Whale Watching in Cabo— What You Want to Know
Yet another unique beauty of Cabo — Gray and Humpback whale migration that can be easily observed along the coasts. With the yearly whale-sighting season upcoming, get info on how you can enjoy these majestic creatures up close or from afar!
When is whale season in Cabo?
Typical whale season is Los Cabos is mid December through mid April, although there are some details that vary depending on the type of whale. There are two kinds of whales that can be sighted off the shores of the city— Humpbacks and Blue Whales. Some boat tours claim that Humpbacks can be seen as early as mid November.
Here is some info about whale migration and sighting:
Mid November: Beginning of possible Humpback Whale sightings.
Mid December through late January: Humpback Whale numbers reach their peaks and the general whale activity level is high.
Late December and into January: sightings of newborn baby Humpbacks.
Early February: As baby Humpback Whales grow, they start to become more active and playful until the end of the season in April. Adult Humpback Whales continue to migrate north in March and April.
The lesser common species you might spot in Cabo San Lucas is the Gray Whale. Typically arriving in early January, adult Gray Whales are often in smaller groups, nearer to shore, and can seen in Cabo until the end of March. While Humpback Whales typically mate and give birth in Cabo, the majority of Gray Whale mating and birthing activity occurs further north.
I want to see some whales. When can I observe some good whale action?
Simply spending time on Cabo’s beaches during the right times of the year can reward you with a distant whale-sighting. December and January are the most active months. Although If you really want to see some whales during your trip, you’ll want to try a whale watching tour. There are dozens of local companies that can take you out, but make sure you book in advance, these tours typically fill up fast. You can see a list of some popular whale boat tours here. Tour guides have knowledge of the most active whale locations and are able to bring you far from the shore, giving you the best chance of seeing the whales up close. Consult with the company you decide to book with, as they can give you more information about days and times that they believe will give you a higher chance to see some whales. Some tours say that they see high whale activity for a few days, and then less for a few days, followed by more activity again. During the most active times of the year, some companies guarantee that you will see whales, otherwise they will refund you or take you out again. If your tour doesn’t offer a guarantee, you may want to book several tours just in case.
While there’s no consensus on specific time that whales are most active, there are advantages to taking tours at specific times of day. In the morning, the seas are most calm but visibility is lower. Morning is a good time to go if you are prone to motion/sea sickness, or have kids with you.
Afternoons tend to have better ocean visibility since the sun is higher in the sky. This may help hopeful whale seekers to spot them further in the distance. Keep in mind that mid day tours are also windier with more waves. Also because of the sun’s location, it’s easier to see whales beneath the ocean’s surface.
An unforgettable experience
Cabo San Lucas is an incredible place to be just about all year round, and whale season is an extra special time to experience the destination. If you want to seeing whales in Cabo, be persistent, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while you’re out searching. Try to plan your outing(s) for late December into January if you can. Look for guided tours with a reputable touring companies, and book multiple tours just in case you strike out on one or two. If you don’t mind a little bit of rougher sea, choose an afternoon tour for maximum ocean visibility. During all of the excitement, remember to have fun and enjoy the moments in paradise!
Los Cabos has so much to offer its visitors! If you’d like help planning your stay, feel free to contact us here for local Cabo expertise. You can also email us at info@edsdestinations.com. We offer concierge services and luxury vacation rentals that will make your stay enjoyable, comfortable, and unforgettable. Happy Travels!