These Are The Best Beaches In Puerto Vallarta For Whale Watching This Winter

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Not only is Puerto Vallarta one of the hottest cities in Mexico for cultural and historical travel, but the city also stands out as a hotspot for spotting some of nature’s most majestic creatures.

Each year, humpback whales, as well as a number of other species of cetaceans, migrate to the warm waters of the Mexican Pacific, making Puerto Vallarta one of the best spots for whale watching.

That’s all the more so this winter, which has been an excellent season with plenty of whale sightings. Videos of humpback whale beachings on social media have captivated travelers and residents alike.

@themaxwellstravel Magical day on the water in PV! #whales ♬ Dancing In The Moonlight – 苏颜悦

With that in mind, here’s the low-down on where to spot whales in Puerto Vallarta this winter.

Whale Watching Soars In Popularity In Puerto Vallarta Amid Busy Winter Season

Puerto Vallarta is currently in the midst of a record-breaking winter season, with well over a million travelers expected to flock to the coastal destination during the busy period.

While most travelers will spend countless hours enjoying the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, an equally large number of travelers will head to Puerto Vallarta’s award-winning beaches. This winter, the city’s splendid beaches are also an excellent location for whale watching.

@vallartalife

Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta ☀️

♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Puerto Vallarta lies at the heart of Banderas Bay, which, despite being surrounded by dense urban areas, is an ideal location for whale watching. 

While many travelers are under the impression that they need to book a costly whale-watching tour in order to catch a glimpse of these majestic cetaceans, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A little luck and good planning is all it takes for travelers to be able to witness the beauty of the humpback whales, even from the beach. 

@fierce.fearless.travels Come with me whale watching in Puerto Vallarta Mexico! #mexico #lifeinmexico #livinginmexico #travel #sightseeing #whale #ocean #nature ♬ original sound – Ember

At a depth of up to 3000 feet, Banderas Bay provides humpback whales with a safe environment to feed & reproduce.

But not all of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are equally suitable for whale watching, with more remote beaches offering the highest likelihood of spotting one of these gentle giants. Experts suggest heading to off-the-beaten-path locations to maximize the chance of spotting a humpback whale.

@paigejhodgson Humpback whale watching in Puerto Vallarta Mexico! 🇲🇽🐋 what a day #whales #puertovallarta #mexico #cruise #vacation #ncl #nclcruise #holiday #fyp ♬ Will You Be There (Theme from "Free Willy") – Michael Jackson

Beaches such as Conchas Chinas, Punta Negra, and Las Gemelas provide ample whale-watching opportunities. Unlike packed beaches around the Marina Vallarta area, these shores have significantly less boat operators and other crafts that might disturb humpback whales.

This Is The Best Time To Spot Humpback Whales In Puerto Vallarta

Humpback whales are annual highlight in Puerto Vallarta. Hundreds of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Mexican Pacific from November until March, during which time travelers can spot the whales from the beach or by booking a whale-watching tour.

@akali.tours 🐋✨ The countdown has begun 🙌 The whale season in Puerto Vallarta is just around the corner and here we share with you the opinion of our dear clients from last season. 👉 Mark the day on your calendar! We’ll see you on December 08th to enter this incredible underwater world for another year. #akaligroup #ballenas #ballenasjorobadas #whale #whalewatching #puertovallarta #humpbackwhale #tourdeballenas #whalewatchingpuertovallarta ♬ We Rise Against (Full) – Jonathan Paulsen

However, according to marine biologists, travelers are most likely to encounter whales during January and February. The peak winter months are a great chance to book one of many guided tours, including those offered by  Mike’s Fishing & Tours, a local top-rated excursion firm. 

Despite several cases of vessel sinkings over the past year, boat tours in Puerto Vallarta are among the safest in Mexico. The state’s civil protection agency has carried out extensive simulations to train for potentially dangerous situations, ensuring that even when something goes wrong, travelers face minimal risk. 

@shirmae3 The best tour in Puerto Vallarta! 💙🐋 #humpbackwhales #beach #mexico #weekendvibes #trip #sister #ocean #boat #sunset #fyp #trending #vacationmode @kbil22 ♬ original sound – shirmae3

Puerto Vallarta has emerged as a hotspot for nature lovers not only thanks to its scenic views but also its rich marine wildlife. From crocodiles to dolphins and sea turtles, this coastal destination is an ideal choice for those seeking a vacation close to nature.