Ecotours de Mexico | Whale & Dolphin Watching

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Pioneers in whale watching in Puerto Vallarta. The head researcher of the humpback whale projects in the area and her team of biologists lead this whale watching trips. Only small groups, with educational briefing and personal attention. Hydrophones, humpback whale catalog for consulting, participation on the local reasearch project. During the trip you might see humpbacks breaching, tail and fin slapping, fighting in mating groups, mothers with newborn calves and listen to the songs of the male humbpacks while the naturalist on board explains all the behaviors.

Months

January • February • March • July • August • December

Duration

Short (1-3 hours) • Multi-day

Vessel types

Rigid inflatable

Times and prices

Humpback Whale watching from December to March. Two trips available per day at 8:00am and 1:00pm. Multiday trips available too. Includes: Lecture on humpback whales, snacks and beverages, hydrophone on board, naturalist guide and skipper. Cost $80USD per person

Dolphins in the wild and snorkeling. July and August. 9:00am to 2:00pm Lecture on dolphins, snorkeling gear, lunch, snacks and beverages, hydrophone on board, naturalist guide and skipper. Cost $75USD per person

About our skippers and naturalist guides

Skippers: Biologist Oscar Aranda with more than 10 years experience and Karel Beets, owner and with a master in sustainable development, leading whale watching adventures since 1996.

Naturalist Guides: Biologist Astrid Frisch is the head researcher of the humpback whale research projects in Banderas Bay. President of the Non Profit Ecologia y Conservacion de Ballenas

Marine Biologist Fernando Romo assitant researcher and great naturalist guide

Marine Biologist Patricia Cerrillo, naturalist guide currently finishing her masters on dolphins

Our naturalist guides are certified by the Mexican Tourism Board

Facilities

Hands-on materials (bones, shells etc) • Naturalist guide(s) as well as skipper • On board hydrophone • Onboard research • Posters / displays / maps • Public participation in research • Reading material available • Scenic backdrop to encounters • Snacks / drinks • Support conservation • Swim / snorkel included • Use a code of conduct

We frequently

Listen to whale song • Listen to whales and dolphins • See a whale's tail • See leaping dolphins • See leaping whales • Swim with them in the wild • Watch whales and dolphins

Baleen Whales

Bryde's Whale • Humpback Whale

Ocean Dolphins

Bottlenose Dolphin • Pantropical Spotted Dolphin • Rough-toothed Dolphin • Spinner Dolphin

Other wildlife and points of interest

Ocassionally pygmy sperm whales. Other wildlife: blue footed boobies, brown boobies, magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, royal terns. Puerto Vallarta downtown area is a great place to visit. Stoll around the ocean boardwalk visit local shops and restaurants. A trip to the tropical forest in the mountains is a must. Great bird watching in the area.