It’s whale season in Cabo!
Each year a variety of whale species including the Humpback, Blue, Grey, Minke, Sperm, Fin, and Orca can be seen in the warm waters around the Baja Peninsula. Whale season is the period of time when some of these species migrate south from Alaska to mate and give birth. The season varies each year but is typically from around early December to mid April. Breaching whales can be seen from every beach, sometimes all day long. For those who want a closer encounter, there are many tours that get you up close to these amazing sea creatures.
The best time to see whales in Cabo
The whale season peaks around late December to late January. During this time you will have the best chance at seeing the most whale activity from both the shore and from a boat. If you’re planning to do a boat tour, the mid-day and evening tours have the greatest potential for whale activity, however the sea is the calmest in the mornings. Whale activity in Cabo often builds up for a few days reaching a peak and then calms down for a few days. Many tour companies suggest booking two or three whale tours a couple days apart to maximize your chances of seeing energetic whales. Your tour guide and captain will know the most popular whale sighting spots to help ensure you get to see as many whales as possible.
Whale tour options in Cabo
There are many tour options to choose from when planning your trip to Cabo. Besides different times of day, you can choose from different boat sizes, lengths of trip, and extras like lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, etc. Make sure you read through the tour to see what locations the boat heads to, what is included in the tour, and what kind of boat they use. All of these factors can change your experience. It is also worth it to shop around and compare prices.
The best beaches to see whales from in Cabo
We were lucky to catch a breaching whale and a beautiful sunset in this photo at Bahia Terranova.
If you aren’t looking to commit to a boat tour to see the whales, the good news is they can be seen from the comfort of a beach chair. Each beach is different in terms of its underwater structure and drop off. Two of the best beaches to see whales in Cabo are Santa Maria Beach and Chileno Beach, however, whales can be seen from any beach. My wife and I spent the day at the beach in Bahia Terranova on the East Cape and watched whales breach every few minutes for hours. You can find more about these beaches in my handbook.
Whether you’re enjoying the show from a beach chair or the bow of a boat, the whales in Los Cabos are sure to elevate your vacation. For information on other activities, food, and beaches, check out my other blog posts.