Hello to our Baja travelers! Welcome to our updated post (season 2023-24).
For those who are not familiar with La Baja Sur, one of the main attractions in Cabo is the Pacific Ocean’s most beautiful gift: the majestic whale migration route.
Therefore, it is not surprising that whale-watching tours in Los Cabos have become popular for travelers worldwide (not to mention its idyllic beaches and turquoise waters!).
These friendly giants love to come to specific areas in Baja to mate and give birth as part of their yearly crossing to the northern cold waters of Alaska—quite a journey! Needless to say, we consider ourselves lucky to have the chance to witness this spectacular event on one of Mexico’s most stunning coastlines.
In this article, we are doing some research about the best tours you can book online, as well as providing some tips for on-site reservations, hoping you find it easy and convenient when coming to Los Cabos.
Whale Watching Season
In general terms, the season runs from late October to the end of April the following year, with dozens of tours for whale-watching available in this area.
While the specific timing may fluctuate annually, it’s a known fact that whales make their way through Cabo San Lucas (CSL) and San José del Cabo (SJD) from mid-December to April each year. These two vibrant cities together make up the Los Cabos municipality— commonly known as “Cabo”.
During the season, Humpback Whales take center stage as the main marine mammal species in this region. However, during your stay in Cabo, you are bound to see other friendly visitors such as Whale Sharks, Dolphins, Grey Whales, and sometimes, we also can be delighted by the presence of Orcas.
To find out how to enjoy the best rates when traveling to Cabo, you can check out our travel guide here.
The best time of the season
You can expect to see less whale activity between late December and early January. Between mid-January and March, females start calving, which also offers an opportunity to see baby whales. This is undoubtedly the best time for whale-watching in Los Cabos.
If you’re keeping an eye on your wallet, good news—kids usually come with a smaller price tag than the grown-ups, and some tour folks might even let the little ones join for free.
Important Information
Just a quick heads up: while it’s super likely you’ll spot some whales during your tour, no one can promise a guaranteed sighting.
Every tour provider should be upfront about this to avoid any letdowns, as tricky weather or just plain bad luck might play a role in spotting these majestic creatures. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed for smooth seas and happy whale watching!
How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on how you use the service and the provider you choose, but generally, it’s a budget-friendly activity.
For online bookings
If you book online, you can expect to spend from 70 USD up to 200 USD (per person), as a typical price range, but surely this will be based on the tour’s specificities, like if it’s a big group trip or a more customized and luxurious adventure.
For on-site bookings
Perhaps the most common way of getting attractive deals is by approaching tour representatives working on your resort or strategic touristic spots. Be sure you make an informed decision before paying for your trip (discuss taxes and tips to avoid surprises).
In my experience as a local, tour providers will probably approach you as you stroll through either the city downtown or the marina dock.
Sometimes, these guys tend to be more competitive in terms of pricing, and you can probably get fantastic rates if you are lucky enough. But again, be wary of possible scams— Better choose trusted tours from well-known providers.
Our recommendations
Without further ado, here you can check these alternatives we recommend from reputable online providers with outstanding ratings:
CABO ADVENTURES
Trip type: Luxury catamaran experience
This is probably one of the best tour operators in Cabo, and its brand is well-known in Baja Sur. Indeed, you can also see these guys in some on-site resort tour-selling spots.
Recognized for their expertise, they boast professional guides, certified equipment, and an impressive fleet. We suggest exploring their top-notch premium catamaran tour with lunch and an open bar—a definite favorite among many!
CABO EXPEDITIONS
Trip type: Adventure, up-close experience
This company has been in business for over 20 years as a trailblazer in whale-watching and naturally emerges as a primary selection in Cabo for tours and experiences in the region.
If you are interested in booking with them, we can recommend a dynamic Zodiac boat tour for small groups, perfect for people looking for adrenaline, speed, and whale splash.
WILD CABO
Trip type: Family-friendly morning, big group session
This enthusiastic company is committed to crafting unforgettable experiences. With access to pirate sailboats and stylish charters, rest assured that whale-watching with them will be a delightful, comfortable, and one-of-a-kind experience.
On this occasion, we can recommend their breakfast whale-watching tour for a family trip, as we know this time of the day is great for kiddies.
However you decide to book your whale-watching tour in Cabo, we can assure you you’ll have a remarkable experience with these beautiful marine mammals; hundreds of great reviews cannot be wrong!
Our Advice to Baja Travelers
- To get the best chance to witness whale activity, visit Cabo San Lucas during the first three months of the year (January – March).
- The morning tour sessions are ideal for families with children as the water is calmer and whales often congregate to feed. At this time of the day, it can get chilly for some people, so it is a good idea to bring some pants and a light jacket.
- If you prefer to see the whole shebang, it is better to take afternoon tour sessions, as these are peak whale activity hours. Bear in mind that the ocean will get a bit bumpier.
- Protect your phone from water splashes while you take pictures on your trip.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Things to Avoid
- Bring any kind of pets
- Throw any kind of garbage into the ocean
- Pregnant women should avoid this trip
- Kids under 5 might not be allowed with some tour operators
Enjoy Los Cabos
Besides visiting these friendly giants, there are plenty of activities to do in Los Cabos. As you can guess, this is undoubtedly a prime travel destination in Mexico, and you can be sure you’ll have a great time whenever you come.
Here there are some other excellent adventures you can try when visiting Cabo:
- Try local eateries and great restaurants around
- Go shopping at the Luxury Avenue Boutique Mall
- Explore Los Cabos nightlife
- Join a beach club at Medano Beach
- Book a fishing charter adventure
- Take surf lessons at Palmilla Beach
- Book a snorkeling or scuba diving tour
- Practice freediving
- Visit Cabo Pulmo National Park
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