An Ethical Guide to Humpback Whale Watching in Cabo

Everything you need to know about ethical whale watching in Los Cabos, from Cabo whale watching season to the best tours and ethical companies.

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Whale watching is our favourite travel activity and nowhere in the world rivals the thrill of whale watching in Cabo. Nestled on the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) at the southern tip of the beautiful state of Baja California Sur, Cabo’s unique geography makes it a preferred mating and birthing location for the majestic humpback whale. Thousands of whales make their way to the waters off Los Cabos every year, giving travellers who time their visit with Cabo’s whale watching season the chance to get up close to these gentle giants, witnessing dazzling acrobatic displays as whales leap from the water and babies play along the coast. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about whale watching in Cabo, from the best time to visit to the best tours to book, in this comprehensive guide.

Every winter, thousands of whales migrate to the warmer waters off Mexico’s western Baja California peninsula and humpbacks can be seen putting on incredible, acrobatic displays, both from the shore and on a boat trip. We heard Los Cabos is home to some of the best whale watching in Baja so we spent over three weeks in Cabo and saw innumerable numbers of humpback whales display the most incredible natural behaviours.

We’ve included everything you need to know about whale watching in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo in this article, as well as important information like the best time to go whale watching in Cabo, tips to help you save money, and even how to see whales from the balcony of your beachfront hotel in Cabo. We also discuss the issues facing humpback whales in Cabo, including unethical tour operators, and have chosen the best Cabo whale watching tour companies to help you plan your trip.

What kind of whale can you see in Cabo?

The most common type of whale spotted in Cabo is the humpback whale. These gentle giants are distinguishable by their sleek black bodies, white patterned undersides, ridged throats, and pointy dorsal fins.

Two other types of whales are also frequently seen around the Baja California Sur peninsula in winter: blue whales and grey whales. While they are more commonly seen in the northern locations of Magdalena Bay and Loreto, it’s possible to spot them occasionally in Cabo too.

Many other species call the waters near Cabo home and may sometimes be seen, including fin, sperm, minke, and sei whales. Whale sharks (which are actually sharks) and orcas (which are actually dolphins) can also be spotted.

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About Cabo’s humpback whales

Humpbacks are easily recognised by their dark grey or black colour with white patches on their stomach as well as knobs (called tubercles) on their heads. They have giant pectoral fins, which is thought to give them their Latin name, Megaptera novaeangliae, which means ‘big wing of New England‘.

Humpbacks are found in every ocean in the world and are known for their magical songs – sequences of moans, howls and cries – which travel for great distances underwater.

Growing between 14–20 metres (45 to 68 ft) long, humpbacks aren’t the largest of whales, but they’re widely regarded as the most active. You can frequently see them displaying behaviours like slapping the water with their fins or jumping clear from the surface.

Humpbacks have two blowholes located on the top of their heads and long pectoral fins. They are named humpbacks in reference to the dome shape their backs make as they dive below the surface (as can be seen in the image below).

In the past, commercial whaling severely reduced humpback whale numbers but, due to strong conservation efforts, humpbacks are now listed as ‘Least Concern‘ on the IUCN Red List.

Where to see whales in Cabo

Humpbacks (and many other species of whale) migrate from the cold arctic waters off Canada to Mexico’s west coast, where they spend the winter months in the warmer Pacific waters. Here, they mate and give birth in protected spots, before embarking on the long journey north to their major feeding grounds for summer.

Although they can be seen from certain areas along mainland Mexico, from Puerto Vallarta to Oaxaca, the peninsula of Baja California is considered the best place to see humpback whales. Los Cabos is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world with tours leaving from Cabo having incredibly high success rates of sighting whales.

The section of ocean near Cabo is nicknamed ‘whale highway’ in reference to the many whales that pass by along this migration route. So many whales congregate in Cabo in peak season, that you can even see them from the shore. In fact, on our bus journey to Cabo San Lucas, we saw 7 whales from the road!

