San Jose del Cabo: Whale Watching Tour & Sunrise Option

Summary

Whale watching in San Jose del Cabo with marine guides and sunrise tour option

You’ll head out from San Jose del Cabo in a small group for whale watching with local marine guides who really know their stuff. Watch humpback and gray whales up close, listen to their songs through a hydrophone, snack on cookies, and get free tour photos to remember it all by. If you’re an early riser, there’s even a sunrise tour — something about those quiet mornings stays with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the marina in San Jose del Cabo when our guide, Carlos, pointed out a spray on the horizon — honestly, I almost missed it because I was distracted by the pelicans arguing over a fish near the dock. The air was salty and cool, and I could smell sunscreen from the family next to me. There weren’t many boats around, which surprised me; Carlos said that’s kind of the point with Salty Cabo Excursions. He handed out water and cookies (the cinnamon ones are weirdly good), and then we just waited — not awkwardly, but sort of buzzing with hope.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get when we finally saw the whales. First a tail, then this huge shape rolling up out of the water. Someone gasped — maybe me? The guide pulled out a hydrophone so we could actually listen underwater. It sounded like distant singing mixed with static; honestly gave me goosebumps. He explained about humpbacks and gray whales coming here for mating season (December to April), but it wasn’t a lecture — more like chatting with someone who really loves this stuff. At one point he laughed at my attempt to say “ballena” properly; I still don’t think I got it right.

The sun felt stronger as we drifted along, and sometimes you’d catch a whiff of engine mixed with sea breeze. We watched mothers and calves surface together — they’re huge but somehow gentle-looking? A couple of competitive males splashed nearby (Carlos called them “show-offs”). Free photos were snapped while everyone tried not to fumble their phones overboard. It all felt both slow and quick at once, if that makes sense. On the way back, nobody talked much — just sort of staring at the water or swapping stories about what we’d seen. I keep thinking about that underwater singing; it’s stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour in San Jose del Cabo

• Meet at Salty Cabo Excursions
• Board comfortable vessel
• Observe humpback and gray whales
• Learn from multilingual marine guides
• Enjoy whale behaviors and displays
• Return to shore after two hours

Top questions

When is whale watching season in San Jose del Cabo?

The whale watching season runs from December 15th to April 15th each year.

Are there sunrise whale watching tours available?

Yes, Salty Cabo Excursions offers a special Sunrise Whale Tour every Friday morning.

What types of whales can be seen on this tour?

You can see humpback whales and gray whales during their migration season.

Is food or drink included on the whale watching group tour?

Yes, water and cookies are provided during your tour.

Are free photos included on the tour?

Yes, free tour pictures are included for guests.

Can you listen to whales underwater during the trip?

Yes, guides use a hydrophone so guests can listen to whale sounds underwater.

Is this whale watching tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this excursion.

What’s included

Your day includes water and cookies ready on board, free pictures taken during your whale watching experience in San Jose del Cabo, plus a chance to listen to whales through an underwater hydrophone as you explore alongside knowledgeable local guides before returning to shore.