Cabo San Lucas: Zodiac Whale Watching Tour with Biologist & Free Photos

Summary

Small group zodiac tour in Cabo to see whales up close with a marine biologist and free photos

You’ll feel every splash on this small-group zodiac whale watching tour in Cabo San Lucas with a marine biologist guide—spotting humpbacks up close, listening to their underwater songs through a hydrophone (if conditions allow), passing by Pelican Rock and Lovers Beach, and getting free photos so you can stay present instead of glued to your phone.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a life jacket, still damp from the last trip, and I could smell the salt before I even saw the ocean. Our marine biologist guide—her name was Sofía—grinned as she checked our names off a battered clipboard. She asked if we’d seen whales before. I hadn’t, not like this anyway. The zodiac boat was smaller than I expected, but that made it feel more real somehow—closer to the water, closer to whatever might show up out there past Pelican Rock and Lovers Beach. There were just eight of us, plus Sofía and the captain, who kept making jokes about dolphins being better dancers than whales (I’m still not sure if he was serious).

We bounced over the waves as Cabo San Lucas faded behind us, sun sharp on my face and wind whipping my hair into knots. Sofía pointed out sea turtles—Olive Ridleys, she said—and then suddenly everyone went quiet except for one kid who gasped so loud I jumped. A humpback’s back arched right beside us, so close you could hear its breath—a weird mix of fishy air and something almost sweet? Hard to describe. The captain cut the engine and we just floated there while Sofía fiddled with a hydrophone. She let us listen to what she called “whale songs.” It sounded like someone singing underwater from another world.

I tried taking pictures at first but honestly gave up after a while because Sofía was snapping away with her camera (she promised we’d get all the photos for free). Watching those huge tails disappear under the surface felt kind of private—I didn’t want to watch through my phone screen. There were dolphins too—common ones darting around like they were showing off—and at one point I swear a ray jumped right out of nowhere but maybe I imagined that part. The whole thing lasted about two and a half hours but it felt both longer and shorter at the same time.

On the way back toward Cabo’s famous Arch, Sofía told us about how sometimes they spot blue whales or even orcas here (she said it so casually, like seeing an orca was just another Tuesday). The sun had shifted by then and everything looked gold. My hair smelled like salt for days after. If you’re thinking about doing a whale watching tour in Cabo San Lucas—especially one led by someone who really knows their stuff—I’d say go for it. You might end up listening to whales sing, which is not something I ever thought I’d write down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour in Cabo San Lucas

• Depart from Cabo San Lucas bay
• Pass Pelican Rock, Lovers Beach, and the Arch
• Search for whales with marine biologist guide
• Use hydrophone to hear whale songs (if possible)
• Observe humpback whales and other marine wildlife
• Receive free high-quality tour photos

Top questions

How long does the Cabo San Lucas whale watching tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Are whale sightings guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed between December 15th and April; if no whales are seen, you can join another tour for free (space permitting).

Is there a marine biologist guide on board?

Yes, every tour is led by an expert marine biologist guide.

How many people are on each zodiac boat?

The maximum group size is 10 guests per boat.

Are photos included in the whale watching tour?

Yes, your guide takes photos during the tour and shares them with you for free afterward.

What wildlife can be seen besides whales?

You may see common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Olive Ridley sea turtles, mobula rays, gray whales, sperm whales, blue whales or killer whales depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Is this whale watching tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 8 years old for this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2.5-hour zodiac ride from Cabo San Lucas guided by an expert marine biologist who’ll take professional-quality photos (shared with you after for free), use of a hydrophone when possible to hear whale songs underwater, all necessary safety gear provided onboard—and if you don’t spot any whales between December 15th and April 15th, you can join again at no extra cost (space permitting).