Whale Watching · MEXICO

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Mexico

35 tours  ·  from $80 a head

Gray whales calve in the Baja lagoons between January and March, blues pass Loreto in spring, and humpbacks winter off Puerto Vallarta. These 15 are priced and timed, with a note on which ones let you touch the boat rail and which put you in the water.

Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas - The Arch, sea lions, and two famous beaches
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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

Cruise from Cabo San Lucas toward the Arch and Sea of Cortez aboard a double-decker catamaran. Your marine guide, such as Jacob or Marco, explains humpback behavior while a hydrophone lets you hear whale song. Drinks, snacks, and hotel pickup are available, with a 30-person maximum.

“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 - El Arco, Cabo’s essential photo stop
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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

Join Cabo Nature’s women-led crew for a two-hour whale search from Cabo San Lucas. Guides such as Aurora, María, Daniela, Belem, and Nikki use a hydrophone to play whale songs, stop at El Arco, and send digital photos. The boat is intimate, fast, and may get wet.

“Friendly staff and we saw a lot of whales and dolphins. Boat was clean and water wasn't too rough. Recommend!”

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SMALL GROUP Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics - The Arch, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock
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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

Join a maximum-12-person boat in Cabo San Lucas with a marine biologist such as Oscar, Victoria, or Payo. See The Arch, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock before searching for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, sea lions, and other whales. Free photos and a whale sighting guarantee add value.

“It was amazing. I felt like I was experiencing a new world that I had never seen. I felt a quiet privilege at being able to experience it. Our guide Victoria was knowledgeable and fun.”

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La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos - Looking for whale sharks in their feeding area
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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

Ride from Los Cabos to La Paz, board a panga, and snorkel beside migrating whale sharks with guides such as Mario and Joe. Your $259 includes hotel transport, wetsuit, gear, drinks, and Baja-style fish tacos. Plan for an early, active day and possible weather or wildlife cancellations.

“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 😕”

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Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas - Meeting the boat near Cabo San Lucas Marina
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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

Join Cabo Trek for a 2.5-hour whale-watching trip from central Cabo San Lucas. A marine biologist such as Andrea, Vanu, Maria, or Vanusa explains the whales and local sea life while your captain searches for breaches, calves, dolphins, and marlin. The boat also visits El Arco and its sea lion colony.

“Andrea and Freddy were a good team. We had a wonderful experience and were fortunate to have cooperative whales up close…even darting under the boat at times. It was a rather long boat ride to find the whales but well worth it. I would definitely book with this company again.”

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Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun - Why the small group matters
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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 from May through September on a six-hour boat trip capped at 10 people. Felipe, Lolo, and other certified guides manage short, regulated water turns, with snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, lunch, and pickup from Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa del Carmen.

“It was great ! The tour operator was one hour late but it didn’t matter , the experience was awesome ! I took Bonnibe ( anti motion sickness ) and it saved me . Others were puking right and left I happened to have anti nausea meds on hand so I could help ease the suffering but it was t a cure . The captain and Joshua were awesome . The maneuver tech boat right in front of the whale sharks mouth . It was awesome ! Then a great ceviche lunch !”

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Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya - The speedboat ride north to the whale shark grounds
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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

Leave early for a small-group boat trip to Cancun’s seasonal whale shark grounds. Guides such as Dory, Pia, Diego, and Vanessa help you swim safely with these gentle giants, then serve ceviche near Playa Norte. Expect a long day, rough water, sun, and nature on its own schedule.

“Our tour guide Daniel was a lot of fun. We saw so many whale sharks from the surface as well as in the water. It was a perfect day and by going very early in the morning you still have the rest of the day after the tour to enjoy another activity this is really a once in a lifetime bucket list thing to do.”

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Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya - Hotel pickup from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya
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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

Set out from Puerto Xtabay with a bilingual naturalist guide and a small boat group of up to 10 participants. Watch for whale sharks, swim beside them in pairs, then stop near Playa Norte for ceviche, sandwiches, and a swim. Pickup covers major Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels.

“Nice experience to swim ( very shortly) with this beautiful animal. Hotel pick up was perfectly on time, sea was quite rough and after a few days of rain in that area, it was extremely hard to find whale shark due to fact that plankton was not at surface, so whale sharks also not at surface, but finally, after long cruising, they found one and we were happy to have chance to swim with one, even it was very short due to presence of many other boats”

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Whale Watching, The Famous Arch and Fast Boat Tour in Los Cabos - From hotel pickup to the Cabo marina
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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

You’ll ride a powerful inflatable boat from Cabo San Lucas with a marine guide, searching for humpback whales from December through April. Hydrophones let you hear whale songs, while the return route passes the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and the sea lion colony. Hotel pickup is available.

“Honestly I can’t support a company that also provides swimming with dolphins in captivity. I would have rather supported a conservation company that takes tours.”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta - Finding the humpback whales
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Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta

10.Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 666 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $105

Join biologists such as Jemma or Camilla aboard a small covered boat from Marina Vallarta. Watch humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and giant mantas, hear whale songs through a hydrophone, and take part in cetacean research during a roughly four-hour winter outing.

