Heading straight into the best dolphin watching in Puerto Vallarta: this coastal town delivers reliable wildlife encounters at fair prices. Knowledgeable marine biologists lead most excursions, maximizing your chances of spotting not just dolphins, but also humpback whales, sea turtles, and manta rays.
I’m especially impressed with two standout tours: The Wild Dolphins Encounter & Snorkeling cruise packs great value into a half-day trip, with quality gear and expert guidance. The All-Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise, while pricier, justifies its cost with 4.5 hours of viewing time plus meals and refreshments.
Check out these top-rated tours that consistently earn rave reviews from fellow travelers.
Good To Know
- Diverse marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and mantas, can be observed on highly-rated whale and dolphin watching tours in Puerto Vallarta.
- Wild Dolphins Encounter & Snorkeling tours offer an intimate experience with a group size limited to 10 and insights from a professional biologist guide.
- All-Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise provides a 4.5-hour cruise with opportunities to spot various marine life, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, lunch, and snacks.
- Private Wild Dolphin Encounter tours allow year-round encounters with Bottlenose dolphins, guided by a marine biologist and including lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear.
- Small Group Observation and Swimming with Wild Dolphins tours offer a 4-hour experience with swimming, paddle boarding, and subwing use, as well as snorkeling gear, snacks, lunch, and drinks.
Whale and Dolphin Watching With a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta
Visitors often embark on the Whale and Dolphin Watching With a Biologist tour in Puerto Vallarta to catch a glimpse of the area’s diverse marine life.
This highly-rated tour, recommended by 96% of travelers, offers the chance to see humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and mantas in their natural habitat.
Led by a biologist specializing in cetaceans, the intimate experience allows participants to combine citizen science with whale-watching.
With bottled water, soda, lunch, and snacks included, the tour provides a well-rounded adventure for up to 20 travelers.
Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and close encounters, making this a must-do activity for those visiting Puerto Vallarta.
Read our full review: Whale and Dolphin Watching With a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta Review
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Wild Dolphins Encounter & Snorkeling
Embarking on the Wild Dolphins Encounter & Snorkeling tour, travelers can expect an immersive half-day wildlife cruise from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Rated 5.0 by 127 reviewers and recommended by 99% of travelers, the tour promises an intimate experience with a group size limited to just 10 people.
Guests will have the chance to encounter wild dolphins, learn about their behavior from a professional biologist guide, and even swim with them when conditions permit.
The snorkeling adventure also offers the opportunity to explore the underwater world of Mexico’s Pacific coast, with equipment provided.
Read our full review: Wild Dolphins Encounter & Snorkeling Review
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Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive
Travelers visiting Puerto Vallarta can embark on an all-inclusive whale and dolphin watching cruise, offered by Live&Travel Tours. Priced from $79 per person, the 4.5-hour excursion allows guests to spot humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays.
The cruise includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, lunch, and snacks. While the crew receives praise for their expertise, some guests report issues with seating stability and inconsistent food quality.
Travelers should consider bringing sun protection and layering clothes for comfort. The cruise provides an opportunity to observe marine life, though guests should be aware of potential challenges to ensure a satisfactory experience.
Read our full review: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Review
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Private Wild Dolphin Encounter in Puerto Vallarta
Seeking a private, intimate encounter with Bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat? The Private Wild Dolphin Encounter in Puerto Vallarta delivers.
You’ll swim with these magnificent creatures year-round in Bahía de Banderas, guided by a marine biologist who’ll share insights on their behavior and communication. Lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear are included.
The half-day tour departs from Marina Vallarta and is recommended by 100% of travelers. While the boat is wheelchair accessible, interacting with the dolphins may be challenging.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking is required, with free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before.
Don’t miss this immersive dolphin experience in Puerto Vallarta.
Read our full review: Private Wild Dolphin Encounter in Puerto Vallarta Review
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Small Group 4-Hour Observation and Swimming With Wild Dolphin
The Small Group 4-Hour Observation and Swimming With Wild Dolphin tour offers an immersive experience in the natural habitat of Puerto Vallarta’s dolphins. Guests can swim, paddle board, and use a subwing to observe the majestic creatures up close.
The tour includes snorkeling gear, snacks, lunch, and drinks, catering to dietary needs. Meeting points are conveniently located, and the tour returns to the starting point.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. With a 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable crew, professional service, and reliable communication regarding trip details.
Read our full review: Small Group 4-Hour Observation and Swimming With Wild Dolphin Review
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The Sum Up
Puerto Vallarta offers a range of dolphin-watching tours, from wildlife encounters with biologists to inclusive cruises and private experiences. Visitors can observe dolphins in their natural habitat or even swim alongside them. With various options catering to different budgets and interests, there’s a dolphin-watching adventure to suit every traveler’s needs.