Puerto Vallarta's Whale-Watching Season Announced: What You Need to Know

Whale-watching in Banderas Bay will be available from December 8, 2026, to March 23, 2027, according to the federal environment ministry's notice. This season allows boats to take visitors out to see the whales that arrive in the bay every winter. The notice outlines no-go zones around Islas Marietas and the Punta Mita coast to protect mother whales and their calves. The season dates cover both sides of the bay, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabo Corrientes on the Jalisco side, and the municipality of Bahía de Banderas on the Nayarit side. No-go areas include a 1.5 km radius around Islas Marietas and a 2 km coastal strip from Punta Mita to the Ameca River mouth. Tour operators must follow their permit and federal rules in NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010.

For those planning a trip, this season window means you know the best time to aim for whale-watching tours. It also means you can avoid areas off-limits to protect the whales and their calves. The season runs on the same dates in Compostela, Jaltemba, and Chacala, and around Isla Isabel National Park off San Blas. South of Vallarta, Bahía de Tenacatita in La Huerta also opens on December 8 and closes on March 23.

For a look at what last winter was like, check out our story on record whale sightings in Bahía de Banderas. And for other things to do in Puerto Vallarta, see our list of [things to do](https://www.puertovallarta.net/what-to-do/).

If you're planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and interested in whale-watching, make sure to ask your operator about the no-go areas and to check their permit before booking a tour. This season is a chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, but also a reminder of the importance of respecting their space.