Best time to see whales in Cabo San Lucas
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What is the best time to see whales in Cabo San Lucas?
The best time to see whales in Cabo San Lucas is from December to April. During these months, various species of whales, especially humpback and gray whales, migrate to the warmer waters of Baja California from Alaska to give birth to their offspring.
The exact date of whale watching season in Cabo is determined by Mexico’s Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (also known as SEMARNAT) that gives local tour operators a permission to start tours. Check their website before planning your trip.
I visited Cabo in mid-December once when the whale watching season still hasn’t started! 😭
This was a big bummer because I wasn’t able to see any whales before heading back home, but the good thing is that I learned a valuable lesson – if you want to see whales in Cabo, wait until the peak whale-watching season, which is typically January and February, when you’re most likely to see the largest number of whales and witness spectacular behaviors like breaching and tail-slapping.
What kind of whales can I see in Cabo?
Humpbacks are the most common types of whales in Cabo San Lucas, which are known for their impressive breaching and acrobatic displays. Gray whales are another common sight in Cabo San Lucas and you can often see them close to shore. Blue whales are more rare but can be occasionally spotted off the southern Baja’s coast if you go further away from the shore.
Orcas, also known as killer whales also occasionally pass through the area. The best time to see these whales is from December to April, with peak sightings typically occurring in January and February.
Cabo whale watching season 2025
The whale watching season is yet to begin, but as always it will likely start around mid-December and continue until April. The peak months for seeing whales are February and March when you can often spot whale moms with their calves.
Whale watching in Cabo in December
You can see whales in Cabo in December but it’s still only the beginning of the season, so you might not see as many of them as in February or March, which are the peak months for whale watching in Cabo.
Whale watching tours in Cabo San Lucas
If you’re planning a trip to Baja to see whales, joining a guided tour during these months will give you the best chances of an unforgettable experience!
What if you don’t spot whales during your trip? If you don’t see any whales on your tour, a tour company should issue a refund or offer another tour so you have another chance to see these magnificent animals.
How to choose the right tour for better experience:
- Small boats: Book a small boat tour, on small boats, also known as zodiacs or smaller vessels if you want a closer, more intimate experience.
- Large catamarans: These are more stable and spacious, great for families or if you prefer a more comfortable ride.
- Private tours: If you’re looking for privacy or a more luxurious experience, private catamarans are a good option.
Best whale watching tour in Cabo San Lucas: overview
1. Whale watching lunch cruise 🌮
⭐️ 168 reviews – 5 stars⌚️duration – 2,5 hours ✔️free cancellation
Enjoy buffet lunch and drinks while watching the majestic humpback whales in the natural habitat. This popular catamaran tour has a 90 percent success rate of spotting whales while cruising along Cabo’s sunny coast.
The exxperience is organized by Sun Rider Tours, one of the most reputable tour companies in Cabo San Lucas – so you will be in good hands.
What’s included:
- Beverages
- Unlimited drinks (open bar)
- Lunch
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- $2 dock fee to be paid before boarding
Such a great memory. Saw lots of whales, food was great and the experience was worth it. I’d definitely book with Sun Riders again
sara
2. Whale watching tour with photos – badge of excellence 🤩
⭐️ 630 reviews – 5 stars ⌚️duration – 2 hours ✔️free cancellation
This small group tour has close to 700 reviews from happy customers which earned it a badge of excellence. The tour has capacity only for 10 people, so you will enjoy an undivided attention of your guide compared to excursions that accommodate big groups.
Depending on the weather, your captain will sail either along the Sea of Cortez or Pacific Ocean in search of humpback whales, and your guide who is a marine biologist will help you to spot them.
✅ Do I need to tip my tour guide?
You will also listen to whale songs with a hydrophone while exploring the marine-life rich waters around Cabo. The tour includes free photos as well as stops at main highlights of Cabo like Land’s End, Lover’s Beach, Pelican Rock, and Neptune’s Finger.
A second free tour is available if you don’t spot any whales.
