The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in Mexico

Boat Tours in San Jose del Cabo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, San Jose del Cabo Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in San Jose del Cabo

Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

1.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,107 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129Our pick

Review of Cabo’s luxury catamaran whale watch, with whale calls, Arch views, drinks, snacks, pickup details, costs, and practical tips.

“The employees are amazing and we saw multiple whales just as promised. The boat is beautiful. But it is very challenging to walk on the boat and the rail on the luxury boat low. Older adults or anyone with disabilities should be careful. I am recovering from cancer and I almost fell over board. It’s very easy when the rail goes to your knee or lower. Be careful. Hotel said it dangerous. But we loved it!! Perfect for young adults. I’d never take kids on this one. Ever.”

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Whale Watching Cabo-Women crew-Sightings Guaranteed & Free Photos

2.Whale Watching Cabo-Women crew-Sightings Guaranteed & Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,743 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

Small-group Cabo whale watching with marine biologists, whale songs, Arch photos, and a free return trip if no whales appear.

“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. Small, fast boat and Dany took pictures to send us so we could just watch and enjoy. be prepared to get wet, its part of going fast on a small boat, and really fun.”

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SMALL GROUP Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics

3.SMALL GROUP Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,106 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

Cabo whale watching with a marine biologist, small groups, free photos, whale guarantee, and chances to hear humpbacks sing by hydrophone.

“I cant imagine someone going to cabo and not doing this. The marine biologist i forgot her name. We did the morning tour with her, was amazing. She's so passionate and loves what she does its refreshing. The whales are wonderful creatures, recommend this to anyone of any age. One thing to note women for some reason tend to get more sea sick. Even though they had some extra meds, take some early.”

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La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

4.La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,066 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $259

Swim beside whale sharks in La Paz on a full-day trip from Los Cabos, with hotel pickup, gear, wetsuit, fish tacos, and expert guides.

“Great excursion! Mario our host was excellent. Very knowledgeable about whale sharks and La Paz (his home town). David our guide was great. Also very knowledgeable and just an all around good guy. Trip was well organized and the stop at the organic farm/shop was a really nice bonus. Would definitely do this again. Just be prepared for a long day but it’s worth it!”

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Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas

5.Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,005 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

See humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins, and Cabo’s famous Arch on a small-group boat tour led by a marine biologist.

“We saw tons of whales and the guides were amazing. Andrea was very knowledgeable and Freddy did a wonderful job spotting the whales.”

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Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

6.Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 951 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $155

Swim with whale sharks near Isla Mujeres on a small-group boat tour with guides, snorkeling gear, lunch, and a wild ocean encounter.

“We had a great time on the water and enjoyed some memorable moments, but there were a few things that could have been handled better. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see any whale sharks—which we understand is always a possibility with nature—but it seemed like the tour operators knew in advance that sightings had been unlikely for days. It would have been better if they had communicated this more clearly at the start of the tour, so we could manage expectations. We spent the majority of the day searching for whale sharks, and in hindsight, I wish the time had been split more evenly—half looking for them, and half snorkeling…”

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Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

7.Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 929 reviews · 6 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $199

Swim with whale sharks from Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen, then snorkel, eat ceviche, and relax near Isla Mujeres.

“Yes you have to get up early. Yes it’s a long ride in the van and on the boat. Yes you might get seasick. They have dramamine, so take it if you think necessary. Yes Mother Nature is unpredictable with weather, waves, and wild animals. Yes, it’s an experience of a lifetime. A dozen or so whale sharks all around us. Humbling and magnificent. Whale shark season is over the summer months and we hit it right in the middle. Captain Nando, Jose, and our guide Dori NAILED it. Guides in water with you entire time. I understand conditions vary on every experience, but our day was 10/10. On ride…”

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Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

8.Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 916 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Swim with whale sharks off Cancun with a biologist guide, small boat groups, lunch near Isla Mujeres, and clear advice on costs and sea conditions.

