Whale Watching in Punta Mita
December – March · Wildmex
Witness humpback whales breach and play in their natural habitat — away from the crowded big-boat armadas. Departing directly from the Punta Mita pier with transport from Sayulita and San Pancho.
Peak season: December through March · Best sightings in January & February
Peak season: December through March
Why Whale Watch with Wildmex?
The Marietas Islands are the epicenter for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta. We take you there faster, closer and with real marine experts.
Fastest Access
We depart from the Punta Mita pier — the closest entry point to the Puerto Vallarta whale sanctuary. Skip the crowded downtown marinas.
Intimate Encounters
Small boats and small groups. No big-boat armadas, no crowds — just you, the Pacific and the humpbacks.
Bilingual Marine Guides
Every tour is led by a certified marine expert in English and Spanish, sharing real knowledge about humpback behavior and the bay.
Transport Included
Free round-trip shuttle from Wildmex Sayulita and San Pancho. Arrive relaxed — we handle the logistics.
Pro Tip — Stay in Sayulita or San Pancho?
Our whale watching tour departs from Punta Mita and saves you over an hour of travel time compared to Puerto Vallarta departures. That's more time with the whales — and less time in a van — during peak season (December – March).
Select Your Departing Point
Three convenient locations across the bay. Free shuttle from Sayulita and San Pancho to our Punta Mita departure point.
Wildmex Punta Mita
Meeting point:
KM 15, Carr. Federal La Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita. Next to KPETROM gas station.
Return to Sayulita
- 11:30 am
- 02:30 pm
- 05:30 pm
Wildmex Sayulita
Meeting point:
150-G, C. Pelícanos, 63734 Sayulita, Nay.
Sayulita → La Lancha
- 8:00 am
- 11:00 am
- 02:00 pm
Wildmex San Pancho
Meeting point:
Av. Tercer Mundo 58, 63729 San Francisco, Nay.
San Pancho → La Lancha
- 7:40 am
- 10:30 am
- 01:30 pm
What's Included
Everything you need for a safe, comfortable and unforgettable whale watching experience.
Marine Expert Guide
Snorkel Equipment
Professional Safety Gear
Snacks & Drinks
Shuttle Transport
Whale Watching in Action
Real moments from our humpback whale watching tours departing from Punta Mita.
Loved by Travelers from Around the World
"We saw a mother and her calf within the first 30 minutes. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and respectful of the whales. Best experience of our entire trip to Sayulita."
— Sarah M., TripAdvisor"Departing from Punta Mita saved us so much time. We were out with the whales while other boats from Vallarta were still navigating out of the bay. Highly recommend Wildmex."
— Michael R., Google Review"Took our two kids (8 and 11) and they absolutely loved it. Small boat, personal attention, and the guides made it fun and educational. Snorkeling after was a bonus."
— Laura & Daniel P., TripAdvisorTour Pricing
Choose a private boat for your group, or join a shared group tour and meet other travelers.
Private Boat
Exclusive boat for your group of up to 6 guests. Ideal for families or friends who want privacy and a flexible route.
Book Private BoatExtra Guest
Add more guests to your private boat booking (subject to boat capacity and availability).
Add GuestShared Group
Join a small shared group tour. Meet fellow travelers, share the experience and enjoy the same marine expert guiding.
Book Shared Group*Availability must be checked prior to reservation. Prices in USD. Contact us to confirm your preferred date and departure point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your whale watching tour with Wildmex.
When is the whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita?
The humpback whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita runs from December through March each year, with peak sightings typically occurring between January and February. Book early for the best dates, departure times and small-group availability.
Why depart from Punta Mita instead of downtown Puerto Vallarta?
Departing from the Punta Mita pier places you at the mouth of Banderas Bay, near the whale sanctuary and the Marietas Islands. This saves over an hour of boat navigation time compared to downtown Puerto Vallarta marinas, so you spend more time with the whales.
How long is the Wildmex whale watching tour?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours, including boarding, time with the humpback whales in Banderas Bay and the return to the departure point. It is ideal as a half-day morning or afternoon activity for couples, families and small groups.
Is whale watching in Puerto Vallarta suitable for kids and families?
Yes. Wildmex whale watching tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Life jackets are provided for children, and our bilingual marine guides adapt their commentary to keep kids engaged, safe and entertained throughout the entire tour.
What is included in the Wildmex whale watching tour price?
Every whale watching tour includes a bilingual marine expert guide, snorkel equipment, professional safety gear, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and free round-trip shuttle transport from Wildmex Sayulita and San Pancho to the Punta Mita departure point.
What happens if we don't see any whales during the tour?
Our teams track whale activity daily and choose the best route for every departure. In the rare case whales are not spotted, we offer a complimentary rebooking on the next available departure of your stay, subject to availability and weather conditions.
Are the boats small? Will the tour feel crowded?
Yes. We operate small boats with limited capacity — maximum 6 passengers on our private boats. No big-boat armadas, no crowds. This means more intimate encounters, better photo opportunities and a more respectful experience for the whales in their natural habitat.
What should I bring on a whale watching tour?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket for morning departures, a camera with a good zoom, and a swimsuit if you plan to snorkel. Water shoes are also recommended. Snacks, drinks and all safety equipment are included in the tour price.
What is the cancellation policy for whale watching tours?
Please review our full Cancellation Policies. Whale watching tours are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled for safety reasons at no additional cost to you.
Ready to Meet the Humpbacks?
Book your whale watching experience today. Small groups, expert guides and the fastest route to the sanctuary — only from Wildmex Punta Mita.
Check AvailabilitySeason: December – March · Limited spots per departure