Cabo San Lucas is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It offers an incredible variety of outdoor activities while being a sustainable destination. There’s one experience that stands out from the rest, however, and that’s whale watching.
The waters around Cabo San Lucas are teeming with a rich diversity of marine life, and that includes various species of whales if you’re fortunate enough to visit in the right season.
It’s no wonder it’s regarded as one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of these beautiful animals, so I had no choice but to try this experience when I was in Los Cabos.
Whale Watching in Cabo: An Introduction
Whale-watching tours in Cabo San Lucas are available from December through April. This is the season when the whales migrate from Alaska and Canada in search of warm waters to mate, give birth, and nurse the calves.
They inhabit the region for a few months until the young members of the pod are ready to make the journey home.
During this period, the magnificent whales can be seen up close as they breach, tail slap, and sing their beautiful songs. Humpback whales are the main species attracted to Los Cabos, and your chance of seeing them is very high. However, they’re not the only ones!
Blue whales, gray whales, and sometimes even orcas migrate to Mexican waters, and tours offer a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Dolphins, rays, and sea turtles can also be spotted!
While you could get to see some whale movement from the shore, the only way to truly admire them is by approaching them on a boat. That’s why it’s important to find responsible companies that won’t interfere with the creatures’ habits.
There are many tour operators offering whale-watching tours in Cabo San Lucas. In this article, we’ll explore the best options to help you pick a memorable excursion.
➥ Why should you trust my selection? I have a decade of experience curating travel guides and tours around the world, and my commitment to sustainable travel ensures that all experiences are eco-friendly and responsible. Besides, I’ve spent some time in Los Cabos, and have gone on a whale-watching tour myself, so I know exactly what to look for when selecting worthwhile excursions.
I use and trust Viator when booking tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their amazing cancelation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Limited time? These are the ultimate tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Humpback Whale Watching Experience |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Whale Watching & Snorkeling Private Yacht |
| DINNER CRUISE | Whale Watching Dinner Cruise |
OUR PICK: The BEST Whale Watching Tour in Cabo San Lucas
Check out this Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas to witness the beautiful creatures in action. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable marine biologist, and enjoy iconic views of the Arch and the Sea Lion colony along the way.
Learn about the whales’ behavior, migration patterns and breeding, and marvel at their beauty when you find them. You will benefit from the crew’s personalized attention – the tour is limited to 10 passengers – but there’s also the possibility of upgrading to a private tour.
There’s the possibility of choosing between multiple departure times, although I recommend the early morning tour for calmer seas. This is especially important if you’re prone to seasickness!
Why this tour? With hundreds of positive reviews, this experience stands out from the rest. It offers an ethical approach to whale watching and a memorable time for visitors, as they’ll be guided by an expert marine biologist.
Not only will you get to see from up close the beautiful animals up close, but also learn about their behavior, migration patterns, and breeding habits.
Read what the reviews say:
”This was an amazing experience for our family! We saw sea lions, humpback whales and then a mother and baby whale. Our tour guide Andrea was fenomenal and so knowledgeable answering all of our questions. Captain Freddy was great always keeping an eye out for whale spots and navigating the boat safely to get close to the whales while respecting their space.”
Alexandra_H – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Marine Park fees, a marine biologist guide, a boat ride, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other GREAT Whale Watching Tours in Cabo San Lucas
▶️ Embark on this Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas to increase your chances of spotting humpback whales in the wild. You’ll be led by an expert guide, ready to share with you all the secrets of the whales’ habits.
Take in the stunning coastline views from the top deck as you pass by El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, and sip on drinks as you make your way to find the whales.
All is included for a hassle-free experience. In two hours you’ll explore the ocean, enjoy a memorable show of nature, and be treated to snacks and beverages.
This tour includes: A boat trip, a guide, snacks, drinks, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out this Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure – Including Free Photos and Whale Sightings Guarantee. You’ll venture into the sea with a marine biologist, and learn everything about humpback, killer, and blue whales.
All the while, you’ll be getting far from the coast on a zodiac in search of these magnificent creatures.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 guests. It guarantees personalized attention, and the experience of a lifetime PLUS photos to remember it. And you’ll get to marvel at the whales’ songs through a marine hydrophone!
This tour includes: A guide, boat trip, photos, and whale sighting guarantee. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas
▶️ Set sail on a traditional Dhow with the Family Best Whale Watching Tour. You’ll choose the adventure you’d rather enjoy: a snorkeling trip with 5 friends, or a romantic sailing trip.
Either way, you’ll be sailing in a hand-crafted wooden vessel and embark on a quest to find whales.
Get up close and personal with humpback whales, gray whales, and sea lions, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and rays. All the while, you’ll be learning about the creatures from your guide.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a boat trip, a guide, all taxes and fees, and fuel surcharge. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Trade crowded boats for an exclusive experience on this Whale Watching & Snorkeling Private Yacht Tour Cabo with Food and Drinks.
You and up to 9 friends will board a spectacular vessel equipped with snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and a floating mat. Set sail toward Cabo Arch, admiring the views and indulging in snorkeling spots.
You’ll get to see majestic whales up close in their natural habitat, which is a real treat. But that’s not all! You’ll also make use of the water sports equipment, and savor a mouthwatering lunch of fajitas and ceviche.
This tour includes: Use of snorkel equipment, lunch, bottled water, all gear, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Spot the Whales… From a Pirate Ship!
Hop aboard the Buccaneer Queen to embark on a Whale Watching Pirate Ship Cruise in Los Cabos! Keep your eyes peeled for humpback and gray whales as you sail past sea lion colonies and iconic landmarks, including the Arch of Cabo San Lucas.
You’ll learn about these majestic creatures from your expert guide, and get close enough to shoot fantastic pictures without invading the whales’ space. A tasty meal and an open bar will be available for you onboard.
This tour includes: A pirate ship cruise, breakfast, an open bar, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Lunch or Dinner Cruises with Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas
▶️ Get ready for the ultimate evening with this Whale-Watching Dinner Cruise in Cabo San Lucas. The highlight will undoubtedly be spotting the magnificent gray and humpback whales as they slap their tails and breed near your vessel.
However, the tour doesn’t end after the spectacle! You’ll enjoy a yummy buffet dinner paired with drinks, watch a live performance, and show off your moves on the dance floor… All while sailing around Cabo San Lucas’ natural landmarks. The cruise is wheelchair accessible.
This tour includes: A dinner cruise, whale watching, a show, dinner, and an open bar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’d rather set sail during the day, go for this Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Lunch Cruise. You’ll get to relish a buffet brunch and sip drinks from the open bar as you sail in search of whales.
With a 90% success rate, you’re practically guaranteed to spot some of the majestic animals, learning about them from the knowledgeable staff.
Pose for obligatory selfies at El Arco, and enjoy the show put on by the crew before hitting the dance floor to show your best moves! The cruise is wheelchair accessible.
This tour includes: A whale-watching cruise with lunch, and an open bar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
