Ultimate Whale Watching Experience All-Inclusive

Experience the best of Puerto Vallarta with this all-inclusive boat tour to the Marietas Islands. For just $110 per person, you get around 3 hours of fun, including whale watching, snorkeling, water slides, and unlimited drinks. Led by friendly guides like Tanya and Luis, this tour offers a smooth combination of wildlife encounters and water-based activities. The pickup from Sayulita makes life simple, especially if you’re exploring the coast independently.

What we really love about this trip is the unlimited drinks and included meals, which remove the hassle of planning food while at sea — plus, the water toys like paddleboards and slides make it feel more like a vacation playground than just a sightseeing cruise. The chance to see humpback whales (season permitting) from Banderas Bay is unforgettable, and many reviews highlight how close these gentle giants come.

One consideration: the tour does involve some swimming and exposure to the open ocean, so if you’re prone to seasickness or dislike wind and waves, a calmer day might suit you better. Still, it’s perfect for families, wildlife lovers, or anyone looking for a lively, full-day adventure. The mixture of relaxing and active makes it ideal for those wanting a taste of everything in Puerto Vallarta’s stunning waters.

This tour is great for families wanting a safe, fun experience; wildlife enthusiasts eager to see whales and dolphins; and anyone who appreciates good food, drinks, and a lively crew. If you’re after a value-packed day with plenty of activities, this trip is hard to beat.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with meals, drinks, and water sports equipment.
• Wildlife viewing, with a high likelihood of seeing humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and rays.
• Multiple water activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, slides, and water toys.
• Convenient transportation from Sayulita and flexible schedule.
• Expert staff attentive to safety and fun, with positive reviews praising their friendliness.
• Value for money: for $110, guests get a full day of entertainment, food, and drinks.

A Detailed Look at the Ultimate Whale Watching & Water Fun Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Setting the Scene: A Full-Day Adventure at the Marietas Islands

When you think about a day on the water in Puerto Vallarta, this tour hits just about every mark. For $110 per person, you’re booked onto a 3-hour cruise packed with wildlife sightings, water play, and delicious food and drinks. What’s more, the pickup from Sayulita takes the stress out of logistics, making it easier to focus on having fun.

Led by guides like Tanya, who is praised for her attentiveness, the tour begins with a continental breakfast as your boat makes its way toward the Marietas Islands. The scenery alone is worth the trip — the coastline, the distant mountains, and the promise of ocean adventures ahead.

The Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Start: Departure and Breakfast
The journey kicks off early with a prompt breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. This simple, fresh start sets a laid-back tone, perfect for fueling up before a day full of activities. As the boat approaches the islands, the crew fosters a lively, friendly atmosphere with music and chatter that makes the environment inviting.

First Stop: Playa La Nopalera
Here, you’ll have some free time to sunbathe, swim, or simply relax on the beach. Many guests mention how relaxing this part is, especially after the boat ride. The sand and calm waters are ideal for taking in the scenery or catching some rays. The blue waters and natural surroundings make it a perfect photo opportunity.

Second Stop: Water Sports & Snorkeling
Back on the boat, the crew prepares snorkel gear, water mattresses, paddleboards, and slides for your use. Many reviews highlight how well-run this part is — staff like Luis and Tanya set up everything with safety and fun in mind. Several guests mention the water slide and jumping platform as highlights, especially for teens and kids.

Pro tip: Some guests, like Omar, mention that rough seas can limit activities like snorkeling, so checking the weather beforehand is wise. Still, the water toys and paddleboards provide alternatives, with reviews emphasizing how much they enjoyed bouncing around in the waves.

Final Stop: Wildlife Spotting & Whale Watching
The last part of the cruise is dedicated to wildlife viewing in Banderas Bay. Here, guides use their expertise to locate whales, with many guests (including Jessica and Jeffrey) raving about how many humpback whales they saw, sometimes close enough to photograph or even paddle near. Dolphins, turtles, and rays are also common sightings, adding to the thrill of the day.

The expert staff, like Andrea, stay updated on whale movements, making this part of the tour both exciting and satisfying. As Ryan points out, seeing whales in their natural habitat is truly a highlight, and many reviews mention that this was a key reason for choosing this tour.

