Every year the Riviera Nayarit becomes the temporary home for humpback whales, some of which arrive early towards the end of October even though the official whale watching season in the Riviera Nayarit is from mid-November to March. During this time, you can see these wonderful cetaceans singing and swimming along the coast of the Riviera Nayarit, a unique and magical display that you must experience.
How can you take a whale watching tour?
Whale watching tours are a favorite of our tourists year after year and it’s not for nothing: to see these beautiful mammals in their natural habitat is truly impressive, especially since their size is so amazing. Nevertheless, if you want to enjoy a tour, you’ll have to make plans, since space is limited and there are few boats.
Due to the preservation of the species, the boats must keep their distance to respect the humpback whales’ space. This does not, however, preclude them from approaching the tour boats: in fact, you might get very lucky and see them from just a few meters away.
If you want to book a whale watching tour, check in with Punta Mita Expeditions, the co-op at Corral del Risco in Punta de Mita, or with the local tour operators located near the river in Sayulita.
Prices for whale watching tours
Tour prices can vary depending on the type of boat and can last anywhere from two to four hours. Keep in mind that whale watching tours in the Riviera Nayarit basically consist of searching for the cetaceans in the bay, and though they’re quite visible almost from the start of the tour, it could take a little longer to find them (this is actually a good thing: it gives you more time to fall even more in love with our beautiful Banderas Bay!)
Other wonders along the way
Besides enjoying the beautiful humpback whales, along the way you might also encounter other wonderful aquatic species, such as dolphins, turtles, manta rays (with their usual wonderful display) or, if you’re very lucky, even an orca. You never know!
We could write a thousand more words to try and describe what it’s like to see the humpback whales cavorting in the bay, but the truth is that this is an experience you should live at least once in your lifetime.
Also: don’t forget to take lots of pictures and videos and use the #RivieraNayarit hashtag
We want to see you enjoying paradise!