Whales, essentially the most huge creatures on the planet, are naturally migratory. Throughout the summer season months, they feed in chilly northern waters, whereas in winter months they head south to heat climate breeding grounds, usually touring huge distances to take action. The longest whale migration ever tracked was famous in 2011, when a grey whale dubbed Varvara traveled a spherical journey from Sakhalin Island in Russia to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, overlaying greater than 14,000 miles in complete. As a result of Los Cabos, house to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, is greater than only a resort vacation spot: it’s a significant wintertime vacation spot for a number of species of whale. 

When is whale watching season in Los Cabos? 

Whale watching season in Los Cabos formally runs from December 15 to April 15; that is the timeframe throughout which tour operators can legally supply whale watching excursions. The whales arrive every time they like, after all, and the primary sightings usually happen in early to mid-November. 

Absolutely the peak of the season, nevertheless, happens from January to March. So, when you’re planning a visit and whale watching is a most popular exercise, that is the optimum time to go to. Native tour operators can’t assure whale sightings, however this three-month interval is when they’re most certainly to be frequent and spectacular. 

Which whale species are essentially the most generally sighted in Los Cabos? 

The Baja California peninsula usually and Los Cabos particularly are premier breeding locations for a lot of types of whales. Eight main whale species may be noticed in Los Cabos every winter, though not all breed inside the municipality’s waters. Grey whales like Varvara, as an illustration, usually breed in Baja California Sur’s coastal areas like Magdalena Bay and the San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre lagoons. However grey whales, identical to blue, bryde, fin, humpback, minke, orca and sei whales, can nonetheless be seen having fun with the winter waters of Los Cabos, one thing they’ve in frequent with U.S. and Canadian snowbirds. 

Humpbacks particularly are the celebs of whale watching season in Los Cabos. Not solely are they essentially the most generally seen whale species in native waters, however these huge cetaceans – which may weigh as much as 80,000 kilos – like to breach, lifting their our bodies out of the water and splashing down with magnificent impact. Amazingly, this maneuver is only one of a number of photogenic behaviors for which humpbacks are well-known. Spyhopping, for instance, is one other humpback specialty: The whales casually carry their heads out of the water to solid a curious eye on the environment, watching those that are watching them. There’s additionally tail slapping, also referred to as lob tailing, by which humpbacks smack their huge flukes, 18 toes extensive in some adults, in opposition to the ocean floor. 

Humpbacks are additionally famous for his or her haunting songs. Nobody is aware of why they “sing” these songs, which, in essence, are advanced sound patterns that can be utilized to speak inside their pod – sure, a language. Throughout the breeding season, for instance, males sing an similar mating tune to courted females. These songs, actually, possible helped to avoid wasting the species from extinction when a 1970 album produced by American bioacoustician Roger Payne, “Songs of the Humpback Whale,” grew to become an sudden hit. Humpback numbers have rebounded considerably since, however Mexico’s humpback inhabitants continues to be listed as “threatened” by the U.S. Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

What are the authorized protections for whales in Mexico? 

One of the vital generally advised jokes by native tour operators is that the whales born in Mexico are Mexican residents. That’s not true, after all, however whales do take pleasure in authorized protections whereas they’re inside nationwide waters. The proximity to whales with which boats can convey their passengers, for instance, is regulated by legislation. Boats with a whale watching allow, a class that features nearly each business vessel in Los Cabos, are allowed – relying on their dimension – to get as shut as 60 to 80 meters (roughly 200 to 250 toes). 

The security of passengers is taken under consideration with these strictures. However so, too, is the protection of the whales. For that reason, tour operators are additionally cautioned in opposition to any exercise which may negatively impression the whales. This contains accelerating too quick of their neighborhood, breaking apart giant teams, or following them for too lengthy. 

Are excursions the one solution to see whales? 

Whales may be noticed from nearly each coastal vantage in Los Cabos, together with seashores, resorts, eating places, and golf programs. These sightings are apt to be from a prolonged distance, nevertheless, and are typically short-lived. Excursions are advisable for individuals who wish to see whales up shut.

Most often, the smaller and sooner the boat, the nearer you’re prone to get to whales and the longer you’ll be able to keep inside photo-taking distance. However guests to Los Cabos can select from a wide range of boat sorts that supply whale watching excursions, from zippy Zodiacs and inflexible inflatables to catamarans and even luxurious yachts. Every tour sort gives a unique expertise, and morning, afternoon and sundown excursions are generally out there. Some boats concentrate on getting near whales, whereas others prioritize consolation, foods and drinks choices and a clean trip. Most depart from the Cabo San Lucas Marina. 

Prices fluctuate, naturally, relying on the kind of tour chosen. Small boat excursions are usually lower than $100 per particular person – usually with decrease charges for youths – though extra amenity-laden outings can boast costs north of that mark. Sailboat and luxurious yacht excursions, against this, are costlier, usually prohibitively so within the latter occasion. 

What tour sorts supply one of the best expertise? 

The reply to this query is determined by private choice. There are only some excursions in Los Cabos, nevertheless, which might be outfitted with hydrophones, an absolute necessity for individuals who’d not solely prefer to see the whales however hear their distinctive songs as properly. 

Zodiac boats, that are small, maneuverable and suited to fast modifications in course, usually supply one of the best probability to stand up near whales. These 24-foot open-air inflatables can accommodate as much as 15 friends per tour.