Cabo San Lucas: Whale Watching Cruise & Tequila Tasting

Summary

Whale watching up close, glass bottom boat views and local tequila

You’ll feel the rush as whales surface right beside your glass bottom boat in Cabo San Lucas, snap photos at the iconic Arch, sample award-winning tequilas with locals at Marina Cabo San Lucas, and have time for relaxed shopping downtown. That quiet moment when everyone holds their breath as a whale passes? You’ll remember it long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from whale watching in Cabo San Lucas. I’d seen those big catamarans packed with people before — but this time it was just a small group of us on a glass bottom boat, which felt way more personal. The marina was already buzzing when we met our guide, Jorge (who had this way of telling stories that made you forget about your phone). We drifted out toward the Arch of Cabo San Lucas — that famous rocky curve you see on postcards — and honestly, seeing it up close with the morning sun bouncing off the water was something else. I tried to get a photo but mostly just ended up squinting into the light.

The real reason we were there though? The whales. There’s this hush that falls over everyone when someone spots a tail or a spout out on the Sea of Cortez. Even Jorge got quiet for a second. The air smelled salty and sharp, and you could actually hear the splash when one surfaced nearby — closer than I thought possible. It’s hard to describe how big they are until you see them glide past under your feet (the glass bottom is wild for that). I kept thinking how lucky we were not to be fighting for space at the railings like on those bigger boats.

Afterwards, back at Marina Cabo San Lucas, Jorge led us to this tiny spot for tequila tasting. I’m not usually into spirits before noon but hey, when in Mexico… They walked us through how tequila’s made (I definitely didn’t know half of it) and let us try different types — some smooth, some almost smoky. Li laughed when I tried to say “reposado” in Spanish — probably butchered it. We finished with some free time to wander around and shop; I ended up buying a hat I’ll probably never wear back home. Still think about that whale’s tail flicking water in the sunlight sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and local experiences

• Visit the Arch landmark
• Whale watching on glass bottom boat
• Tequila tasting and making explanation
• Shopping time in Cabo San Lucas

Top questions

What months are best for whale watching in Cabo San Lucas?

The tour is recommended between December and April for whale sightings.

Is hotel pickup included in this whale watching cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

How long does the whale watching part last?

The whale watching cruise lasts about 2 hours on the Sea of Cortez.

Do we visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas during this tour?

Yes, you'll visit the Arch and have time to take memorable photos there.

Is tequila tasting included after whale watching?

Yes, tequila tasting is included after returning to Marina Cabo San Lucas.

Will there be time for shopping in Cabo San Lucas?

Yes, you'll have free time for shopping after the main activities.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, two hours of intimate whale watching on a glass bottom boat with a local guide, photo stops at the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, guided tequila tasting at Marina Cabo San Lucas, plus relaxed shopping time before heading back.