Top 5 Beaches For Spotting Whales Around Los Cabos This Year

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Last Updated 12 months ago

As the fall reaches Los Cabos, the first whales approach the waters of Baja California Sur, bringing to an end one of the lengthiest animal migrations in the world. 

Every year, these gentle giants swim for a total of 12,500 miles to move from the cold waters of the Arctic to the mild ocean in Mexico and then return to the North as the summer approaches. 

Witnessing the biggest mammals on Earth simply chilling in their natural habitat is a one-in-a-lifetime experience everyone should try. Thankfully, Los Cabos is one of the ideal places to be if this is your goal. 

Here are the top 5 beaches for spotting whales in Los Cabos this year. 

Santa Maria Beach 

Who said that you need to pay hundreds of dollars for a whale-watching tour? 

Located between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Santa Maria Beach is renowned for being one of the best spots in Los Cabos from where to see whales from the shore. 

Not by chance, tourists have reported witnessing these gentle mammals roughly 100 feet away from them. 

Chileno Beach 

Your second-best chance to spot whales from the shore is Chileno Beach, approximately 2 miles northeast of Santa Maria Beach.

Of course, don’t forget that these animals rarely go close to the shore, so you’d better come equipped with a pair of binoculars and lots of patience!

Magdalena Bay

It’s time to head north to drastically increase your chances of spotting whales. Magdalena Bay is, without a doubt, one of the most popular destinations for whale watchers. 

Roughly 4.30 hours driving from Los Cabos, this bay serves as a breeding lagoon for gray whales, and tourists will be able to see these giants swimming and playing around them with their calves.

Whales here are renowned for having established great relationships with the humans who go to see them and often come out of the water to play with them. 

Whale watching is carefully regulated in Magdalena Bay, meaning that you won’t be surrounded by thousands of cruises and boats. 

However, this also means that visitors are advised to book their trip well in advance to find availability. 

Lopez Mateos

Just a few miles north of Magdalena Bay, visitors will find Lopez Mateos, another gray whale sanctuary. 

These animals are so much part of the local culture here that this destination decided to hold a Whale Festival every February lasting three days, from the 3rd to the 5th.

Similarly to Magdalena Bay, tourists here will be able to see whales playing around, as well as mothers showcasing their calves. 

Isla Espiritu Santo

Last on our list is the Isla Espiritu Santo. Even though this area is not famous for whales, here you will be able to swim with a myriad of marine animals ranging from whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, and the biggest population of sea lions, with over 400 specimens, in the Sea of Cortez. 

Which whale species can you spot?

But apart from gray whales, what are some of the whale species you will be able to spot in Baja California Sur?

Some of the marine animals inhabiting these areas include humpback whales, orcas, fin whales, and even blue whales, even though these are often difficult to spot. 

On top of this, with a bit of luck, visitors will be able to see dolphin species ranging from bottlenoses to spinners. 

Apart from marine mammals, some of the other animals living in the area include whale sharks, mobula rays, sea lions, turtles, and an incredible variety of birds. 

What to expect?

Whale-watching excursions can be truly unforgettable, but there are a few things you want to keep in mind. 

First of all, be prepared for seasickness. The boats used to look out for whales tend to be very small, meaning that you will feel every wave passing by. 

Make sure to bring a few medicines such as Dramamine, wrist bands, or patches to fight the nausea. 

It is also important to keep in mind that whales can come extremely close to your boat. So don’t be scared and be prepared to meet these gentle giants. 

Lastly, be patient! Whales may be around you for a few minutes and then disappear for hours. Always remember, these animals are not there to entertain you but to live their life peacefully.