Where to see whales in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a bustling party town, popular with Spring Breakers, and one of the top holiday spots for many well-known celebrities. But what many visitors don’t know is that Cabo San Lucas is also one of the best places to see humpback whales.

Whales in Cabo swim up and down the coastline and sometimes even enter the bay, coming close to the shoreline. You can spot humpbacks from the shore anywhere on the coast around Cabo – in the resorts on the west coast, from Lovers Beach and The Arch on Lands End, or in any of the beach-side restaurants in the bay.

The best way to go whale watching in Cabo San Lucas is on a tour, which allows you to get much closer to the action. Boat tours to go whale watching in Cabo San Lucas leave from the IGY Marina.

You don’t have to go far to find a whale. Sometimes you’ll come across one right in the bay. Other times, you may be searching for 10 to 20 minutes along the coast for a whale.

Where to see whales in San José del Cabo

Just like in Cabo San Lucas, it’s totally possible to see whales from the shore in San José del Cabo. The Hotel Zone with its long sandy beach is a great place to look out to see and watch the passing whales.

We’d recommend buying a good pair of binoculars and a long lens for your camera so you can get a good view of whales if you’re spotting whales from the shore.

Boat tours to go whale watching in San José del Cabo leave from the Puerto Los Cabos Marina. They have the advantage that there are far fewer boats around so you have a higher chance of observing a whale all on your own. The disadvantage however is that whales are more commonly spotted towards Cabo San Lucas and the Pacific Ocean so you normally have a longer journey.

When to go whale watching in Cabo

Unfortunately, whale watching in Cabo is not a year-round attraction. The official whale watching season in Cabo is set by Mexico’s Ministry of Environment (SEMARNAT).

When is the best time of year to see whales in Cabo?

Cabo’s whale watching season runs from December to April each year. But, whales are wild animals and don’t abide by time periods set by us.

Humpback whales typically begin arriving in Cabo from mid-November and can be seen as late as May.

Most operators offer tours between 15th December and 15th April to ensure you have a good chance of seeing whales. Many also offer a money-back guarantee or the opportunity to join another tour for free if you are unsuccessful at finding a whale.

The peak period for whale watching in Cabo is between January and March when the highest number of whales is recorded and chances of a sighting exceed 95%. During this time, the most number of whales are present and you have an excellent chance of seeing at least one on your tour.

By February babies will be big enough to swim by themselves and start learning behaviours like slapping and breaching. While heat runs can be experienced at any time within this window.

When is the best time of day to go whale watching in Cabo?

Officially, there’s no best time to go whale watching. Whales are wild animals and their presence or activity can never be guaranteed.

That being said, we do think there are two other factors to consider when booking a whale watching tour in Cabo:

Typically, the sea is calmer in the morning, with waves becoming slightly rougher at midday and choppier in the afternoon. This is something to consider if you get seasick, as you’ll likely want to go out in the morning.

Other boat traffic along the coast can play a crucial role in affecting whale sightings. Boat tours in Cabo typically don’t start until midday, with most party boats going out in the afternoon and evening. In the evenings, the waters can get pretty congested with lots of boats in one space. Many unlicensed boats will also approach whales, scaring them off (we talk more about this below). A multitude of vessels can discourage whales from sticking around or displaying natural behaviours.

Cabo Bay is much quieter in the early morning slot and you might even be the only boat observing a whale. This is our favourite time to go whale watching. We’d recommend booking a morning whale watching tour when the bay is quieter as fewer boats are out and the weather is typically calmer.

What time are whales most active in Cabo?

Unofficially, it’s thought that humpbacks seem to prefer choppier waters and perform more acrobatic displays when the waters are rougher.

But this doesn’t mean they don’t display these behaviours in the morning too. In fact, we witnessed two babies learning tricks with their mothers and an intense heat run with repetitive breaching on morning trips.

