Mexico · WHALE WATCHING

Whale Watching in Mexico: 15 Trips Worth the Crossing

48 tours  ·  from $45

Greys and humpbacks are in Baja water from December to April, and Banderas Bay fills up behind them. These 15 sort the small boats from the party catamarans on price, crew and how far out they are willing to go.

Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas - Cabo’s Arch, sea lions, and the first photographs
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Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

1.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,107 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129Our pick

Cruise from Los Cabos on a double-decker catamaran with guides such as Jacob and Marco, using a hydrophone to hear humpback whales. You’ll visit the Arch, watch for breaching whales across two hours at sea, and enjoy drinks plus a snack tray. Pickup is offered, but transport and dock fees cost extra.

“Be careful with pick up. Viator did not communicate with Cabo Adventures and while I thought I had arranged pick up (according to Viator) Cabo Adventures did not. have it. Glad I called to confirm. Other than that, the tour was average. We saw a few whales from a distance but nothing spectacular.”

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Whale Watching Cabo-Women crew-Sightings Guaranteed & Free Photos - Searching for humpbacks with a marine biologist
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Whale Watching Cabo-Women crew-Sightings Guaranteed & Free Photos

2.Whale Watching Cabo-Women crew-Sightings Guaranteed & Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,743 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

Join Cabo Nature’s small women-led crew for a two-hour whale watch from Cabo San Lucas. Marine biologists such as Aurora, María, Daniela, Belem, and Niki guide you toward humpbacks, dolphins, and sea lions, using a hydrophone to hear whales underwater. The tour includes digital photos, a stop at El Arco, water, and a free second outing if no whales appear.

“Friendly staff and we saw a lot of whales and dolphins. Boat was clean and water wasn't too rough. Recommend!”

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SMALL GROUP Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics - Two hours searching the Sea of Cortez or Pacific Ocean
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SMALL GROUP Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics

3.Small Group Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | Free Pics

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,106 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Join a maximum-12-person whale watch from Cabo San Lucas with a marine biologist such as Oscar, Victoria, or Payo. See The Arch, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock before searching for humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, turtles, and other whales. Free tour photos and a whale-sighting guarantee from December 15 to April 15 add real value.

“It was an amazing tour. Oscar was very knowledgeable and the whales were so impressive. Highly recommend”

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Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas - Choosing the Pacific or Sea of Cortez
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Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas

4.Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,005 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Join Cabo Trek for a 2.5-hour whale-watching trip from Cabo San Lucas. A marine biologist such as Andrea, Vanu, Maria, or Vanusa explains the whales and local waters while the captain searches for activity. You’ll also see El Arco and its sea lion colony. Boats usually carry 10 to 12 people, with departures at several times.

“Very pleased with this tour. I highly recommend Cabo Trek. The booking is simple, the cost is reasonable, the staff are pleasant, professional, helpful and knowledgeable. Our tour guide was Andrea unfortunately I don't remember the captains name. Safety and an enjoyable experience were a priority. It took a while but we did see whales and even dolphins jumping and frolicking. A highlight was 2 humpbacks that often breached together. So much fun Thank you Cabo Trek for a wonderful experience”

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Whale Watching, The Famous Arch and Fast Boat Tour in Los Cabos - Boarding the open inflatable boat
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Whale Watching, The Famous Arch and Fast Boat Tour in Los Cabos

5.Whale Watching, The Famous Arch and Fast Boat Tour in Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 693 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $99

You’ll ride a powerful inflatable boat from Cabo San Lucas into the Sea of Cortez or Pacific Ocean, searching for humpback whales from December through April. An onboard guide explains whale behavior and uses hydrophones so you can hear their calls. The return route passes the Arch, sea lions, and Lovers Beach.

“The whale watching was AMAZING! Great people at Cabo Adventures. Especially Jerry our guide and his crew. Super informative and lots of WHALES! Don’t hesitate to book this, it’s some of the most fun you’ll have in Cabo!”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta - Starting at Opequimar Centro Marino
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Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta

6.Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 666 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $105

Spend about four hours at sea with a marine biologist such as Jemma, Gemma, or Camilla, watching humpback whales and dolphins near Puerto Vallarta. A short land briefing, small covered boat, hydrophone recordings, research activities, sandwiches, and a maximum of 20 people make this both an educational outing and a serious wildlife excursion.

“It was very informative and the Marine Biologist, Jama was very enthusiastic and answered all of our questions. There was no guessing where the whales were. She and her Captain were able to find them is several places! We saw several breaches and were able to listen to the whale songs with a hydrophone. We saw several babies (huge). We then went to see several groups of dolphins. Apparently they stay in their territory. Would highly recommend this tour!”

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Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta - What the three-hour route feels like
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Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

7.Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 509 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $80

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard a comfortable mega yacht with Chica Locca Tours, looking for humpback whales and dolphins as Puerto Vallarta slips into sunset. The crew serves drinks, guacamole, blue corn chips, and sometimes ceviche. Guides such as Luis and Isaiah help keep the mood lively and informative.

“Crew was attentive, boat clean and nice, and most importantly the whale sightings were plentifully. Don’t have any concerns booking this operator. They do it well!”

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Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta - What the three-hour outing includes
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Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta

8.Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 469 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Set out from Marina Vallarta on a shaded, fast boat with up to 10 people. Guides such as Carlos and Rodrigo explain whale behavior, use a hydrophone to play their songs, and may help with photo identification and conservation research. Bring waterproof clothing, your ID, and patience for changing sea conditions.

