Ultimate Whale Watching Experience All-Inclusive

A humpback whale hunt in Banderas Bay plus a visit to the Marietas Islands is a great “do two highlights at once” day. I like that the tour keeps things simple with all-inclusive meals and drinks, and I like that snorkeling and water toys are provided so you are not scrambling. One thing to consider, the ocean can get choppy, and that can affect snorkeling time and comfort.

You start with Sayulita pickup if you request it, then you head to the Puerta Vallarta marina for your boat day. I also like the human touch, with crew members called out by name in people’s experiences, including Tanya and Luis. The main drawback is logistics around the meeting point, you have to pick your meeting location before booking.

The boat experience is built for active fun, not just sitting on a deck, with platforms, slides, paddle boards, and gear ready. If you are sensitive to loud music on the water, bring earplugs or be ready to skip that part of the vibe. Also note, drones are prohibited on this tour due to federal regulations.

Quick, practical highlights before you go

• All-inclusive food and drinks with breakfast, lunch, dinner listed, plus an open bar with tequila and beer
• Water toys included, including snorkeling gear, water mattresses, paddle boards, and water slides
• Whale-focused scouting with a Cruise Director and staff tracking conditions in the bay
• Marietas time at Playa La Nopalera, with free swim and sun time and a break on the beach
• Small-group feel for a big activity, capped at 55 travelers
• Smart wildlife approach, watching humpbacks while the team keeps respectful distance

Whale and Marietas in one day, and why that pairing makes sense

This tour is interesting because it turns the day into a full “ocean experience,” not a single-note outing. You get the national park feel at the Marietas Islands, then you switch gears to the open-water search for humpbacks in Banderas Bay.

For value, the big win is that you are paying once for the boat time plus the day’s food and drink. When a tour includes meals, snacks, and equipment, it cuts down on the usual add-ons that can quietly inflate the total cost.

If your goal is to see whales, the day format also helps. Whale watching is never fully predictable, so having multiple water stops and lots of on-water time gives you more chances to find action.

Sayulita pickup to Puerta Vallarta marina, the part that controls your whole day

You have a simple plan: you meet in Sayulita (if you request pickup), then you ride to the Puerta Vallarta marina. From there, it is straight onto the boat for the Marietas cruise.

A key detail that affects stress level is the meeting point. The tour requires that you choose your meeting place before you submit your reservation, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. So if you are staying somewhere outside the pickup plan, double-check how you will get to the meeting area.

The tour runs in English and keeps things sized, with a maximum of 55 people. That matters because whale watching gets crowded fast in peak season, and a smaller crowd generally means you are not fighting for sightlines as much.

Also, plan on using a mobile ticket. It is one less thing to lose, and it speeds up the check-in rhythm once you are at the dock.

Breakfast, Playa La Nopalera, and how the island break actually feels

Your day starts with breakfast as you approach the islands. The breakfast includes fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices, and it is scheduled to start promptly.

Then you get free time at Playa La Nopalera, with a chance to swim and sunbathe before you head back to the boat. This is the moment where the trip shifts from “traveling” to “playing in the water,” and it is usually the easiest part to enjoy even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler.

One practical consideration from the experience style of this tour: getting to the beach can involve swimming. If that is a problem for you, plan around it mentally and bring what you need for comfort in the water.

Also, there are national park rules to know. Sunscreen can be restricted in the park area, so a sun shirt can help you stay protected without running into issues. Drones are also prohibited, again due to federal rules and protecting bird flight paths.

Snorkeling from the boat plus the onboard water playground

After the Playa La Nopalera time, you board again and cruise to a scenic spot for swimming and snorkeling directly from the boat. Snorkeling gear and water toys are provided, and staff will help you get set up and keep things safe.

This is not the kind of snorkeling where you need to bring your own mask and fins. You get the gear, and the crew handles the practical side, which is a big deal if you travel light or you hate shopping for equipment right before a trip.

On top of snorkeling, your boat is set up for extra water fun, including water slides, water mattresses, and paddle boards. In the on-water reviews, people also mentioned a jump platform alongside the slides, which is exactly the sort of thing that turns a normal boat day into a more energetic one.

The trade-off is weather. If the day is windy or choppy, snorkeling can be harder, and some people choose to skip it because the water conditions are rough. When that happens, the water toys and time at the beach still give you plenty to do.

Humpback whales in Banderas Bay, what to watch for and how to improve your odds

The heart of the day is the whale watching. The tour is designed around the idea that you are cruising to different locations in the bay while scanning the horizon for humpback whales.

The team includes an expert staff and a Cruise Director who track current whale watching conditions and decide where to look next. That is a big advantage because whales are spread out, and the best location can change from one hour to the next.

