There is something absolutely magical about Banderas Bay in March.
We have spent so much time here lately, but every single day feels like a new adventure.
If you know us, you know we LOVE the water.
Being out on the ocean is our happy place.
It is where we feel most connected to each other and to the incredible nature that surrounds Puerto Vallarta.
Yesterday, we decided to do something extra special for ourselves.
We booked a private afternoon whale watching tour, and let me tell you, it was AMAZING!!!!
The Perfect Afternoon for Two
We didn't want a big, crowded boat with a hundred people.
We wanted something quiet.
Something romantic.
Just the two of us, the captain, and the wide-open sea.
Since we are staying in one of the best puerto vallarta condo rentals, getting down to the marina was a total breeze.
We packed a light bag, grabbed our sunglasses, and headed out with nothing but excitement.
The weather was perfect.
Not too hot, with just enough of a breeze to keep things cool as we hit the open water.
Before we left, I actually spent some time reflecting on my morning.
I wrote about it in my last post, Mindful Mornings: My Solo Yoga Spot by the Waves, which really set the tone for a peaceful day.
By the time we boarded the boat, I was feeling so grounded and ready to witness some ocean giants.
Into the Deep Blue
As we pulled out of the marina, the skyline of Puerto Vallarta started to shrink behind us.
Looking back at the city from the water is a perspective everyone needs to see.
You can see the lush green mountains meeting the blue of the bay.
It makes you realize why rentals in puerto vallarta are so popular: this place is literally paradise.
We cruised for about twenty minutes before our captain slowed the engine.
"Look there," he whispered, pointing toward the horizon.
At first, I didn't see anything.
Just the rhythmic movement of the waves.
But then: WHOOSH.
A massive spray of mist shot up into the air.
My heart skipped a beat!
It was a Humpback whale, and it was huge.
A Moment We Will Never Forget
We watched in total silence as the whale surfaced again.
Then, another one appeared right next to it.
They were traveling together, moving with so much grace for creatures of that size.
Suddenly, one of them lifted its massive tail high out of the water.
It hung there for a second, silhouetted against the bright afternoon sun.
Then, with a heavy slap that echoed across the water, it disappeared back into the depths.
It was SOOO cool!!
We just looked at each other, grinning like kids.
There were no distractions.
No screaming children or loud tour groups.
Just us and these magnificent animals.
It felt like the ocean was putting on a private show just for our anniversary trip.
Champagne and Sea Breezes
After the initial excitement of the first sightings, our captain pulled out a surprise.
He had a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and some fresh fruit for us.
We sat at the front of the boat, clinked our glasses, and toasted to the ocean.
This is exactly why we choose condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta that allow us to have these intimate experiences.
When you stay in a place that feels like home, you have the energy to go out and make these memories.
We spent the next hour just drifting.
We saw dolphins jumping in the wake of the boat, which was an added bonus!
They were so playful, almost like they were racing us.
The water in Banderas Bay is so vibrant and full of life this time of year.
If you are a couple looking for a romantic spark, this is it.
There is nothing quite like being on a boat as the sun starts to dip lower in the sky.
Everything turns to gold.
Why We Love This Neighborhood
After our tour ended and we got our land legs back, we weren't ready for the night to end.
We wandered through the cobblestone streets of Old Town.
The energy in Zona Romántica is always so vibrant and welcoming.
We actually ended up going back to a place I mentioned recently.
You can read about it in A Hidden Gem Dinner: Our Favorite Romantic Spot in 5 de Diciembre.
Even though it’s a short walk away, the food there is so worth the trek.
Living and staying in this area makes everything so accessible.
Whether you are looking for rentals puerto vallarta for a week or a month, being near the Romantic Zone is key.
It’s where the heart of the city beats.
Heading Back to Our Sanctuary
By the time we made it back to our rental, we were exhausted in the best way possible.
The sun had fully set, and the city lights were twinkling.
We sat on our balcony for a while, just listening to the distant sound of the waves.
Our living room is so bright and modern, it really felt like the perfect place to unwind.
We didn't need a TV or music.
We just talked about the whales and how lucky we felt to be here.
There are so many options for puerto vallarta condo rentals, but finding one with a view like ours makes a huge difference.
It turns a "vacation" into a true "experience."
We even shared a few photos of our afternoon on Instagram because we just had to show off those whale tails!
Practical Tips for Your Whale Watching Date
If you are planning to do this, here are a few things we learned:
1. Go in the Afternoon
Most people go in the morning, but the afternoon light is much more romantic.
2. Book Private
If it’s within your means, a private boat is 100% worth it for a couple.
The intimacy is what makes it special.
3. Bring a Light Jacket
Even if it's hot on land, the ocean breeze can get chilly once the sun starts to go down.
4. Keep Your Camera Ready
The whales don't give you a warning!
But also, remember to put the phone down and just look with your own eyes.
5. Stay Centrally
We loved being able to walk back to our place.
Look for condo and apartment rentals puerto vallarta that are close to the water.
Final Thoughts
Our afternoon on Banderas Bay was the highlight of our trip so far.
Puerto Vallarta has a way of surprising you, even when you think you’ve seen it all.
Seeing those whales reminded us of how small we are and how beautiful the world is.
Doing it together made it a memory we will cherish forever.
If you are coming to PV as a couple, you absolutely have to get out on the water.
It is the ultimate romantic gesture.
And of course, having a beautiful home base to return to is the icing on the cake.
We are already looking at our calendar to see when we can come back next year.
The whales will be waiting, and we will be too.
Highly recommended.
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