Ultimate Whale Watching Experience All-Inclusive
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Set sail across the Bay of Banderas during humpback whale season for an all-inclusive wildlife cruise. Spot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and rays while enjoying a premium open bar, fresh guacamole, and authentic Mexican ceviche aboard a stable yacht. The spacious vessel offers a comfortable setting for taking in both the marine life and the spectacular Pacific coastline.
- Watch for humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and rays in the Bay of Banderas
- Enjoy a premium open bar with margaritas, beer, and wine throughout the cruise
- Savor fresh guacamole and authentic Mexican ceviche served onboard
- Skip the transport planning with transfers from the Sayulita office to La Cruz Marina included
What's Included
- BreakfastService starts promptly with a breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juices
- Open Bar: Water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, piña colada
- SnacksFresh Snacks: Fresh prepared guacamole and blue corn chips fresh made ceviche Plus potato chips snacks
- IMPORTANT: It is a must to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. Thank you.
- Gratuities are not included (optional)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
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End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Your day cruise starts with pickup at the Sayulita meeting point (if requested) and transport to the Puerta Vallarta marina, where you’ll board the boat for your day cruise to the Marietas Islands. Kick off your time on board with Continental breakfast as you approach the islands, then take a break on Playa La Nopalera beach.
After free time to sunbathe and swim, board the boat again and cruise to a scenic spot for swimming and snorkeling (gear and water toys provided) directly from the boat. Relax on board with an open bar and lunch before a final stop in Banderas Bay to spot wildlife like humpback whales before the return trip to the marina.
After free time to sunbathe and swim, board the boat again and cruise to a scenic spot for swimming and snorkeling (gear and water toys provided) directly from the boat. Relax on board with an open bar and lunch before a final stop in Banderas Bay to spot wildlife like humpback whales before the return trip to the marina.
Bay of Banderas (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Near public transportation
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- IMPORTANT: It is a must to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. Thank you.
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten free options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please note that Drones are prohibited in this tour, due to federal regulations and in an effort to protect the flight path of endemic birds.
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jessica_A
Great time! Staff and service was amazing and the amount of activities was perfect . I would highly recommend coming at the beginning of the year so you can see the whales!
Reviews
4.8
based on 220 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Richard_D, Feb 2026
They whale naturalists, respect the ocean and keeping their distance while whales mate. Generous with drinks too!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re glad you found the tour worthwhile and appreciated our naturalists’ respect for the whales and the ocean. Protecting wildlife while still offering an unforgettable experience is very important to us—and we’re happy to hear you enjoyed the generous drinks too. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon.
Warm regards,
Gil Drory, Owner
Andre_H, Feb 2026
The staff were friendly, the music was good, the drinks were great and kept flowing and we saw quite a few whales on the tour.. We all had a good time.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re happy to hear you had a great day whale watching and that you enjoyed the friendly crew, fun music, and all-inclusive drinks. Seeing whales out in the bay really makes the day extra special, and we’re glad it all came together for you.
We’d love to welcome you back on board again soon.
Warm regards,
Gil Drory, Owner
Keeley_W, Jan 2026
Head out for an amazing time on the ocean, seeing the wildlife up close. Birds, dolphins, turtles, whales. Drinks were so good and the chips & guacamole were amazing!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Keeley! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing time out on the ocean with us.
Seeing birds, dolphins, turtles, and whales all in one trip is truly something special, and we’re so glad you were able to experience that magic firsthand. It’s also great to hear you enjoyed the drinks and our classic chips and guacamole — they’re definitely guest favorites!
Thank you for the recommendation to go whale watching during the season. It really is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Banderas Bay, and we love sharing it with our guests.
We truly appreciate you choosing Chica Locca Tours and hope to welcome you back again soon for another adventure on the water.
Warm regards,
**Gil Drory**
Owner
Nancy_C, Nov 2024
Wonderful experience! Staff made the experience fun and relaxing! 10/10 recommend! National park was gorgeous!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that our team helped make your Marietas Islands tour both fun and relaxing. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the beauty of the national park. Your 10/10 recommendation means a lot to us, and we’d love to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences!
Olivia_H, Oct 2024
We had the best time the people working on the boat were so kind and a great time! Would 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a fun day on a boat.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you, Olivia! It’s fantastic to hear that you had such an amazing time on board and that our crew made the experience even better. We love knowing our guests had a blast, and your 10/10 recommendation means a lot to us. Hope to see you again for another fun day on the water!
