The 15 Best Whale Watching Cruises in Mexico

1.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Sail Banderas Bay from Puerto Magico on a roomy catamaran with live commentary, whale watching, breakfast, lunch, and an international open bar. You may see humpbacks, dolphins, sea turtles, mothers with calves, and breaching whales. The tour welcomes up to 120 people and returns to the same meeting point.

“Could not have had a better time! The crew was great, the drinks were excellent and the whales put on a show for us! Could not recommend higher!”

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2.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $78Best value

Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s bay in search of humpback whales and dolphins with bilingual guides, a marine biologist, breakfast, lunch, an open bar, and a hydrophone. The four-and-a-half-hour experience includes boat transport and wildlife watching, but actual time on the water can be shorter because of check-in and boarding delays. A dock tax is extra.

“Great crew! Attentive and friendly Saw lots of dolphins and humpbacks!!! Will do this tour every time here”

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3.Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Board Sunrider Tours at Cabo Marina for a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise with a welcome drink, El Arco photo stop, whale sightings, fresh Mexican buffet, open bar, music, and dancing. The larger boat offers two decks, shade, seating, and clean restrooms. Captain Pepe and server Cesar have earned special praise, though wheelchair access should be confirmed carefully before booking.

“We decided to go whale watching as part of our baby moon in Cabo. After studying many companies reviews we decided to select this experience and it did not disappointed. Not only was the staff, food, service, and overall experience great, they made sure that we did not head back to land before seeing numerous whales surface. Would recommend this tour for anyone and would definitely consider it again if we return to Cabo.”

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4.Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas: Sightseeing Cruise and Shopping

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 185 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $115

Join Esperanza’s Tours for a four-hour Cabo outing with hotel pickup, a glass-bottom boat ride past El Arco, and up to two hours watching gray and humpback whales in the Sea of Cortez. Mele may guide your outing, followed by tequila tasting and about 30 minutes of shopping. Beach time depends on weather.

“Absolutely the best trip. Saw so many whales and the staff was out of this world. Highly recommend this if you are in Cabo”

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5.Small-Group Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Cruise in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 143 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Set out from Cabo San Lucas in a fast Zodiac for about 2.5 hours with a captain and marine guide. Look for humpback, gray, sperm, and other whales, dolphins, and rare orcas, then pause at El Arco for photos. The boat holds up to 15 guests, though crew members are additional.

“Raft captain and guide were knowledgeable and fun. Chased whale activity in both Sea of Cortez and Pacific. Boat was small a fast. Hang on to you seat and hat. Not good for someone with back issues or walking difficulties. We saw humpback, Grey and orca. Told this is rare. Also dolphins. Great day up close with the whales.”

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6.Luxury Whale Watch Cruise to The Arch Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 126 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $95

Cruise Cabo’s Pacific and Sea of Cortez waters aboard a 40-foot catamaran limited to 16 people. From December 15 through April 15, the captain searches for humpback and gray whales while the crew serves drinks from the open bar. You’ll also pass the Arch, Pelican Rock, and nearby beaches, with hotel pickup available in much of Los Cabos.

“This was a highlight of our vacation! I think we had maybe 10 people (16 is the max) on a catamaran that first took us to the famous arch and beaches and then went in search of whales. It was end of season (no more whale tours after April 15) so we had a 50/50 chance or less of seeing anything, but we lucked out. A humpback mama, baby, and a third “escort” whale graced us with their antics for over an hour. This company picked us up (they offer some resort pickups, depending on location) which was very convenient. A crew of 3 were very accommodating and helpful. We…”

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7.Whale Watching Dinner Cruise in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 116 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Sail from Cabo San Lucas Marina toward the Arch, then search for humpback and gray whales aboard a spacious catamaran. Your $110 fare includes a buffet dinner, open bar, crew entertainment, and sunset views. The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, welcomes wheelchair users, and returns to the marina.

“Fantastic crew got to see some whales Great fun groups ,beautiful sunset and lovely full moon I would say good value for the money”

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8.Whale-Watching Pirate Ship Cruise in Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Board the Buccaneer Queen in Cabo San Lucas for a two-hour whale-watching cruise toward the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and the Pacific. An onboard guide explains humpback and gray whale behavior while the crew serves breakfast, drinks, and pirate-style entertainment. You may also spot dolphins, sea lions, turtles, and whales with calves.

