
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.
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.
$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
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.

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
San Jose del Cabo
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
Your Boat. Your Group. Your Whale Watching Experience.
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.
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




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.
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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.