Ryan_M, Sep 2024
We went in mid September which was great in being in the off season. We were picked up in Sayulita and shuttled to the boat (35 minute ride). All the staff (Tanya was with us the most) were very friendly and attentive. We liked the blend of relaxing and activity and highly recommend the trip. See in in a few years to enjoy the new tour boat.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the perfect mix of relaxation and activities, and that Tanya and the crew made your day special. It’s wonderful that the off-season timing worked well for you, and we can’t wait to welcome you back in a few years to experience the new boat! We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again.
Ashley_B, Aug 2024
Wonderful experience to get out of the busy of town and swim in the clear ocean. Fun, safe, great gluten free, vegan food and service by everyone on the team.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by the clear ocean waters. It’s great to hear that our team provided you with a fun and safe experience, along with delicious gluten-free and vegan options. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful adventure!
Kyoko_F, Aug 2024
We loved the tour! The service was excellent, the staff were super attentive and nice. Great playlist both there and back! We weren't able to see the "big hole" as this needed advance reservation which I wish we could have known...
Response from Host, Aug 2024
We’re delighted that you and your family loved the tour and enjoyed the excellent service and attentive staff! It’s great to hear the playlist added to the fun vibe on board. We appreciate your feedback about the "big hole" and understand the disappointment—thank you for bringing it to our attention. We’ll make sure to communicate this better in the future. We hope to have you back for another wonderful adventure soon!
Laura_B, Jul 2024
Incredible! The staff was amazing! It eas both relaxing and fun. The snorkeling and water toys were perfect
Response from Host, Jul 2024
We're delighted to hear you had such an incredible trip! Our staff loves creating a perfect balance of relaxation and fun for our guests. It's great to know you enjoyed the snorkeling and water toys. Thank you for your wonderful review, and we hope to welcome you back for another awesome adventure!
Taji_J, Jun 2024
The best day ever! Crew was terrible! Lunch was great. Activities was perfect. . I will definitely come back!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad you enjoyed the lunch and activities, and that you had the best day ever. We take all feedback seriously, and we'll work to ensure every aspect of the experience meets expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure!
Omar_L, Jun 2024
I called the Company to confirm address and was given different address to meet.
I was messaging with guy on phone and he confirmed we where on track to be there on time and location (I send him a screenshot shot, page didn't allow me to upload) Once I get there he said they had already shipped.
I paid for 3 tickets and that's not okay, not even a offer to reschedule.
To top it off the guy that answered the phone was very cut off and came off rude.
I was told that there was nothing that could be done.
Very disappointed with my experience!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We're very sorry to hear about the confusion and inconvenience you experienced. This is not reflective of the high standards we strive for at Chica Locca Tours. We understand that part of the confusion arose due to the different time zones, as you were coming from the next state over, which led to the incorrect time on the screenshot being an hour off. Your comments about the communication and customer service are concerning, and we will address this with our team to prevent future issues. We apologize for not offering a rescheduling option and for any frustration this caused. Your experience is important to us, and we'll work on improving our processes to ensure better service for our guests.
Victor_P, May 2024
Great experience start to finish. The boat was nice, comfortable cushions. They wasted no time getting us food and drinks as soon as we took off. And I appreciated the snacks along the way before and after lunch. The staff was very attentive and friendly. The ride was smooth, getting time at the private beach was really cool, loved having time to play in the water. Didn’t end up going snorkeling but enjoyed all the options we had. Had a blast jumping off the platform!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that you had a great time from start to finish. It's fantastic to know that you found the boat comfortable, enjoyed the prompt food and drinks service, and appreciated the snacks throughout the day. We're glad our attentive and friendly staff made your trip even better. The private beach and water activities sound like a blast, especially jumping off the platform! We look forward to welcoming you back for another fun-filled day on the water.
Suzanne_B, May 2024
So nice and relaxing. Good food and drinks. (All the drinks you want.) Staff were extremely attentive to your needs. I loved the stand up paddle boarding. Visiting the island was very cool.
Response from Host, May 2024
We're delighted to hear that you found the tour relaxing and enjoyed the unlimited drinks, delicious food, and the stand-up paddleboarding! It's wonderful that our staff made sure all your needs were attended to. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we're glad you loved visiting the island. We look forward to having you on board again for more great times!
Sarah_H, Apr 2024
This excursion was a fun way to spend the day! The crew was awesome and the experience is an excellent value for the cost. Great food, history and activities available on the excursion!
Response from Host, May 2024
We're thrilled you had a super fun day with us! It’s great to hear that our crew helped make your excursion memorable and that you found it to be excellent value. Thank you for enjoying the food, history, and activities we offer. We look forward to having you join us again for another adventure!
