THE WHALE WATCHING GUIDE
The trips worth booking.
The 15 whale watching trips travellers rate highest in Mexico, from the grey-whale lagoons of Baja and the humpbacks off Cabo and Puerto Vallarta to the blue whales of the Sea of Cortez. When each season runs and where to head out from.
Luxury catamaran whale watching from Cabo San Lucas with door-to-door pickup, double-deck views, hydrophone whale songs, and open bar.
Most Popular“This day was beyond any expectations we had.Jacob was so educational and fun and Wilder took us to the right spots,Thank you so much for the unforgettable day!”
Small-group Cabo whale watch with marine biologists, hydrophone songs, and included digital photos plus a free second trip if no whales.
“It was an amazing experience. Everything was right on time. The guide and boat captain were great! We saw so many whales and had great explanations of interesting facts about whales . 2 hours was the perfect time frame for this experience”
Marine biologist-led small-group whale watch in Cabo with free photos, humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and whale song via hydrophone.
“What we experienced was beyond belief - it was so much more than we were thinking - the water was rough as all hell but seeing those whales breach was incredible - possibly once in a lifetime experience.”
Swim with gentle whale sharks off La Paz, with wetsuits and gear included, plus fish taco lunch and round-trip transport from Los Cabos.
“Should be aware there is a good chance this will be canceled due to low whale shark activity. We had the misfortune of being up for a 6am pick up, register and wait in Cabo marina for an hour to find out it was canceled. Still haven't received my refund. Not ideal 😕”
Small-group Cabo whale watching with a marine biologist: El Arco, sea lions, then 2.5 hours hunting humpbacks and dolphins.
“Long cruise, you see the nearby water attractions (arch, etc.), then spend a fully 2+ hours in the ocean finding and watching whales. The guide, a marine biologist (Venu) explains everything you would want to know about the ocean, whales, etc. Eat first, it's a long voyage. Take Dramamine if you get sea sick, as…”
Small-group whale shark snorkeling from Isla Mujeres and Cancun with gear, snacks, lunch, and guided swims in the Caribbean season.
“Aidan and Charlie were incredible. The captain put us on the whale shark and the guide got us in position to view it. They gave very clear instructions on what to expect and what to do in the water. It resulted in an epic experience for all.”
Small-group whale shark snorkeling from Cancun and Riviera Maya: early pickup, Isla Contoy, Playa Norte lunch, and optional photo/video.
“Swimming alongside a whale shark is incredible. It’s such a big and beautiful animal! This tour company is very communicative. I received a reminder the night before the tour and a message the morning of. I have dietary needs, and they were very responsive before the tour, through the app, letting me know food options.…”
Small-group whale shark snorkel with biologist narration, hotel pickup, and Isla Mujeres lunch. Budget $160 plus a $20 cash reef tax.
“Amazing experience! Arturo, Rene and Capitan Francisco were a wonderful crew! We got to see many whale sharks along with dolphins, turtles and flying fish.”
Biologist-led whale and dolphin watching in Puerto Vallarta with citizen science, a small covered boat, and about 4 hours on the water.
“This was definitely the highlight of our time in Puerto Vallarta. Camilla, our marine biologist guide, was very well prepared, very knowledgeable, and very informative. I really liked the pre-cruise presentation. She gave us with the ability to touch baleen and see the size of the whales vertebrae. Jorge, our boat captain definitely knew where…”
La Paz whale shark snorkeling in a small group with a marine biologist: 3 hours, wetsuits included, and GoPro photos and videos.
“We are giving this tour three stars, and we would like to clearly explain why. First of all, the tour itself was beautifully organized. We did see whales, the explanations were very informative, and the focus on animal protection was excellent. Our guide Angel, the marine biologist, was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. From an…”
Swim with whale sharks near Punta Sam, then snorkel and relax at Isla Mujeres with lunch and hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
“After very extensive research I am so glad that I picked specifically this one, it was an excellent tour! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized. Our guide Jane was amazing, her passion for marine life and her extensive knowledge about whale sharks made the tour not only informative, but also deeply engaging. What…”
3-hour whale encounter in Puerto Vallarta with a bilingual marine guide, hydrophone, snacks, life vests, and round-trip transport.
“Our guide worked really hard to find multiple whale sightings. We all got soaked, Perhaps a heads up to bring a pancho or waterproof clothing. Would definitely do it again.”
Swim with whale sharks in a protected area, then unwind at Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres with ceviche and hotel pickup.
“When the goal of the excursion changes from excitement to getting in the water to trying to not join the other 40% of the passengers on the boat to not vomit off the back, you know your excursion is not going well. Upon jumping in the ocean Water immediately filled my snorkel tube and entered…”
Whale watching on a roomy catamaran in Banderas Bay with breakfast, Mexican buffet lunch, and an included open bar.
“You don't need to bring anything at all, except money tips (staff are awesome) and to get the professional pictures (even more awesome!)!!”
Intimate La Paz whale shark swim with premium gear, small-group access, eco-friendly practices, and included photo/video moments.
“Guide and boat captain were very knowledgeable and facilitated a very memorable experience with the whale sharks. I didn’t give them 5 stars because they promised photos of the experience, which would have been wonderful to have, but I asked twice and still never sent and that is very disappointing to not have those.”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