“Our tour guide, Carlos, was considerate of the whales, and knowledgeable given that he's also a veterinarian. The reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because Carlos said everyone will get the "same" view regardless of which side of the boat you sit on... That wasn't the case on our tour. The captain always pulled up to whales on the same side, and we were always looking at whales through the people on the other side of the boat, so I'd recommend that your party split up on each side of the boat.”

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Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta - What the four-hour schedule feels like
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Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

9.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend about four hours on Banderas Bay aboard a spacious catamaran, watching humpback whales, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles. The crew provides live commentary, breakfast, lunch, shade, clean bathrooms, and an international open bar. Meet at Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta. Port fees and transport are extra.

“Saw plenty of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Had breakfast and lunch provided. There was a photographer taking pictures of everyone, but we never saw them or was not told where to view them.. Very disappointed......”

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ZODIAC Whale Watch Tour | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics - Leaving the marina for El Arco
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ZODIAC Whale Watch Tour | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics

10.Zodiac Whale Watch Tour | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | Free Pics

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 365 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Ride a fast, small zodiac with a marine biologist such as Oscar, Josephine, or Vittoria while searching Cabo’s waters for humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and mobula rays. You’ll pass El Arco, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock, hear whale calls when conditions allow, and receive free tour photos.

“From start to finish this was a too notch tour, with an extremely knowledgeable marine biologist Oscar! Numerous humpback whale sittings with stellar breaching, and a mom with her baby. So incredibly fun and definitely will do this again when in Cabo!”

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Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta - Searching Banderas Bay for Humpback Whales
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Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

11.Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Cruise Banderas Bay from Marina Vallarta aboard a small boat limited to 12 people. A marine biologist such as Thalia or Pilar explains humpback behavior, points out mothers and calves, and may use an underwater microphone to play whale songs. Lunch, soft drinks, and a return to the marina are included.

“This tour was amazing. We were a little skeptical about taking an afternoon tour as we have always done mornings and seen plenty of whales. We saw so many whales up close and personal that were interacting with our Boat. Our tour guide and boat captain did an amazing job. You takeoff right from the marina. The small tour is the way to go, much more personable. We will definitely do this tour again next year when we are back. Oh and the lunch was also amazing after three hours on the ocean.”

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Los Cabos Whale Watching (Transportation and Pictures Included) - El Arco, sea lions, and the first camera stop
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Los Cabos Whale Watching (Transportation and Pictures Included)

12.Los Cabos Whale Watching (Transportation and Pictures Included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 290 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Join True Baja for a small-group, 2.5-hour whale-watching trip from Cabo San Lucas. Guide Leonardo, Lorenzo, Pablo, or Alejandro may share whale facts while the captain searches for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and marlin. The tour includes hotel pickup, water, snacks, life jackets, and emailed photos.

“We weren't packed in like sardines like most of the tours! Our guide Pablo knew everything and anything about the area and the whales. We saw quite a few whales and had an awesome day! We all got some amazing pictures which is not easy when you have second to snap a shot once you see them! I highly recommend?”

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Dolphin & Whale Watching in Puerto Escondido - Why the small boat changes the experience
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Dolphin & Whale Watching in Puerto Escondido

13.Dolphin & Whale Watching in Puerto Escondido

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Set out from Puerto Escondido at 7am with Omar’s Sportfishing to search for four kinds of wild dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, rays, and seabirds. Guides such as Alex, Johnny, Fernando, and José share marine-life facts while a small boat carries up to 10 people. Swimming or snorkeling may be possible, but jellyfish and sea conditions can prevent it.

“We had a great experience with Alex! He took his time and knew where to look. We saw sea turtles, manta rays, and a large school of dolphins. The highlight was seeing 7 whales, including 2 pairs of calf/mother whales! Only downside was that we did not swim with the dolphins as advertised. We took a dip in the ocean, but it was probably not safe to join the dolphins, but we would have liked to know it wasn't an option in advance.”

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Cabo: Whale-Whatching Boat Trip w/ All-Women Crew and Photos - Meeting near Breathless Hotel
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Cabo: Whale-Whatching Boat Trip w/ All-Women Crew and Photos

14.Cabo: Whale-Whatching Boat Trip w/ All-Women Crew and Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 202 reviews · from $91

Join Cabo Nature for a two-hour whale-watching trip aboard an 8-meter boat with up to 12 people. A marine biologist such as Aurora, Mariana, or Nina explains the whales, while the crew photographs the action and uses a hydrophone when conditions allow. You’ll also visit Cabo’s Arch and may spot gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and turtles.

“We had a great time during the tour, it was very insightful and fun. Both of you ladies were wonderful and know your stuff!!!!!”

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Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Lunch Cruise - El Arco gives you the first photo stop
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Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Lunch Cruise

15.Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Set out from Cabo San Lucas Marina at 10:30 a.m. aboard Sunrider Tours’ roomy two-story boat. You’ll pause at El Arco, search for migrating gray and humpback whales with the crew, then enjoy a fresh Mexican buffet, open-bar drinks, music, and dancing before returning to the marina.

“Crew was fantastic and the views were amazing… the boat ride was very smooth, very clean and well maintained!”

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New in Whale Watching

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★ 5.0Whale Watching & Snorkeling Combo in Los Cabos with Photos IncludedFrom $12541 reviews
★ 4.5Whale-Watching Pirate Ship Cruise in Los CabosFrom $99111 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching Tour in Los CabosFrom $97114 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching Dinner Cruise in Cabo San LucasFrom $110116 reviews
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★ 5.0Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La PazFrom $34958 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset Whale Cruise in Cabo San LucasFrom $10939 reviews
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