Whale Watching Season in Cabo San Lucas: When and What You’ll See
- angelavallemoreno .
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
Guide to Cabo’s Whale Watching Season (December–April)
Whale watching in Cabo San Lucas (Baja California Sur) is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in the world. Every year, from December through April, hundreds of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Los Cabos to breed, give birth, and raise their calves. Visitors can witness dramatic breaches, tail slaps, and even hear the whales’ haunting songs echoing through the ocean. Whether it’s your first time in Cabo or your tenth, the whale watching season transforms the sea into a stage for unforgettable encounters.
When is Whale Watching Season in Cabo San Lucas?
The official season begins in December and lasts until April. Early in the season, the first groups of humpbacks arrive, and by February and March activity is at its peak. This is when mothers can be seen traveling with calves, males sing to attract mates, and surface behaviors are most frequent. By April, sightings become less common as whales begin their long journey back north, but lucky visitors can still enjoy remarkable encounters before the season ends.
What Types of Whales Can You See in Cabo?
The main stars are the humpback whales, famous for their playful nature and spectacular surface displays. It’s common to see them breaching, lifting their tails high, or slapping the water with their fins.
While humpbacks are the highlight, Cabo’s waters can also host other whale species.
Gray whales migrate down the Pacific coast, undertaking one of the longest journeys on Earth before arriving in Baja California Sur. Although they are most commonly spotted in places like Puerto Chale or Magdalena Bay, encounters in the Cabo area are also possible later in the season as they continue their southward route. Watching these massive, curious whales on the move is a powerful reminder of the incredible distances they travel every year.
More rarely, visitors might be lucky enough to spot a sperm whale, recognizable by its powerful square head, or even the majestic blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, passing through the deeper waters. These sightings are uncommon, but when they happen, they make the experience truly extraordinary.
Tip: Each humpback whale encounter in Cabo San Lucas is unique. You might witness a mother guiding her calf, hear the haunting songs of a male underwater, or see a powerful breach against the backdrop of El Arco. No two moments are alike, which is what makes every tour unforgettable.
Whale Watching Season by Month in Cabo
December – January
The season begins as humpback whales arrive in Cabo San Lucas. Early in the season, you can already see spectacular breaches and tail slaps close to the Arch.
February – March
Peak season for humpback whales in Cabo. Mothers and calves are commonly seen, males sing long songs, and surface activity is at its highest. Ideal time for photography.
April
The season comes to an end as whales begin migrating north. Sightings are fewer, but tours still offer the chance to see humpback whales before they leave Baja.
Responsible Whale Watching Practices
Respect for marine life comes first. Cabo’s whale watching is regulated by NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010, the official Mexican whale watching regulation, ensuring that encounters remain respectful and sustainable. Boats must stay at least 60 meters away, with no more than four vessels near the same whale at once. Operators must never block a whale’s path, separate a mother and calf, or chase animals.
At Breathe Out Baja, we proudly follow these rules and go further by avoiding crowded boats, keeping our groups small, and never chasing or pressuring the whales — allowing every encounter to remain natural and respectful.
Did you know...?
🐋 | Boats must stay at least 60 meters/200 ft away from whales. |
|---|---|
✅ | If two boats are present, they must keep 100 meters (330 ft) from the whales. |
⛵ | No more than 4 boats may observe the same whale or group at once. |
🚫 | Never block the whale’s path, separate a mother and calf, or chase them. |
Why Choose Cabo San Lucas for Whale Watching?
Few places in the world combine spectacular landscapes with such high chances of whale sightings as Los Cabos. Watching a humpback breach against the backdrop of El Arco is a truly iconic moment in Baja. Tours depart daily from the marina, making it convenient for visitors across the region.
What truly sets the experience apart with Breathe Out Baja is our team of passionate local guides. We share our knowledge, show deep respect for the ocean, and keep our encounters small and personal — ensuring every whale watching tour is unforgettable for our guests while always remaining safe for the whales.
Curiosities About Whales
Whales are full of surprising traits and behaviors that make each encounter unique. Here are some fascinating curiosities you might learn during a whale watching tour in Cabo San Lucas:
Breaching (leaping out of the water): Scientists believe whales breach to communicate, dislodge parasites, or simply play. Seeing a full-body breach right next to your boat is an unforgettable spectacle.
Tail and fin slaps: When whales strike the surface with their tails or pectoral fins, they create loud sounds that can be heard from far away. These movements may serve as warnings, ways to communicate, or even playful displays.
Size and migration: Humpback whales can grow up to 16 meters (52 feet) long and migrate more than 6,000 km/3,730 miles each year between feeding and breeding grounds, making their journey one of the longest in the animal kingdom.
Songs and communication: Male humpbacks are famous for their complex songs, part of their mating rituals. (In the next section, discover how you can actually listen to them on our tours.)
The Songs of Humpback Whales
One of the most extraordinary aspects of whale watching in Cabo San Lucas is the chance to hear the haunting songs of humpback whales. These vocalizations, performed mainly by males, can last up to 20 minutes and are often repeated for hours. Scientists believe the songs evolve as the season progresses, with whales learning and modifying their melodies.
On our tours, we use a special marine hydrophone that allows you to listen to these songs beneath the surface. Hearing a whale’s call in real time while surrounded by the ocean is an unforgettable experience that connects you with these giants on a deeper level.
The Magic of Whale Season in Cabo
Whale watching in Cabo San Lucas is not just another excursion — it’s a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. From the thunderous splash of a breaching humpback to the calm presence of a mother and calf gliding nearby, every trip holds magic.
👉 Reserve Your Humpback Whale Watching Tour in Cabo and join us for one of Baja’s most extraordinary marine experiences.
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