How to see whales in Cabo

To get up close and really experience the sheer size and beauty of a humpback whale, you’ll need to take a boat tour in Cabo.

The best way to see whales in Cabo is to take a licensed whale watching tour. There are quite a few whale watching operators to choose from and choosing a good company can seem overwhelming. Despite offering similar services, not all tours offer the same experience.

When booking an activity that includes wildlife, it’s always important to consider your impact on the animal. Experiencing wildlife ethically is important, not just for the animal involved, but for the conservation of species too. So you’ll want to be sure the whale watching trip you choose is fully licensed and adheres to a strict set of rules to protect humpback whales in Cabo.

Our recommended tour operators

We did all the research and have chosen the best whale watching tours in Cabo for you. We went through dozens of companies and have listed the most ethical tours with responsible companies who we had a really good experience with.

Whale Watch Cabo

Whale Watch Cabo is one of the best whale watching tour operators in Cabo. They are Cabo’s first and only dedicated Whale Watching Company and have been heralded TripAdvisor’s # 1 Conscious and Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Company since 2011.

Whale Watch Cabo’s speedy Zodiac boat can search the waters faster than the traditional boats and is allowed to approach 20 metres closer to a whale too. This really sold us on their tour and it’s so worth it if you can handle the smaller boat. The Zodiac whale watching tour is capped at 10 passengers so it’s a small-group trip that gives you the best experience on the water.

With thousands of 5-star reviews, Whale Watch Cabo offer a variety of 2.5-hour whale watching trips, guided by passionate and knowledgeable marine biologists, guaranteed to make your experience unforgettable. They also have a hydrophone on board so, if the whales are singing, you can hear them.

They offer three tours a day from Cabo San Lucas:

In the unlikely event you don’t see a whale (which probably won’t happen with chances of a sighting being 95%+), they’ll take you on another tour for free.

And don’t worry if you’re not a professional photographer, they also provide you with high-quality photographs for free!

Their small-group tours have received Viator’s Badge of Excellence and we honestly can’t speak highly enough of their professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication to conservation.

Cabo Trek

Another sustainable company we love is Cabo Trek. As winners of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (and every year since 2013 for that matter), Cabo Trek prioritise responsible tourism.

They offer a range of marine wildlife encounters, from swimming with whale sharks and mobula rays, to SCUBA diving, and whale watching.

As the first ecotourism company in Mexico to obtain the official recognition of ‘Responsible Whale Watching Operator‘ assigned by the World Cetacean Alliance, a trip with Cabo Trek is an intimate and magical experience.

Their small-group whale watching tours are 2.5 hours in a covered boat and trips can be booked with an English, Portuguese, or Spanish speaking, marine biologist guide. They also have a hydrophone and underwater camera on board to enhance the experience.

Cabo Trek whale watching tours run four times a day from Cabo San Lucas with a maximum of 18 passengers:

Salty Cabo

Our recommendation for whale watching in San José del Cabo is Salty Cabo, a responsible company that specialises in small group experiences.

Known for exceptional service and commitment to sustainability, Salty Cabo has earned a reputation as the go-to provider for epic ocean adventures. As well as whale watching, they also offer snorkelling trips and marine wildlife safaris.

Tours take place in their comfortable covered catamaran with a hydrophone on board to help find and hear whales in the nearby vicinity. They offer free photos on their tours so you don’t need to worry about capturing the experience. Tours are guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable crew members and marine biologist guides.

Salty Cabo runs a variety of 2-hour whale watching tours, including a sunrise tour and a sunset tour:

How much do whale watching tours in Cabo cost?

Whale watching tours in Cabo typically range from about $75 to $120 USD per person, depending on the tour operator, vessel type, and included extras.

Larger group sizes are usually cheaper while longer tours with smaller group sizes are typically slightly more expensive.

