Whales are the largest and arguably the most beautiful creatures in the sea, and Los Cabos is a prime spot to see them.
Over the years we’ve been visiting Cabo, we’ve gone on many whale watching tours in Los Cabos – and we’ve seen humpback whales on all boat tours but one.
You have a 90 to 95% chance of spotting them, thanks to Cabo’s unique location, where the Sea of Cortez (one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet) meets the Pacific Ocean.
So what are the best whale watching tours in Cabo San Lucas? We share our favorite picks below!

Best Cabo whale watching tours: Quick answer
Here are our top 3 picks:
- Zodiac adventure – Details: See #1
- Luxury catamaran cruise – Details: See #5
- Large boat with brunch – Details: See #10
Contents: Cabo San Lucas whale watching tours and guide
Types of whales in Cabo San Lucas
Best time of day to go whale watching
10 best whale watching tours in Cabo San Lucas
3) Whale watching with free photos
6) Party boat meets whale watching
Choosing the right tour

With a variety of tour options, from small boats to large catamarans, picking the right one comes down to what kind of adventure you’re after.
There are big boats and small boats. High-speed Zodiacs and stable power catamarans. You can also choose from early morning breakfast tours and lunch tours.
For extra adventure, some tours combine whale watching with other activities, like snorkeling and sailing.

Choosing the ideal tour for you comes down to a few things:
- Whether you’re okay getting up early in the morning (or not)
- Whether you want an adrenalin-fueled ride
- Whether you’re prone to sea-sickness
- Whether you’d like the boat to have a toilet
- Whether you’d like food and/or drinks on your tour
All these details can help you find the right fit for your whale watching experience.
Types of whales in Cabo San Lucas

The most common species of whales in the seas around Cabo are California gray whales and humpback whales.
They both make the epic 6,000-mile-long migration from Alaska down to Cabo in the cooler winter months.
In fact, around 10% of humpback whales are born in Mexico!
However, there are plenty of other whales in the biodiverse waters around Cabo. Keep your eyes peeled for blue whales (the largest mammal in the sea), sperm whales, minke whales, orcas (also known as killer whales), fin whales and pilot whales (which are like large dolphins).
And it’s not just whales you’ll encounter – we’ve seen lots of other marine life too, like playful bottlenose dolphins and sea lions.
Cabo San Lucas whale watching season

So you want to know: When can you see whales in Cabo? Generally in the winter, but let’s break it down a bit more.
Cabo’s whale watching season runs from around mid-December to mid-April, although it’s possible to see whales outside of this time frame.
The “official” season is set by the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Mexico’s environment ministry) every year. It usually kicks off on December 15.
As for the best time in winter, that depends on which whale species you’re hoping to see.
Humpback whales in Cabo

The peak humpback season is between late December and the end of January.
January in Cabo is thus an ideal time for a post-Christmas trip if you want to see humpbacks. However, baby humpbacks – so adorable – start appearing in the seas in February.
The humpbacks disappear around late March and early April, when they make the journey back north to Alaska.
Gray whales

Between early January and March, you’ve also got a good chance of seeing gray whales, which normally come much closer to the shore than their humpback cousins.
Best time of day to go whale watching in Cabo San Lucas
In the peak whale watching season, tours are usually offered three times a day – early morning, mid-day and late afternoon. Is one time better than another?
Early morning tours
The early morning is our preferred whale watching time.
We find that the sea is calmer and the boat ride is less choppy this time of day. Plus, we like reserving our afternoons for enjoying the beach and reading a good book!
The downside is that the tours leave pretty early – about 8:00 am.
Mid-day tours
Mid-day tours can get pretty toasty if the boat lacks shade. (Don’t forget your sunhat!)
On the upside, by this time, the captains usually have a good idea of where the whales are hanging out, so your chances of spotting them are higher.
But hey, it’s Cabo! During whale season, you’re almost guaranteed to see whales no matter what time you head out.
Late afternoon tours

Many visitors report they’ve seen the most playful whale activity in the late afternoon.
The breeze picks up in Cabo around mid-morning and usually lasts until late afternoon. And apparently, whales like a little wind and some waves!
If you’re prone to seasickness, though, you might want to steer clear of these later tours. That said, larger boats tend to be more stable, so you should be fine on an afternoon trip if you’re on a bigger vessel.
Bottom line: Which is the best time to see whales in Cabo?
Of course, these are all just observations. Whales don’t follow our 24-hour Circadian rhythm.
Sometimes they’re more active in the morning and other times the afternoons offer better sightings.
So we’d recommend simply picking the time that suits you – and enjoy the adventure!
10 Best whale watching tours in Cabo San Lucas

Whale watching tour boats leave from the Cabo San Lucas Marina and head out into Cabo San Lucas Bay.
They typically slow down for photos by Cabo’s famous rock Arch (El Arco en Espanol!) and Lover’s Beach at Land’s End. Some travel around the tip of the Baja California Peninsula into Pacific waters too in their search for whales.
Here are 10 recommended tours:
1) Exciting Zodiac tour

