4 Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Mexico Worth Flying For

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 666 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $105Our pick

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. 🐋✨”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dolphin & Whale Watching in Puerto Escondido

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65Best value

Set out from Puerto Escondido at 7 am with Omar’s Sportfishing to search for wild dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, manta rays, and seabirds. Guides such as Alex, Johnny, Fernando, and Omar explain the marine life and coastline. Swimming or snorkeling may be possible, but jellyfish and sea conditions can change that.

“Absolutely wonderful experience! It was better than we hoped! We saw so many dolphins, even got to swim with them which was magical. We also saw many tortugas and manta rays.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $179

From La Ventana, you’ll spend about five hours in a panga searching for marine life with an English-speaking guide and no more than six people aboard. Expect mobula rays, dolphins, and whales when conditions are right. Orcas are possible but not daily. Snorkeling, lunch, fees, and taxes are included.

“The captain and tour guide very helpful and good at finding animals in the ocean!we can see humpback whales, sperm whale, dolphins, mobula rays…So much fun!”

Check availability →Read our full review