“We went all the way to the Marietas Islands and saw five male whales and one female — truly magical. Jema was warm, knowledgeable, and clearly loves what she does. Captain Jorge was excellent, getting us right to the action with a smooth ride. Whales everywhere, great crew, and yes… surprisingly good sandwiches. Book it. You won’t regret it. 🐋✨”

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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist - What the boat ride and briefing are like
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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

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

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

Meet in central La Paz for a roughly three-hour whale shark trip with no more than eight people. A marine biologist such as Angel, Carla, or Karen explains the rules, then guides small groups through several surface swims. Wetsuits, gear, refreshments, permits, insurance, and GoPro footage are included.

“Angel was a fantastic guide, providing us with a fantastic encounter with the whale sharks. Alejandro was a great captain, putting is in perfect position for multiple chances to see the whale sharks. It was a once in a lifetime experience, an absolute must do!”

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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya - Punta Sam and the early morning start
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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

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

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

Leave your Cancun or Playa del Carmen hotel early for a small-group boat trip to the whale shark zone. You’ll swim in 15-minute rounds, snorkel near Isla Mujeres, and eat ceviche on Playa Norte. Guides such as Jane and Dory are praised for calm help in the water.

“Our tour was rescheduled a couple of times and ultimately canceled due to a combination of weather and the fact that there had not been any recent whale shark sightings in the days leading up to the tours. I wanted to leave a positive review since the company handled it so well. I was initially apprehensive to book since I was worried we would spend all day on a boat and not see anything. Because they were keeping track of recent reports, we ended up being able to see lots of other things in Mexico and it got refunded quickly once we cancelled. I recommend booking your tour early in…”

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Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta - Food and the all-inclusive bar
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Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

13.Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 509 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $80Best value

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard a comfortable yacht with guides such as Luis and Isaiah, watching for humpback whales and dolphins as the sun drops behind Puerto Vallarta. You get an open bar, guacamole, chips, music, and views from the water. Bring a sweater and expect possible check-in delays.

“Let me say this was a great experience. Although in the beginning there was a delay of 30 minutes, so expect the boat to be late but once it’s there, you have an amazing time. The drinks, snacks, service, & views were excellent. The sunset was stunning & the servers bring everything to you. We did not see any whales, but we went in April not during whale season. I recommend this experience.”

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Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta - The three-hour search for humpbacks
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Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta

14.Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 469 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Join Eco Explorer Vallarta for a three-hour whale search from Marina Vallarta. Guides such as Carlos, Rodrigo, and Eric use a hydrophone to let you hear whale songs while you watch humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and calves from a small boat limited to 10 people.

“Excellent experience with Carlo and Emilio. We saw several whales and you can tell Carlo cares about the whales’ wellbeing and didn’t want to do anything to cause them distress.”

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Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour - The early run to Punta Sam
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Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

15.Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

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

Join Contoy Adventures for an early boat trip from Punta Sam into the whale shark protected area. You swim in pairs with a guide, usually two or three times, then stop at Playa Norte for ceviche and beach time. Guides such as Herbert, Angel, Manuel, and Xavier have earned special praise.

“We booked the trip on Viator based on the reviews the company had we either got a bad day or the reviews are not quite what they seem We where staying in Rivera maya which meant the transfer was nearly 2 hours so pick up at 05.20 it’s hard enough getting 4 kids out of bed for that time but the transfer was 20mins late with no apology When we eventually got to the dock to get on the boat it was well organised and lots of people were put on boats quickly and efficiently The Boat was clean but small no toilet just 12 people on the not plus…”

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New in Mexico Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0Whale Watching & Snorkeling Combo in Los Cabos with Photos IncludedFrom $12541 reviews
★ 5.0Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La PazFrom $34958 reviews
★ 4.5Los Cabos Seasonal Whale Watch and Snorkel TourFrom $23920 reviews
★ 4.5Los Cabos Whale Watching & Snorkel Adventure with Food & Drinks19 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Group Tour in San Jose del CaboFrom $99243 reviews
★ 4.3Playa del Carmen: Whale Shark TourFrom $19552 reviews
★ 5.0Private Whale Watching in San José del CaboFrom $200102 reviews
★ 5.0Private Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta109 reviews
★ 5.0Private Whale Shark All Inclusive ExperienceFrom $1,095136 reviews
★ 5.0Whale shark encounter Private tour – swim with whale shark cancunFrom $97563 reviews
★ 5.0Gray Whale Watching Expedition at Magdalena BayFrom $17923 reviews
★ 5.0Gray Whales Watching in Magdalena BayFrom $23225 reviews
★ 5.0Gray Whale Watching Tour with Marine Biologist and Small GroupFrom $37637 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Gray Whale Watching ExperienceFrom $19153 reviews

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