The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a popular destination for whale watching, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness the incredible spectacle of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. In this blog post, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to whale watching in Cabo San Lucas, including when to go, where to go, what to expect on a tour, and other activities related to whale watching that you can enjoy while in the area.

When to Go Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas

The whale watching season in Cabo San Lucas typically runs from mid-December to mid-April, with the peak season being from January to March. This is the best time to go whale watching in the area, as it's when the gray whales migrate from their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to their winter breeding grounds in the warm waters of Baja California. During this time, visitors can witness the amazing spectacle of these massive creatures breaching, spy-hopping, and tail-slapping in the waters around Cabo San Lucas. It's best to plan your whale watching tour early in the day, as the waters are generally calmer and the whales are more active.

Where to Go Whale Watching in Cabo

There are several popular whale watching spots in Cabo San Lucas, including the Cabo San Lucas Bay and the San Jose del Cabo estuary. Both of these spots offer excellent opportunities to see gray whales, humpback whales, and even blue whales in their natural habitat. Visitors can reach these spots by booking a whale watching tour with one of the many reputable tour operators in the area. There are also different types of boats available for whale watching tours, from zodiacs to catamarans, depending on your preference.

What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour

During a whale watching tour in Cabo San Lucas, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and more. The tour guides are typically very knowledgeable and will provide information about the different species of whales that can be seen in the area, as well as their behaviors and migration patterns. It's important to follow the captain's instructions and to wear a life jacket, as safety is the top priority during these tours. Visitors should also bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the amazing moments during the tour.

Other Activities Related to Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas

While whale watching is the main attraction in Cabo San Lucas, there are also other activities related to marine life that visitors can enjoy. The Whale Museum, located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, offers a fascinating look at the history and biology of whales in the area. Visitors can also book snorkeling tours to swim with sea lions and other marine creatures, or take a sunset sail to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Whale watching in Cabo San Lucas is an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler's bucket list. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and amazing marine life, Cabo San Lucas offers an incredible opportunity to witness the majesty of these magnificent creatures up close. Whether you're a seasoned whale watcher or a first-time visitor, Cabo San Lucas is a destination that you won't want to miss.

Day Trip to Todos Santos - The Best of the Best

Oystera - Best Brunch

You wouldn’t think it, but the best brunch in town comes from an oyster bar. Chef Poncho Cadena is a fourth-generation chef specializing in Mexican and French cuisine with various influences. The place is known for its creative cuisine. We recommend beet salad, oysters Rockefeller, and of course, oysters. They not only have delicious food but also chic decor and ambiance.

Rancho Corazon - Best Place to Spend the Day

A five-minute walk away from downtown Todos Santos, Rancho Corazon counts with 2 restaurants, a heated infinity pool, a corral, a store, and several event spaces. The might be the perfect place for your destination wedding! The service is spectacular; the place itself, dreamlike; the vibe, immaculate.

La Garita - Best Authentic Baja Food

The place might not much like much, but the food is top notch. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the spot to go. They offer traditional breakfast options, like burritos de machaca. Their coffee, and strawberries with cream come very recommended.

Tequila’s Sunrise Bar & Grill - Best Margaritas

A trip to Mexico is just not complete without margaritas. They have all flavors you could imagine, we recommend Chile Serrano, La Damiana, and Pomegranate. Watch out: They are cash only.

Doce Cuarenta - Best Coffee and Pastries

We’ve mentioned Doce Cuarenta in our Best Coffees in Cabo post. They also have a location in Todos Santos, so it just had to be our top pick to get a coffee. Reminder: their iced Vanilla Chai is perfection.

La Copa Cocina in Todos Santos Inn - Best Drinks and Music

This place is so amazing, it’s even mentioned in Goop. The hotel was built in the 1800s for a sugar baron, so it still holds the ambiance of an hacienda. Enjoy a night out, with the best mixology in town. They are temporarily closed (updated November 27th), but we’re patiently waiting for their doors to open back up and visit them once again.

Jazamango - Best Dinner

Farm-to-table experience curated by renowned Mexican Chef, Javier Plascencia. They have amazing meals that come straight from their garden, like Burrata Salad, Hummus, Zucchini Carpaccio, and more. But the real stars of the show are their main dishes. The Roasted Cauliflower is simply to die for; the braised beef short ribs, fall off the bone; and the Ribeye Prime, cooked to perfection and served with a side of scalloped potatoes. A real must-try while you’re in town.

Hotel California - Best Photo Op

This is a true can’t miss! Everyone has heard the song by the Eagles, but not many know that it’s based on a real place! Stop by, stroll around; the sights are cute, and snap a couple of pics.

Bésame Mucho Bazaar - Best Shopping

They just celebrated their 6th anniversary November 3rd! They have the most amazing jewelry, home section, mystic tchotchkes, clothes, and most anything you could want. You’re sure to find a souvenir for everyone on your list here, especially free spirits.

Where to Park in Cabo

Getting around in Cabo is relatively easy; most places are within walking distance. But if you are lucky enough to have a car to move about places, you might have to find places to park it. I'll share where I would park when going out downtown.

Hotel Bahia Parking $$

Headed to Medano Beach? There's an excellent parking option a block away, right across the street from Casa Dorada. Drop off your car and hit the shores. It's a prime option if you're headed to anything from Sand Bar to The Office.

Puerto Paraiso $

The mall has fairly cheap parking. It's super convenient if you're going to the marina, Luxury Avenue, or even the bars. The walk is no more than 5 minutes to the main drag, but it can feel eternal at the end of the night with heels. (Do not take off your shoes! Besides it being dirty, there could be broken glass; stay safe!)

Cabo Yacht Center Parking $$

It's located on the marina, across the street from El Squid Roe and right next to Dice and Nowhere Bar. This, to me, is the most convenient parking. They have some lumpy flooring, so careful with your ankles!

La Misión $

This is a 24-hour parking lot, though they do make exceptions (no worries, they'll let you know before you pull in.) They're located about a block away from Wachinango's. This is another great option for when you're going clubbing.

Plaza Aramburo Parking $$$

If all you're going to the bar and all you're considering is location, this is the spot for you. It is a little more on the expensive side, but the walk to the bars is the shortest you will find.

Plaza Alamar $$

This parking garage is half a block away from Cabo Coffee Company, a block away from La Dolce (an amazing Italian restaurant 🤤.) This would be your best bet if you're going to Cabo Wabo or Giggling Marlin.

Cultural Pavillion $

They host art exhibitions, ballets, concerts, and musicals. They even host the Cabo Film Festival here, so if you're going to a show, this is the best place to park. But, they have great parking for places like Captain Tony's, Outpost, Land's End Coffee Roaster, or light shopping on the marina's end.

Plaza Embarcadero $$

On the other end of the marina, opposite to Puerto Paraiso, is Plaza Embarcadero. They have shops and restaurants, including Señor Frogs. This is the dock the cruises disembark at, so there's plenty to do and see on this end of the marina as well!