Whale watching
The whales have arrived! According to the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT), this year’s whale watching season officially opened on December 8 and will run through March 23, 2020.
Every year the Environment Ministry grants a specific number of permits to vessels that are authorized to offer whale watching tours. On these boats, crews are trained to provide participants with the best possible experience without affecting the natural habitat of the whales.
Each authorized vessel is required to have a copy of their permit onboard and to fly the whale watching flag. When you are offered a whale watching trip in Puerto Vallarta, make sure the boat has its proper accreditations to ensure that you, your family, and your friends enjoy a safe whale watching experience, while protecting these gentle giants who bring so much magic to the Bay of Banderas every year.
Tours leave daily from Puerto Vallarta’s Maritime Terminal, beginning at 8 a.m. One can choose from boats explicitly designed for whale observation, a variety of smaller vessels, or larger tour boats that often provide food and beverages.
Concerts
The Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta has two upcoming Christmas concerts, to be performed by the multigenerational Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra (PVCO). The PVCO was created in 2004 by expat musicians as a small ensemble to continue creating music while living here. Since then, it has grown into a full-size orchestra and is the only community orchestra in the Bay of Banderas. They now include more than 40 local and international musicians, with artists from eight countries adding their talent to produce the highest level of classical music in the region.
Join the Peruto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra, with special guests “Grupo Tajin,” on Sunday, December 15, and Monday, December 16, for their Special Christmas Concert. Shows start at 7 p.m., and tickets are 200 pesos per adult or 80 pesos per child. All profits from performances go directly back to Instituto de Artes Musicales, a non-profit music education institute dedicated to bringing music performances and instruction to the local younger generations. Visit iampv.org for tickets and locations.
Spirit & Joy
On Sunday, December 22 and Monday, December 23, get into the holiday spirit at The Palm Cabaret & Bar, as they host their 3rd Annual “Bohemia Viva Spirit & Joy” show. With shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. each night, this fun and festive show is sure to put you and your friends in the holiday mood. Visit thepalmcabaret.com for tickets.