Every winter, more than 800 humpback whales travel thousands of miles from Alaska to mate and give birth in the warm waters of Banderas Bay. It's one of the most impressive natural spectacles on the Mexican Pacific, and Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places to witness it.
When is the season?
The official season in Mexico runs December 8 to March 23, regulated by SEMARNAT (Mexico's environmental agency). During these months the whales stay in the bay to reproduce, give birth, and nurse their calves before heading back north.
- December and January: arrivals, courtship, and mating. Lots of male breaching.
- February: the most active month. Births and competing males.
- March: mothers teaching calves before the trip back.
Why do they come?
Banderas Bay offers warm (75-80°F / 24-27°C), shallow, protected water — ideal conditions for newborn calves, who are born without a layer of blubber, to survive their first weeks.
Best tours
Vallarta has dozens of operators. The ones we recommend for safety, certified guides, and SEMARNAT protocol respect:
- Ecotours de México — pioneers in responsible tourism, biologist guides.
- Vallarta Adventures — larger boats, family-friendly.
- Wildlife Connection — small groups, educational focus.
- Ocean Friendly Tours — responsible-watching certification.
Tours last 3-4 hours and cost between 1,200 and 2,200 pesos per person (approximate 2026 prices). All depart from Marina Vallarta or the Los Muertos Pier.
Whale photography tips
Photographing breaching whales is hard. If you want decent shots:
- Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with at least a 200mm telephoto. A modern phone can work if the whale is close.
- Burst mode: always. Breaches last seconds.
- Shutter speed: minimum 1/1000 to freeze movement.
- Watch for the cues: before breaching, humpbacks often slap their tail (lobtailing) or extend a pectoral fin.
- No digital zoom: it degrades the image. Use proper optical telephoto.
- Stabilization: the boat moves. Turn on OIS/IBIS if you have it.
Important regulations
Certified boats must keep a minimum distance of 60 meters from whales and a maximum of 30 minutes per group. Don't try to hire informal private boats — it's illegal, stresses the animals, and can endanger calves.
Can you see them from shore?
Yes. On clear days with patience, you can spot breaches from:
- Playa Camarones (north of the Malecón).
- La Cruz Lookout (up Miramar street).
- Playa Conchas Chinas (south).
- Boca de Tomatlán.
Bring binoculars and look for water spouts on the horizon.
What to pack for the tour
- Biodegradable sunscreen.
- Cap or hat.
- Light jacket (it's cool out at sea).
- Water and a snack (most tours include them, but check).
- Motion-sickness medication if you're prone.
- Camera with charged battery.
Watching a humpback whale leap out of the water 5 meters from your boat is something you don't forget. Take advantage of the season: four months go by fast.