It’s worth mentioning that we’d encourage you to be really sceptical of anyone selling whale watching tours cheaper than $75 USD per adult. They’re likely not a licensed company and won’t provide the same experience as a responsible company.

Whale watching in Cabo is a popular activity but surprisingly not too overcrowded. A lot of tourists to Cabo San Lucas visit for Spring Break and can be found lounging on the beaches and drinking on the party boats but don’t bother to take to the water and experience one of Cabo’s best natural attractions – which is a good thing for any keen whale watcher.

However, we do still recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially on the more intimate small-group tours.

Tour companies to avoid

There a quite a few tour companies in Cabo that offer whale watching, and also have trips to unethical experiences (e.g. swimming with captive dolphins at Dolphin Discovery). We’d strongly encourage you to avoid booking your whale watching experience with these companies. While swimming with captive dolphins can be spun as an attempt at educational wildlife tourism, it’s actually incredibly harmful to such intelligent creatures who should be allowed the freedom to live wild. You can read more about unethical activities to avoid in Cabo in our complete guide.

Water taxis may also offer you a cheap whale watching tour, usually via a tout on the street. While this may be enticing, these boats are not licensed and only add to the problems of congestion in the bay and the harassment of whales.

What you might see on a Cabo whale watching tour

You might be wondering what you can expect to see on a tour and it can be useful to know what to look for. While every trip is different, and nothing can be guaranteed with wild animals, here are a few behaviours you might see on your trip:

As humpbacks migrate to Cabo to give birth, you’ll quite often see babies in the latter half of the season. These babies will stick to mum and train, learning a lot of the behaviours we’ve listed above.

Humpbacks also migrate to Cabo to mate. If you’re lucky you may experience a humpback whale courtship behaviour called a heat run. This is when males compete for a female in a (sometimes vicious) race that often involves a lot of quick changes and acrobatics in a bid to impress. It’s not uncommon to see a lot of breaching in a heat run, sometimes several times in a row or from more than one whale at a time.

We got very lucky and, over the course of three trips, saw all of the above behaviours!

Our experience whale watching in Cabo

Our trips began with a briefing on whale watching in Cabo. We were educated on the restrictions in place to protect the whales, the regulations the company would be following, and the expectations we were to abide by. It was really great to see the care and seriousness the companies have about conserving the species. We were also given some really interesting information about the whales we might see, their migration patterns, and their habits.

We did two morning tours and one evening tour. Each trip would start with all eyes to the sea in the hopes of spotting a plume of mist – the first sign of a whale as it breathes at the surface.

We personally preferred the morning tours. While the ambience of the evening tour was beautiful with a stunning sunset, there were just too many boats on the water and less whale activity, with many of them being scared off by party boats, private yachts, and water taxis.

Once a whale was spotted, our captain would navigate us to the designated distance and we’d float alongside the whale. Some were curious and would come close to the boat. Others kept pace beside us, while some simply dived – showing their fluke (tail) as they disappeared below the surface.

Several times we got really lucky. We saw babies learning techniques like head slapping and breaching. We also encountered a heat run, which involved consecutive breaching from the adults.

All in all, whale watching in Cabo is a magical experience and we really felt like we’d learned a lot from our tour operators, as well as experiencing some of the most epic whale behaviours we’d ever seen.

Is whale watching in Cabo ethical?

As a hugely popular vacation destination, sustainability in Cabo is an issue and the city does suffer some of the effects of overtourism, which can have a devastating impact on the local whale population. To combat this, strict regulations are necessary to control the interaction between whales and humans.

Is whale watching in Cabo regulated?

You’ll be pleased to know that whale watching is a highly regulated activity in Mexico. There are certain rules and guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the humpback individual whales’ protection in Cabo, as well as the survival of the species.

Whale watching laws are set out by SEMARNAT (Mexico’s environment ministry, Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources). Permits are issued each year to companies that meet certain criteria.

Vessels must be authorised via this permit scheme and certified vessels must carry a distinctive flag at all times during whale watching activities.

