When Is Whale Season In Cabo San Lucas?

Quick Answer: The main whale season for Cabo San Lucas runs from December to April, which also coincides with the dry season for this region of Mexico.

During this time we can spot not only the legendary Humpback Whales breaching the surface, but also as many as 8 other incredible whale species. This includes Blue Whales, Orcas, Gray Whales and Sperm Whales – and later in this guide we’ll explore them all and when is best to see each species.

Given they are wild it’s of course important to remember that they are not guaranteed sightings at all times of the day, although whale tours do usually do a good job of tracking and finding them. When heading on a fishing tour for the day you’ll also have a great chance of spotting whales, which is even more special as you’re already focused on a different activity – when they then come and make their surprise appearances boat-side.

The Different Types Of Whales You Can Spot Around Cabo San Lucas

Humpback Whales (Best Months: January-March)

One of the most iconic species that everyone wants to see at least once in their lifetimes, Humpback Whales are best seen between January and March during their annual migration. It’s common to see them dive out of the water during their breaches, and also for mother whales to swim alongside and train their babies here.

Blue Whales (Best Months: January-March)

The largest animal that currently lives on planet Earth, the Blue Whale can often grow up to 100 ft in length, whilst also weighing in at a hefty 165 tons. As a result seeing these iconic whales in Cabo San Lucas is an unforgettable sight, which are most sighted between January and March.

Orcas (Best Months: Year-Round Although Rare)

The popular Orca (Killer Whale) is another must-see species to witness at least once in our lifetimes, and thankfully can also be seen enjoying the warmer waters off the coast of Cabo. Whilst they are technically here year-round, they can be quite difficult to spot – although the cooler months of January and February reportedly have more frequent sightings.

Other Whale Species

There are many other whale species that can be seen around Cabo, and below we’ll give a quick preview for each. Sperm Whales can be seen year-round in Cabo, as they are a full-time resident in these warmer waters. For the best time of seeing other species, we have Bryde’s Whales (Year-Round), Gray Whales (January-March), Fin Whales (February-March), Pilot Whales (Rare; often a few days a year) and Minke Whales (January-March).

Frequently Asked Questions About Seeing Whales In Cabo San Lucas

Below we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about when is the whale season in Cabo San Lucas, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Is Whale-Watching Worth It In Cabo?

Cabo San Lucas is often regarded as one of the best places in North America to go whale-watching, and especially given most species share their annual migration months (which are usually between December and April). This along with the great weather and other activities to do in Cabo, makes it a perfect destination to spot whales!

What Months Are Whale Sharks In Cabo?

These gentle giants are another popular visitor to the warm waters of Cabo San Lucas, which can often be seen when you are out on a catamaran for the day here. They are usually spotted between November until April, and are known for their beautiful black and white-dotted bodies.

What Is The Best Month To See Whales In Cabo San Lucas?

Overall both January and February have been tipped as being the very best months for seeing different whale species around Cabo. During these peak months we’ll have the best chance of seeing as many as 9 different whale species, which includes the Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, Gray Whale and Orcas. 

Overview Of The Whale Season In Cabo San Lucas

And that’s all for this guide on the whale season in Cabo San Lucas.

One of the most popular destinations in all of Mexico, Cabo is also the perfect place to spot a variety of different whale species. Between the months of December and April we can see Humpback Whales, Blue Whales and more – and even another incredible species such as the iconic Whale Shark.

Did you know that you can easily spot whales whilst on a Cabo San Lucas deep-sea fishing tour? Here at Boats Baja we head out into much more remote waters where whales prefer to swim through – meaning we can also see these gentle giants whilst fishing for prized fish such as Blue Marlin and the Dorado.