Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Tours
#3 in Best Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta
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Spotting a humpback whale as it crests the surface of the ocean is an awe-inspiring sight, and Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places to do just that. Keep in mind that prime whale-watching season runs from early December to late February or early March, when humpback whales congregate in the warm waters of Puerto Vallarta's Banderas Bay to have their babies. And although you can bring your binoculars and look for whales from the shore – try the Malecon – your best chance for seeing them up close is aboard a tour operator's boat.
Wildlife Connection is a traveler-recommended operator, offering half-day whale- and dolphin-watching tours, starting at $72 for adults and $48 for kids (if booked online). Along with a bilingual guide, Wildlife Connection also serves their guests bottled water and lunch. Ocean Friendly Whale Watching Tours also receives a lot of praise for its knowledgeable tour guides, who also moonlight as marine scientists. Recent travelers said they had such a good experience that they plan on returning soon. It offers half-day tours, starting at $139 for adults and $129 for kids.
More Best Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta
#1 Los Arcos and El Malecón
Stretching for more than a mile along Bahía de Banderas (Banderas Bay), El Malecón is a great place to stroll any time of day, but especially in the evenings. Along the way, visitors will see everything from sand sculptures and bronze sculptures to the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. El Malecón is also home to the Los Arcos Amphitheater, another iconic symbol of Puerto Vallarta that plays hosts to free performances, featuring live musicians and traditional Mexican dance troupes, just about every night.
Recent travelers recommend grabbing a bite along the way at one of the street vendors and enjoying the ambiance of the night. If you can time it right, they also suggested visiting at sunset to snap some spectacular photos. Though many reviewers called it a "must-see," some were annoyed with the pushy vendors that line the boardwalk, saying it detracted from the romantic atmosphere.
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