What restrictions are there to protect whales in Los Cabos?

Rules for whale watching companies in Cabo include restrictions on speed, distance, and time spent near a whale.

A whale or a group of whales (or dolphins) can be observed for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time before the boat needs to move on.

You can see from the image below that there is a large No Approach Zone to give whales room to change direction (which they do quickly), swim away, and have a splash zone if they breach.

There are also a few rules for whale watching participants too. It is strictly forbidden to touch or feed humpback whales, as physical contact can transfer harmful diseases and could make you or the whale sick.

Swimming with whales is also illegal, so you can’t get into the water with them – although, as the whale’s curiosity can’t be controlled, if you are lucky enough to come across a whale on a snorkel or SCUBA dive in Cabo, this is a rare exception and you should keep your distance and cherish the experience.

Whale watching trips won’t only provide you with a bucket list experience, but are also designed to be educational and spread awareness of conservation challenges whales face too. Licensed tours provide SEMARNAT-trained guides who will not only make your trip unforgettable but also thought-provoking.

Are the restrictions adhered to?

So are the Mexican whale watching laws adhered to in Cabo? Yes – but only to an extent.

The licensed whale watching companies in Cabo absolutely follow the rules. Their guides and captains care about the whales and their conservation, they follow the rules, and they do all they can to encourage others to do so as well.

But unfortunately, we were disappointed to see some other companies don’t share this same care. Cabo San Lucas has a huge variety of boat tour operators, from catamarans and luxury yacht hire to themed ships and numerous party boats. None of these companies are licensed to engage in whale watching and yet, when a plume of mist appeared in the bay, we saw them rushing after whales, getting far too close and generally just harassing them.

This behaviour is incredibly frustrating. Not only are these companies putting the safety of the whales at risk but they’re risking their passengers’ safety too. They don’t adhere to the rules so will stay for longer than allowed, get too close and will crowd around a whale that’s already being observed by a licensed operator.

We heard that these companies can be sanctioned by the government if strong photo and video evidence is submitted showing them displaying this behaviour. But the people who submitted it received threats and so had to stop to protect their businesses.

The Mexican government may be doing more than a lot of other countries in the world to protect its cetaceans. But they’re not doing enough to enforce their own rules in Cabo.

So what can be done?

While tightening the enforcement of Mexican laws is out of our hands, we can control our own impact. Choosing a licensed operator is the best way you can help to conserve humpback whales in Cabo.

Research boat companies to ensure they value sustainable tourism, don’t buy tours from touts on the street as they’re likely unofficial with no training, and consider the sacrifice that’s at play if a tour seems cheaper than the competition (spoiler: it’s because the operator wants money from tourists more than they care about the safety of you and the whales).

Is whale watching in Cabo safe?

Of course, the rules exist to protect you too. There have been several recent incidents of whales breaching and falling on top of boats in Baja California Sur.

These incidents generally only happen when unlicensed vessels break the law and get far too close to whales. There are all sorts of boat companies in Cabo, including booze cruises, private yachts and snorkel tours. When not regulated properly, they all converge on a whale, sometimes getting far too close.

Licensed companies offer you the best opportunity to see whales in a stress-free environment, which is safer for all involved. Professionally trained guides and captains can recognise whale behaviours that indicate stress or playfulness and will keep you at a safe distance. When you book with a responsible company, you can be sure you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Other Cabo whale watching experiences

You’ve probably guessed by now that we love whale watching and Cabo is just the tip of the iceberg! We specifically visited Mexico for whale watching in Baja and there are a few other species you can see in different locations around the state that you can see at the same time that humpbacks migrate to Cabo. Here are some of the other epic marine attractions in the region:

Where to stay to see whales in Cabo

There’s a large variety of accommodations in Cabo from budget apartments to luxury resorts, so there’s something for every budget.

