Puerto Vallarta: Dolphin Watching Cruise With a Biologist

Discovering the wonders of the marine world is an exciting prospect for nature enthusiasts visiting Puerto Vallarta. This captivating dolphin watching cruise led by a knowledgeable biologist offers an intimate and informative experience. Venture out to Banderas Bay, where you’ll have the chance to observe playful dolphins in their natural habitat for up to two hours. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – explore the stunning Los Arcos marine life through snorkeling and enjoy a delightful breakfast throughout the four-hour excursion. With limited capacity and hotel transfers provided, this exclusive tour promises an unforgettable encounter with the ocean’s charismatic residents.

Key Points

• This 4-hour excursion led by a marine biologist offers a dolphin watching cruise and snorkeling experience in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 10 participants, available in English and Spanish, and includes breakfast, snacks, and soft drinks.
• Participants will receive an informative talk on dolphin biology, a 45-minute speedboat ride, 2 hours of dolphin watching, and 45 minutes of snorkeling at Los Arcos.
• The tour has age, health, and swimming requirements, and pregnant women, individuals with back issues, non-swimmers, and those over 250 lbs are excluded.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reschedule due to inclement weather.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The dolphin watching cruise in Puerto Vallarta offers visitors an opportunity to embark on a 4-hour excursion led by a knowledgeable marine biologist.

Priced from £75.22 per person, this activity accommodates a maximum of 10 participants and is available in English and Spanish.

The tour begins with an informative talk on dolphin biology and ecology, followed by a 45-minute speedboat ride to Banderas Bay for 2 hours of dolphin watching.

Snorkeling in Los Arcos National Marine Park is also included.

The cruise provides breakfast, granola bars, soft drinks, and hotel transfers, though alcoholic beverages and gratuities are excluded.

Itinerary and Activities

What does the dolphin watching cruise itinerary entail? The tour begins with an informative talk on dolphin biology and ecology led by a marine biologist.

Participants then embark on a 45-minute speedboat ride to Banderas Bay for 2 hours of dolphin watching.

Next, the group explores the Los Arcos National Marine Park through a 45-minute snorkeling session.

Finally, the cruise concludes with a 30-minute return speedboat ride.

The main activities include:

1. Dolphin watching
2. Wildlife viewing
3. Snorkeling

These engaging experiences provide an opportunity to learn about and observe the marine life in Puerto Vallarta‘s natural environment.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a 4-hour boat cruise, a biologist guide, breakfast and a granola bar, soft drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the boarding fees of 50 pesos. However, alcoholic drinks and gratuities are not included.

Inclusions	Exclusions
4-hour boat cruise	Alcoholic drinks
Biologist guide	Gratuities
Breakfast and granola bar
Soft drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Boarding fees (50 pesos)

This comprehensive tour package ensures a memorable dolphin watching experience in Puerto Vallarta.

Safety and Restrictions

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, there are certain restrictions for this dolphin watching cruise.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old, pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility impairments, non-swimmers, individuals over 250 lbs (113 kg), and those with recent surgeries.

All participants must be able to swim independently and comfortably enter and exit the motorboat.

The reasons for these restrictions are to prioritize safety and accommodate the physical demands of the activities. Specifically, the snorkeling portion requires a certain level of fitness and water confidence.

Following these guidelines will help make the tour an unforgettable and worry-free adventure.

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Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund, providing flexibility for customers’ plans. This policy ensures guests can make last-minute changes without penalty.

Plus, the tour operator offers a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, which lets customers secure their spot upfront without an immediate payment. This further accommodates traveler needs and budgets.

Should inclement weather force a rescheduling, the tour will be moved to another date at no extra cost. With these hassle-free policies, guests can book the Puerto Vallarta dolphin watching cruise with confidence, knowing their investment is protected.

Recommended Items to Bring

Guests embarking on the Puerto Vallarta dolphin watching cruise should pack a few essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Swimwear is a must, as the tour includes a snorkeling activity at Los Arcos National Marine Park. Towels are also recommended to dry off after the water-based portions of the tour.

Plus, bringing biodegradable sunscreen is advised to protect against the sun’s rays during the 4-hour cruise.

Other useful items include cash for any optional purchases and a camera to capture memories of the dolphin sightings and scenic coastal views.

Customer Reviews

Customers who’ve experienced the Puerto Vallarta dolphin watching cruise have overwhelmingly positive reviews.

The 5/5 rating based on a single review speaks volumes about the exceptional quality of this tour. Participants rave about the knowledgeable marine biologist guide, the up-close encounters with playful dolphins, and the serene snorkeling experience at Los Arcos National Marine Park.

Many highlight the tour’s perfect balance of educational insights and adventurous activities. Travelers also appreciate the convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service, as well as the included breakfast and refreshments.

Getting to the Meeting Point

The Puerto Vallarta dolphin watching cruise departs from the Ecotours de México office located within the Marina Vallarta.

Participants can easily reach the meeting point by following these three steps:

1. Take a taxi or Uber to the Marina Vallarta area, which is about a 15-minute drive from the main hotel districts.
2. Look for the Ecotours de México office, which is situated right along the marina’s pedestrian walkway.
3. Check in at the office 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to complete any necessary paperwork and boarding procedures.

Once checked in, the biologist guide will lead the group to the nearby boat launch to begin the exciting dolphin watching adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Cruise?

According to the tour information, pets are not allowed on the dolphin watching cruise. The tour is limited to 10 participants and is not suitable for children under 4 or individuals with certain health conditions.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participation?

The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old. All participants must be able to swim independently and comfortably enter and exit the motorboat. There’s no age minimum specified, but young children are not recommended.

What if I Have a Food Allergy or Dietary Restriction?

Participants with food allergies or dietary restrictions should notify the tour operator in advance. They’ll accommodate any special dietary needs, providing alternative meal options to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Are Underwater Cameras Allowed During the Snorkeling Portion?

Underwater cameras are allowed during the snorkeling portion of the tour. However, participants should be careful not to disrupt the marine life or disturb the dolphins and other wildlife. The tour company encourages responsible photography.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Cruise at an Additional Cost?

Yes, customers can extend the duration of the cruise for an additional cost. The tour operator offers the flexibility to customize the experience based on the group’s preferences and availability.

Recap

This captivating dolphin watching cruise in Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat. Guided by a knowledgeable marine biologist, the intimate excursion includes informative talks, a thrilling speedboat ride, and ample time to witness the playful dolphins. With convenient hotel transfers and a range of included amenities, this tour provides an immersive and hassle-free experience for marine life enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: