Humpback Whales in Puerto Vallarta: Everything You Need to Know
Every winter, humpback whales travel more than 3,000 miles from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm, protected waters of Banderas Bay. It is one of the longest mammal migrations on earth and Puerto Vallarta sits right at the end of it.
From December through March, these whales are here to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. If you are visiting during those months, watching them from the water is one of the most remarkable things you can do.
Why They Come to Banderas Bay
The shallow, warm waters of Banderas Bay offer humpbacks exactly what they need during breeding and calving season. The bay is protected, the water temperature is ideal, and there is enough depth for the whales to move freely while staying close to shore. Mothers bring their newborn calves here to nurse and build strength before the long journey back north.
What You Will See
Humpbacks are among the most expressive whales in the ocean. Breaching, when a whale launches its entire body out of the water and crashes back down, is the moment everyone hopes for, and Banderas Bay delivers it regularly. No one knows exactly why they breach. It may be communication, courtship, or simply play. Whatever the reason, it is unforgettable to witness up close.
Tail slapping and spy-hopping (when a whale rises vertically out of the water to look around) are also common. On a good day you may see all three.
Male humpbacks are also known for their songs, long, complex sequences that can last up to 20 minutes and carry up to 20 miles underwater. If you go snorkeling during whale season, you may hear them singing beneath the surface.
Responsible Whale Watching
Humpback whales were once hunted to the edge of extinction. Conservation efforts have allowed their population to recover, but they still face real threats like fishing gear entanglement and boat strikes chief among them. When you are out on the water during whale season, giving the whales space is not just courtesy, it is essential.
At Anamar, we use sailboats for whale watching. A sailboat runs on wind, not engine power, which means near-zero risk of impact and a quieter, less disruptive experience for the whales. The open deck also gives you an almost 360-degree view, so nothing obstructed, nothing missed.
Book a Private Whale Watching Tour
Our private whale watching tours run from December through March on Banderas Bay. The boat is yours, this means no shared deck, no fixed itinerary, just your group and the ocean. We sail with a professional crew and a marine biologist who know these waters and know where the whales tend to be.
Book your private whale watching tour here and see what draws these whales back to Puerto Vallarta every year.
