There’s a hush in the air. The sea holds its breath. Then, in the distance, a plume rises. A shadow moves. A splash cracks the silence. Whale season in Punta de Mita is pure magic. If you visit during these months, you’ll want to know how to see it all. Up close. From above. Or with your toes in the sand.
Here’s how to catch the show.
The great journey of the humpback whale to Punta de Mita
Every winter, humpback whales arrive in the warm waters of Banderas Bay. They come from far away, sometimes swimming over 5,000 miles. They leave behind the cold northern seas and head toward the tropics.
They come to breed. They return the next winter to give birth. Mothers arrive first. Then the others follow. Males sing deep, echoing songs that change a little each year. Sometimes they fight for the chance to stay near a female. Newborn calves stay close to the shore. They nurse, grow strong, and learn how to swim alongside their mothers for the long trip back.
You don’t need to search for long. Humpbacks are surface performers. They leap, splash, and wave their fins like they know you are watching. And here in Punta de Mita, they are often close to the shore.
When to see humpback whales in Punta de Mita
Whale watching season in Punta de Mita, Mexico begins every year on December 20 and ends on March 23. For peak whale watching season, the best months to spot humpback whales are in January and February. These months bring the most activity. The whales are at their most playful. The show is at its peak.
Where to watch whales during a Punta de Mita vacation
While you’re on your next vacation in Punta de Mita, this destination and the entire Banderas Bay area provide endless coastal spots for whale watching:
From your resort
Some of the best views are just outside your hotel suite. At Armony Resort - MGallery Collection, the infinity pool seems to melt into the sea. From there, you might spot a mother and calf swimming past. At the high-up Insú Sky Lounge, the view stretches across the bay. Watch the water shimmer at sunset while whales leap far below. If you book an oceanfront room category, you can even spot them from the privacy of your own balcony. It’s unforgettable.
Punta de Mita whale watching tours
For a closer look, book a whale watching boat tour. Resorts like Armony Resort - MGallery Collection can help arrange it on-site. At the resort, look for trusted tour companies such as Vallarta Adventures. These tours take you deep into Banderas Bay. Out where the whales play. Guides help you understand what you’re seeing. You might hear the haunting sound of a song. Or feel the splash of a tail on the waves. It’s the ultimate whale watching experience in Punta de Mita.
Oceanfront restaurants on Banderas Bay
Why not enjoy a meal with a view? At La Brise, the open-air palapa at Armony Resort - MGallery Collection offers sweeping views of the bay for a whale-watching breakfast. Whales often appear on the horizon as you sip your morning coffee. Or head to Insú Sky Bar in Nuevo Vallarta, located at Marival Distinct Handwritten Collection resort. The rooftop pool, cocktails, and endless sky make it a favorite for sunset whale spotting.
Puerto Vallarta’s boardwalk
Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta. Drive about 35 minutes to reach the Malecón (city boardwalk). This seaside boardwalk curves along the edge of the ocean. In winter, locals and visitors gather here for whale watching and city exploration. Bring binoculars and gaze out at the waves. You just might see a splash in the distance.
Let the whales lead the way in Punta de Mita
Whale season in Punta de Mita is something you feel as much as see. It’s in the hush before the breach. In the shimmer on the water. In the distant songs that rise from below. Plan your visit in winter and follow the signs. The ocean will do the rest.