“The ship was cool, kids liked it. Loved the small group in the boat, it did not feel crowded. Breakfast was good and the staff/crew were very helpful. The guide with the microphone was amazing sliding between Spanish and English seamlessly! I enjoyed their obvious appreciation of the whales and how concientience they were about giving them space. Great experience! ... And we saw lots of whale action!”

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9.Mega Yacht Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 94 reviews · 3 hours · from $87

Cruise Bahía de Banderas for three hours with Chica Locca Tours, watching humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and the sunset from a roomy mega yacht. Guides such as Isai explain the marine life, while Captain Nick helps find the whales. Drinks, guacamole, chips, snacks, music, and city-light views are included.

“We saw several whales and the crew was more than attentive. Everyone was very friendly and informative. I highly recommend this excursion.”

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10.Los Cabos Whale Watching Cruise Including Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 90 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Cruise from Cabo San Lucas Marina on a twin-level catamaran during whale season, December through April. You’ll pass Lovers Beach, the Arch, and sea lions while a marine biologist explains gray whale behavior. Breakfast, coffee, tea, and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. The two-hour outing starts at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the marina.

“Many whales to see this year. Too many boats blocking our view of the arch and surrounding rock formations. It would be great if boats left the harbor at regular intervals so that all passengers have good opportunities to see the sights up close. The crew is very fun and personable.”

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11.Sunset Whale Cruise in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109

Join a two-hour sunset cruise from Cabo San Lucas with a marine biologist, watching for humpback whales, dolphins, and sea lions near the famous Arch. A hydrophone may let you hear whale songs underwater. The small group setting, sunset views, beer, and light food make this a relaxed choice, though whale sightings are never guaranteed.

“Terrible rude staff. They only want you money and are not interested at all in your needs or circumstances. Beware of booking any tours with Cabo Trek if this is the treatment they give to their guests. Tried to cancel ahead of time when I was told their was low chance of seeing whales on the tour which was advertised and was unable to”

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12.Whale Watching Breakfast Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 29 reviews · 2 hours · from $99

Cruise from La Terminal de Cabo on a twin-level power catamaran for two hours of whale watching, Arch views, and a full Mexican breakfast. A marine biologist explains whale behavior, while the bar serves mimosas, beer, margaritas, Bloody Marys, and soft drinks. Guide Victor has earned praise for making the trip both informative and fun.

“The entire experience was amazing. Breakfast was great, drinks were included throughout the tour. The MC Victor did an amazing job explaining how the Whales end up in Cabo as well as their life cycle. We went on the earlier ride and spotted several Whales. They had a photographer on board who took pictures of us backing the arch. He sold the pictures for $60 and claimed it included all the Whale pictures from that day. He gave us a flash loaded with our pics and said it would include the Whale pics but we got home, went through and all the Whale pics were stock pictures and none from…”

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13.From Puerto Vallarta/Nuevo Vallarta: Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 26 reviews · 4 hours · from $103

Sail for four hours from Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta on a spacious catamaran with a bilingual guide, marine biologist, breakfast, lunch, and an international bar. You may see humpback whales, dolphins, mothers with calves, breaching, and fin slaps, though wildlife sightings and behavior are never guaranteed.

“We had a glorious day! The guides were knowledgeable and informative. They were respectful of all the guests. We saw many whales, including mothers swimming with their young. Thank you for a wonderful experience!”

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14.Whale Watching Cruise with Transfers and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 21 reviews · 4 hours · from $139

You’ll ride from Loreto to the marina, then join a small panga boat for about three hours in Bahía de Loreto National Park. Guides such as Chris and Alfredo explain whale behavior in English or Spanish while you search for blue whales and humpbacks. Lunch, drinks, hotel transfers, and a group of up to 10 are included, but the park bracelet costs extra.

“Unieke ervaring. Was wel wat zoeken, maar de skipper was uiterst professioneel en we hadden de gelegenheid verschillende walvissen van op vrij korte afstand te spotten. Een trip die zeker aan te bevelen is.”

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15.Thar She Blows! Whale Watching Pirate Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · 2 hours · from $99

Cruise from Cabo San Lucas for two hours aboard a pirate ship, watching for gray and humpback whales with help from your captain and onboard biologist. You’ll pass Los Arcos, Lovers Beach, Pelican Rock, and Chileno Bay while enjoying chilaquiles, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, coffee, and an open bar.

“The pirate am cruise was the most fun! We saw tons of whales, food was delish……the staff was fabulous!!!!!”

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