Sight guide · Cabo San Lucas · Mexico
Visiting Whale watching
Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off Los Cabos to breed and calve, and they are often seen breaching and tail-slapping within a few kilometres of shore.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Microstar, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Whale watching is an experience in Cabo San Lucas Bay, Cabo San Lucas. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. In February and March, the busiest months, book a day or two ahead, especially for small-boat tours.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Cabo San Lucas Bay
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- nature, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- January–March
About Whale watching
Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off Los Cabos to breed and calve, and they are often seen breaching and tail-slapping within a few kilometres of shore. Trips run on everything from small inflatable boats, which get lower to the water, to larger catamarans that suit families.
Tip: Choose a small group with a licensed operator; regulations require boats to keep their distance, and a hydrophone on board lets you hear the whales singing.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: In February and March, the busiest months, book a day or two ahead, especially for small-boat tours.
- Where: Cabo San Lucas Bay.
Best time to visit Whale watching
Whale watching is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
- March: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Cabo San Lucas has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Cabo San Lucas itinerary visits Whale watching on day 2, together with Glass-bottom boat to Land's End, Sportfishing charter and Sunset cruise around Land's End.
- No. 4 of the 17 sights in our Cabo San Lucas things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Cabo San Lucas.
- A family favourite in Cabo San Lucas with kids.
If you like Whale watching
- Glass-bottom boat to Land's End — Marina, 45 minutes–1 hour
- Sportfishing charter — Marina, 4–8 hours
- Sunset cruise around Land's End — Marina, 2–2.5 hours
- Santa María Bay — Tourist Corridor, Half a day
Staying near Whale watching
Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Whale watching?
Plan 2–3 hours.
+Is Whale watching free?
No, it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Whale watching?
January–March for the most comfortable weather. Choose a small group with a licensed operator; regulations require boats to keep their distance, and a hydrophone on board lets you hear the whales singing.
+Do I need to book Whale watching in advance?
In February and March, the busiest months, book a day or two ahead, especially for small-boat tours.
+Is Whale watching good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Cabo San Lucas. Cabo works well for families who choose a hotel on a swimmable beach, such as Médano or the protected corridor bays.