Snack options, like potato chips and fresh snacks, keep everyone fueled in between activities. The reviews frequently mention how smoothly the staff manages service, with many describing the drinks as “great” and the service as “attentive.”

Wildlife Watching and the Final Stop

As the day winds down, the boat cruises into Banderas Bay for whale watching—probably the tour’s biggest draw. The crew boasts extensive knowledge about whale seasons and conditions, aiming to maximize your chances of sightings. Guests often rave about whale encounters, with one reviewer stating, “we saw so many whales, and the staff was so attentive and nice.” Dolphins, turtles, and rays are also common sights, adding to the thrill.

Returning to Sayulita

After a full day of exploring, playing, eating, and wildlife watching, the boat heads back to the marina with memories made and plenty of photos snapped. Many reviews talk about the crew coordinating a taxi service for the return, which adds to the convenience.

The Value Proposition

At $110 per person, this tour offers considerable value. You’re getting an all-inclusive experience—meals, drinks, water sports, wildlife encounters, and transportation—wrapped into a manageable 3-hour cruise. The reviews confirm that many guests feel it’s worth every peso, especially since the activities and food surpass expectations.

Of course, the experience’s success depends on weather conditions, as some mention choppy seas affecting snorkeling or whale watching. It’s advisable to consider the season—whale sightings are most common during specific months—and to prepare accordingly with sun protection and appropriate clothing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a lively day out. It suits those eager to see whales and marine life while enjoying water-based fun and good food. If you’re someone who appreciates a well-organized tour with inclusive amenities, this will be a hit. It’s also perfect for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of planning multiple activities separately.

However, if you prefer a more tranquil or private experience, or if you’re sensitive to sea sickness, you might want to weigh the potential for choppy waters or crowded spaces. The tour is open to most travelers, but those with specific dietary restrictions should inform the company in advance—vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

The Sum Up

The Ultimate Whale Watching Experience All-Inclusive from Chica Locca Tours offers an excellent balance of wildlife encounters, water fun, and relaxing island time—all wrapped up in a well-organized package. The knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and plentiful food and drinks make it a very good value. Whether you’re eager to see whales, snorkel vibrant waters, or just unwind with a cocktail in hand, this tour delivers.

It’s best suited for active travelers and families who want a full day of adventure without the stress of planning. The inclusive nature and range of activities mean you can focus on fun and making memories, confident that everything is taken care of.

If you’re in Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita and want a taste of marine life, spectacular scenery, and water-based entertainment in one go, this tour checks all the boxes—and then some.

FAQs

Is transportation from Sayulita included? Yes, pickup and drop-off from Sayulita are provided, making it simple to join the tour without arranging your own transport.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including travel time, wildlife viewing, water activities, and meals.

What is included in the price? For $110, you get breakfast, lunch, snacks, an open bar (water, coffee, juices, sodas, beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, piña coladas), all water sports gear, and transportation.

Can I see whales during this tour? Yes, whale sightings, especially of humpback whales, are a highlight, particularly during peak season. The crew is experienced in whale-watching conditions.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated? Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if requested at booking.

What should I bring? Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, towels, and a sun shirt if desired—especially since sunscreen is not allowed at the national park to protect endemic birds.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, many reviews mention families and kids having a fantastic time. Just note that some water activities might require parental supervision or assistance.

This tour offers a lively, well-rounded day on the water, ideal for those looking for a hassle-free, fun-filled adventure in Puerto Vallarta.