If you’re planning a winter getaway, there’s one experience in Puerto Vallarta that absolutely belongs on your itinerary: humpback whale watching during peak season.
I recently visited during the height of migration, (at the end of December) and saw multiple humpback whales breaching and playful calves! It's also an excellent time to spot dolphins!
If you’re wondering when to go, why so many whales gather here, and what to pack for a boat excursion, here’s everything I learned.
When Is Whale Watching Peak Season in Puerto Vallarta?
Peak humpback whale season runs from December through March.
Each year, humpbacks migrate thousands of miles from cold northern waters (like Alaska and British Columbia) to the warm, protected waters of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Banderas Bay is one of their primary winter destinations.
They come here to:
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Mate
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Give birth
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Nurse calves in calm, warm water
Because the bay is naturally sheltered, it’s especially safe for newborn calves, which means sightings during peak season are incredibly common. They're super fun and playful, often jumping excitedly around their mom.
We were also super lucky that a few whales were curious about saying hi:
Why I Chose a Tour With a Marine Biologist (And You Should Too)
There are many whale-watching tours in Puerto Vallarta, but I specifically booked one that included a marine biologist onboard and it completely elevated the experience.
Instead of just pointing and snapping photos, we learned:
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How to identify individual whales by their tail markings
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How long calves stay with their mothers
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Why boats must follow strict distance regulations
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How conservation efforts protect migrating populations
Understanding the behavior behind what we were seeing made every moment more meaningful.
A fun highlight was when the marine biologist put her microphones into the water so we could hear the whales singing!
While researching tours to go whale watching, I also saw tours on larger boats with included unlimited drinks, but personally I prefer the smaller boat (we had a total of 10 people on the boat) for a more personable experience.
Our tour included a juice and sandwich.
If you’re traveling during peak season, look for tours that prioritize education and responsible wildlife viewing. It makes a huge difference.
Not a fan of boats?
During peak season there are a ton of whales visible just from the beach. Almost everyday we were lounging on the beach or dining ocean side, at some point we'd spot a whale or dolphin breaching! So even if you're hesitant to go on a boat, you're likely to still spot them from a distance so keep an eye out!
What I Packed for a Whale Watching Boat Tour
Ocean excursions mean wind, sea spray, and unexpected splashes -- so packing smart matters.
For this trip, I carried one of our water-resistant, pickpocket-resistant crossbodies and it turned out to be the perfect travel companion.
Here’s why:
Water-Resistant = Protection From Sea Spray
Even on calm days, there’s mist and splash from the boat.
Inside my Myko Crossbody I packed my essentials: phone, wallet, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and small digital camera. Everything stayed dry the entire ride. Water-resistant material is one of those features you don’t think about… until you’re grateful you have it.
Additionally, because our bags are designed to be pickpocket-resistant, I felt just as confident wearing it while walking through town afterward. It was my go to whether we were strolling though town, by the pool, or whale watching on the boat!
Another great item would be a hat, but make sure it fits tightly on your head so that it doesn't go flying on the boat!
Prone to seasickness? I packed some Dramamine just in case but there are also sea sickness glasses, patches that you place behind the ear, acupressure wrist bands, and ginger chews that you can try.
I chose a small crossbody to carry onto the boat, the Myko Crossbody is water resistant, perfect for withstanding any ocean spray. You can also see the phone tether in action. Can you spot the steel cable going from my bag to off the bottom left? My boy friend took this photo with my phone while still attached to my bag!
My #1 Tip: Use a Phone Tether on the Boat
This was a total game changer.
I clipped my steel cable phone tether from my case to myself so I could lean over the railing and take photos and videos without worrying about dropping my phone into the Pacific.
As soon as you spot them you have to act fast so it was nice to have my phone in hand while not stressing about it falling out of my reach on a bumpy wave.
If you’re photographing whales or dolphins, especially when they surface unexpectedly, having your phone secured lets you relax and focus on capturing the moment.
Why Puerto Vallarta Is Perfect for Winter Wildlife Travel
Between December and March, you get:
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Peak humpback whale activity
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Frequent dolphin sightings
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Comfortable winter temperatures
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Calm waters ideal for boat tours
If wildlife experiences are on your bucket list, winter in Puerto Vallarta delivers.
And if you’re heading out on the water, a secure, water-resistant crossbody makes the experience even better! Keeping your essentials protected while you stay hands-free for the unforgettable moments.
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