Puerto Vallarta: Whale Watching and Swimming With Dolphins

Puerto Vallarta’s stunning coastline and abundant marine life make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Those seeking an unforgettable adventure can embark on an exhilarating catamaran ride, where they’ll have the chance to spot majestic humpback whales during the winter months. But the experience doesn’t end there – visitors can also dive into the azure waters and swim alongside friendly dolphins, creating lasting memories. This captivating tour offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking scenery that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This 5.5-hour adventure in Puerto Vallarta offers both whale watching and a dolphin swimming experience, priced from $169.15 per person.
• The whale watching portion includes a catamaran ride with hydrophones to hear whale songs, and expert marine mammal guides to provide commentary.
• The dolphin swim experience allows for interactive encounters with dolphins in a shallow platform and deeper water, suitable for all ages and swimming abilities.
• There are some restrictions, including a minimum age of 5 years, prohibition of jewelry and sunscreen during the dolphin swim, and a $25 pesos conservation fee per person.
• The tour includes a deli-style buffet meal and open bar, and offers flexible booking and cancellation policies, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This excursion offers the opportunity to experience both whale watching and swimming with dolphins in the picturesque setting of Puerto Vallarta.

The 5.5-hour adventure is priced from $169.15 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available.

Participants can look forward to spotting humpback whales from December to March, enjoying a catamaran ride equipped with hydrophones to hear their songs, and interacting with dolphins at a local dolphinarium.

The experience includes a deli-style buffet meal and open bar on board, as well as professional photos during the dolphin swim.

Whale Watching Experience

From December to March, visitors can embark on a whale watching adventure in Puerto Vallarta. The experience features a catamaran ride equipped with hydrophones to hear the captivating songs of humpback whales.

Expert marine mammal guides provide insightful commentary, sharing their knowledge about these magnificent creatures. Guests can also indulge in a deli-style buffet meal and open bar while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

The tour promises an unforgettable encounter with nature’s gentle giants:

• Witness the awe-inspiring humpback whales in their natural habitat
• Listen to their mesmerizing songs through the onboard hydrophones
• Gain deeper understanding from the knowledgeable marine guides
• Enjoy a delicious meal and refreshments during the catamaran ride

Dolphin Swim Experience

The interactive dolphin swim experience at the on-site dolphinarium allows visitors to meet and play with these intelligent marine mammals.

Suitable for all ages and swimming abilities, the program starts with a chance to get acquainted with the dolphins on a shallow platform before moving into deeper water for a closer interaction.

Professional photos are available for purchase, though personal cameras are prohibited during the swim.

Participants must remove any jewelry and sunscreen before entering the water.

While this experience isn’t suitable for children under 4 or pregnant women, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with these captivating creatures.

Minimum Age and Restrictions

There are a few important age and health restrictions for this whale watching and dolphin swim experience. The minimum age requirement is 5 years, and it isn’t suitable for children under 4 or pregnant women.

Additionally:

• Participants must be able to swim and enter the water without assistance.
• Jewelry and sunscreen are prohibited during the dolphin swim to protect the animals.
• An extra $25 pesos conservation fee per person is required at check-in.
• Participants must arrive 45 minutes before departure for check-in.

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the participants and the marine life involved in the tour.

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Meeting Points and Locations

Depending on the booking option, meeting points for the whale watching and dolphin swim experience in Puerto Vallarta may vary.

Participants must bring both a credit card and cash, as souvenirs and gratuities for the guides and crew aren’t included in the package price.

While relaxation options like overwater hammocks and floating islands are available, the duration of the tour is 5.5 hours.

Travelers should plan to arrive 45 minutes before departure to complete check-in.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this activity offers flexibility and convenience for travelers visiting Puerto Vallarta.

Included Amenities and Services

The tour includes a catamaran ride equipped with hydrophones to allow participants to hear the beautiful whale songs.

This 5.5-hour experience also features:

• A deli-style buffet meal and open bar on board the catamaran
• Expert marine mammal guides who provide insights during the whale watching
• An interactive dolphin swim at a dolphinarium, suitable for all ages and swimming abilities
• Professional photos available for purchase during the dolphin swim (no personal cameras allowed)

The tour is priced from $169.15 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and a reserve now & pay later option.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

How does one go about booking this whale watching and dolphin swimming tour in Puerto Vallarta? The booking process is straightforward. Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, or opt for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Options	Price	Cancellation Policy
Adult (13+ years)	From $169.15	Free up to 24 hours
Child (5-12 years)	From $169.15	Free up to 24 hours
Infant (0-4 years)	Not Allowed	N/A

Additional fees include a $25 pesos conservation fee per person, and participants must check in 45 minutes before departure. Jewelry and sunscreen are prohibited during the dolphin swim.

Additional Fees and Expenses

Along With the tour price, there are a few other fees and expenses to consider:

• An additional $25 pesos per person conservation fee is required at check-in.

• Participants must bring a credit card and cash for souvenirs, gratuities, and any other incidentals.

• Certain items, like jewelry and sunscreen, are prohibited during the dolphin swim for safety reasons.

• While relaxation options like overwater hammocks and floating islands are available, these aren’t included in the tour price.

Factoring in these additional costs will help ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience on the whale watching and dolphin swimming excursion in Puerto Vallarta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should Participants Wear for the Tour?

Participants should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that can get wet, such as swimsuits, t-shirts, and shorts. They’ll also need to bring closed-toe water shoes or sandals. Bringing a towel, sunscreen, and a camera is recommended.

Are There Any Medical Restrictions for the Dolphin Swim?

The dolphin swim experience is not suitable for children under 4 or pregnant women. Participants must also avoid wearing jewelry and sunscreen during the swim to protect the dolphins.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks. The experience includes a deli-style buffet meal and open bar on the catamaran. Outside food and beverages aren’t allowed during the activity.

Is Transportation to the Meeting Point Included?

Transportation to the meeting point is not included. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the designated meeting location, which may vary based on the booking option selected.

Are There Any Storage Facilities Available for Personal Belongings?

The tour doesn’t mention any storage facilities for personal belongings. Participants will need to keep their belongings with them during the activities or leave valuables at their hotel.

Recap

Puerto Vallarta’s whale watching and dolphin swimming adventure offers an unforgettable experience. Guests can spot humpback whales, enjoy a delicious buffet, and swim with dolphins, all while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. This 5.5-hour catamaran tour is perfect for all ages, providing a memorable way to explore the beauty of Puerto Vallarta.

You can check if your dates are available here: