Luxury Travel: Private Whale Watching In Punta Mita

Whale watching is an experience unlike any other and should not be missed when visiting Mexico. You can spot them during their migration season and enjoy their majestic beauty, plus get up close to the action with expert tour guides who will make sure you don’t miss a thing during this incredible adventure.

Get all the important details about whale watching in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita below.

When Is the Best Time for Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta?

There is no way to determine precise dates for spotting whales, but if you plan your trip between mid-December and mid-March, you will have the best chances. Occasionally, the whales will migrate a few weeks earlier or a few weeks later.

Guided tours are provided during the winter time frame mentioned above and will provide you with the best view, plus opportunities to learn more about the whales from a Marine Mammals expert.

What Kind of Whales Can I See in Puerto Vallarta?

When you visit Puerto Vallarta or Punta Mita, you will most likely see humpback whales as they migrate to the Bay of Banderas, however, some orca whales are usually seen as well during the same season.

On rare occasions, Bryde’s whales have also been spotted, as well as numerous other types of marine life.

How Close Can I Get to the Whales During a Tour?

You can get up to 80 meters away from the whales, depending on the size of the boat you are in. There are also laws in place in Mexico to protect the whales by limiting the number of boats that get near them at once.

Only four boats are allowed to be within the 80-meter range and if another boat approaches, it is required to wait at least 240 meters away until one of the first boats leaves.

However, curious whales have been known to approach boats on occasion. If this happens, your captain will keep the boat in neutral and not move until the whale has put enough distance between you once again.

Where Do the Whales Migrate From?

Humpback whales do not live in Mexico year-round. They swim down the west coast of the United States from as far away as Canada and end up in the Bay of Banderas in as little as 40 days. After a few months, they head back through the Baja California region on their way home.

Why Do the Whales Migrate to Puerto Vallarta?

The shape of Banderas Bay creates the ideal environment and protection needed for baby calves to thrive during the beginning of their lives, so humpback whales migrate here to mate and to give birth.

Most of these babies are born between late December and late January, so if you are particularly interested in spotting baby whales with their mothers, plan to visit during February and early March.

Although the whales come here to mate and give birth, the whales that migrate to Puerto Vallarta are not looking for food. In fact, they don’t eat at all while they visit! They feed during the summer months while in the waters of the United States and Canada and store energy for the next time they swim south.

Can I Swim With the Whales?

No. You will not be able to get in the water while whale watching in Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta because these enormous creatures are protected by law.

Not only does this prohibit any activities which may endanger the whales, but also anything that might interfere with their regular behaviors. This means that you will not be able to swim, dive, fish, water ski, or anything else when near the whales.

However, there are opportunities in the area for swimming with dolphins, sea lions, and other tropical wildlife, as well as numerous incredible scuba diving locations.

What Other Animals Can I See in Banderas Bay?

Dolphins can often be found hanging around Banderas Bay and swimming alongside boats. You may spot bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins, and rough-toothed dolphins. If you spend time sailing, there is also a good chance you will see sea turtles and manta rays. On rare occasions, orca whales have also passed through.

Will I See Sharks in Puerto Vallarta?

There have not been any shark sightings in the area. You may see manta rays, which are technically part of the shark family, but they only eat tiny creatures like plankton.

Can Whales Be Spotted From Shore?

Absolutely! Though you won’t get the full effect of their massive and majestic forms like you would up-close, you can often spot tails sticking up out of the water, spouts of water coming from their blowholes, and even the whales themselves. If you see a cluster of boats together, there is a good chance they are looking at a whale.

Take a Private Punta Mita Whale Watching Tour

During the whale-watching season in Punta Mita, booking a private Whale Watching Tour is the best way to enjoy an in-depth experience with your family and friends, full of wow moments and interesting facts.

Our speed boats are equipped with hydrophones to hear the enchanting melodies of Humpback Whales. Living this breathtaking experience with our knowledgeable guides ensures that your group will leave not only with impressive photos but also with interesting facts and a newly found appreciation for this majestic species.

CASA KOKO

One of the newest luxury villas in Punta Mita, Casa Koko is the ideal retreat for wildlife lovers coming to Mexico for whale watching season.

From late December through early March, it is common to see humpback whales breaching from the water right in front of Casa Koko. We always have binoculars on hand, so don’t miss a bit. Just imagine the experience of having a delicious breakfast while enjoying this magnificent natural spectacle!

Perfect for groups between 10 and 22 guests, staying at Casa Koko with your closest family and friends means being pampered 24/7 by our professional staff and enjoying all of the amenities that Punta Mita has to offer.

‍