Food and Drink: All the Extras Included

One of the standout features is the all-inclusive aspect. You’ll enjoy lunch and dinner, with guests praising the fresh guacamole, ceviche, and potato chips. The open bar means water, juices, soda, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and piña coladas are all at your disposal.

Many reviews note how the drinks kept flowing and how staff are attentive in ensuring everyone is served and comfortable. This all adds up to a relaxed, party-like atmosphere that suits families, couples, or groups of friends.

Snacks throughout the day help keep hunger at bay, and the quality of the food is frequently highlighted as surprisingly good for a boat tour, making the experience far better than just a quick cruise with some chips.

The Hidden Beach & Water Toys Experience

A major highlight is the visit to Playa La Nopalera and the famous Hidden Beach at the Marietas Islands — a protected area that many reviews mention as a must-see. While access to the “big hole” requires advance reservation, the water activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling close to whales or fish are equally memorable.

Water toys like slides, paddleboards, and water mattresses make the trip feel more like a water park in the ocean. Guests especially enjoy jumping off the platform and floating around, making it a full-on fun zone.

Wildlife Encounters: Whales, Dolphins, and More

Most guests, such as Keeley and William, emphasize how impressive the whale sightings were — many report multiple close encounters. The seasonality is worth noting, as seeing whales is more likely during certain times of the year, so planning accordingly can enhance your chances.

Guests also frequently mention dolphins, turtles, and rays, which makes this tour feel like a mini marine safari. The guides’ knowledge and dedication to wildlife spotting make a big difference, and many review quotes express how seeing whales up close was an unforgettable highlight.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 55 travelers, this tour offers a lively but not overcrowded feel. Many reviews describe the crew as friendly, attentive, and fun, creating a party atmosphere without sacrificing safety or comfort. The music and energy onboard contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment.

Practical Details: Transportation, Duration, and Cost

The pickup from Sayulita simplifies logistics, especially if you’re exploring the region independently. The total duration of about 3 hours allows you to experience plenty without feeling rushed.

At $110 per person, this tour is a solid value considering the included meals, drinks, water sports, and wildlife viewing. Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and the friendly service, reinforcing that the price reflects good value — especially given how many activities are included.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits families looking for a safe, engaging day for kids and adults alike. Many reviews mention how attentive staff are with children and how the water activities are perfect for teens and younger guests.

Wildlife lovers will be delighted by the whale sightings, dolphin encounters, and the chance to see rays and turtles. If you’re eager to see whales during their season, this tour is highly recommended — many reviews highlight the close whale encounters as a highlight.

Those who enjoy good food and drinks in a lively setting will find this trip hits the spot. The all-inclusive setup ensures no need to worry about extra costs or finding food later.

Finally, adventure seekers and water lovers will appreciate the variety of water toys, slides, and the chance to relax on a pristine beach. This tour balances relaxation and activity beautifully, making it versatile for different travel styles.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from Sayulita are provided, making travel logistics easier.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy multiple stops without feeling overwhelmed.

Are meals and drinks included?
Absolutely. The tour offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an open bar with water, sodas, cocktails, and more — all included in the price.

Can I see whales on this trip?
Most likely, yes. Many guests rave about whale sightings, especially during the season. Guides are experienced in locating and approaching whales safely.

What water activities are available?
Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, water mattresses, and slides are provided. Some guests mention the water slide as a highlight of the day.

Are there suitable options for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if advised at booking.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit, sunscreen (though note restrictions at the national park), and a towel. Bringing a sun shirt is recommended by previous guests.

Is the tour appropriate for children?
Yes, many reviews mention kids enjoying the water toys, swimming, and wildlife sightings. The crew is attentive to children’s needs.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this all-inclusive boat tour in Puerto Vallarta offers a well-rounded day with wildlife encounters, water fun, and good eats. It’s particularly ideal for those who want a lively, flexible day with plenty of activities, especially if whale sightings are part of your wish list. Families and wildlife enthusiasts alike will find plenty to love here, with many reviews confirming it’s an experience worth the price. Just remember to check the weather and season to maximize your chances of whale sightings — and prepare for a day that’s both relaxing and filled with adventure.