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Recommended Whale Watching Tour Companies
The Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Forum does not book whale watching tours directly. However, we do maintain a listing that contains only those tour companies that conduct whale watching only tours and participate in cooperative scientific research and whale fluke identification on Banderas Bay and operate within the official whale watching regulations of the Mexican government.
It’s important to note that the tour companies that we recommend are all run by working scientists and all of the money paid for the tour goes directly to supporting Humpback whale research here in Puerto Vallarta. While on board the tours listed below, you’ll get to help survey for whales and observe the science taking place onboard your boat knowing that your monetary contribution is helping to make huge strides in the survival of these magnificent creatures!
These are not paid listings and we receive no compensation from the companies that we recommend.
- Ocean Friendly Whale Watching Adventures
Web Site: www.oceanfriendly.com
E-mail: ofrey@oceanfriendly.com
Reservations & Information: (322) 225-3774/Cell: 044-322-294-0385
Approved Vessel(s): Delfines Gemelos I & II
Rating: *****
 Additional Notes: Ocean Friendly Tours offers daily and customized trips to view the whales and dolphins that make their home in the Bay of Banderas. This is far and away our favorite whale watching company in Puerto Vallarta and believe it to be one of the most responsible tour operators in all of Puerto Vallarta. Ocean Friendly offers an onboard lunch and onboard restroom facilities.
The ENTIRE trip is spent whale watching. Ocean Friendly Tours is definitely the “purist’s choice” when it comes to whale watching. The best part is that they limit their tours to 12 passengers and because of the design of the boat you have much more freedom to move around the boat and experience the whales up close and get the best photographs possible. Private charters are available for groups of all sizes.
The guide, Oscar Frey, is a professional oceanographer who has been conducting tours on the bay for more than 10 years. His knowledge and passion of the Humpback whales are unsurpassed. The 27 foot Delfines Gemelos (Twin Dolphins) and its smaller sister are fast vessels with space enough for people to move freely around the deck to get the best possible views and photographs of the whales. The larger of the Delfines Gemelos also offers and onboard toilet. Groups of less than 8 in total will usually travel on a smaller vessel, so inquire when making your booking. Ocean Friendly Tours participates in the Humpback Whale Research Program and the Fluke Identification Catalog (FIBB) and operates within the Federal Mexican Whale Watching Laws.
CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS: Ocean Friendly also offers special departure time for those arriving by sea. Check this booking page for more information.
SPECIAL NOTE: Be sure to inquire about private charters for your group and/or special occasion. If your a bird enthusiast, ask about the trips to the Tres Marietas Islands to see the bird nesting and breeding sanctuary. This trip is combined with whale watching. In the off season Ocean Friendly Tours provides an incredible dolphin adventure. Ask for information when you contact them.
- Whalecome to Vallarta
Web Site: www.vallartawhales.com
E-mail: info@vallartawhales.com
Reservations & Information: (322) 224-5240 / 044-322-135-9260
Approved Vessel(s): TBA
Rating: ****
Additional Notes: Whalecome to Vallarta is fully licensed and very reliable. The company is owned and operated by an oceanographer with over 14 years of experience in whale watching practices. The guide is certified by the federal tourism authorities of Mexico. They have enthusiastic, multi-lingual guides and a great respect for the Humpback whales of Banderas Bay. They limit their excursions to 12 people per trip and provide snacks and drinks on board. Lunch is not served on board, but if you take the morning tour, you’ll be back in time for lunch on shore. This tour company operates within the Federal Mexican Whale Watching Laws pertaining to whale watching on Banderas Bay. Open Air Expedition participates in the Humpback Whale Research Program and the Whale Fluke Identification Calog program. They also offer educational tours for student groups and private groups of all sizes.
- Ecotours de México
Web Site: www.ecotoursvallarta.com
E-mail: info@ecotoursvallarta.com
Reservations & Information:
El Centro & South Side: (322) 222-6606 or (322) 223-3130
Marina Vallarta: (322) 209-2195
Approved Vessel(s): Prince of Whales
Rating: ****
 Additional Notes: Ecotours de Mexico has been running whale watching tours in Banderas Bay since 1992, so 17 years of experience back them up. During their half day tour expert biologists will lead you through the marvelous humpback world in their specially designed boat for whale watching that fits up to 12 passengers. Before launching in this adventure the guides will give you a professional lecture about these magnificent creatures. Once in the ocean, they explain you about humpbacks´ behavior, while you observe them in their natural environment. You’ll also be able to listen to their intriguing songs and to participate in the whale fluke identification project. Astrid Frisch (co-owner of Ecotours) is the head researcher of the Banderas Bay and Nayarit Coast Photoidentification Project. If you like personal and professional attention and want to learn and enjoy the world of the humpbacks this is the tour for you!! They have two departures daily, from their shop at Marina Vallarta. They also offer a sunset whale watching tour. Ask for details when you call. This tour company operates within the Federal Mexican Whale Watching Laws as they pertain to whale watching on Banderas Bay. Visit their website to learn more about the other types of tours that they offer.
Want to have you company listed here?
If you’d like to have your whale watching tour company listed on this page, please contact us at: info@puertovallartawhalewatching.org. There is no charge for listing, but, your tour company and/or vessel, must participate in cooperative whale research (i.e. the Fluke Identification of Banderas Bay catalog) with other authorized area operators, you must operate your tours within the official whale watching regulations, you must appear on the Official Approved Vessel Listing and you must agree to provide a link from your web site back to ours.
If you are not a whale watching tour operator, check out our Link To Us page for specific instructions about how to link to The Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Forum. If you have any questions about linking, just drop us an e-mail.
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