Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – With the return of humpback whales to Banderas Bay just weeks away, nearly 700 whale watching guides, captains, sailors, and boat owners in Jalisco and Nayarit have completed refresher courses on responsible whale watching practices. The training is mandatory for anyone seeking a permit to operate tours during the 2026-2027 season and helps ensure that both visitors and whales stay safe.
The courses brought together 675 participants across the two states. In Nayarit, 343 people attended sessions held September 28 and 29, while 332 tour guides took part in the Jalisco course on October 19.
The training was coordinated by teacher Areli Cueto, director of Marietas Islands National Park, and organized by Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) in Jalisco, with support from PROFEPA, CONANP, and SEMADET.
One of the key messages this year was “Less Speed = More Lives,” a campaign promoted by ECOBAC (Ecología y Conservación de Ballenas A.C.) to remind boat operators about the dangers of collisions between vessels and whales. These accidents can seriously injure or kill whales and can put passengers and crew members at risk as well.
By reviewing safe boating practices and the rules for operating in protected areas, the courses help tour operators provide better experiences for everyone on board while giving whales the space they need. Proper training, valid permits, and respect for established guidelines are all part of keeping this popular activity safe and well organized.
The 2026-2027 whale watching season officially opens on December 8. Until then, humpback whales have time to settle into their winter home in the warm waters of Banderas Bay, where they come to mate, give birth, and care for their calves.
For visitors, whale watching offers a memorable opportunity to see these remarkable animals in their natural environment. For Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, it is also an important tourism activity that supports local businesses while creating opportunities to share the importance of marine conservation.
With the new season approaching, the message is simple: enjoy the whales, follow the rules, and give these magnificent animals plenty of room. Responsible whale watching helps protect the humpbacks that return to Banderas Bay year after year, ensuring that future visitors can share in the experience.
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