Los Cabos: Whale Watching Tour with Photos & Pickup

Summary

Whale encounters, Cabo’s famous Arch, sea lions and laughter

You’ll set out from Cabo San Lucas marina with a local guide and small group, stopping at the famous Arch for photos before searching for humpback whales. Expect close-up views of sea lions and plenty of time to watch wildlife without rushing. Includes transportation, bottled water, snacks, plus professional tour photos so you can stay present in the moment.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a whale watching tour in Los Cabos — I’d seen videos online but it’s different when you’re actually there, bobbing at the marina early while the sun’s still got that sleepy gold color. Our guide, Ana, handed out life vests and grinned like she’d done this a thousand times but still loved it. She told us about the whales’ migration (I tried to repeat “ballena jorobada” back to her — she laughed, not unkindly) and then we were off into that salty air.

The boat ride out toward Land’s End was choppy in a way that made my teeth rattle but also kind of woke me up. We stopped by the Arch of Cabo San Lucas for pictures — honestly, it’s more dramatic than I thought — and there was this colony of sea lions just flopped everywhere, barking over each other. The photographer snapped away while a couple of pelicans hovered nearby hoping for snacks. And then we headed out further, eyes peeled for any sign of whales.

I didn’t expect how quiet everyone would get when we finally saw them. There was this hush as two humpbacks surfaced together, their backs slick and dark against the water. You could hear them breathe — like a heavy sigh — and even though Ana had told us all about their behavior earlier, seeing it felt different. Someone whispered something about luck. I just tried to take it in before they slipped under again. We followed all those rules Ana mentioned (“observe but don’t disturb,” she kept reminding us), so sometimes we just floated there, waiting.

Afterwards, heading back to shore with granola crumbs on my shirt and salt in my hair, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once. The whole thing felt respectful — not rushed or loud — which is probably why I keep thinking about those few quiet minutes with the whales more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and sightseeing tour

• Board boat at Cabo San Lucas Marina
• Safety briefing and life-vest distribution
• Travel to Land’s End and The Arch
• Take pictures of The Arch and sea lions
• Search for whales and marine wildlife
• Respectful whale watching following guidelines

Top questions

Is transportation included in this Los Cabos whale watching tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included for your comfort.

Are photos provided during the whale watching experience?

Yes, professional pictures of your tour are included at no extra cost.

Where does the whale watching tour start?

The tour begins at the Marina of Cabo San Lucas.

Will we see the Arch of Cabo San Lucas?

Yes, there is a stop at The Arch for pictures and to view the sea lion colony.

Is food or drink provided on this day trip?

Bottled water and granola bars are provided during the tour.

Are children allowed on this whale watching trip?

Yes, but minors must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

Is this Los Cabos whale watching tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your accommodation in Los Cabos, bottled water and granola bars along the way, plus professional photos taken throughout the experience so you can just enjoy being present on board before returning after your wildlife encounters.