If you just can’t get enough of whale watching, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can actually see whales play right from your hotel! Humpbacks can be spotted from the shore and, at certain beachfront hotels in Cabos, you can often see whales from the balcony of your own room!

If you’re on a budget, we’d recommend saving money on accommodation so you can spend it on whale watching. Vrbo and Airbnb have great selections of incredibly affordable self-catering units.

Cabo Whale Watching FAQs

We’ve answered these frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip.

Is whale watching worth it in Cabo?

Los Cabos is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world and a trip here is absolutely worth it! While humpbacks can be almost guaranteed in winter, performing acrobatic displays off the coast, other species also transit the area, turning the waters here into ‘whale soup’. Watching Cabo’s humpbacks is just as magical as meeting the friendly grey whales of Baja.

What type of whales are in Cabo?

Many species of whale can be seen around Los Cabos, including humpback, grey, blue, fin, sei, minke, and sperm whales, as well as orca (which are technically a dolphin). Dolphins and whale sharks can also be seen occasionally too.

What is the most common whale in Cabo?

The most commonly spotted whale in Cabo is the majestic humpback whale.

Can you see blue whales in Cabo?

Blue whales are occasionally spotted in Cabo but you’ll have more luck seeing them in Loreto between January and February.

Why are there so many whales in Cabo?

The warm waters off Cabo, where the rough Pacific Ocean meets the sheltered Sea of Cortez, provide the perfect ocean climate for whales and their babies. Humpbacks migrate here to give birth in the warm and safe waters, which are a better environment for little ones than the cold Arctic waters where they feed in summer.

Can you see whales in San José del Cabo?

While whales do travel up the coast past San José del Cabo, there are far more off Cabo San Lucas so your chances of a sighing are far higher. Some tour companies do run whale watching trips from Marina Puerto Los Cabos in San José del Cabo, but will typically drive the boat down the coast towards Cabo San Lucas, so you spend more time in transit than on a whale watching tour in Cabo San Lucas.

How long do whales stay in Cabo?

Whales are found in Cabo between December and April each year. Each whale stays for the breeding season with mothers giving birth and raising calves and males competing for a mate. The males leave first, heading back to their feeding grounds in the Arctic, while mothers and babies leave later in the season.

Where do whales go from Cabo?

Cabo’s humpback whales spend their summers up north in Arctic waters off Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington State.

What is the best month to see whales in Cabo?

While whales can be seen as early as mid-November and sometimes stay as late as May, the best months to see them in Cabo with the most number of whales is between January to March.

Can you see whales from the beach in Cabo?

Yes, it’s totally possible to see whales from the beach in Cabo. Many whales swim close to the shore and you can spot them from anywhere along the Los Cabos coastline. A good pair of binoculars can really help you to get a good view.

What to pack for whale watching in Cabo

There are a few essentials you won’t want to forget on your trip, including:

What to wear for whale watching in Cabo

The weather is usually pleasant during Cabo’s whale watching season, with warm temperatures and strong sunshine. Here’s what we’d recommend you wear on a tour:

Can you swim with whales in Cabo?

While swimming with whales is forbidden by Mexican law, it’s totally legal and safe to swim with whale sharks (which are actually a kind of shark). Day tours leave Cabo for the specially regulated whale shark zone in La Paz, allowing you to experience the magic of swimming alongside the largest fish in the sea.

When are whale sharks in Cabo?

Whale shark season in Cabo runs the same time as whale season – between December to April each year. Whale shark snorkelling in Los Cabos is difficult as most whale sharks are actually found further north in the waters around La Paz.

Read next:

The 32 Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

The 18 Best Beachfront Hotels in Cabo

Where to Eat in Cabo San Lucas: 25 Best Restaurants

The 15 Best Day Trips from Cabo

10 Tips for Taking a Boat Tour in Cabo

A Concise Guide to SCUBA Diving in Cabo

How to Get Around Cabo: 10 Modes of Transport

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