Rubens_P, Apr 2024
Excellent tour, the crew service is amazing, the food is very good and the Islas are an amazing natural spot to visit. We could even do stand up paddle very close to a whale!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience! We're thrilled that you enjoyed the tour, the service from our crew, and the food. It sounds like paddleboarding near a whale was a truly unforgettable highlight! The Marietas Islands offer such a unique natural beauty, and we're glad you got to experience it. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future!
Rachel_B, Apr 2024
I booked this trip for my family of 4 (our kids are 14 and 16) based on the stellar reviews. It was, as promised, a perfect day and so easy. Great food and drinks, incredible service, we had the chance to try all the water toys and even took a few trips down the water slide. If you are looking for an easy, fun way to spend the day, book the trip!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for trusting the reviews and choosing us for your family adventure! We're delighted to hear that your day with us was perfect and easy, with great food, drinks, and service. It's wonderful that your family enjoyed all the water toys and the water slide. We strive to create a fun and memorable experience for every guest, and we're thrilled we could do that for you. We hope to welcome your family aboard again soon for another fantastic day out on the water!
Johanna_A, Apr 2024
The staff was super attentive and kind. The bathroom left a little to be desired but... no big deal! We went on a windy/choppy day so that was hard for some folks (sea sickness) and the music was really loud the whole time which might be hard if you're ill. Otherwise, pretty cool trip! We skipped snorkeling bc the water was really rough. We had photographers on the boat with us and they were so kind and snapping away always and we bought the photo package for $60 and I'm glad we did. For $100/person, food and drink and snacks at no extra charge, amazing experiences... totally worth it!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience and the helpful feedback! We're glad to hear that our staff was super attentive and that you found the trip to be worth it. We understand that the wind can indeed impact the experience, and we appreciate your advice for future guests regarding the weather. It's great to know that you enjoyed the photography service and found value in the all-inclusive offerings. We hope to welcome you back on a calmer day for an even more enjoyable experience!
Izabella_B, Mar 2024
Everything was fantastic. The crew was the best and we had so much fun swimming. The hidden beach is definitely worth it if you can get a spot and snorkeling was the best seeing so many fish. Would highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're so pleased to hear that your full-day adventure to the Marietas Islands was fantastic! It's wonderful that our crew played a significant part in making your experience enjoyable and fun, especially with swimming being a highlight for you. The hidden beach is indeed a special destination, and we're glad you found the effort to secure a spot there worthwhile. Snorkeling among the vibrant marine life is always an unforgettable experience, and we're thrilled it was a highlight for you. Thank you for your high recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable adventures in the future!
Jessica_H, Mar 2024
Staff was incredible! Experience was remarkable! We had such a blast in the sun and the islands were stunning!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're thrilled to hear that you had a remarkable experience on the All-Inclusive Full-Day Marietas Islands Boat Tour, highlighted by the incredible staff and stunning islands! Enjoying the sun and having a blast with us are exactly the kind of memories we aim to create for our guests. Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for more beautiful and amazing adventures in the future!
Chris_M, Mar 2024
This trip was great! The staff on the boat were exceptional. Extremely helpful and thoughtful. They were great with the kids and very helpful with all the activities. I will warn you that many are traveling without children and it is an open bar. So if you prefer your family not see that this may not be your trip. Although, that did not bother us.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience on our Marietas Islands boat tour! Our staff always aims to be exceptionally helpful and thoughtful, especially when it comes to making the day enjoyable for our younger guests and assisting with all the activities. It's wonderful to know that their efforts added so much to your trip. We understand that the open bar environment might not be for everyone, and we appreciate your heads-up for future guests considering this aspect. Thank you for choosing us for your family boat day, and we're so glad that the open bar environment did not detract from your enjoyment. We look forward to possibly welcoming you and your family back on board for another adventure!
Rachael_S, Feb 2024
1) The weather was rough, the crew was able to pivot and make a different activity for us which was so much fun. 2) The food/service was great 3) My son threw up on the boat and the crew was beyond helpful and nice to us. Overall we had a great time and I would recommend this to anyone!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience on the Marietas Islands Boat Tour, despite the rough weather. It's wonderful to know that our crew's ability to adapt and offer a different activity turned out to be a fun experience for you and your family. We're committed to providing excellent food and service, so we're glad you enjoyed that aspect as well. Additionally, we understand that unexpected situations can arise, especially with little ones, and we're pleased to hear that our crew was supportive and kind during your son's moment of discomfort. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're delighted that your overall experience was positive. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future!
