A whale watching Cabo adventure is every vacationer’s dream. This guide will walk you through the different types of whales in Cabo, the best watching seasons, feeding grounds, and private watching tours.
Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching
One of the most popular events in vacation history is the whale watching season in Cabo San Lucas. Whales are a beautiful piece of mother nature. Their size and grace make them a popular site for tourists. Curious onlookers love to see the spectacular sites of the extraordinary marine life in Cabo.
Nature lovers, animal lovers, ocean lovers; every type of person finds the beauty in Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching. The whales in Cabo San Lucas create a feeling of awe and beauty. Nothing beats a beautiful sunset tour with a breathtaking background of the ocean’s most extraordinary animals.
The Different Species of Whales in Cabo
How do you envision your Cabo adventures? Because there are so many different species, opportunities for seeing whales are endless. Get an idea of the common and uncommon species, and see how likely you are to find them.
Humpback Whales
Humpback whales commonly visit the Cabo waters to feed. They are one of the largest species of whale. Visitors have the highest chance to see them from November to April. As of 2020, Whale Watch Cabo estimates that there are 18,000 Humpback Whales in the Northeastern Pacific.
Grey Whales
If you look at the shores of Magdalena Bay, you may see a pod of Gray Whales. Many Cabo whale watching tours include Magdalena Bay because of their large population. These whales in Cabo hit their last stop before migrating north, so they are less common than Humpback Whales. According to Whale Watch Cabo, around 22,000 Gray Whales live in the Northeastern Pacific area.
Killer Whales
Other species of whale are less common in Cabo. Killer Whales are common worldwide, so it is possible to spot them on your vacation. Their migration patterns are less predictable than those of Humpback or Gray Whales, but seeing them on your whale watching Cabo adventure is possible.
Blue Whales
A rare but awe-inspiring sight, tourists sometimes encounter Blue Whales. They are less frequent than other species of whales, but the right vacationer might get lucky. Blue Whales spend their winter in the Sea of Cortez. Most Cabo whale watching tours start on December 15, making it an excellent time to see the planet’s largest animal.
Sperm Whales
Vacationers might encounter a small group of sperm whales on their tour! The experience is rare but not impossible. Sperm whales sit deeper in the ocean’s trenches and further offshore. However, they stay in Cabo San Lucas all year, so there is always the possibility of getting lucky.
Whale Sharks
Despite their name, whale sharks are related to true whales in name only. They are actually one of the largest fish in the ocean, but they got their name from their appearance. Swimming with whale sharks is a common activity for adventurous travelers. Most of them stay in the La Paz area from October to May.
Other Marine Life in the Baja Peninsula
The Baja Peninsula features a broad range of sea life. Vacationers come across many types of sea animals. The dream of any marine biologist.
There is much more than whale sightings to see. Think sea lions, dolphins, mako sharks, hammerhead sharks, and more. If you dive a bit deeper, you may come across sea turtles, puffers, and large schools of fish.
Whale Watching Season in Cabo
Whether or not you see whales on your tour depends on the time of year. Whales migrate to certain areas all over the world. They rarely stay in one spot throughout the year. Their movement depends on different factors, including mating seasons, feeding grounds, and breeding grounds.
Why exactly do whales move from one area to another?
Food sources change with the seasons. The feeding grounds in one area may dry up at certain times of the year. Also, a good feeding ground may not be the best place to raise calves or find a mate.
Migration is a typical pattern in most whales. Luckily, Cabo San Lucas whale watching is possible because of migration. One of the whales’ common breeding grounds sits right off of the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
After they sit out the winter in warmer waters, the whales migrate to their feeding grounds in the summer. The most common time to see whales is around October through April. Once they migrate north, they are a less common site for tourists.
The whale watching Cabo experience includes species of Humpback Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, and others.
The whale watching Cabo experience starts on December 15 and ends on April 15. Most tours start around that time and last around two and a half hours. The right tour guide knows all of the best spots. You may even catch a feeding or some exciting behavior from marine life!
The Best Destinations for Whale Watching in Los Cabos
Magdalena Bay
Magdalena Bay hosts Gray Whales during the active season. After they leave their feeding grounds, Gray Whales migrate back to Cabo. Most often, they stay around Magdalena Bay. The right boating tour will take you to this area to see the beautiful marine life.
La Paz
La Paz is the common area for whale sharks. Swimming with whale sharks is a popular activity for vacationers. A boating tour guide knows the area and takes you straight to the action. If you go to La Paz, expect to see some majestic whale sharks.
The Sea of Cortez
On the seaside of the Baja Peninsula, you will come across Humpback whales. The Sea of Cortez is their home during the breeding and winter seasons. They are a common sight right off the shores, and most tour guides keep track of their whereabouts.
The Arch
The Arch is common to pass by during whale watching tours. It marks the end of the land on the Baja Peninsula. Since most tours start around Downtown Los Cabos, consider The Arch is the halfway point. When tourists pass The Arch, they may also come across sea lions and dolphins.
Show Kindness to the Environment
As you may know, many species of whales are endangered. The existence of these magnificent animals is a privilege. Coming face-to-face with such giant creatures is a humbling feeling. It is entirely possible that these animals will cease to exist.
Some species of whales are only a few thousand strong. As the environment worsens, their populations dwindle. There are plenty of eco-friendly options for whale watching tours. On top of seeing the breathtaking marine life, you also help the environment.
How do you help endangered species? There are a few simple ways to do your part for the environment:
- Reduce the amount of plastic in your home.
- Purchase eco-friendly or waste-free products.
- Recycle your plastic waste.
- Volunteer for an eco-friendly cause.
- Participate in “adopt a whale” causes.
- Donate to whale-saving charities.
- Actively support “save the whale” foundations.
- Encourage others to do their part for the environment.
By being more aware of eco-friendly practices, you do your part. Build your awareness, and spread that awareness to other people.
Everytime you see a whale, remember that they need your help.
Private Tours for Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas
Plenty of private tours start on December 15. Expect those tours to run through the winter until April 15. Cabo whale watching tours are 100% worth the experience. First-timers and veterans have the same breathtaking feeling on every tour.
Most private tours charge per person. The time spent on the water depends on the tour guide. Vacationers should also consider the boat’s size, the size of their party, guides, etc. Most whale watching tours cost between $80 and $600.
The cost depends on the experience. Are you looking for a luxury, private tour with your family? Does your guide know the exclusive spots away from other vacationers? How long will the tour last? Are meals included, and will you be taking pictures?
Sometimes, marine life stays hidden in the ocean. It is possible to come across no whales during your tour. Be ready for the potential letdown. Remember, these animals are unpredictable, and their patterns change!
Book a Sunset Cruise in Los Cabos
Pelican Cabo takes pride in its luxury boat tours for its visitors. Our private charters give you the exclusive feeling of grandeur in Cabo.
If you book a cruise at the right time, you may spot some whales.
Imagine this:
The ocean is quiet. You are with your friends or family, having a happy time on your private tour. You look in the distance and see Humpback Whales breaching the ocean waters. The experience is unexpected and unique.
Pelican Cabo wants that experience for you.
Spend your vacation with us, and we promise an unforgettable luxury vacation.
Book a private whale watching tour on the Pelican Cabo.
