Our 4 Best Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips in Mexico

1.3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 62 reviews · 3 hours · from $45Our pick

Spend about three hours on a small boat in Banderas Bay watching for humpback whales and dolphins, then visit a coastal swimming or snorkeling spot. English and Spanish guides provide life jackets, but recent departures have varied widely in length and snorkeling access, so bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, camera, and extra pesos.

“No pudimos ver ballenas , sabemos que no es culpa del guía , en eso no se puede saber. Sin embargo como compensación nos llevaron a otras playas , pero fue demasiado el tiempo de estar, el tour era para 4 h y se convirtió en 6 o 7 h, esto afectó nuestros demás planes.”

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2.Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $349Top rated

Leave Cabo at 6:00 am for La Paz, where a marine biologist briefs you before a supervised whale-shark snorkel. The boat search lasts about three hours, with equipment, snacks, lunch, and transport included. The day ends back in Cabo after a stop in Todos Santos. The group is limited to eight people.

“Amazing once in a lifetime experience! Loads of whale sharks, rays, and whales! The guides were incredible and provided great conversation, education and awareness of marine life! Sooo highly recommend Cabo Trek!”

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3.Whale Watching & Snorkeling Combo in Los Cabos with Photos Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Spend about two hours looking for gray and humpback whales around Cabo with guides such as Mario, Fernando, or Alex, then snorkel for about an hour at a reef filled with fish, rays, sea lions, and perhaps turtles. The small group, included gear, snacks, water, sunscreen, photos, and videos make this a practical half-day outing.

“We had a wonderful morning outing with Fernando and Fergus. Our trip was scheduled for the last week of whale watching season. The experience began with Fernando describing the geology and history of Land’s End as Fergus positioned us at perfect vantage points. Then we headed out into the sea for whale watching. Stretches of serene motoring were occasionally punctuated by whale sightings. Fergus took us to a reef where we snorkeled to our hearts’ content. The sea life was amazing, the water was the perfect temperature. After snorkeling and being offered snacks we were ready for more whale watching. We were thrilled to see a mother, baby and nurse…”

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4.Los Cabos Seasonal Whale Watch and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $239

Join Albatros Los Cabos Sailaway from December 15 to April 15 for a four-hour catamaran trip with whale watching, snorkeling, lunch, and an open bar. Guides such as Lin, Topi, Javier, and Rafael have earned praise for spotting whales and caring for guests. The boat carries no more than 16 people.

“We had a great time on this tour. We wanted to do all three of these activities: whale watching, see the arches, and snorkeling. This tour covered them all along with a fantastic lunch, tasty drinks, a clean boat with a nice bathroom, and plenty of space to sit. There was a covered indoor area when it was windy. We saw plenty of whales and were close enough to capture photos with our phone camera.”

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