The 4 Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Watching Tours That Are Worth the Early Start

1.Watch and Swim with Dolphins in the Wild

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 668 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $105Our pick

From Marina Vallarta, you travel by boat with a biologist guide such as Camilla, Gema, or Maru, using a hydrophone to locate wild dolphins by sound. You may swim with them in small groups, watch whales, turtles, and rays, and learn about marine research. The animals decide how close they come, so patience matters.

“We saw pods of dolphins including baby dolphins! We also got the chance to swim so close to a pod of juvenile dolphins literally the coolest experience.”

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2.Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 666 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $105Top rated

Spend about four hours on a small covered boat with a cetacean biologist such as Jemma or Camilla and a skilled captain. Watch humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and giant mantas, hear whale songs through a hydrophone, and help with ongoing research. The tour leaves from Opequimar Centro Marino in Marina Vallarta and carries up to 20 people.

“We went all the way to the Marietas Islands and saw five male whales and one female — truly magical. Jema was warm, knowledgeable, and clearly loves what she does. Captain Jorge was excellent, getting us right to the action with a smooth ride. Whales everywhere, great crew, and yes… surprisingly good sandwiches. Book it. You won’t regret it. 🐋✨”

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3.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $78Best value

Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s bay and nearby waters for humpback whales and dolphins aboard a bilingual, all-inclusive boat trip. You’ll get breakfast, a croissant or sandwich lunch, an open bar, and commentary from a marine biologist. Expect about four and a half hours on the schedule, though actual time on the water can vary.

“Whale watching is always iffy. We did see whales. One popped up right next to the boat. The guide who narrated was extremely knowledgeable and spoke very good english. He was also very helpful with the little hiccup. We had gone to the travel company office, got a boarding pass but the lady didn't say anything about paying port fees (cash only btw). We got to security only to find out we were supposed to pay a port fee. The same guy who narrated walked us back to the travel company office, sorted that out, walked us all the way back and helped us cut the security line since our…”

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4.Wild Dolphin Encounter & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 147 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Set out from Marina Vallarta with a biologist guide such as Maggie, Michael, or Margarita to look for wild dolphins in the Pacific. You may enter the water near a pod, then snorkel at Los Arcos de Mismaloya. The four-hour trip includes equipment, drinks, a simple lunch, and a maximum of 10 people.

“We saw lots of whales too. Lunch amonst the diving pelicans was also ann andded bonus. Micheal and Raphael were excellent guides.”

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