Sayulita is a haven for whales and other species of dolphins. It is a small town in Mexico along the Pacific Ocean at the southern end of the state of Nayarit and north of Banderas Bay. To be accurate, Sayulita’s biogeographic location is west of El Mezquite, at the entrance to the Sea of Cortez and the Eastern Tropical Pacific at the Marias Islands and the Bay of Banderas, providing the perfect atmosphere for those enchanted by whales.

The beaches here are popular with surfers or beginners who want to learn to surf. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this place and make lasting memories. Sayulita is also known for its vibrant local culture and delicious cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes while you’re here.

What can you expect from a whale-watching tour in Sayulita? 

The season for watching the whales in Banderas Bay begins in December and ends in March. Memorably, get an encounter with these fantastic beasts like no other will. That is probably why experiencing spectacular and majestic humpback whales and getting some lessons from them is something you should pay attention to. It should also be noted that dolphins can be observed at different times randomly during the year on various beaches in Sayulita. The main beach is one of the best sites to get acquainted with the bottlenose dolphins, a somewhat enigmatic and playful kind of dolphins that often fly in the water, feed close to Punta Sayulita, or play on the town’s central beach. However, you are more likely to encounter these other types of dolphins a little off the coast while out in deep sea fishing or when on a cruise to the Marieta islands. 

Pantropical spotted dolphins are of a mildly smaller size and are mostly known as white spotted on their back, while the rough-toothed dolphins are of the same size but have a sloping forehead and swim in a line. In addition, if you are lucky enough to see a spinning dolphin, it is also of the same size, but most probably a large group of dolphins jumping in the water in a spinning manner.

During the winter, a miraculous natural phenomenon unfolds as humpback whales migrate from Canada’s west coast to Mexico’s Pacific coast. Between December and March, they grace Banderas Bay with their presence, establishing a temporary home in the warmer waters.

Witnessing this awe-inspiring event, when these majestic creatures come to the Nayarit coast to mate and give birth, is a privilege that few get to experience. The bay, with its natural formations, provides a haven for humpback whale mothers and calves, and every year, hundreds of these magnificent creatures put on a breathtaking show of breaching, singing, courting, and tail flapping.

What is the best time of the year to see whales in Punta Sayulita?

Whale watching in Punta Sayulita is often prolific between December and March, with January and February being the best window for sighting the mammals. During these months, humpback whales come to the warmer water of the Bay of Banderas to mate and give birth, and whale watching becomes possible here. By visits, guests are privileged to see whales from the sandy shore or hire a boat and get closer to the animals.

Exploring many tours while watching whales and exploring a trip to Sayulita with Spur i Experiences possible. For better exposure to these big sea animals, it is possible to organize watching tours for whales from ports around the marinas daily, making you see the whales in action. Spur Experiences tours are escorted by expert guides, who are not only knowledgeable about the humpback whales and their habits, but also passionate about their conservation. Their expertise adds a layer of understanding and appreciation to the experience, making it fulfilling for any lover of wildlife or someone who saw wildlife for the first time. Boat rides in Sayulita and Punta Mita range between 2 and 4 hours, enough for boats to stop, allowing the whales to jump, dive, and swim. Several tours also involve snorkeling or dolphin watching in one package to make the day a whole marine experience.

What are the things to consider before whale watching in Sayulita? 

First, while planning the visit to Sayulita, it would be more appropriate to think of this possible whale-watching excursion. Whale watching is an excellent experience that calls for concern for the big wild animals and comes with patience and a little luck. Because the area has beautiful marine creatures, visiting the ocean during your vacation can be exciting; it may turn tourists into marine conservation enthusiasts and a stunning natural landscape that both kids and grown-ups will love. The boat you set off for a whale-watching cruise must fly with the right flag for the year. This ensures that the ship operating in whale areas has a permit to do so, and the owner has been to workshops on the operation of the boat for whale watching and has agreed to conform to Mexican laws regarding whale watching. However, operators can only take clients out for humpback whale watching sayulita when it is whale watching season in December, January, February, and March.

To conclude 

It’s remarkable to realize that being located at Punta Sayulita offers a perfect topographic perspective to observe whales. Found in the Bahía de Banderas region, this region has been well-noted as one of the best destinations for watching humpback whales worldwide. It contains a sheltered bay that brings calm and order to water access for boats and whales. Whether you prefer a water tour in a boat or viewing breathtaking countryside while looking out for a rich, luxurious ‘Eco-Villa’ in Punta Sayulita, your chances of seeing these beautiful animals are very high. In addition, the environmental care found within Punta Sayulita guarantees that whale watching is done legally and does not harm mammals. Steward tourism activities for whales are taken to ensure people get a view of the whales and their behaviors without interfering, promoting a respectful and considerate approach to wildlife tourism. To know more visit Spur Experiences today and book your next memorable trip.