Every winter, humpback whales come to the warm water of Banderas Bay to mate and give birth. A mother and calf surfacing beside the boat — or a full breach — is the moment most winter visitors talk about for years.
When the whales are here
- The official season is set every year by SEMARNAT, Mexico's environment agency. Last season ran December 8 to March 23; the 2026–27 dates are announced before the season opens.
- The peak is January and February, when calves are most active.
- Outside the season, whales are sometimes seen as early as November or as late as April — but federal protections and licensed tours run during the official window.
The rules boats must follow
Mexico regulates whale watching under NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010. A licensed boat must:
- Keep its distance: at least 60 m from a whale for small boats, 80 m for medium and larger ones.
- Wait its turn: boats that aren't observing hold 240 m away, and no more than four boats can be with the same whale or group.
- Limit the time: up to 30 minutes with a whale or group.
- Go slow: reduce speed near whales and approach from the side and slightly behind — never head-on, never chasing.
No swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or diving is allowed where whales are being watched. Mothers with calves get extra care.
If your captain races toward a spout or crowds other boats, that's the tour to avoid — and to mention in your review.
Small boat or catamaran?
- Small boats sit lower in the water, so you're closer to eye level, and usually carry fewer people. Better for photography.
- Large catamarans are steadier and roomier — the better pick with kids, older travelers, or anyone prone to seasickness.
Both follow the same distance rules; the difference is comfort and crowd size.
Whale Photo Safari (Small Boat)★ 4.9 · 702 reviews · from $95 USD · 4 h
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Whale Watching Tour★ 4.7 · 190 reviews · from $77 USD · 3 h
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Whale Watching + Snorkel Combo★ 4.8 · 413 reviews · from $110 USD · 5 h
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Tips from the water
- Go in the morning. The bay is usually calmer — easier to spot whales and easier on the stomach.
- Book early in your trip, so a windy day can be rescheduled.
- Take motion-sickness medicine before you board, not once you feel sick.
- Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, a hat and water — it's cooler and windier out on the bay.
- Only book licensed operators. Ask, and don't board a boat that chases or crowds whales.
The best whale tours feel calm. The whales choose how close they come — a good captain just puts you in the right place and turns the engine down.