What’s included:
- Use of hydrophone to hear the whales singing
- Photos of the tour
- Bottled water
- Whale warranty / Get a second tour for free if you don’t see any whales during the first one
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- $2 per person dock fee
Our quide was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. We hit to see a number of whales, including a mother and a baby. I like the small boat so everyone gets to see what is on both sides of the boat. I also like that it is a small growing company owned by a woman.
Marguerite C
3. Los Cabos whale watching – FREE transportation and photos 📸
⭐️ 76 reviews – 5 stars ⌚️duration – 2,5 hours ✔️free cancellation
Enjoy free transportation to the Cabo marina, where your adventure begins and observe these incredible animals from the deck of your boat on this tour.
Get a glimpse of the Cabo San Lucas coastline for a picture of the Arch, and see the sea lion colony.
Your guide will tell you many interesting facts about biodiversity of Baja California, and give you information about different species of whales that migrate to the warm waters of Cabo San Lucas every year.
What’s included:
- Snacks
- Water bottles and granola bars
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pictures of the tour
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
We had such a great time on our tour. Fernando was amazing! Super friendly, knowledgeable and made the whole experience wonderful. We ended up having the boat to ourselves and the up close and personal experience seeing the whales was truly a once in a lifetime experiences. We also had a transfer to and from our resort which made the whole process incredibly easy.
Kendahl C
4. Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas – badge of excellence 🤩
⭐️ 825 reviews – 5 stars ⌚️duration – 2,5 hours ✔️free cancellation
Watch the marine giants splash in the water and spot other marine wildlife like sea lions and dolphins on this top-rated tour which takes you past the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas and into the open water.
The tour is limited to 12 passengers, which means you can enjoy a more personable approach from your crew and listed to a marine biologist who will guide this tour.
You can also choose from different departure times, as the sea is usually calmer in the morning.
What’s included:
- Marine biologist guide
- 2.5-hour boat ride
- Park fees
- Bottled water
What’s not included:
- Souvenir photos
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Gratuities
Very good guide and captain. A good boat that could move quickly when whales were spotted and very interesting commentary. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sandra L
5. Zodiac whale watching – FREE photos and guaranteed sightings 👀
⭐️ 238 reviews – 5 stars ⌚️duration – 2,5 hours ✔️free cancellation
Enjoy a zodiac whale watching adventure on this informative and non-invasive tour that offers a chance to learn new things about Cabo’s wildlife from a marine biologist, while respecting local environment.
As you sail past Pelican Rock and the Cabo Arch, and look out for humpbacks, dolphins, and sea turtles, and other types of whales, including gray and blue whales, depending on the season.
Free second tour is available if you don’t see whales during your first tour.
What’s included:
- Free photos
What’s not included:
- Private transportation
- Wi-Fi on board
- Gratuities
A gorgeous day, great group of people, excellent marine biologist, skilled captain, and WHALES! So many whales we could view from a respectful distance. A dolphin leaping out of the sea, somersaulting in the air, plunging back into the depths. Pelicans, sea lions, the ocean. Perfect, memorable experience.
valerie F
6. Early whale watching in San Jose Del Cabo – badge of excellence 🌅
⭐️ 238 reviews – 5 stars ⌚️duration – 2,5 hours ✔️free cancellation
Staying in San José del Cabo and want to see whales?
This early morning small group tour offers a perfect opportunity to spot the migrating whales as the sun begins to rise. It’s an amazing experience because you will enjoy the best view before the area gets busy with boat traffic.
The tour will take you to little-known spots that offer the best views and a chance to see the whales in their full glory.
By the time you get back, you will have the entire day ahead of you, so you can chill at the beach or enjoy other activities like zip-lining, off-roading or take a fun cooking class to learn the secrets of Mexican cuisine.
What’s included:
- Coffee and tea
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
What an outstanding early morning we had – we saw multiple whales, listened to educational content appropriate for children and adults, and felt safe and well cared for during our tour. Our guide, Sofie, had a sincere love for her guests and sharing her knowledge with each of us. I highly recommend this experience!
