Go Watch Whales in Cabo San Lucas!
For a once in a lifetime experience, plan a trip to watch whales in Cabo San Lucas. Cabo is located south of California and west of Mexico on the very tip of the Baja Sur Peninsula.
Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful destination year-round, but you will need to plan your trip between December and April if you hope to see whales. The season’s PEAK is in January, and I can confirm they are out in full force!
Imagine doing yoga on the lawn of a beautiful beachside resort with whales in the backdrop breaching the water and spraying their blowholes the entire time. This is the experience I had, and it is one I will never forget.
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Why Are whales in Cabo San Lucas?
The whales are most active December- April due to a southern migration to the warm waters of Baja Sur, where they mate and give birth.
Gray whales and humpback whales are most commonly sighted, but you may also see blue whales, pacific bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and even orcas!
ICONIC SIGHTS IN CABO
After loading up and leaving the marina, one of the first things you will see is the famous El Arco rocks. These incredible rock formations are just off the coast of the iconic peninsula known as Land’s End. It is also where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.
While we floated past the stunning rock formations, we spotted a couple of the smaller rocks covered with seals sunbathing in the morning light.
The combination of sights and sounds while leaving the marina is unmatched. The sunrise, the El Arco rocks, with seals lounging around, barking and splashing. The sounds of the ocean and wind on your face. It is such a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whale Watching Season and Weather
The peak season to watch whales in Cabo San Lucas is from December to April, with January as the peak month.
The weather during these months is pretty consistent.
December, January, February, and March average highs in the lower 80’s (degrees Fahrenheit) and the low 60’s (degrees Fahrenheit.)
It warms slightly in April, with average highs in the upper 80’s (degrees Fahrenheit) and lows in the upper 60’s (degrees Fahrenheit.)
Whale Watch Boats
Large Boats
While my husband and I were in Cabo on vacation, we were there for a “babymoon.” Since I was six months pregnant, the concierge recommended we skip the small boats, which can be a bumpy ride, and opt for a larger yacht-style boat. The larger boat offered a smoother ride, plenty of room to wander around the ship, and bathrooms available if needed. Also, we were not required to wear life jackets.
We booked an early morning excursion which came with a major bonus. Our package included breakfast! The tour company prepared a buffet-style authentic Cabo meal that wayyy exceeded our expectations.
Breakfast starts as soon as you board the ship, and the boat doesn’t leave the dock until after breakfast. This way, you can enjoy your breakfast without worrying that you might miss out on the incredible scenery up on deck.
The larger boat is ideal for anyone who has a bad back or neck, is elderly, pregnant, or has small children in tow. It is also suitable for large parties of people and anyone who simply prefers a more relaxed experience.
We rode with Caborey and would highly recommend (no affiliation.) Their current prices for 2021 show to be $85 for adults and $42.50 for kids.
Smaller Boats
The smaller boats, however, are a more popular choice. The size and agility of the small crafts allow you to get closer to the whales. And since they are faster, the boats can speed over to an area where significant activity is spotted.
Each boat fits approximately 8-10 people. This is an excellent choice for young, adventurous families (with children over 5.) Everyone is seated close together, and life jackets are required.
Expect to pay around $89 for adult tickets and approximately $59 for kiddos under 13 years old.
How to Be Prepared For your Whale Watch
There are just a few things to consider when heading out to watch whales in Cabo San Lucas.
Since it is likely to be a bit chilly if you are going on a morning or evening cruise, you’ll want to bring a jacket or sweater to keep you warm. Remember that even if the weather feels comfortable, the wind picks up the farther you go off the coast and the faster your boat goes.
If you think there is ANY chance you might get seasick, bring motion sickness medicine. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it, but you’ll be thankful you’re prepared if you do.
Also, don’t forget to wear your sunscreen and sunglasses! Even with the cooler weather, the sun can damage your skin. Or even worse, leave you with an unpleasant burn in the middle of your relaxing vacation.
Whale Watch From Your Resort
My husband and I stayed at a luxury resort about 20 minutes from downtown Cabo. The seaside resort features balconies in every room and the higher-level rooms are a perfect vantage point for whale watching. At any given moment, you could see whale activity breaching and splashing out in the distance.
Exploring Downtown After Your Whale Watch
When your whale watching excursion is over, you should venture into the downtown area and get a taste of the local culture.
If you’re at the marina, you’re already there. A short walk will lead you to a tourist hotspot with bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more.
The architecture is beautiful, with traditional stucco facades and cobblestone features. And the vibrant colors of Mexico are on full display throughout the city, from the decor to trinkets.
There is no shortage of delicious food and drink options. There are restaurants tucked into the heart of the small city, or you could opt for a scenic view overlooking the water. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find.
We even stumbled upon the Luxury Avenue mall where heavily armed police brandishing assault rifles guarded the grand front entrance. So, that was interesting…
We went in and explored anyway, despite the shocking welcome, and man, were we impressed! It was no wonder why the security was so heavy. The mall includes stores such as Hermes, Rolex, Bvlgari, and other international luxury brands.
With so much to do and experience, you can watch whales in Cabo San Lucas, explore local culture, indulge in Cabo’s traditional cusine, take in scenic views, and make incredible memories. Enjoy your trip!
