| While Puerto Vallarta is known for its charming | | | | December to March. There are plenty of tours |
| architecture and majestic scenery, the city has always | | | | available tailored to both whale watching and |
| relied on Banderas Bay for survival. Resting in the | | | | photography. Each tour company will offer unique |
| middle of this sprawling bay off the Pacific Ocean, the | | | | options for travelers, from privately chartered sailboats |
| city supported itself with the fishing industry long | | | | to group tours perfect for families with young children. |
| before the tourists arrived. Today, the vibrant culture | | | | As sorting through the options for whale watching can |
| of this unique destination still relies on the recreational | | | | be difficult, contact your resort for recommendations |
| possibilities of the bay's calm waters. From the | | | | and reservations. |
| beaches lining the bay to all the water sport activities | | | | Not to be outdone by the humpback whale, dolphins |
| possible off the coast, visitors to Puerto Vallarta | | | | also offer plenty of fun for tourists. In addition to boats |
| shouldn't miss Banderas Bay. | | | | that tour the bay allowing visitors to observe |
| In one way or another, all of the activities in Banderas | | | | bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, some |
| Bay start with the beaches. The bay boasts 34 miles | | | | organizations even offer trips to the Marietas Islands |
| of coastline, 26 of which are beaches. From Puerto | | | | for scuba diving and snorkeling with these friendly |
| Vallarta in the middle of the bay to the northern surfing | | | | mammals. Banderas Bay is also a hotspot for dolphin |
| village of Sayulita, the beaches are typically wide and | | | | research, so you will be able to interact with gifted |
| sandy - perfect for relaxing and water sports alike. | | | | marine biologists able to answer all your questions |
| South of the city, the beaches tend to be rockier and | | | | about this vibrant ecosystem. |
| more secluded. However, these beaches represent | | | | Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay are also great |
| the exotic ideal known to travelers through movies and | | | | spots to start a scuba diving or snorkeling expedition. |
| magazines - where the mountains spill into the sea and | | | | There are plenty of great reefs within the bay's calm |
| jungles rest above the water. | | | | waters that novice divers and families can enjoy. At |
| Lining the bay in Puerto Vallarta, you will find the | | | | the edges of the bay - where Banderas Bay meets |
| famous boardwalk - the Malecon. This waterfront | | | | the Pacific Ocean - experienced divers can test their |
| walkway is lined with shops, restaurants and the city's | | | | skills in the waves. Regardless of where you dive, you |
| unique sculpture collection. The Malecon is a popular | | | | will be able to spot numerous species of exotic fish, |
| destination for visitors of all ages, as families can enjoy | | | | coral formations and underwater plant life. It is even |
| the scenery and festival-like atmosphere while couples | | | | possible to take scuba diving lessons and earn |
| can shop the luxurious boutiques and hit some of | | | | certification while in Puerto Vallarta. |
| Mexico's best nightclubs. | | | | From sailing and fishing to jet skiing and surfing, pretty |
| Out in Banderas Bay, one of the most popular | | | | much every water sport is possible in Banderas Bay. |
| family-friendly activities is a whale watching tour. Each | | | | Even if you aren't the adventurous type, you can still |
| year, families of humpback whales migrate to the | | | | relax on the bay's white sand beaches or on the deck |
| warm waters of Banderas Bay from their Artic | | | | of a boat cruising the calm waters. Just make sure |
| homes. Here, the whales breed and raise their young in | | | | that when you visit Puerto Vallarta, you don't miss a |
| the bay's protected waters. Conveniently, the whales | | | | chance to enjoy the peaceful waters of Banderas |
| visit the bay during the peak of the tourist season - | | | | Bay. |