Humpback whale surfacing in the Sea of Cortez near San José del Cabo during a whale watching tour in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

Whale watching · San José del Cabo · Sea of Cortez

Whale Watching in San Jose del Cabo

Experience humpback whale season from the waters of San Jose del Cabo. Depart from Puerto Los Cabos Marina and explore the Sea of Cortez with an experienced local crew.

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Overview

$95 USD per person · 2 hours

From December to April, humpback and gray whales migrate into the Sea of Cortez after their long journey from the north. Breaches, tail slaps and spy hops can happen close to the boat, and there is nothing quite like the sound of a whale landing back in the water when it does. Los Cabos is one of the world’s great whale watching destinations, and San José del Cabo sits right at the heart of the winter breeding grounds.

What to expect on the water: a two-hour whale watching tour in a shared small group of up to 12 guests, departing from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose del Cabo. Our captains know where whales are typically found at each point of the season, and we maintain respectful, regulated observation distances so the whales behave naturally around the boat. You may see humpback whales breaching, tail slapping and spy-hopping, mother-and-calf pairs traveling together, and gray whales surfacing near the vessel.

On board, marine biologists explain every behavior you see and share the story of the whale migration from the cold northern feeding grounds to the warm waters of Baja California Sur. An on-board hydrophone lets you listen to the hypnotic song of the male humpbacks below the surface — one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Los Cabos. Join us for an unforgettable whale watching experience in Los Cabos.

The best time for whale watching in Los Cabos is December through April, with peak activity in January and February. The difficulty level is easy and the tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages; our marine biologists make it an educational experience for children and adults alike. For your comfort and safety we provide a shaded boat with a restroom, life jackets, warm drinks, water and light snacks. Bring a light layer — mornings at sea can be breezy even in winter — plus sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

If you prefer the experience with only your own group, we also offer the exclusive private whale watching tour.

Guests

$95 USD per person · 2 hours

Duration
Approximately 2 hours
Departure
Marina San José del Cabo
Group size
Shared small group, up to 12 guests
Included
Gear, guide & refreshments
Price
$95 USD per person · 2 hours
Availability
Limited spots — book ahead
Limited spots available — book in advance for the best availability
Call +52 624 243 1007

WHALE WATCHING SEASON IN LOS CABOS

Whale watching season in Los Cabos

DECEMBER 15 – APRIL 15

Open Water Expeditions operates whale watching tours during the authorized local whale watching season.

During winter and early spring, humpback whales migrate through the waters around Los Cabos.

Guests may observe different natural behaviors depending on the day and conditions.

Whale sightings, breaching, calves, specific behaviors and close encounters are natural events and can never be guaranteed.

HUMPBACK WHALES IN LOS CABOS

Humpback whales in Los Cabos

Humpback whales are among the principal whales observed around Los Cabos during the seasonal migration.

Depending on the day and conditions, possible natural behaviors may include:

These are possible natural behaviors and are never guaranteed.

  • Breaching
  • Tail displays
  • Pectoral fin displays
  • Surface activity
  • Traveling
  • Mothers with calves

WHALE WATCHING FROM PUERTO LOS CABOS MARINA

Whale watching from Puerto Los Cabos Marina

Our whale watching tours depart from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur.

This provides direct access to the waters around San Jose del Cabo and the Sea of Cortez.

Humpback whale surfacing in the Sea of Cortez near San José del Cabo during a whale watching tour in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

WHALES ARE WILD ANIMALS

Responsible wildlife experience

Our whale watching experiences take place around wild animals in their natural environment.

Captains and guides adjust navigation according to ocean conditions, whale activity, safety and applicable whale watching regulations.

  • Touching whales
  • Feeding whales
  • Swimming with whales
  • Chasing whales

We never encourage touching, feeding, swimming with or chasing whales, and we do not promise close encounters. Boats maintain respectful, regulated observation distances and do not approach whales in a way that disturbs their natural behavior.

SUNRISE WHALE WATCHING

Sunrise Whale Watching — 6:00 AM

Experience the beginning of the day on the water during whale watching season in Los Cabos.

The early departure offers a different atmosphere on the Sea of Cortez as daylight begins over the Baja California Sur coastline.

The 6:00 AM departure does not guarantee more whales, better whale sightings, calm water, specific weather or sunrise visibility.

6:00 AM

SUNRISE WHALE WATCHING

SUNSET WHALE WATCHING

Sunset Whale Watching — approximately 4:30 PM

Combine the atmosphere of an afternoon whale watching tour with the changing light near sunset.

Departure time can vary seasonally according to daylight and operational conditions.

A visible sunset, whale sightings and whale behavior are never guaranteed.

4:30 PM

SUNSET WHALE WATCHING

WHICH DEPARTURE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Which departure should I choose?

Wildlife activity and ocean conditions vary naturally — no departure guarantees more whales than another.

  • 6:00 AM

    Sunrise experience and early-morning departure.

  • 8:00 AM

    Morning whale watching.

  • 10:30 AM

    Late-morning option.

  • 1:00 PM

    Early-afternoon option.

  • 4:30 PM

    Afternoon / sunset whale watching experience.

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE WHALE WATCHING?

Choose your San Jose del Cabo whale watching experience

Choose a shared whale watching experience or reserve a private boat exclusively for your group.

