Every winter, Bahía de Banderas becomes one of the most important birthing grounds for the humpback whales of the North Pacific. Watching them breach just a few meters from the boat is an experience worth the trip on its own.
When is the season?
The official season opens on December 8 and closes on March 23 each year. The best months to see females with calves are February and March, when the calves have grown enough to play at the surface.
Where to head out to sea?
- Nuevo Vallarta — the main tourist port, with a wide variety of operators.
- La Cruz de Huanacaxtle — the marina with the most boutique tours and sailboats.
- Punta de Mita — the quickest departures to the open sea.
- Rincón de Guayabitos — for those staying in the north of the Riviera.
- San Blas — an option for spotting whales along with birds and dolphins.
Which whales can you see?
The star is the Megaptera novaeangliae, known as the humpback whale. It can measure up to 16 meters and weigh 40 tons. It is famous for its songs and its spectacular breaching out of the water.
Tips for a responsible tour
- Choose operators with SEMARNAT and CONANP permits.
- Ask whether they respect the minimum distances (80 m for observation, 30 m for approach).
- Avoid nighttime tours or those with loud music.
- Prefer smaller vessels with electric or switched-off engines.
- Do not feed the wildlife or throw trash into the sea.
What to bring
Biodegradable sunscreen, a cap, a sweatshirt (it gets windy at sea), sunglasses and seasickness pills if you are prone to it. A camera with zoom and a charged battery.
Other species you might see
During the same tour you’ll often spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, flying manta rays and seabirds such as frigatebirds and pelicans.
A close encounter with a humpback whale is unforgettable. It is, quite literally, one of the greatest moments Nayarit offers its visitors.
