One of the things you should plan for your trip is to go whale watching in Cabo. This phenomenal experience brings you up close and personal to the gentle giants who make the Baja Peninsula their home during certain times of the year. But you can’t just go any time and expect to see the whales.
If you specifically want to make sure you get to see whales on your trip, you will want to plan for the appropriate season and make reservations ahead of time. In this guide, we share all the tips you need to know for an awesome whale spotting adventure! Check it out below.
Types of Whales in Cabo
It’s highly likely that if you head out on a whale watching tour or you visit Cabo during the whale season, you’re going to see whales. And the really cool thing is you will see a wide variety of whales. We see the most humpback whales by far, but there are also many other species in the area.
Another common species and probably the best known is the California gray whale. These whales even give birth nearby, so you’re likely to see both adults and babies as they spend time in the Baja waters.
While these are the most popular species, it’s possible you will see sperm whales, blue whales, orcas, pilot whales, fin whales, minke whales, and several others too. The humpback whales are by far the most active and the most famous in the Cabo area.
Enjoy the Whale Experience in Cabo
As you head out to see the whales in Cabo, there is a lot to know. These experiences are not just about visually seeing one or two whales. Instead, it’s about a total adventure with the whales. The various tours know where to go to get you up close and personal, and you will find that some people have even been able to pet or touch whales.
Many of the whales, especially humpback whales, are used to tourists being around and will give them a big show. If you come upon these smart creatures, you will probably get to experience things like fin slapping, tail slapping, and breaching from the whales.
Our gray whales are the friendly creatures that come alongside the boats and may give you the chance to pat them. And when you choose a great tour, you are more likely to get this type of experience. It’s all in knowing you’re booking with a great agency!
When to Go Whale Watching in Cabo
Photo by Richard Sagredo on Unsplash
The thing you should be most prepared for is that you won’t see as many whales during certain times of the year. The whales go through a bit of a migration cycle, which means there are certain seasons that you see a lot more action from the whales.
If you’re one of the people who just comes to Cabo in the summers, you’re missing out on this spectacle. While you might see some whales, you certainly are not seeing all of them. In fact, whales are far more active in the Cabo area throughout the winter months.
We start seeing a lot of activity starting in December, and the busy whale season ramps up more in January. January is probably one of the most active months for whales in our area. However, the official season ranges from mid-December to mid-April, as set forth by the Environmental Ministry of Mexico.
The most active times recorded are from January to March. Knowing the season can help you better plan timing for seeing the whales.
Where to Find Whale Watching in Cabo
There are many different ways to see the whales when you’re in Cabo. If you come during the whale watching season, you can often see them from the beach. You will also likely notice them from various cruises and activities out on the water.
Taking a whale watching tour is the best way to ensure you get up close and personal with the whales. However, you have other opportunities to see them as well.
Book a Whale Watching Tour
The number one way to experience the whales is through a whale watching tour. These tours are offered seasonally, specifically during whale season. They start in December and go through May to give you the best chance of seeing plenty of whales. This is your best shot at getting close to the whales and seeing them perform for you.
We recommend taking one of the Zodiac fast boats because they move quickly and you are close to the water for the full experience. There are also plenty of other types of boats, including larger boats and sailboats.
Sunset Cruises
A sunset cruise can be a unique experience. While these aren’t designed specifically for whale spotting, it’s a great way to head out into the waters, and you will likely see whales while you are there. Of course, your chances of spotting whales on these cruises is during their prime season here. Be sure to plan your sunset cruises from December to April to increase the possibility of seeing a whale.
It’s very common to experience whales on any attraction during this time of year.
Beach Views
Another great way to watch the whales is from the beach. If you don’t want to jump on a boat or spend the money on a tour, this is your free way to see whales. Just head on out to the beach and you are likely to see whales swimming and playing in the waters.
If you want to see their tricks, try to time your beach trip to times that align with tours going out. Either way, you’re likely to see them swimming and moving about. You can always grab binoculars for a closer look!
Plan Your Whale Watching Adventure in Cabo
If you want to see the whales, you should start planning early! This is a popular season as people escape their winter weather. Some also come just to see the whales. Contact us today at Cabo Discount Tours to start planning your adventure!