“Beautiful experience!! The whale sharks are incredible creatures, they are huge! My advice when you are in the water with them really soak it up and enjoy!”

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Whale Watching, The Famous Arch and Fast Boat Tour in Los Cabos

9.Whale Watching, The Famous Arch and Fast Boat Tour in Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 693 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Watch humpback whales, hear their songs, and see the Arch on a fast boat tour from Cabo San Lucas.

“We had a great time on this well-organized whale-watching excursion. Check-in was smooth, and the facility was clean, spacious, and easy to find. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, providing interesting insights into the marine life we encountered. We were fortunate to see several whales along with other large fish, making for an exciting experience. The reason I’m giving four stars instead of five is that the tour was significantly shorter than advertised, with no explanation. The website stated the trip would last 2 hours and 15 minutes, and at check-in, we were told 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, we returned to the dock in under 1 hour and…”

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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

10.Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 594 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $190

Swim with whale sharks in La Paz with a marine biologist, small groups, quality gear, conservation permits, and included GoPro footage.

“Sadly, the weather and sea conditions were too rough so our tour was cancelled. However, I do have to mention the tour reps and their communication. Outstanding!! They advised us several days in advance that the tour may be cancelled, and provided the possible reasons why. They kept in touch as our tour date grew closer. And then advised us the day before that it was indeed cancelled, and we could choose between rescheduling or a full refund. As this was booked close to the end of our vacation, we were unable to reschedule. We did receive a full refund. While we didn’t get to do this bucket list item,…”

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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

11.Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 519 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $170

Swim with whale sharks from Riviera Maya, snorkel near Isla Mujeres, enjoy lunch and hotel transport on this full-day sea adventure.

“Overall the trip was great. Our guide Jane was very friendly, funny and very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. We seen a whale shark which was amazing then were took snorkelling to a reef and then onto Isla Mujeres for a light lunch. It is a long trip and very tiring, especially waking up sp early. Regarding sea sickness, we were given tablets by Jane and it really wasn’t bad when the boat is going full speed. You can’t wear sunscreen so will have to make plans not to be burnt but it is an amazing experience. They will also film and photograph the trip which you can buy…”

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Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

12.Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 399 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $210

Swim beside whale sharks near Cancun, then relax at Playa Norte with ceviche, hotel pickup, guides, and practical tips on rough seas.

“Swimming alongside the whale sharks was amazing. It was such a memorable experience. It could have been improved if the guide had told us how long we would be in the water (only a couple of minutes) and how many turns we would get. We got two turns each but we weren’t allowed to swim Ali gside the Shark fit very long.”

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Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

13.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99

Review of Puerto Vallarta whale watching with a catamaran, buffet meals, open bar, marine life sightings, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.

“Great experience, the staff was awesome and the boat was nice. We saw lots of whales and dolphins! The food and drinks were wonderful as well.”

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Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

14.Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $268

Swim beside whale sharks in La Paz on a small, eco-friendly boat tour with gear, snacks, photos, and up to three water entries.

“The best excursion we have ever taken with our many travels throughout the world. We were a group of 4 senior citizens, 2 of whom have done snorkeling and diving, one who chose not to get into the water, and one who has significant mobility issues. We did not make the first or second lottery for the time slots we requested. . We were pretty disappointed, but we were notified the morning of the excursion that we were able to get the midday slot. So glad we didn't give up and cancel. The boat captain found a whale shark fairly quickly and we were able to swim 3 different times…”

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Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

15.Swim with Whale Sharks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 380 reviews · 7 - 7.5 hours · from $160

Swim with whale sharks from Cancún in a small group, with naturalist guides, lunch, clear-water swimming, and chances to see dolphins and turtles.

“We had a once in a lifetime experience today with Omar. You can tell his passion for animals and his experience. We had a fantastic day with so many whale sharks it was hard to count, maybe more than 6!! The most beautiful ceviche served up on the boat anchored at Playa Norte. Couldn’t fault a single aspect. Thank you so much”

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