Burke_L, Feb 2024
We loved our trip with Chicca Loca tours! Luis and his crew did so much to make the trip memorable and fun. Food and drinks were all delicious. Would suggest bringing a sunshirt since a lot of the day is in open skies and sunscreen isn’t allowed at the national park. It was so fun to see whales!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
We're delighted to hear that you had a truly memorable and fun day on our All-Inclusive Full-Day Marietas Islands Boat Tour! Luis and the rest of the crew take great pride in making each trip special for our guests, and it's wonderful to know that their efforts, along with the delicious food and drinks, contributed to your positive experience.
Thank you for the helpful tip about bringing a sunshirt; it's an excellent suggestion for our guests to stay protected under the open skies, especially given the restrictions on sunscreen at the national park. We're thrilled you enjoyed seeing the whales—it's certainly a highlight for many of our guests!
We appreciate your recommendation and are so glad you chose Chica Loca Tours for your adventure. We look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable experiences in the future!
Pamela_H, Feb 2024
There were portions of the cruise that we didn't expect, such as the whales we saw so close and being able to fish and enjoy the fish that were caught.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
We're thrilled to hear that your day cruise to the Marietas Islands exceeded your expectations! Spotting whales up close is indeed a breathtaking experience, and we're delighted that you had the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Adding to the adventure, the chance to fish and immediately enjoy the fresh catch is one of the unique aspects we love to offer, providing an authentic and memorable experience. We aim to surprise and delight our guests with unexpected moments like these, enriching your journey with us. Thank you for choosing us for your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another day filled with more than expected!
Jeffrey_H, Jan 2024
We saw so many whales! The staff was so attentive and nice. We really appreciated their efforts on our behalf!!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
We're thrilled to hear about your wonderful whale sightings during the Marietas Islands Boat Tour! It's always exciting for us to know that our guests were able to witness these magnificent creatures up close. Our staff takes great pride in being attentive and ensuring that every guest feels valued and taken care of. Your appreciation for their efforts means the world to us. Thank you for choosing Chica Locca Tours, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back on board for more unforgettable experiences in the future!
Jessica_A, Jan 2024
Great time! Staff and service was amazing and the amount of activities was perfect . I would highly recommend coming at the beginning of the year so you can see the whales!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
We're delighted to hear that you had a great time on our Marietas Islands boat tour! It's wonderful to know that our staff and the range of activities we offer contributed to your amazing experience. Your recommendation to visit at the beginning of the year for whale watching is spot on – it's truly a special time to experience the majestic beauty of these magnificent creatures. Thank you for your high recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable adventures!
isabela_a, Jan 2024
food was great, only downside is having to swim to the beach, but other than that everything was perfect. very very nice staff
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on the All-Inclusive Full-Day Marietas Islands Boat Tour. We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the food and found everything perfect, along with our very nice staff. We understand that swimming to the beach can be a bit challenging for some, but we're glad that it didn't significantly detract from your overall experience. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we continually strive to make our tours as enjoyable and accessible as possible for all our guests. We look forward to having you on board again for another wonderful adventure!
Michael_T, Oct 2023
The crew was very accommodating and fun. We had a great time and would definitely recommend going on the Chica locca tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thank you for sharing your fun experience with us! We're delighted the crew made your trip memorable and accommodating. It's always our goal to ensure guests have a blast. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you on another Chica Locca tour soon! 🌊🚤
Michael_L, Apr 2023
Crew was awesome!! Lots of fun and we were well taken care of at all times. Wasn’t able to see much during snorkeling but didn’t matter. Other parts were really fun. Knowledgeable staff about the eco system. Teenage daughters had a blast too with all the fun stuff do to on board.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Sounds like you had a really fun time, thanks for the great review
justincamara, Mar 2023
Absolutely amazing experience. The crew was a great time, the service was amazing. If you can do it, the hidden beach add on was worth every penny.
We saw humpback whales (it’s nearing the end of the season) went to some great beaches ate drank and snorkeled. The boat has 2 slides and a jump platform. The crew even coordinated a taxi so there was one waiting when we returned. You won’t regret it.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thanks for the Amazing review. We now have 3 waterslide boats, a sailboat, fishing panga, yacht vip taught and the limousine of the sea
Colin_G, Feb 2023
We had a great time traveling with Chica Locca Tours on the catamaran to the Marietas Islands. The crew were very lively and fun and took very good care each person on the boat. I wouldn’t hesitate to book them again if I am traveling to the Puerto Vallarta area.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thanks for your recommendation. See you next time you are in PV
From $100.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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