Winter is whale season in Cabo San Lucas
Every winter thousands of migrating whales journey along the Baja coastline, transiting 5,000 miles to and from their summer feeding grounds in arctic waters. Whales can be sighted in Los Cabos starting in December through April, though the best months for sightings are generally February and March. The likelihood of seeing a whale in these months is over 95% and also the weather is the most pleasant at this time. Whales mate and give birth to calves during their time in the warm Pacific waters, such that babies can often be observed within traveling whale groups in the later months.
The most frequently observed whales around Los Cabos are humpbacks, but other whales are also present at times. Friendly, curious gray whales are the next most sighted but there are sometimes a number of blue whales, sperm whales, minke whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, and orca, as well as dolphins and whale sharks. The warm, winter waters of the Sea of Cortez are ideal to serve as a whale ‘nursery’, with nutrient rich ocean currents supplying young whales with an easy food source. Whales can be spotted from the land in Los Cabos, but the difference in being out on the water is astounding. Most operators concentrate their activity around Cabo San Lucas and those that depart from San Jose del Cabo, typically steer their boats towards Cabo San Lucas.
Humpback whales are the star of the show in Los Cabos, with a variety of acrobatic moves to wow observers, such as dramatic leaps into the air termed breaching. These active whales might clock in at fifty feet long and perhaps 50,000 pounds. Humpbacks are dark gray or black, with white patches on the undersides and knobs on their heads. Their name comes from the distinctive dome shape their back forms as these whales dive below the ocean’s surface. Humpbacks additionally are known as vocalizers, ‘singing’ to community with their pod mates, with their vocalizations traveling underwater as far as 10,000 miles. Humpbacks arrive in November and December and those present might observe their mating season with its exciting high speed ‘heat run’, where multiple males compete through acrobatics for the female’s attentions. Baby whales are typically born in January and February (gestation is a full year), with youngsters quickly able to be observed swimming with their mothers.
Tour operators vary in how they conduct whale watching trips, always being mindful of the strict governmental regulations that limit how many boats may cluster near a whale, how close they might get, and how long they can stay in one area. The standard whale watching tour tends to run at 2.5 hours; if you don’t spot a whale (which is uncommon), there’s usually a chance to make a second try at no additional cost. Morning waters tend to be calmer with less boats out, affording an easier chance to see whales. In the afternoons, the water becomes choppier and the whales are more likely to be breaching and performing other exciting maneuvers. The type of boats used vary as well, ranging from simple pangas, kayaks, and zodiac rafts to covered watercraft, sailboats, party boats, and yachts. Some tours advertise a marine biologist on their trips and might use the opportunity to collect data about the whales during your time out.
Behaviors you might observe
Blowing or spouting:
Often the first sign that there’s a whale in the area is simply a puff of mist, known as a blow or a spout. Humpbacks generally breathe every 10-15 minutes but can stay under for as long as 45 minutes. The blow or spout is the whale exhaling, a cloud of condensed water vapor that can reach 15 feet in height.
Breaching:
Perhaps the most dramatic action of the humpback is breaching, wherein the whales throw their bulk entirely or nearly entirely out of the water. Pumping the tail lifts the whale body into the air, spins either clockwise or counterclockwise, and then splashes back into the water. This activity is theorized to perhaps be a way to communicate with other whales, a method to dislodge barnacles, or perhaps solely for enjoyment.
Spyhopping:
A whale peeps above the water by lifting only its head above the surface in a vertical maneuver termed spyhopping. This is an energy efficient way for the whale to observe its surroundings.
Fluking:
Lifting the tail into the air preceding a dive, especially a steep dive is named fluking. Angling downward and rolling turns the tail upward as the whale enters the depths.
Slapping:
As you might guess, slapping in whale terminology is when the whale slaps a part of its body against the surface of the water. The humpback’s pectoral fin can be 1/3 of its body length (12-15 feet) and the whales will often roll onto their side or back and slap with one or both fins. Lobtailing is lifting the tail and slapping the water surface. Slapping may be a form of communication or a way to cool off.
Our Location
Let’s Plan Your Next Vacation: Where unforgettable memories are crafted. We’re here to ensure your vacations are truly extraordinary.
- 1813 Parker Ln, Austin, TX 78741, United States
- rentals@costamarvillas.net
- +1 (800) 875 6751
Open Hours
- Mon - Sun :Open 24 hours
Welcome to The Cabos! With expert knowledge of the area, we provide personalized recommendations and reservations for premier attractions, dining, and shopping in Southern Baja. Our top goal is to deliver exceptional, memorable service to our guests that showcases all the Los Cabos has to offer.
© 2023 The Cabos by CostaMarVillas. | All Rights Reserved | Designed by Right Symbol.
Joan