ABCs of whale watching in Puerto Vallarta

Admiring up close the behavior of humpback whales, which in the winter season visit the warm waters of Banderas Bay, in Puerto Vallarta, is something not to be missed. The tours are carried out in small boats suitable for this activity and are guided by expert biologists who explain to visitors about the wonderful world of these enormous cetaceans.

Without a doubt, it is an exciting natural spectacle in the open sea that people should witness at least once in their lives. These mammals feed during the summer in polar regions, and then travel around 25 thousand kilometers through the oceans and seas of the world, until they reach the tropical waters of the coast of Jalisco, starting in December and until December. month of March.

Tourists may be surprised by the jumps made by these majestic animals, just a few meters away from the boats, without a doubt an impressive and emotional encounter.

Below are some tips to prepare a visit to Puerto Vallarta during whale watching season:

A SIGHTING

The best time for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is possibly during January and February; although the migration season generally includes the months of December to March.

There are different options of companies that offer specialized tours for whale watching such as Vallarta Adventures, Wildlife Connection, Eco Explorer Vallarta and Ecotours Vallarta. It is important to consider that these tours are morning, have an average duration of 3 hours and, in general, are recommended for people of all ages.

B OF WHALES

Encountering humpback whales on the high seas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every year, during the winter, these colossal marine mammals migrate from the icy polar areas in search of the warm refuge offered by the waters of Banderas Bay.

Many of them choose the seas of Puerto Vallarta to become mothers and begin to guide their offspring in the complexities of underwater life. Some others enjoy the elaborate courtship and mating rituals of the males. For four months, the Mexican Pacific becomes a fertile territory for aquatic activities. Tail-flipping, jumping, playing and flapping abound.

It is also fascinating to listen to their songs; those hypnotic sound sequences that whales emit in chorus and that sometimes last half an hour or more. Whale watching boats in Puerto Vallarta generally have specialized equipment that will allow you to hear them communicate with each other.

It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for this season and make sure it is a hotel room with a front sea view. Thus, from the balcony, you can see the whales jumping in the open sea; On full moon nights it can be an impressive spectacle.

C FOR CONSERVATION

Puerto Vallarta is one of the destinations with the greatest biodiversity in Mexico. Varied and numerous species of flora and fauna live on its beaches, rivers, mountains and, of course, the sea. Proximity to whales provides the unparalleled opportunity to get to know them and live with them, but it also entails great responsibility.

Hence the importance of choosing a certified company to book a whale watching tour, since they are the only ones that can guarantee your safety as a passenger and compliance with good navigation and observation practices during the season.

There are three basic rules for whale watching that everyone must follow:

Cause the least possible impact on the whales

Be patient

Watch whales only with boats or companies that have the relevant authorization

The four companies mentioned above meet these requirements. Its crew is generally headed by marine biologists, nature photographers and specialized guides who will gladly share their experience and knowledge.  

It is important to note that the rates for humpback whale watching tours include a donation that goes towards important conservation work and scientific research about these marine giants.