Small-Group Whale Watch with Marine Biologist in Cabo San Lucas

This small-group whale watching tour sails from Cabo San Lucas with a marine biologist on board, in small boats with a maximum of 12 adults. The outing lasts about two and a half hours and takes you around the bay before heading out to sea to look for whales.

The tour starts with a brief stop to photograph the Arch of Cabo San Lucas from the boat, about 5 minutes. On the way out of the bay the boat passes Lovers Beach and Pelican Rock, a small rock formation inside the marine protected area of the bay.

After the bay, the boat heads out into either the Sea of Cortez or the Pacific Ocean to search for whales, for about 120 minutes. The operator says it mostly encounters humpback whales, but you may also see grey whales, dolphins, sea lions and turtles. The crew says it goes the extra mile, away from the crowds, to avoid disturbing the whales. A hydrophone lets you listen to the humpbacks sing when conditions permit.

The operator describes the tour as educational and non-invasive, with an expert marine biologist guide on every sailing, and it offers a whale sightings guarantee: if no whales are seen, you can come again for free. The whale season runs from December 15 to April 15, and the guarantee is marked with an asterisk, so check its terms when you book.

The tour suits all physical fitness levels and is a fit for families who want a calm, learning-oriented outing. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants sit on an adult's lap. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Included are the hydrophone, on-board restrooms, life jackets in all sizes and free photos taken by your guide during the tour. Bottled water, transportation and gratuities are not included, so plan how you will get to the departure point; public transportation options are available nearby. The listing does not give a meeting point, so confirm it after booking.