You might also see other wildlife while you are scanning, including dolphins, turtles, and rays. When the whales are active, the show can be playful, and people frequently describe it as the kind of moment you do not forget.

A useful tip if whales are your top priority: timing matters. One piece of advice shared from people who have done this in the area is to aim for whale season earlier in the year when possible, because sightings can be better.

One more realistic consideration is that the tour prioritizes distance and respect for the animals. That is exactly what you want to hear, because it is better for the whales and it helps you feel like you are watching them in a responsible way rather than crowding them.

Open bar and meals: where the $110 value really comes from

This is one of those tours where the price makes sense only when you look at what you get bundled in. You are paying about $110 per person for a boat day that includes breakfast service, snacks, an included lunch, and dinner listed in the highlights, plus an open bar.

The open bar is spelled out clearly. It includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and piña colada. Even if you do not drink alcohol, you still get a lot of non-alcoholic options, which helps on a hot day.

Snacks are not just an afterthought either. You get fresh prepared guacamole and blue corn chips, fresh ceviche, and potato chips along the way. In practice, that means you are not stuck waiting for a late lunch while you are out on the water.

If you like food and you like simple planning, this is where the tour feels like a bargain. You are not doing the math every time you want another drink or a snack, and the crew tends to keep the pace moving once you are underway.

Weather, seasickness, and the small friction points worth planning for

A whale and Marietas day is weather-dependent, and the ocean can go from smooth to choppy quickly. On rough days, some people report difficulty with snorkeling, and a few mention sea sickness.

So here is my straightforward advice: bring seasickness support if you are prone to it. Also, you might want to protect your ears, because some people found the music loud during the cruise. If you are not feeling well, loud sound can make it worse.

Bathrooms are another small detail that can matter when you are out for hours. One experience described the bathroom as leaving something to be desired, so if bathrooms are a priority for you, keep expectations flexible.

And because this tour can include time in open skies, sun protection is essential. A sun shirt can help you stay comfortable and avoid any sunscreen issues tied to park rules.

Hidden beach access and photo add-ons, what to ask before you pay extra

Playa La Nopalera is part of the schedule, but there is also the famous “hidden beach” area people talk about as a special moment. One key point that comes up is that advance reservation may be needed to access the best viewpoint or the more famous hole area.

If that is your must-do photo, ask directly before you go or when you book. Do not assume you will automatically get the exact spot everyone posts.

There can also be photo opportunities on board. One person described photographers on the boat and mentioned purchasing a photo package for $60. That sounds like an optional extra, so if you care about photos, ask what is being offered that day.

Who this tour is best for, and who should think twice

This works best for people who want a one-stop water day that mixes whale watching with beach time and activities. If you like being active, snorkeling plus paddle boards plus slides is a solid combo.

Families can have a good time here, especially if your kids are old enough to enjoy the open-air fun and water activities. In experiences shared, teens enjoyed the onboard activities and the overall energy of the crew.

If you do not drink, you can still enjoy the day since the open bar includes non-alcohol options like coffee, juices, and soda. The bigger issue is vibe: because alcohol is available, it may not fit everyone who wants a quieter, purely family-style outing.

If your body does not handle boats well, this might still be doable, but you should plan for choppy water risk. When the sea is rough, some activities slow down, and you may have a less ideal day than you hoped.

Should you book this all-inclusive whale watching cruise?

Book it if you want the efficient combo of Marietas Islands plus humpback whale searching, and if you like having meals, snacks, and gear built into the price. It is also a strong choice if you want a social day on the water, with an upbeat crew and plenty of “do something” time.

Skip it or choose a calmer plan if you are very sensitive to motion or you want guaranteed snorkeling conditions, because weather can change the water experience quickly. Also, if you are picky about the meeting logistics, confirm your Sayulita meeting point and how you are getting there, since hotel pickup is not included.

FAQ

Where does pickup happen, and is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off from Sayulita are provided if you request it. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

Do I need to choose a meeting place before booking?

Yes. You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

What meals are included?

Breakfast service is included on the way to the islands, and lunch is included. Dinner is also listed as included in the tour highlights.

Is there an open bar, and what drinks are included?

Yes, there is an open bar. It includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and piña colada.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

What water activities are included, and is equipment provided?

Snorkeling gear and water toys are provided, and the boat also has water slides, water mattresses, and paddle boards. Staff will set you up and help with safety.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, and you should advise the provider at booking.

What wildlife might you see during whale watching?

The tour focuses on humpback whales, and you may also see dolphins, turtles, and rays.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you will not be refunded.