Cabo Expeditions is one of the top-rated tour companies in the area, offering fantastic 2½-hour whale watching excursions on a Zodiac boat.
With expert guides and a skilled captain, you’ll be taken to the prime spots for whale sightings.
The smaller Zodiac (holding up to a maximum of 15 people) allows for access to areas that larger boats can’t reach, giving you the chance to get up close and personal with these 40-ton giants, while still keeping a safe distance.
We’ve done this tour ourselves, and it’s one we highly recommend!
2) Small boat tour

Cabo Trek is another top choice for whale watching in the area. They’re the first in Mexico to earn the prestigious “Responsible Whale Watching Operator” certification from the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA).
Their small group whale watching tours – with a maximum of 12 guests on an 18-person boat – offer an immersive experience. You can see whales above water, view them on an underwater camera and even hear them through hydrophones.
Plus, there’s a marine biologist on every tour to explain the whales’ behaviors and teach you more about these special creatures.
The boats are spacious and have a roof canopy for shade – ideal if you’re on a mid-day cruise. Tours run three times a day and last 2½ hours.
We haven’t personally tried Cabo Trek yet, but they consistently get rave reviews, so we feel confident giving them a shout-out here!
3) Whale watching with free photos

Some tours charge extra for their photos. Cabo Nature’s 2-hour whale tours include them – so you can take home some amazing whale shots, at no extra cost!
Their 24-foot boat is kitted out with an underwater microphone so you can hear the mesmerizing whale songs. The group size is capped at 10 people, ensuring an intimate experience.
The guides are all passionate, university-educated marine biologists, eager to share their knowledge of whale migration patterns, how whales are tracked via tail identification and more.
4) Inflatable speedboat tour

Cabo Adventures is one of the largest and most popular tour operators in Los Cabos, known for delivering top-notch adventure experiences. We’ve enjoyed several tours with them now – all have been excellent.
They offer a variety of whale watching tours for different tastes.
One is a thrilling whale watching adventure on an inflatable speedboat, guided by experts in marine mammals.
5) Luxury catamaran cruise

If you want something more comfortable, Cabo Adventures also offers deluxe catamaran whale watching cruises on a double-deck vessel (with bathrooms), accommodating about 25 guests.
The main deck has tiered seating up front, giving everyone a great view. Up top, there’s a small shaded deck with cushioned seats for about six people.
The French-made power cat offers smooth sailing, even in choppier waters – so it’s perfect for families or anyone who’s prone to motion sickness. It also boasts hydrophones, so you can hear the whales when they’re underwater.
When boarding, we were all welcomed with mimosas.
After we set off, we were offered drinks of our choice.
Snacks followed, cleverly served in lacquered Japanese-style trays (one for each couple or small group), with compartments for guacamole and chips, toasted ham and cheese sandwiches (ours was an 8:00 am tour) and delicious chocolate truffles.
Meanwhile, our guide entertained us with all sorts of facts about whales and whale behavior.

And yes, we saw humpback whales on our tour – but mainly tails. No OMG breaching action (unlike people we’d met who were treated to an amazing whale show the day before).
No matter. With an open bar and plenty of snacks, this luxury 2½-hour tour is still a definite must-do in Cabo for one of the classiest whale watching experiences.
The downside is that our vessel didn’t get as close to the whales as other smaller boats, which could maneuver more easily and quickly.
6) Party boat meets whale watching
Famous for their fun party cruises in Cabo, PezGato combines the best of both worlds with their 2-hour whale tours on a sailing catamaran.
Think “party boat meets whale watching!” Sip on an ice-cold beer or margarita (snacks and drinks included) while watching whales and enjoying some tunes.
The large boat is comfortable and steady, even in choppier seas, and your booking includes hotel transfers for added convenience.
7) Breakfast cruise

What’s better than a large Mexican breakfast? A large Mexican breakfast with views of whales, of course!
That’s just what Wild Cabo offers on this whale watching breakfast cruise.
With a twin-level power catamaran offering lots of space and two bathrooms, you’ll have a super-comfy start to the morning as you enjoy chilaquiles, beans, scrambled eggs and hot cakes.
The open bar with mimosas, margaritas and cold beer (plus non-alcoholic drinks) is also sure to put a smile on your face.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable marine biologist, you’ll likely see plenty of whales and learn about their behavior too.
8) Pirate-themed cruise

We bet the kids would love their breakfast on a pirate ship! Wild Cabo also offers a whale watching breakfast tour aboard a pirate boat.
How’s that for one of the coolest things to do in Cabo?
9) Educational tours

Whale Watch Cabo is a stand-out in their field, offering highly educational Zodiac tours, with a focus on responsible, non-invasive whale watching.
They use fast Zodiac-style boats (carrying up to 10 people) that zip you right to where the whales hang out, with full commentary from an onboard marine biologist. The photos the guide takes during your tour are free for you to download.
Just a heads-up: Kids have to be 8 years or older for these Zodiac tours. But Whale Watch Cabo also offers tours on larger covered boats, where little ones can join in on the fun.
If traveling with several family members or a group of friends, you might want to book a private tour.
10) Big boat brunch tour

