If you’re visiting Los Cabos at the right time of year, whale watching in Cabo San Lucas is one of the most memorable activities to enjoy during your vacation. However, there are dozens of whale-watching tour companies to choose from in Cabo — and it can feel daunting to choose the right one!

In this post, we’ll outline all the information you need to know about whale watching in Cabo and how to choose a responsible whale-watching operator in Cabo to see these magnificent creatures.

When Is the Cabo Whale-Watching Season?

A crowd of people observing a whale during a whale watching experience.

Cabo San Lucas is a warm-weather destination, which means that migratory mammals, like whales, travel from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Mexico and Hawaii to feed and mate during the winter months. This means that the winter months — from December to April — mark the Cabo San Lucas whale-watching season.

The peak months of the Cabo whale season are December and January, and the best chance to see a baby humpback whale is in February. Humpback whales begin traveling north in April to arrive in Alaska by May, so your chances of seeing a breaching humpback whale during your whale-watching experience decrease (but are not impossible!) in the spring.

When Is the Best Time for Los Cabos Whale Watching

Whale-watching tours are generally offered at three times of the day on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula — the morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon.

Most tour providers guarantee whale sightings at any time of the day on a whale-watching trip during the peak season. However, booking a morning tour is generally recommended if you want to have the best chance of a humpback whale sighting (the early bird gets the whale, after all!).

Whale Species in Cabo San Lucas

Los Cabos is located at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Fortunately, many whale species call the warmer waters of Cabo San Lucas home — making whale sightings a frequent occurrence!

The two most common types of whales in Cabo San Lucas that migrate from the chilly waters of Alaska are humpback whales and gray whales. However, you might also see blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, minke whales, pilot whales, and other types of whales breaching in the waters of Cabo San Lucas. In addition to whales, Cabo San Lucas is also home to sea lions, dolphins, and whale sharks.

Whale-Watching Boats in Cabo

A humpback whale swimming in the water with two boats in the background during a whale watching tour.

When choosing a boat ride for your whale-watching tour, you’ll have a few options — either a Zodiac-style boat or a catamaran-style boat.

A Zodiac-style boat is a small boat that can generally only hold 12 people. While these boats are speedy and can get close to the pods of whales, they are smaller and, therefore, might offer a more choppy ride. If you’re prone to seasickness, a Zodiac tour might not be the best option, but if you’re looking to get as close to the whales as possible — this is the tour for you. However, if you’re nervous about feeling sick, we recommend booking a whale-watching tour on a larger boat, like a double-decker catamaran.

What Is the Cost of a Whale-Watching Tour in Cabo?

The cost of a whale-watching tour in Cabo San Lucas can vary, but each tour is generally between $60 – $100 per person (USD).

Most tours last two to three hours and are usually offered for small groups of 12–15 guests for an intimate experience with a tour guide, boat captain, or marine biologist. There is also a good chance you’ll see other landmarks, like the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas or Land’s End, during your whale-watching excursion.

Best Whale-Watching Tours in Cabo

Choose a whale-watching tour from the following tour providers for an amazing experience. These companies have exceptional reviews from satisfied customers, so you are guaranteed a great time while securing the best value for your whale-watching tour.

Cabo Adventures

Cabo Adventures offers a two-hour whale-watching tour that is recommended for small groups and families. Each tour is conducted on an inflatable speedboat to ensure maximum visibility of the humpback, gray, and killer whales. Though the price is $99 per person, this provider frequently runs specials (especially during the summer), so you can often secure your tour for a cheaper price.

Whale Watch Cabo

Whale Watch Cabo is a popular tour provider in Cabo San Lucas that offers a Zodiac Adventure Tour, Gray Whale Adventure, Cabo Group Tour, or Cabo Private Tour — so you have plenty of options to choose from! This tour provider guarantees whale sightings during the peak months of December through April, and if you don’t see any whales, you’ll be invited back on a complimentary tour.

Cabo Trek

Cabo Trek offers a few options for whale watching, including a 2.5-hour humpback whale-watching tour and a romantic sunset cruise. You’ll be joined by a marine biologist on board and are guaranteed to see whales during the peak season — if you don’t, you’ll be able to join another tour free of charge.

Stay with Cabo Rentals by Jane to Enjoy Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas

If you want to spot whales on a whale-watching excursion in Cabo, winter is the perfect time to plan your vacation. Not only is this the peak whale-watching season, but you’ll be able to trade the chilly, snowy weather back home for the warm sunshine and sandy beaches in Cabo San Lucas.

If you’d like to book a winter vacation in Cabo San Lucas, we’d love for you to stay with us at Cabo Rentals by Jane. Our penthouses, panoramic oceanfront villas, and beachfront rentals are the ideal places to stay between adventurous activities, like whale-watching tours, in Cabo San Lucas.

Spend some time browsing our properties to find the perfect place to stay, and if you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us.

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