Jocee G
Luxury whale watching in Cabo
7. Luxury catamaran whale watching in Cabo – likely to sell out 🤑
⭐️238 reviews – 5 stars ⌚️duration – 2,5 hours ✔️free cancellation
If you want to enjoy a more curated experience aboard a luxury catamaran, which doesn’t rock from side, to side, you need to book this whale watching tour.
The double decker boat tour comes with an expert guide who will help you spot whales and other marine wildlife, and you can also enjoy snacks and beverages.
The tour includes a pick-up from your hotel, so you don’t have to get Uber or taxi and try to find a meeting point.
What’s included:
- Snacks
Alcoholic beverages
What’s not included:
- Optional photos
Optional gratuities
$10 per person round-trip transportation fee
Such an awesome and memorable experience! Highly recommend!! Crew was awesome and had so much knowledge of the humpback whales so it was nice to be educated!
jenn r
5 Tips for whale watching in Cabo:
1. Bring binoculars
A good pair of binoculars will offer a closer view of the whales. Some tours might provide them but it’s never a guarantee.
2. Bring layers
It can get chilly on the water in winter months, especially in the mornings or late afternoons. Make sure to bring comfortable clothing, a jacket and a hat.
3. Book your tour before your trip
If you visit Cabo during peak season, book your tour early to secure your spot, because they can often sell out.
4. Choose your time wisely
Most Cabo whale watching is eitehr in the mornign or in the afternoon. Morning tours are generally calmer with better light for photography, while afternoon tours can sometimes offer more active whales.
5. Get motion sickness medication
If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions like motion sickness medication or natural remedies (ginger or sea bands).
Many whale-watching tours include views of Cabo’s natural landmarks, like El Arco or Land’s End. Some also offer opportunities to see dolphins, sea lions, and birdlife.
You might also like these popular boat tours in Cabo
- Seven perfect dinner cruises in Cabo
- Nine private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
- 15 Best boat tours in Cabo for a fun getaway
Best time to see whales in Cabo San Lucas: FAQ’s
What months are whale sharks in Cabo?
Whale sharks can typically be seen in the waters around Cabo San Lucas from October to April, with the peak season being from November to January. These gentle giants are drawn to the region by the abundance of plankton, their main food source, in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez.
For the best experience swimming or snorkeling with whale sharks, it’s recommended to visit between November and early January, when sightings are most frequent. La Paz, a city about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas, is also a prime spot for whale shark tours during this season.
Can you whales in Cabo in October?
It is unlikely that you will see whales in Cabo San Lucas in October, as the main whale-watching season typically begins in December and runs through April. Whales, particularly humpback and gray whales, migrate to the warmer waters of Baja California during the winter months to breed and give birth. By October, most whales are still in their feeding grounds in colder waters, such as Alaska, and have not yet started migrating south.
Can you see whales in Cabo in November?
Some whales start to show up around Cabo as early as November, and there’s a small chance that you might see one of them splashing far in the distance. Don’t expect to see many whales during this month, because it’s still too early.
Why are there so many whales in Cabo San Lucas?
There are so many whales in Cabo San Lucas because the region offers ideal conditions for whales to breed, give birth, and raise their calves. Several factors make Cabo and the surrounding waters, such as the Sea of Cortez, a prime whale-watching destination, including warm waters, sheltered bays, and the protected status of the area.
What is the best month to see whales in Cabo San Lucas?
The best month to see whales in Cabo San Lucas is February. During this time, humpback and gray whales are most active, and you’re likely to see them breaching, tail-slapping, and interacting with their young. January is also a great time for whale watching, but February tends to offer peak sightings as the whales are fully settled in their breeding and birthing grounds.
Visiting during January to March ensures you’ll have a great chance to witness these majestic creatures!
How much does whale watching cost in Cabo?
Most whale watching tours in Cabo usually cost between $100-150, depending on the type of a tour and any additional activities included in it.
Best time to see whales in Cabo San Lucas: Final word
Whale watching in Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular activities, especially during the winter months when various species of whales migrate to the warm waters of the Baja Peninsula. Here’s what you need to know:
February and March is the peak season, with January and February offering the highest chance of sightings. During this time, gray whales, humpbacks, and blue whales can be spotted.
