Every year the Riviera Nayarit transforms into the perfect stage for whale watching on the coast of the Mexican Pacific. In fact, whale watching is one of the top tourist attractions in the region starting in mid-December. This incredible phenomenon is one of the most touching experiences you’ll ever encounter in the Riviera Nayarit no matter what your nationality, gender, or age.
These cetaceans visit our coastline every year for two main reasons: to mate and to give birth to their young, because it’s here they find the ideal water temperature and vast amounts of food they require. Those are also the reasons the whale watching tours must be led by specialized guides who not only know the area perfectly well, but they also have the experience required to respect the humpback whales and allow them the space they need. This is what makes eco-tourism possible, with nature allowing us to enjoy this gorgeous display while we humans respect the whales.
There are several tour operators in the Riviera Nayarit offering whale watching tours. In Sayulita you can book one at Rancho Mi Chaparrita, in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle contact Punta Mita Expeditions, from Punta de Mita you’ll want to check out the co-op at Corral del Risco, in Nuevo Vallarta you can book through Vallarta Adventures, and, if you’re in Guayabitos, ask for Nayarit Adventures.
We recommend booking an Ecotour online. This ecotour departs from Marina Vallarta and is a leading sponsor of Ecology and Conservation of Whales in our area.
The price for a whale watching tour varies according to the outfitter: it can range from $800 pesos to $2,000 pesos. The tour lasts approximately two hours. What does the tour consist of? The guide will take you out to sea where the whales are usually sighted. However, keep in mind the mammals are not always ready and waiting. You might get lucky and see them right away or you might have to do a little exploring to find them frolicking in the water.
There’s a wonderful diversity of marine wildlife in the Riviera Nayarit. During the whale watching tour a pod of dolphins might appear swimming alongside your boat or you might see Olive Ridley turtles, Hawksbill turtles, multicolored fish, manta rays, octopi, jellyfish, and orcas (keep in mind whale season is from December through March).
Ready for your December vacation? We’ll be waiting for you here in the Riviera Nayarit with this tour and many others for the entire family. Don’t forget to add the #rivieranayarit hashtag to all your social media posts: We’d love to see your pics!
