Cabo San Lucas: Whale Watching Cruise & Lunch Buffet

Summary

Whale watching, El Arco views, lunch buffet & open bar in Cabo

You’ll cruise from Cabo San Lucas past El Arco before searching for humpback whales with a local guide on board. Enjoy unlimited drinks and a freshly prepared Mexican lunch buffet as you watch for whale spouts against the Pacific horizon. There’s time for photos, stories from the crew, and maybe even dancing before heading back — it feels real out there.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there — it kind of hit me when we left the Cabo San Lucas marina and the water opened up, all that blue stretching ahead. The crew handed me a cold drink (pineapple juice for now, but I saw plenty of folks eyeing the margaritas), and our guide, Arturo, grinned as he pointed out El Arco. Everyone scrambled for photos — I got one with my hair blowing straight up. Not my best look but whatever, you know?

We drifted for a while, scanning the horizon for any sign of whales. It’s weird how quiet people get when they’re hoping to see something big. Then someone shouted and suddenly there was this spray — a humpback, just like that, not far from the boat. You could hear people gasp. Arturo started telling us about their migration from Alaska; he made it sound almost like an old family story. The sea air smelled salty and warm, and honestly I could’ve just floated there all day.

Lunch was a full-on Mexican buffet — grilled chicken brochettes, guacamole (I may have eaten half the bowl), tortillas still warm from the galley. I sat next to a couple from Guadalajara who laughed at my attempt to pronounce “frijoles refritos.” The crew put on some music and even danced a bit themselves; a few of us joined in but mostly we just watched them having fun. On the way back to the marina, sun on my face, I thought about how seeing whales up close isn’t really about crossing something off a list — it’s more like being reminded you’re part of something huge and wild. Still thinking about that splash.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and lunch cruise

• Board the SunRider catamaran
• Receive welcome drink from crew
• Visit El Arco landmark for photos
• Search for whales with crew guidance
• Learn about whale behavior and safety
• Take photos of whales and scenery
• Enjoy fresh Mexican buffet brunch
• Watch crew show and dance onboard
• Return to marina

Top questions

How long is the Cabo San Lucas whale watching cruise?

The exact duration isn’t specified in the reference content.

Is lunch included on the whale watching tour?

Yes, a freshly prepared Mexican buffet lunch is included onboard.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, unlimited drinks are provided with an open bar throughout the tour.

Does this whale watching tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Cabo San Lucas marina.

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants require sitting on an adult’s lap or specialized seat.

Is wheelchair access available on this cruise?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my service animal on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this whale watching cruise.

What kind of whales can be seen near Cabo San Lucas?

Mainly humpback and gray whales migrate through Los Cabos waters each year.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited drinks with an open bar, a freshly prepared Mexican lunch buffet served onboard after whale watching near Cabo San Lucas and El Arco, plus guidance from a local crew as you search for whales before returning to the marina in comfort.