Luxury Sailing Whale Watch and The Arch (Dec 15 – Apr 15)

If you’re heading to Cabo San Lucas between December 15 and April 15, a whale-watching tour on a luxe catamaran might be just what you need to elevate your trip. This experience promises a blend of comfort, stunning scenery, and the chance to see humpback and gray whales up close—all packed into a two-hour excursion. I’ve looked into what makes this tour special, and honestly, it sounds like a pretty fantastic way to spend part of your time in Cabo.

What really catches our eye is the small group size, capping at only 16 guests, which means you’re unlikely to feel lost in a crowd. Plus, the all-inclusive features—from hotel pickup to an open bar—add a layer of convenience and relaxation that many travelers will appreciate. However, a word of warning: it’s a short tour, so if you’re after a more in-depth marine adventure or longer trip, this might not fully satisfy. Still, it’s well-suited for those who want a balanced, scenic outing with some luxury thrown in.

This tour is perfect for anyone who appreciates comfort and intimate experiences, especially those keen on seeing whales during their seasonal migration. It’s also a good pick for travelers wanting a hassle-free way to explore the famous Arch and Lovers Beach with the bonus of marine wildlife spotting. If you’re traveling with family, couples, or friends who enjoy a laid-back vibe with premium amenities, this is likely to be a good fit. But if you’re after a more rugged or extended whale adventure, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Comfort & Luxury: The tour takes place on a beautiful, well-maintained catamaran with a crew dedicated to making your trip enjoyable.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 16 guests, providing a more personalized experience and better chances for whale sightings.
• Prime Viewing: Expect front-row views of the Arch, Lovers Beach, and marine life like whales and dolphins.
• All-Inclusive: Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and an open bar with alcoholic drinks included.
• Short & Sweet: At roughly 2 hours, it’s a quick but memorable outing—ideal if you’re short on time.
• Pricing & Value: At $95 per person, most reviews agree this offers good value, especially considering the inclusions and the intimate atmosphere.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

The Itinerary & Sightseeing Highlights

This tour is designed for whale watching and sightseeing in tandem, riding on a luxurious sail catamaran through the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Your journey will include a visit to iconic sights like the Arch of Cabo San Lucas—a natural marvel known for its striking shape—and Lovers Beach, which is accessible only by boat and offers a secluded spot for relaxing or taking photos.

The boat’s itinerary is flexible, with the crew actively searching for whales. From December through April, humpback and gray whales migrate through these waters, and this tour is tailored to maximize your chances of spotting them. The crew is attentive and will steer toward whales when they see them, always respecting safety and wildlife guidelines. As one reviewer puts it, “The whales were putting on a great show right near the arch,” making it clear just how close you can get.

The Crew & Atmosphere

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly crew who go out of their way to ensure everyone has a good time. From check-in to boarding, staff are attentive, making sure that drinks are flowing and everyone feels comfortable. You’ll find the boat itself to be gorgeous and clean, with two separate restrooms, which adds to the overall feeling of being on a premium vessel rather than a typical tour boat.

The small group size means you won’t be packed in like sardines, which many travelers find much more enjoyable. One reviewer shared, “It was only 6 people and the crew, as opposed to the advertised 16,” which shows that some tours keep their groups intentionally small for a more personal touch.

The Experience & Sightings

Expect to relax and enjoy the scenery—the views alone are worth the price. The boat’s design and comfort level mean you can sit back, sip on an open bar, and soak in the sights. During whale season, sightings can be spectacular, with whales breaching, tail-slapping, or just surfacing close enough to be awe-inspiring.

A recurring theme in reviews is the quality of whale sightings—many guests report multiple whale encounters, often with whales close enough for photos. One reviewer said, “We saw lots of whales and very close,” which is exactly what you hope for. Others mentioned the captains being knowledgeable about whale behavior, adding educational value to the tour.

The Value & Price

At $95 per person, this tour is generally seen as pretty good value, considering the inclusions and intimate setting. The open bar and hotel transfers reduce the stress of planning logistics, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with Cabo.

However, some reviews mention the cost of photos being quite high—up to $105 for a few pictures—and some travelers wish the tour included more information or closer whale encounters. It’s worth noting that the tour is primarily about whale watching rather than a long, in-depth cruise, so if your main goal is close-up whale photography or a longer adventure, you might want to consider other options.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: Around 2 hours, making it perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.
• Group Size: Limited to 16, which enhances the experience but also means booking well in advance is recommended.
• Transport: Air-conditioned hotel pickup is included, but check if your hotel is covered, as some locations like Quivira or Nobu are not.
• Seasonality: Only available from December 15 to April 15, aligning with whale migration season.
• Weather: The tour relies on good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

The Pros & Cons

Pros

• Small group for an intimate, less crowded experience
• Knowledgeable, friendly crew who actively search for whales
• Comfortable, beautiful catamaran with amenities like restrooms
• Spectacular scenery including the Arch, Lovers Beach, and marine wildlife
• Includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and open bar for drinks

Cons

• The tour duration is limited to around 2 hours, so it’s not a deep-dive experience
• Photos can be pricey if you want to capture the moments professionally
• Not all whales may breach or come close enough for perfect photos
• Some reviews mention the water being choppy, which could be uncomfortable for sensitive travelers

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxing, luxurious outing with a good chance to see whales in their natural habitat. It’s perfect if you prefer small groups and appreciate comfortable boats with amenities. If you’re short on time but want to maximize your wildlife viewing without sacrificing comfort, this tour hits the mark.

It’s also suitable for those who enjoy scenic photography—the views around the arch and the whales themselves make for great shots, especially with knowledgeable guides who can point out interesting behaviors. Families with older children, couples, or groups of friends looking for a laid-back but upscale outing will find this tour’s balance of comfort and adventure appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, air-conditioned hotel transfers are part of the package, though some locations like Quivira or Nobu are not included.

How long is the tour? About 2 hours, which makes it a quick but memorable outing—perfect if you want a taste of whale watching without committing too much time.

What’s the group size? The maximum is 16 travelers, so you’re likely to be in a small, intimate group that improves your chances for whale sightings.

Are drinks included? Yes, an open bar is part of the experience, but note that only guests 18+ will be served alcohol.

Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Are there any hidden costs? The only extra charge is a $5 dock fee and optional photos. Photos are pricey—up to $105—and should be considered if you want souvenirs.

Will I see whales? Most reviews say yes; sightings are common, and whales often come close enough for great photos. However, no sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Is this experience suitable for children? While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the small group size and relaxed pace make it manageable for older kids, especially those interested in wildlife and scenery.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxurious, well-organized whale-watching trip in Cabo, this tour offers a lot of value. The small group setting ensures a more personal experience, and the scenery combined with wildlife makes it a memorable outing. The inclusion of hotel pickup, an open bar, and the stunning backdrop of the Arch makes it stand out from more basic options.

That said, if your main goal is close-up whale photography or an extended tour, you might want to explore other options. It’s a short trip, but it packs a punch if you’re looking for comfort, good views, and a chance to see whales in the wild.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value comfort, scenic beauty, and a relaxed pace—those who want to enjoy Cabo’s marine life without the fuss of a larger, more crowded boat. It’s a solid choice for a memorable, stress-free adventure in one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations.

Note: Please book well in advance, especially during peak whale season, to secure your spot on this popular, highly rated outing.