Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Tours

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 1113 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Asya 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Amazing experience
My husband and I really enjoyed this tour - we saw so many whales pretty close up! The boat is small and about a 20 minute ride out to where the whales are. Oscar is very knowledgeable and passionate about these animals, we learned so much from him! My husband got a little seasick and Oscar had supplies to help him feel better, which was so kind!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Andi S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Amazing Tour!
By far the best whale watching experience! Oscar and his crew are so knowledgeable and friendly. We had a great time and learned so much about the Bay of Banderas and how to observe whales. I loved that this experience is small and intimate. We will definitely take another tour with Friendly Ocean Tours.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Andrea L 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Exceptional ethical whale watching with Ocean Friendly
If you’re looking for a truly ethical whale watching experience, I can’t recommend Ocean Friendly enough. Before our trip, we spent quite a bit of time researching operators because we wanted a company that genuinely prioritises the wellbeing and “personal space” of whales while also offering an educational and respectful wildlife experience. After seeing Ocean Friendly and Oscar mentioned in a Reddit thread, I reached out with a few questions. Oscar replied quickly with thoughtful and detailed messages, and from the very first interaction it was clear how knowledgeable, passionate, and professional he is. This immediately stood out. While the tour may seem a bit pricier than some competitors, it is absolutely worth it to support operators like Ocean Friendly - giving them the chance to continue their important work safeguarding wildlife, contributing to research, and protecting these habitats. The welcome and 4-hour tour itself were fantastic. The small group size (around 11–12 passengers) made the experience feel intimate and personal while being highly respectful of the wildlife. Before boarding, Oscar gave a fascinating introduction covering whale behaviour, migration patterns, and recent scientific findings, which made the entire trip even more meaningful. His passion for whales and marine conservation shines through in everything he says and does. The crew was incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure everyone had a wonderful experience while always keeping the whales’ (and other oceanic lives') safety and comfort the top priority. A special mention for the lunch: our group had various dietary restrictions, and Oscar personally called to make sure they would bring food we could safely eat and actually enjoy. It ended up being the most delicious sandwich lunch I’ve had on any tour! I’ve been on several whale-watching tours in different places, and none came close to this one. If you’re looking for a truly ethical, responsible, small-group whale watching tour with a knowledgeable guide and exceptional crew, Ocean Friendly is absolutely the one to choose. A huge thank you to Oscar and his wonderful crew - we loved every minute of the experience and happily recommend it 100%.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 LKurin 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Fun while it lasted
February 25th 2026 would have been our 5th visit with Ocean Friendly Whale watching. Unfortunately on February 22nd civil unrest erupted in Puerto Vallarta. We were staying at a resort in Riviera Nayarit. We were receiving emails from the US State Department and checking with resort personnel to see if it was safe to travel to the Pier in Vallarta to go on the tour. The US State department had a shelter in place advisory and resort pesonnel advised not to leave the resort.. We contacted Ocean Freindly and cancelled our tour. We realize it was within their 24 hour cancellation window but we were hoping for a credit for next year or a refund. We were advised they were not willing to do this. We have always enjoyed Ocean Friendly and the way he ran his charters. It is unfortunate he doesn't run his business with the same concern as he does his charter. We will not return.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Megan S. 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Amazing!!!!!
Oscar and his crew are amazing! Professional and great sense of humor which brings a lot of fun to the boat! The boat is clean and comfortable perfect for viewing.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Trail20331676764 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Fabulous whale watch!
We enjoyed an incredible whale watch out of Lahaina harbor aboard Hawaii Ocean Project's catamaran Kaulana. The boat was very stable and uncrowded, the crew was friendly and helpful, and the tour was informative and well narrated. The captain is very experienced and knew just how to approach the whales. We saw more whales than I'd ever seen before on a whale watch!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 PhyllbirdA 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Oscar is the best !!
Oscar knows how to locate the whales and he respects their movements. I think many of the whales recognize his voice. He is knowledgeable about the ocean and how these beautiful creatures move around and play and flirt and respond to each other
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 EKT 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Extraordinary, Ethical, & Entertaining - the BEST Whale Watching Tour!
TL;DR: This is the absolute BEST whale watching experience. Book it now! In 2014, after booking our first trip to Puerta Vallarta, I started researching whale watching trips. Oscar and Ocean Friendly were incredibly highly rated and I was drawn to how much they relied on engaging in this responsibly. That first trip was absolutely phenomenal and whenever we consider another vacation, we always end up deciding to return to PV because we want to go whale watching with Oscar and Ocean Friendly again. We did our 4th tour with them in January 2026. Every outing is different - you never know what you'll see! What is guaranteed is an incredibly knowledgeable and caring crew who have a deep love and understanding of these phenomenal creatures. Oscar's energy and appreciation for the whales, the ecosystem, and the experience are unmatched. I'm a very amateur photographer and Oscar has taken time to help me set up my camera to get the best images I can. We book the "Responsible Whale Watching Tour." The cost is well worth the experience. With a smaller vessel, you get a 360 degree view of the ocean and sea life. There are also only 10-12 people on board, so the experience feels personal. There's time to get a brief understanding of the whales, the bay, and the ecosystem on land, then venture out to see what can be seen. Oscar and his staff deeply understand the signals and behaviors of the whales. While sightings are not guaranteed, this crew knows how to find the whales if they are findable! We've also gotten to stop by Los Arcos a few times to see the bird life there - also incredible! On the way back to the dock, they serve an amazing homemade lunch. If you want to do a responsible, ethical, and fun whale-watching trip, this experience is for you. Oscar and his staff are passionate about their work and it comes through in the customer experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Kellie M 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Best whale watching ever!!
Excellent experience!. Ozcar and his crew were so knowledgeable and compassionate about whales and all things in the ocean. We learned so much. The whales, dolphins and birds were spectacular! We were treated to a wonderful lunch as well, very fresh and tasty. Such a great day...absolutely the best whale tour in town!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Jenny M 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Excellent tour, very knowledgeable guide
Oscar is a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable about whales. It is a great tour for seeing many whales. We actually got to see dolphins and a turtle. You get a granola bar for a snack and turkey/cheese sandwich w/fixings w a drink. There is a "souvenir shop." The port fee is $43 pesos a person and there is a bathroom where you pay the port fee. Taxis can be hailed outside of the port easily. Oscar is particular so, if you are going on this tour remember to email when you arrive in Mexico and confirm your reservation. Let him know if you are going to be late. Also, if you do not have international phone service let him know so, he can contact you.