Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

If you’re heading to Puerto Vallarta and looking for a way to see some of the Pacific’s most impressive marine mammals, a whale watching cruise might just be your highlight. This tour, offered by Mike’s Fishing & Tours, has earned rave reviews and a perfect rating of 5.0 from hundreds of travelers. It promises not only the chance to see humpback whales breaching and tail-slapping in their natural habitat but also a comfortable, all-inclusive experience aboard a spacious catamaran.

We’re particularly drawn to how this tour combines exciting wildlife encounters with delicious food and drinks and a relaxed, luxurious setting. The onboard commentary is another plus, helping you understand what you’re witnessing in real time. That said, one thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or transportation, so you’ll need to plan your own way to the meeting point. But if you love boats, wildlife, and good food, this tour is likely to delight.

This experience is especially suited for travelers wanting a family-friendly adventure, couples seeking a romantic day, or anyone curious about marine life who appreciates comfort and a lively atmosphere. Now, let’s explore what you can expect in more detail.

Key Points

Highly Rated: With a perfect 5.0 rating from 347 reviews, this cruise consistently impresses guests.

All-Inclusive: Includes breakfast, a buffet lunch, and an open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, and more—great value for the price.

Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see multiple whale pods, breaching, tail-slapping, and possibly dolphins and sea turtles.

Luxurious Comfort: Spacious catamaran with shaded areas, panoramic views, clean facilities, and friendly crew.

Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable onboard guides offer entertaining and informative commentary.

Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours, with the ability to reschedule or get a full refund if weather cancels the trip.

An Introduction to the Experience

If you’re a fan of marine life or just looking for a memorable day on the water, this whale watching cruise offers a fantastic blend of adventure, relaxation, and good vibes. We love that it’s a luxurious tour—the spacious catamaran ensures plenty of room to spread out, whether you’re soaking up the sun or seeking shade. The onboard food and drinks make it feel more like a floating restaurant than a typical boat tour, which is a real bonus considering the high quality of the buffet and the open bar.

Two things we particularly like are the well-organized itinerary and the friendly, professional crew. Guests consistently mention how attentive and fun the staff are, making the trip more enjoyable. The whale sightings tend to be plentiful, with many reviewers noting sightings of mother and calf pods, breaching whales, and tail-flapping displays.

A potential consideration is that transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll want to arrive early to avoid any stress, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Puerto Vallarta. But overall, this tour suits those who want a relaxed, all-in-one experience—a memorable combination of wildlife, good food, drinks, and scenic views.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Itinerary and Marine Encounters

Your day begins at the designated meeting point at Puerto Magico, where you’ll check in and board a large, clean, and comfortable catamaran. With a maximum capacity of around 120 travelers, the boat never feels crowded, even during peak times. Once underway, the crew’s main goal is to find whales and other marine life, and their excellent spotting skills are often praised in reviews. Expect to see breaching humpbacks, tail flaps, and possibly playful dolphins.

Guests have reported seeing “so many whales,” with some reviews mentioning that whale sightings are frequent and spectacular, especially during mating season in January and February. The crew’s knowledge and friendly attitude are often highlighted; one reviewer appreciated the marine biologist onboard, adding an educational element to the fun.

Food, Drinks, and Comfort

The tour is packed with food and beverage options. You’ll start with a continental breakfast, which can be a simple but satisfying way to energize for the day. Later, a buffet-style lunch featuring chips, vegan ceviche, ham and cheese paninis, marlin burritas, and other tasty bites ensures there’s something for all. Reviewers frequently mention the good quality of the food, noting that it’s plentiful and well-prepared.

The all-you-can-drink bar is a major highlight, offering tequila, rum, cognac, vodka, and more. Guests often rave about how generous the drink service is, with the crew regularly topping up glasses and keeping the mood lively. Some mention that the loud music can be a bit much at times, but most find the lively atmosphere adds to the fun.

Views and Atmosphere

The panoramic views from the boat are stunning, with plenty of shaded spots for those who prefer to stay cool. The boat features upstairs viewing decks and shaded areas, making it easy to find the perfect spot to watch whales or soak up the sun. Guests report a relaxed, friendly vibe—the crew’s humor and attentive service help create a welcoming environment.

Authentic Experiences and Multiple Reviews

Beyond the basic features, this tour’s real charm lies in the authentic encounters with nature. As one reviewer said, “You don’t need to bring anything at all, except tips and the professional pictures,” which hints at how smoothly everything runs. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often sharing interesting facts about the whales and marine ecosystem.

Many guests appreciate the value for money—for just $99, they get a full day of wildlife viewing, delicious food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere. One guest mentioned that they saw more whales than ever in their life, emphasizing how plentiful and engaging the whale sightings can be.

Tips from Reviewers

• Get to the meeting point early, especially because the kiosk can be busy.
• Consider purchasing the professional photos taken onboard—they’re a fun souvenir.
• Be prepared for loud music if you prefer a quieter experience.
• If you’re a health-conscious eater, note that the buffet is diverse but may include waxed fruit, so plan accordingly if you prefer clean, fresh options.

The Value of This Tour

At $99 per person, this cruise offers a lot of bang for your buck. The combination of wildlife encounters, gourmet food, drinks, and a comfortable boat makes it a standout choice. Consider that many whale watching tours in other locations can be more expensive and less inclusive; here, you get unlimited drinks, breakfast, lunch, and expert guides all in one package.

Reviewers repeatedly mention how friendly and attentive the staff are, which enhances the overall value. Plus, the tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows for peace of mind, especially in unpredictable weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed yet engaging wildlife experience. If you love marine life, good food, and lively atmospheres, you’ll find this tour hits all those notes. It’s especially appealing during whale migration season, from November to April, when sightings are most frequent.

Those looking for a luxurious, well-organized day on the water will appreciate the spacious boat, panoramic views, and friendly crew. It also suits travelers who prefer all-inclusive experiences—no need to worry about extra costs or arrangements for food and drinks.

The Sum Up: Is This Whale Watching Tour Worth It?

In short, this tour from Mike’s Fishing & Tours delivers a fantastic value for those wanting a combination of wildlife, comfort, and good eats. The friendly guides, spectacular whale sightings, and delicious buffet make it a memorable day out. Plus, the flexible cancellation policy and high traveler ratings speak to its reliability.

If you’re seeking an informative, fun, and relaxed way to see whales in Puerto Vallarta while enjoying excellent food and drinks on a well-equipped boat, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s ideal for anyone who appreciates a laid-back, lively atmosphere and authentic marine encounters.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or transportation. Travelers are responsible for arriving at the designated meeting point at Puerto Magico on their own.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours, giving plenty of time for whale watching, eating, drinking, and relaxing.

What should I bring?
Since food and drinks are included, you probably don’t need to bring much. Just arrive early, bring sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a camera. If you prefer quieter music, consider bringing headphones or earplugs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. The tour is canceled by the provider only if weather conditions are poor.

What kinds of whales might I see?
The focus is on humpback whales, known for their spectacular breach and tail slaps. Sightings of mother and calf pods are common, and dolphins are also often seen.

Is the boat suitable for families or people with mobility issues?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, the boat’s size and facilities are not detailed here. It’s best to contact the provider for specific accessibility questions.

Are photographs available?
Yes, a professional photographer onboard takes pictures of guests. You can purchase these photos afterward as keepsakes.

In summary, this whale watching cruise offers a lively, well-organized day filled with breathtaking marine sights, tasty food, and friendly service. It caters to travelers seeking a blend of adventure and comfort, making it an experience worth considering during your Puerto Vallarta visit.