This page contains very important information pertaining to all tours. Please read the entire page so that you are fully aware of the information that you will need as it relates to pier location and entry, arrival times, gift shop information and more. Please print a copy of this page and the larger, clickable map below and bring it with you so that you have all the information handy – especially the map of the location of the pier for your taxi driver. Please arrive no later than 8:30am. Contact us is you are running a little late (See Contact Us & Support page) as there are no refunds for no-shows and no exceptions to the Terms & Conditions governing the day’s activities.
After you have made your reservation PayPal will provide you with a receipt that will serve as your boarding ticket. If you are unable to print the receipt you can bring a copy of it on any mobile device. Nevertheless, once you will receive a confirmation email your name will be noted on our guest list as confirmed and paid.
Humpback Whale InformationAll tours depart from the pier called Muelle Los Peines. The covered visitor’s area is located pier side between the Naval Hospital and the Puerto Iguana Condominiums. Look for the orange dots on the maps. All taxi cab drivers are familiar with the pier. Rates from downtown Vallarta vary. But, expect the fare to be between $120.00 – $150.00 Mexican Pesos. These fares are to be used only as a guideline and taxi fairs are subject to change with or without notice. Ocean Friendly Tours have no control of the fares charged by taxis.
Click on the button for a larger and printable version:
Muelle Los Peines
Calle Los Peines, 332
(x Francisco Medina Ascencio)
Colonia Puerto Iguanas
Jalisco, 48334
Mexico
Please arrive at the pier no later than 8:30 am. We depart the pier promptly at 9:00 am and there are no refunds for no-shows. If you are running a little late you can always call us that morning at 322-2169464 from within Vallarta or +52-322-2169464 from an international mobile. It is the guests responsibility to familiarize themselves with our Terms & Conditions page prior to reservation payment.
Most taxi drivers have a cell phone and will probably let you use it for small extra tip. For the respect of other guests, if we do not hear from you in advance, we do depart the pier promptly at 9:00am and there are no refunds for no-show guests.
Allow at minimum 30 minutes for transportation time to the pier from downtown Vallarta. Allow more time if you are coming from other locations either north or south of the departure point depending on your location.
Meal service is offered on board on our 4 to 5 hour morning departures and consist of homemade pannini sandwiches, condiments, fruit, snack bars, purified water and soft drinks. Our 3 hour tours include: fruit, snack bars, purified water and soft drinks.
Please advise us if you require a vegetarian or gluten-free lunch when making your booking. For the safety and convenience of all guests on board flammable liquids of any type and alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on board at any time. All Ocean Friendly tours are NON-SMOKING.
When arriving at the main entrance, make the immediate first left and pay this usage tax to the attendant in the white kiosk. This tax is applicable only if you are parking a private vehicle within the Federal Zone.
After payment of your fee, walk out of the fenced area, turn to the left when you exit and follow the sidewalk to the main pier entrance. You will see another white kiosk and two large gates. Enter at the kiosk and announce yourself as an Ocean Friendly Tour guest and that you will be traveling onboard Mundo Silencioso/Silent World. Proceed forward to the covered waiting area in front of you. You will be met there soon by an Ocean Friendly representative or guide. The window to the right is where you’ll pay your per person federal tax fee. Again, Ocean Friendly Tours does not profit from any of the federal fees.
There are no exemptions to the fees and taxes and everyone, except children under the age of 8are required to pay.
After paying the tax, proceed to the open air, covered departure lounge and wait to be approached by a representative of Ocean Friendly Tours. This is also the area where our pre-departure briefing will take place so please don’t stray too far.
If you arrive the pier early, there are restrooms and facilities for purchasing coffee, soft drinks, snacks, etc. within the immediate vicinity of the departure lounge. The Cafe is located on a green building with palapa roof before the entry gate of the pier and the restrooms are to the right on the “water side” of the building where you paid your port entry tax.
Also, take the beautiful opportunity to find the colony of endangered green iguanas that live in the trees behind the covered canopy and the many bird species that are usually very active in the morning hours. This will be your first of many great photographic opportunities of the day!
We suggest that you bring along a towel, sunglasses, sun block, hat, jacket, wind breaker or sweater and your camera or video recorder to capture the incredibly special moments of your expedition on the water.
You may want to consider bringing a field notebook and pencil for recording your observations and encounters for future reference.
As in any service related industry, a standard gratuity of 10% – 15% for your entire purchase will be very much appreciated by your guides, Captain and crew. Thank you in advance and we look forward to exceeding your expectations throughout the tour! Gratuities are at your own discretion.
General camera setting support can be provided within the range of the knowledge of your professional guides (please request in advance if you need a photographer´s guidance so that we can make the appropriate arranngements). It is recommended that you study your camera’s user guide, other available Internet based resources and iPhone or iPad applications prior to tour participation.
Once again, you may want to consider bringing a field notebook and pencil for recording your observations and encounters for future reference.
To help ensure a better experience we urge you to get a good night’s sleep and to moderate your alcohol consumption the night before your tour.
Tour times are dependent on the tour that you choose, sightings, weather conditions and guest safety. All tour times are subject to change with or without advance warning. We are operating in real time and have no control over nature.
You will be advised of any changes at the time of booking and before tour departure of schedule changes should they be known in advance. Please ensure that you provide your local Puerto Vallarta contact information when making your payment.
After you’ve confirmed your journey, please be sure to print out the information that you will need regarding your whale watching expedition. Our After Booking Information page will give you all that you need to know about how to prepare for your journey. We highly recommend that you pay particular attention to the map that shows our departure location and to review and understand our Terms & Conditions policies as they relate to your purchase.
The profits of your ticket and gift shop sales benefit our non-profit research foundation – Deep Blue Conservancy, the Kite Aerial Photography Project and other current research projects.