Whale watching

Humpbacks come into Banderas Bay each winter to mate and give birth, and from December to March boats out of Marina Vallarta go looking for them, mothers with calves among them. January and February are the strongest months. Whale watching is regulated in Mexico, and licensed boats can approach closer and stay longer than ordinary tour boats.

Small inflatable speedboats get in close and move fast but have no roof or toilet, and usually take nobody under 6. Covered catamarans are slower and steadier, often with a buffet and drinks, and take small children and older passengers. Both run about three to four hours. Some carry hydrophones so you can hear the whales sing, and dolphins often turn up too.