PUBLIC WHALE WATCHING

Public Whale Watching

San Jose del Cabo

2 hours

Adults

$95 USD per person

Children

$80 USD per person

Departure

Puerto Los Cabos Marina, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur

Available departure times

  • 6:00 AM— Sunrise Whale Watching
  • 8:00 AM
  • 10:30 AM
  • 1:00 PM
  • 4:30 PM— Sunset Whale Watching

Departure times may be adjusted seasonally or operationally according to daylight, weather, ocean conditions and availability. Guests should confirm the exact departure time shown on their reservation.

Public tour includes

  • Respectful, regulated whale observation distances
  • Marine biologist guide
  • On-board hydrophone
  • Water, soft drinks and light snacks
  • Safety briefing and life jackets
  • Small-group boat with shade and restroom
PRIVATE WHALE WATCHING

Private Whale Watching

Your Boat. Your Group. Your Whale Watching Experience.

2 hours

Price

$450 USD for 1–2 guests

Additional guests

$95 USD per person

Maximum

10 guests

Departure

Puerto Los Cabos Marina, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur

Private tour includes

  • Exclusive boat for your group
  • Respectful, regulated whale observation distances
  • Marine biologist guide
  • On-board hydrophone
  • Water, soft drinks and light snacks
  • Safety briefing and life jackets

EXPLORE RELATED EXPERIENCES

More ways to get on the water in San Jose del Cabo

Pair your whale watching tour with other experiences departing from Puerto Los Cabos Marina, or read our seasonal whale watching guide.

Local Family BusinessSan José del Cabo
Secure BookingBook direct online
Professional CrewProfessional crew
Small GroupsPersonal attention
Our PlaygroundSea of Cortez

Why choose this tour

Small groups, local expertise, unforgettable days at sea

Every departure carries a marine biologist rather than just a driver, and our captains know exactly where the whales gather at each point of the season. Small groups mean everyone gets a rail spot.

  • Small groups — everyone gets a rail spot
  • Marine biologists on board every departure
  • On-board hydrophone to hear the humpback song
  • Also available as an exclusive private tour

Tour highlights

What makes it special

  • Humpback and gray whales in the Sea of Cortez
  • Marine biologist guides and on-board hydrophone
  • $95 USD per person, shared small group
  • Possible breaches, tail slaps and spy hops from a respectful distance
  • Respectful, regulated observation distances
  • Warm drinks, water and snacks on board
  • Season: December to April

What's included

Everything you need

  • Respectful, regulated whale observation distances
  • Marine biologist guide
  • On-board hydrophone
  • Water, soft drinks and light snacks
  • Safety briefing and life jackets
  • Small-group boat with shade and restroom
  • Ground transport at an additional cost depending on the area

Tour information

Good to know

Duration
Approximately 2 hours
Group size
Shared small group, up to 12 guests
Price
Adults $95 USD · Children $80 USD
Best for
Families, photographers and wildlife lovers
Season
December 15 – April 15
Departure
6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM

Meeting point

Where we set sail

Puerto Los Cabos Marina (behind Hotel El Ganzo, next to La Marina Inn), San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Whale watching tours depart from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose del Cabo. We offer ground transport from most hotels in San José del Cabo and the Corridor at an additional cost depending on the area. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and the safety briefing, and bring a light layer — mornings at sea can be breezy even in winter.

Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM · +52 624 243 1007

Photo gallery

See it for yourself

Humpback whale surfacing beside the boat during a whale watching tour in the Sea of Cortez near San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur
Guest photographing a humpback whale during a whale watching tour from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in Los Cabos
Guest observing a humpback whale from the deck during a whale watching tour in the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos
Humpback whale swimming near the boat during a whale watching tour off San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHALE WATCHING SAN JOSE DEL CABO

Customer reviews

What guests say

“Jonathan, Ishmael and Simone were great hosts!! small group of 8, very relaxed couple hour boat ride with amazing views of whales! well worth the price!! One of the highlights of our trip!!”

dunkin4

Saint Paul, Minnesota · Whale Watching

“This is a must-do. It was absolutely a highlight from my trip. The cost was reasonable and very much worth it to not have to drive to Cabo and deal with the circus there! We saw a number of whales (stayed a safe distance away) and our guide, Jonathan was knowledgeable and fun! Jhysther, the owner and our captain, Armando, were welcoming and just, lovely.”

kmbmaine51

Silverthorne, Colorado · Whale Watching

Why book direct

Skip the middlemen. Book direct and save.

Booking straight with Open Water Expeditions means a better price, a real person on the other end and a family business that reinvests in this coastline.

Book Direct, No Middlemen

No third-party markups or platform commissions — you always deal straight with our local crew.

Fast requests

Reserve in under two minutes and hear back straight from the crew who runs your tour.

Talk to real locals

Questions? You reach our San José del Cabo team directly — not an overseas call center.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations 72 hours or more in advance: 90% refund. Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance: non-refundable.

Witness whale season in Los Cabos

WHALE WATCHING · SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO · LOS CABOS

Witness whale season in Los Cabos

Experience whale watching from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose del Cabo during the seasonal migration. Choose a public whale watching tour or reserve a private boat exclusively for your group.

WHATSAPP US · +52 624 243 1007
Open Water Pelagic Expedition

Locally owned boat tours and private charters in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur. Real experiences, real prices, real people.

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Puerto Los Cabos Marina · San José del Cabo · Baja California Sur, Mexico