Every winter, thousands of whales migrate through the waters off Los Cabos β and Sandos Finisterra sits on a cliff directly above their path. You can literally watch whales breach from the resort’s Whale Watchers bar.
But getting out on the water takes the experience to another level.
The Whales
Gray Whales (December β April)
Gray whales make one of the longest migrations of any mammal β 10,000 miles from Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja California to give birth. They pass right by Cabo on their way.
Where they go: The lagoons of Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio, and Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s Lagoon) on Baja’s Pacific coast. Some stay in Cabo’s waters.
What you’ll see: Mothers with calves, spy-hopping (when they poke their heads above water to look around), and occasional breaches. Gray whales are known for approaching boats β they’re curious.
Humpback Whales (November β March)
Humpbacks come to Cabo to breed and give birth in the warm waters where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez.
What you’ll see: Breaching (launching their full body out of the water), tail slapping, pectoral fin waving, and occasionally singing (males perform complex songs during mating season).
Humpbacks are more acrobatic than grays β their breaches are spectacular.
Other Species
Blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and orcas also pass through Cabo’s waters, though less predictably.
When to Go
| Month | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| November | Humpbacks arrive. Early season, fewer boats. |
| December | Gray whales arrive. Both species present. Peak begins. |
| January | Peak season. Maximum whale activity. Book ahead. |
| February | Still peak. Mothers with newborn calves. |
| March | Late season. Calves getting bigger. Humpbacks leaving. |
| April | Gray whales departing. Last chance. |
Best months: January and February
Best time of day: Morning tours (7β10 AM) have calmer water and better light
Tour Options from Sandos Finisterra
Standard Whale Watching Tour
- 2β3 hour boat trip
- Small to medium-sized boats
- Captain navigates to find whales
- Get within 100 meters (Mexican regulations)
- Typically see multiple whales
Best for: First-timers, families, anyone who wants to see whales
Private Yacht Charter
- Your own boat, your own schedule
- Longer trips if desired
- Champagne, food, customize the experience
- Higher cost, premium experience
Best for: Special occasions, couples, groups
Combo Tours
- Whale watching + snorkeling at Pelican Rock
- Whale watching + sunset cruise
- Whale watching + Land’s End tour
Best for: Maximizing your day on the water
Book whale watching through Seek & Go β
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hat β You’re on open water for hours
- Light jacket or windbreaker β Morning air is cool on the water
- Sunglasses with strap β So they don’t end up in the ocean
- Camera with zoom β Whales are close but not touchable
- Motion sickness medication β If you’re prone to seasickness, take it before boarding
- Binoculars β Optional but helpful for distant spouts
What to Expect
- Boats depart from Cabo San Lucas Marina β Sandos Finisterra is steps away
- Head out toward the Pacific β Whales concentrate where currents converge
- Captain spots whale spouts β Experienced captains know where to look
- Approach slowly β Regulations require maintaining distance until whales approach you
- Watch and photograph β Tours typically encounter multiple whales
- Return to marina β Usually 2β3 hours total
The Regulations
Mexican law protects whales. Boats must:
- Stay 100 meters away (unless whales approach)
- Cut engines when whales are close
- Not pursue whales directly
- Limit time with any single whale group
Good captains follow these rules. It’s better for the whales and actually leads to better encounters β curious whales approach boats that aren’t chasing them.
From the Resort
Even without a tour, you can watch whales from Sandos Finisterra:
Whale Watchers Bar β Cliffside bar with panoramic ocean views. Bring binoculars during whale season and watch for spouts. Staff will often alert guests when whales are visible.
Your room balcony β Ocean-view rooms look directly over whale migration routes.
The beach β Whales occasionally come close to shore.
I’ve seen guests spot whales right from breakfast.
Comparing to Riviera Maya Whale Sharks
If you’re deciding between destinations:
| Experience | Los Cabos Whales | Riviera Maya Whale Sharks |
|---|---|---|
| Season | December β April | June β September |
| What you do | Watch from boat | Swim with them |
| How close | 100 meters (regulations) | Arm’s length |
| Experience level | Any | Must be comfortable snorkeling |
| Water temp | Cool (65β75Β°F) | Warm (80Β°F+) |
Both are bucket-list experiences. Different seasons, different activities.
Read about whale sharks in the Riviera Maya β
Book Your Whale Watching Tour
Seek & Go at Sandos Finisterra coordinates all whale watching excursions. They’ll match you with the right boat and timing.
WhatsApp: +52 984 152 4671
Email: info@seekandgo.mx
Ready to See Whales?
Watching a 40-ton humpback launch itself out of the water never gets old. And doing it from a resort that overlooks their migration route? That’s the Sandos Finisterra advantage.
View Sandos Finisterra packages β
Questions? Contact us at contact@sandospromo.com or call (855) 804-8381.
Explore Sandos Resorts
- Sandos Finisterra β Los Cabos β Overlooks whale migration route
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