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“It was fantastic! Be patient waiting for the whales. they definitely have their own agenda. They eventually do surface!”
Small-group Cabo whale watch with marine biologists, hydrophone songs, and included digital photos plus a free second trip if no whales.
“Spectacular!! Dany and Nicky are the best. Highly skilled at locating whales and answered all our questions. So knowledgeable. we saw a mating ritual AND a mother teaching her baby all the whale skills. During a lull Dany dropped a hydrophone so we could listen to the whale songs and chats. HIGHLY recommend the tour.…”
Marine biologist-led small-group whale watch in Cabo with free photos, humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and whale song via hydrophone.
“We had a unique and wonderful experience. We loved having a marine biologist guide us - and seeing both humpback whales and sperm whales. We saw 3 sets of mamas and babies, and many more! We were glad for the smaller boat that enabled us to get up close and personal, as well as the…”
Swim with gentle whale sharks off La Paz, with wetsuits and gear included, plus fish taco lunch and round-trip transport from Los Cabos.
“Amazing trip. Our guides Mario, Luis, and Joe were pronominal. They made sure everyone had a great time. And the sharks were truly special.”
Small-group Cabo whale watching with a marine biologist: El Arco, sea lions, then 2.5 hours hunting humpbacks and dolphins.
“Great morning with Vanusa and Fred out on the water. We saw 4 different whales including a mom and a baby, plus sea lions and a whole pack of dolphins. Loved that Vanusa is a marine biologist who knew so much about the whales and other sea life.”
Small-group whale shark snorkeling from Isla Mujeres and Cancun with gear, snacks, lunch, and guided swims in the Caribbean season.
“Absolutely no signage to show where to check in at the dock for this activity - this could be easily fixed”
Small-group whale shark snorkeling from Cancun and Riviera Maya: early pickup, Isla Contoy, Playa Norte lunch, and optional photo/video.
“I had a truly wonderful day with the whale sharks. There were plenty of whale sharks, and there were lots of opportunities to take photos and snorkel with them. A truly unique experience! I highly recommend it if you're in Cancun.”
Small-group whale shark snorkel with biologist narration, hotel pickup, and Isla Mujeres lunch. Budget $160 plus a $20 cash reef tax.
“They take amazing care of you. We got to swim with two different whale sharks and then an amazing 15 minute snorkel adventure around the coral reef. An excellent snack is included. The guys are friendly and will pick you up at your hotel as well. It was a day my wife and I will…”
Biologist-led whale and dolphin watching in Puerto Vallarta with citizen science, a small covered boat, and about 4 hours on the water.
“The his was the best whale watching trio I have ever been on. Jemma and our captain were a great team!. We saw whales within 15 minutes and she was able to explain everything to us. We saw a baby whale lounging and dolphins playing with the whales. It was fantastic!!”
La Paz whale shark snorkeling in a small group with a marine biologist: 3 hours, wetsuits included, and GoPro photos and videos.
“The tour operators were great even through we didn't get to go because of weather they gave us ample warning to change our plans and ensured we were refunded our money. Viator is the reason for the low rating. They hounded me 5 straight days though email and texts for a review I didn't want…”
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.
“It is a magical experience to swim next to a gentle giant like this. Tour was great and accommodating. Would definitely recommend and do again.”
3-hour whale encounter in Puerto Vallarta with a bilingual marine guide, hydrophone, snacks, life vests, and round-trip transport.
“Only 7 people on board so very personalized. Able to see over 15 individual gray whales. It was amazing!! I would go with them again! Any the hydrophone was cool!”
Swim with whale sharks in a protected area, then unwind at Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres with ceviche and hotel pickup.
“Absolutely amazing! Boat ride there is def long, may be rough. Highly recommend Dramamine or anything for motion sickness however many hours you’re supposed to take it BEFORE you get on board. I never get seasick, but when the boat wasn’t moving it definitely got to me. Regardless, it was SO WORTH IT AND AMAZING.…”
Whale watching on a roomy catamaran in Banderas Bay with breakfast, Mexican buffet lunch, and an included open bar.
“Our boat was slightly delayed clearing the gangway (25 minutes). We contacted Mikes Fishing and told them, they said when you get off head right to the pier, which we did and they were GONE. they are denying us a refund because it wasn’t their fault. (Wasn’t my fault either). Wouldn’t use Viator or Mike’s…”
Intimate La Paz whale shark swim with premium gear, small-group access, eco-friendly practices, and included photo/video moments.
“This was the most unforgettable experience my husband and I have experienced. We were a little nervous but excited to swim with whale sharks, our tour guides name is Angel and our captains name is Fernando. They were both very friendly and knowledgeable on necessary procedures to swim with them safely. Angel spotted our first…”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