And then there’s Sunrider Tours.
Hop aboard a really large power catamaran. It can hold up to 250 passengers.
These highly-rated tours on the SunRider 100 are 2½ hours long. They’re kid-friendly and combine whale watching with a delicious brunch buffet and an open bar.
If you’re looking for a smooth, stable ride (especially if you have a sensitive stomach), this is an excellent option.
How close can you get to the whales?
Whale watching is highly regulated in Baja California Sur, with the safety and preservation of these mammals and their ecosystems always taking priority.
Guides must be officially licensed to lead whale watching trips. Many are led by marine biologists and local whale experts who are familiar with all the various species and conservation efforts.
Boats can’t get closer than between 65 and 130 yards, depending on the whale species.
Sometimes, though, whales swim by close to your boat, even though your captain will try to move away.
So if a whale swims fairly close by your boat – which isn’t unusual – then you’re in luck!
Whale behaviors

If you’re heading out on a humpback whale watching tour in Cabo, it helps to know what to keep an eye out for! Here’s a quick guide to some of their fascinating moves:
- Head, tail or flipper slap: This occurs when a whale moves a part of their body out of the water and then slaps it down on the water’s surface.
- Spyhop: It sounds like a James Bond movie. But this is when a whale lifts and turns its head before crashing back under the water. It’s generally done when a whale is watching out for predators.
- Breaching: When you see epic photos of whales, they’re usually doing a full body breach – jumping out of the water then turning and re-entering!
- Peduncle throw: This is a turning motion when a whale moves its tail and peduncle (where the tail fluke connects to the body) out of the water and smashes it back down. When you see a whale doing this, they’re mating.
- Blow: Whales blow water from their blowhole, so this is how whales breathe out. They can go for 15 minutes without breathing, although they generally breathe every 3 to 5 minutes when traveling.
- Logging: This is how whales sleep. They rest with their head and back exposed so they can breathe and move slowly on the surface.
Whale watching in Los Cabos: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to go whale watching in Mexico?
Cabo San Lucas is one of the best places in Mexico for whale watching.
Other Mexican beach destinations like Puerto Vallarta are great too. We’ve also gone whale watching in the Bay of Banderas in Puerto Vallarta – and we had a fabulous time viewing humpback whales there as well.
Why do whales migrate to Cabo?
Whales migrate from Alaska and along the west coast of the USA, down to Mexico, mainly for warmer water temperatures.
In the winter months, they leave the frigid Arctic seas and swim south to mate, socialize and give birth in the warm waters around Cabo.
These waters have lots of excellent nutrient-rich shallows and lagoons that make for great nurseries for baby whales.
In fact, on many whale watching tours, you’ll see mama whales teaching their calves how to survive in the wild or simply playing with them. It’s a humbling sight.
Spring signals the end of Cabo’s whale season, and the whales head back north to spend their summers in Alaska.
Some species, such as killer whales (orcas) also travel to the Sea of Cortez for its rich array of marine life, which offers a buffet of whale food.
How much does whale watching cost in Cabo?
The tours typically cost between $80 to $120 USD p.p.
Ones that include an open bar and a meal will be at the higher end of this spectrum. Likewise, if you opt for experiences with a marine biologist, you’ll be paying for their knowledge.
Can you swim with the whales in Cabo?
No, it’s illegal. Plus, they’re huge mammals and they’re unpredictable. They could accidentally hurt you when they move.
However, you can swim with whale sharks in La Paz on a day tour from Cabo San Lucas.
They’re not actually whales, which are warm-blooded. Whale sharks are fish, which are cold-blooded. But they’re just as big as whales – and they’re very gentle.
That wraps up our guide on the best Los Cabos whale watching tours!
When planning your Cabo trip, whale watching is a bucket list activity you’ll want to experience.
Seeing whales here in their natural habitat is nothing short of awe-inspiring – especially if you’re lucky to catch them breaching right close to you! We’ve had unforgettable moments on most of our tours, and no two are ever the same.
We hope your whale watching trip leave you with wonderful memories that you’ll be talking about for months to come!

Discover more of Los Cabos!
- Where to stay in Cabo? (areas and resorts)
- The lowdown on safety in Cabo
- Scuba diving in Los Cabos (best tours and dive sites)
Photos: 2 to 4, 12, 14, 21 © Janice and George Mucalov, Cabo Visitor
Planning your trip to Cabo?
Here are our favorite travel resources:
- Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
- Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
- Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide.
- Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
- Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.
Need more help planning your trip?
- See our Start here page. It lists everything we’ve written on Cabo.
- Also check our Ultimate Cabo travel guide and our article on Planning a trip to Cabo: Essential tips.
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