It is very possible that you have been in Los Cabos during whale season and not had chance to enjoy this spectacular phenomenon; there is simply so much to do and see here, and so many people, that it would be easy to become distracted. Los Cabos has always been one of the main centres of tourism in Mexico, and it is certainly one of the most diverse.
Retirees, springbreakers, young families and honeymooners alike flock to these shore every year, but one set of visitors is truly exceptional. Between December and April the Sea of Cortez is home to a variety of whales! Though there are many different species in attendance including Blue, Minke, Bryde, Fin and Sei whales, it is the Humpbacks and their young who are the real stars of the show.
Their journey here from the frigid waters of the Arctic has been long, hazardous, and, for the pregnant females in particular, arduous. This is a migration which can total six months in length (one of the longest known migration routes of any living creature), and takes them across the dangerous waters of the Pacific. With all that in mind, it is no surprise that they celebrate so joyously upon arrival in these warm, abundant waters.
The locals are used to the presence of these wonderful creatures and know the best places to see them. As such there are many tour companies who promise sightings of Humpbacks and their young on tour which take small groups (for the comfort of the whales) out daily. On such tours you may see them breaching, fin and tail slapping, or even spy hopping. Most magically of all, however, you might see them training up their young for the long journey home.
The calves must be tough, you see, as weak and young whales are at risk of shark and orca attack in the wide open pacific. Hopefully your journey home will be less stressful. If you do come to Los Cabos between December and April, however, we urge you to spend time with the whales; you will not regret it!
