Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Tour All Included

Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Tour All Included: A Practical Look at the Big Mammals and More

When it comes to whale watching in Cabo San Lucas, there’s no shortage of options. One popular choice is the all-inclusive tour offered by Bellaterra Los Cabos, which promises a mix of wildlife encounters, scenic highlights, and some laid-back fun on the water. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, the reviews and details give us plenty to consider—and hopefully, help you decide if it’s right for your trip.

What we really like about this experience is the fact that it combines close whale encounters with comprehensive amenities like breakfast and an open bar. It’s not just about seeing whales—although that’s a big highlight—it’s also about enjoying a comfortable, relaxed environment where you can learn from a marine biologist and take in the stunning sights of Lands End and Lover’s Beach. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that some travelers feel the focus on entertainment (like deck music) might overshadow the quieter, more wildlife-centric experiences.

This tour could be great if you’re after a well-rounded, family-friendly outing or simply want a convenient, all-in-one option that includes transport, food, and drinks. Just keep in mind that the boats might be busy, and things like the boat choice could vary depending on availability. If you’re looking for an intimate, no-frills whale watching experience, you might find this tour a little too relaxed or commercial.

Key Points

• All-inclusive: Breakfast and drinks are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Two boat options: Double deck catamaran or pirate ship, depending on availability.
• Educational element: Marine biologist onboard offers insights into whale behavior.
• Scenic stops: Includes visits to the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and Lands End.
• Duration: About 2 hours, perfect for a quick but satisfying outing.
• Booking notice: Most travelers book around 37 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

The Full Scoop on the Cabo Whale Watching Tour

If you’re curious about what it’s actually like to set sail on this tour, here’s a detailed look at what you can expect, based on the info available.

The Booking and Departure

The tour runs from December 15th through March 30th—peak whale season—so timing is key. The process is straightforward: You’ll book your spot online, with most booking around a month in advance, showing how sought-after it is. The experience includes roundtrip transportation, with the driver meeting you at your hotel’s main lobby or entrance, making the start super convenient. The pickup is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a thoughtful touch especially if you’re traveling during warmer months or have just arrived.

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am, and after checking in at the Cabo San Lucas Marina, you’ll board one of the two available boats. The choice between a double deck catamaran and a pirate ship adds a bit of fun to the experience, though the actual boat you get may depend on availability. Bellaterra Los Cabos tries their best to accommodate preferences but cannot guarantee a specific vessel.

The Boat and Onboard Atmosphere

Once aboard, you’ll have about 2 hours to enjoy the trip. The boats are designed with ample space on the open decks for wildlife viewing and photography. The catamaran offers a more relaxed, open-air experience, while the pirate ship adds a playful vibe, which can be especially fun if you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy a bit of theatrical flair.

The boat features an open bar offering mimosas, Bloody Marys, margaritas, and a variety of sodas and juices. If you prefer to keep it sober, there’s plenty of non-alcoholic options as well. For those who appreciate good food, a Mexican-style breakfast is served on board, which is a nice touch that elevates the experience from a simple wildlife tour to a more indulgent morning outing.

Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Highlights

The main event is, of course, whale watching. The tour promises to get as close as maritime regulations allow to humpback and gray whales. The marine biologist onboard will share their insights into whale habits and behavior, adding an educational layer to the adventure. From the reviews, we see a mixed picture: one reviewer notes that the focus might be more on the social aspects like loud deck music and a quick whale sighting, rather than a deeply immersive wildlife experience.

That said, whales are unpredictable, and sightings depend on luck and season. Most travelers can expect to see breaching whales or at least get a good view of them swimming and surfacing. The tour also includes visits to iconic landmarks—the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and Lands End—where you’ll stop briefly for photos and sightseeing. These scenic spots are definitely a plus, offering that classic Cabo postcard backdrop.

The Experience’s Value and Review Insights

Price-wise, at $99 per person, the tour is fairly typical for this type of excursion. When you factor in breakfast, drinks, transportation, and the scenic stops, it offers a lot of value—especially for those who want a hassle-free experience. However, one reviewer, Adam, expressed some disappointment, noting that this tour prioritizes cheap meals and loud music over the quieter whale-watching focus. He described it as more of a social outing, which may suit some travelers more than others.

It’s worth noting that the tour is designed to be accessible to most travelers, with most travelers participating comfortably, and a maximum group size of around 150. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of socializing and entertainment, this could be a good fit. Conversely, if you’re seeking a more subdued, wildlife-focused trip, you might prefer smaller, specialized tours.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Weather can impact the experience, as ocean conditions influence whale activity and the safety of the trip. The tour requires good weather to operate—if canceled due to weather, you’re eligible for a full refund or to reschedule. Cancelations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if you’re planning trips around potential weather issues.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This all-inclusive whale watching tour is well-suited for travelers who value convenience, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and want to combine wildlife viewing with good food and drinks. It’s ideal if you’re traveling as a family, a group of friends, or even solo but prefer a social, relaxed vibe over a quiet, intimate experience. It also works well for those who appreciate scenic stops and a bit of education from a marine biologist.

If your priority is close-up, peaceful whale sightings and a more personalized experience, you might want to consider smaller, more specialized tours. But if you’re after a fun, scenic, and comfortable outing with friends or family, this one hits many marks.

Final Thoughts

This Cabo whale watching tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, scenic exploration, and comfort amenities. It’s not the most exclusive or quiet experience available, but it does deliver a convenient and enjoyable outing that covers the essentials—whales, iconic landmarks, and good food. The inclusion of a marine biologist adds value for those interested in learning more about these majestic creatures.

For travelers who want a relaxed, social atmosphere with all the fixings included, this tour is a solid option. Just keep in mind that the focus might lean a bit toward entertainment and socializing, rather than deep wildlife encounters for the more discerning wildlife enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the lively atmosphere, open deck, and inclusion of entertainment suggest it could be fun for children. However, very young kids should be accompanied and comfortable on a boat. It’s best to check with the provider if you have young children in your group.

What are the main scenic stops?
You’ll visit the famous Arch, Lover’s Beach, and Lands End, with chances to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty of Cabo’s coastline.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, Mexican-style breakfast, alcoholic beverages (mimosas, Bloody Marys, margaritas), soda, juice, and a marine biologist guide.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Full refunds are provided if canceled due to weather.

What boat types are available?
You may be assigned either a double deck catamaran or a pirate ship, depending on availability. The tour staff will try to accommodate preferences.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but satisfying experience.

Is the tour seasonal?
Yes, it operates only from December 15th to March 30th, aligning with peak whale sighting season.

If you’re after a relaxed, all-in-one way to enjoy whales and scenic sights in Cabo San Lucas, this tour could be a good pick. Just remember to keep your expectations in check regarding the quietness of the wildlife viewing—this is more of a lively, social day out on the water.