Since 1994, our expert biologists guide you through the world of humpback whales aboard specially designed, authorized boats.
Since 1994, we've been offering the best whale watching tours in Banderas Bay. Expert biologists will guide you through the fascinating world of humpback whales aboard our specially designed, authorized boats. Before departure, enjoy an informative talk about these magnificent creatures. Once at sea, observe breaching, tail slapping, traveling, playing, and social interactions, and listen to their intriguing songs via our hydrophone system. You can also participate in our research project, contributing to conservation efforts. The head researcher of the Banderas Bay Photo Identification Project may even lead your tour.
Ask about availability, subject to change. Pickup for private trips is available only for morning departures from the Paradise Village public pier (Nuevo Vallarta); departures from Marina La Cruz have an additional $60 USD charge. Snorkeling add-ons available upon request.
Pickup available upon request from the Paradise Village public pier (Nuevo Vallarta) for morning departures only. Departures from Marina La Cruz have an additional $60 USD charge.
“We went for a whale watching tour. Francisco, who is fascinated with whales, is a great source of info and very passionate about it as well. You will not get too close to the whales — they are very strict with the legal amount of distance that should be kept from them, and I commend that. We have seen whales. Thank you for that.”
8 months ago
“Great operation — we booked a whale watching trip through their shop. When we arrived, we were good to go with some paperwork signed. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the whales, and after a brief lesson we were out to the boat and heading to open water. We saw babies and mothers much closer than the larger boats could get us to. We had cover from the sun as well as decks and snacks throughout the trip. The driver was great and was able to get us some of the best views. All in all, I would recommend this shop for professional and safe operations.”
7 months ago
“Joined a whale watching excursion provided by Ecotours in the Bay of Banderas. We spent about 3 hours running all over this huge bay chasing humpback whales and saw at least 20 of them in several groups — there were dolphins too. With my Canon 7D Mark II and Tamron 18-400mm lens, I was very pleased with the photographs I was able to capture.”
8 months ago
ireneravenVerified
“This experience was excellent, start to finish! Astrid is so incredibly knowledgeable and her enthusiasm is infectious — from the informational orientation video through to answering group members' particular questions on the tour, we learned so much from her. Rafe was a great captain, and we felt completely safe and looked after throughout. We went at the tail-end of the humpback season and were worried about perhaps not seeing any animals, but Astrid and Rafe used all their knowledge and skill to ensure we observed our fill of six mom/calf pairs, explained the behavior of two escort males we saw, piloted around a pod of dolphins, dropped an aquaphone twice to try to get us whale sounds, and pointed out other wildlife (rays, fish, a turtle, birds) along the way! The pace was entirely unhurried, and it was really cool of Astrid to explain all the scientific data she was collecting along the way.”
6 months ago
jamanohoVerified
Florence, MA
“Wow is all I can say. We had an amazing time. There was a small group and we enjoyed meeting everyone. The specialist was a veterinarian who studies whales. We saw males, females and babies, and watched them breaching, with the whales and dolphins playing. We learned so much about the whales.”
6 months ago
“As usual, we had the very best whale watching trip imaginable. Our guide, Maggie, was so knowledgeable and friendly, and Martin, the captain, was outstanding at finding the whales and making the ride so comfortable. We always learn something new each time we go out. The boats are smaller and more intimate than a party boat. If you are looking for a great trip and seeing whales in a respectful environment, this is the company to use. Maggie is an absolute gem — we love this company.”
7 months ago
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