Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Starting Point and Meeting Logistics in Cabo San Lucas

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

Experience close encounters with marine life on the Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching tour in Cabo San Lucas, featuring snorkeling, dolphins, whales, and more.

Explore the Marine Wonders of Cabo San Lucas with the Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Explore the Marine Wonders of Cabo San Lucas with the Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

The Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching tour offers an exceptional chance to connect with marine life in their natural environment. Priced at $215 per person and lasting around 4 hours, this adventure departs from Apex Ocean Divers in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 97 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, it stands out for its focus on responsible wildlife encounters, local community support, and a variety of ocean creatures including dolphins, sea lions, sharks, Mobula rays, and whales.

This tour is ideal for those seeking an interactive and educational experience. While the chance to see humpback and grey whales is high—especially during the migration season—the tour emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing and maintains a small group size of up to 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, snacks, photos, and videos makes the outing both fun and convenient, though participants should have moderate physical fitness.

Key Points

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Key Points

  • Price and Duration: At $215, this 4-hour tour provides a comprehensive ocean adventure in Cabo San Lucas.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see dolphins, sea lions, sharks, Mobula rays, and, seasonally, whales with breaching and breaching ability.
  • Responsible and Local: The tour supports local communities and science through donations, photo IDs, and citizen science initiatives.
  • Inclusive Experience: Use of snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, and photos/videos are included.
  • Group Size and Accessibility: Limited to 10 travelers with near public transportation options and service animals allowed.
  • Weather and Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled more than 24 hours in advance; weather-related cancellations are fully refunded or rebooked.

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics in Cabo San Lucas

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Starting Point and Meeting Logistics in Cabo San Lucas

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am at Apex Ocean Divers, located in front of Luxury Avenue, C Dock D, Centro, Cabo San Lucas. The meeting point is easily accessible via public transportation. Guests should arrive a few minutes early to prepare for the 4-hour ocean journey, which ends back at the same meeting point. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, with the guide leading the exploration and providing expert insights.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing and Supporting Science

A core value of this tour is its commitment to wildlife safety and conservation. The operators prioritize close but respectful encounters with marine animals, always considering their integrity and safety. The tour also contributes to scientific research through donations and citizen science trips, making it more than just a sightseeing activity.

The focus on local sourcing and community support adds an extra layer of meaning to this adventure, as it benefits local economies and promotes sustainable tourism practices. Participants are encouraged to help protect the ocean by learning about these marine species and their habitats.

What Marine Life Can You Expect to See?

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - What Marine Life Can You Expect to See?

While nature remains unpredictable, the possibility of encountering a diverse array of marine creatures makes this tour exciting. Expect to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat, sea lions basking on rocks or swimming close by, and sharks gliding through the waters. The tour often features Mobula rays in impressive formations below or around the boat.

During whale season, humpback and grey whales may breach and breach, offering memorable moments like two breaches in a single sighting. It’s important to remember that actual sightings depend on wildlife activity, and surprises are part of the adventure.

Snorkeling and Camera Gear Included

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Snorkeling and Camera Gear Included

Participants receive snorkeling equipment to get closer to the underwater world. The tour provides photos and videos of the experience, captured by professional guides, so visitors can relive the moments and share their encounters with friends and family. This service enhances the overall value, ensuring everyone leaves with lasting memories.

Meet at Apex Ocean Divers and Group Size Expectations

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Meet at Apex Ocean Divers and Group Size Expectations

The meeting point at Luxury Avenue makes it straightforward to join the tour. The activity is designed for small groups—maximum 10 travelers—which facilitates a relaxed and personalized experience. This small group size helps maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and allows guides to give more individual attention.

Physical Fitness and Accessibility Considerations

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Physical Fitness and Accessibility Considerations

Participants should have moderate physical fitness to handle brief snorkeling sessions and boat transfers. The tour is designed to be accessible, with service animals allowed. Weather conditions can affect the schedule, so travelers should be prepared for possible cancellations or rescheduling if the weather is poor.

The Experience from the Guide’s Perspective

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - The Experience from the Guide’s Perspective

The guide, experienced and knowledgeable, shares insights into marine species and ocean ecosystems. The small group setting encourages interaction and questions, making the journey both educational and enjoyable. The guides prioritize safety and environmental responsibility, ensuring the experience is both fun and conscientious.

Comparing This Tour to Others in Cabo San Lucas

This safari stands out with its focus on responsible wildlife encounters and local community support. Unlike larger, less personalized tours, the small group size offers a more intimate connection with the ocean. The inclusion of photos and videos is a valued bonus, and the 4-hour duration strikes a good balance between adventure and comfort.

Compared to other experiences like the Rockstar Boat Party or private transfers, this tour offers a natural, wildlife-centered activity that appeals to those eager to see marine creatures in their habitat while supporting conservation efforts.

Final Thoughts on the Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

The Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching tour provides a well-rounded, responsible, and memorable marine adventure in Cabo San Lucas. Its expert guides, small group size, and community focus make it an attractive choice for nature lovers and those interested in ethical wildlife viewing.

While actual whale sightings depend on natural activity, the chance to see dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and Mobula rays ensures an exciting outing. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, photos, and snacks, along with free cancellation policy—up to 24 hours in advance—adds convenience and peace of mind.

This tour offers an authentic connection to the ocean with an emphasis on education, conservation, and responsible interaction. It’s most suited for curious travelers who enjoy an active, small-group setting and want to support local communities while exploring Cabo’s marine wonders.

Ready to Book?

Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching



5.0

(97)

98% 5-star

“Great experience! Would definitely recommend to others, saw multiple species, our guide was very knowledgeable and experienced.”

— Troy P, Apr 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, and photos & videos of the experience. A knowledgeable guide leads the outing, ensuring safety and education.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 9:00 am from Apex Ocean Divers.

Can I see whales during the tour?
Yes, especially during whale season, there’s a strong chance to see humpback and grey whales, including breaching and breaching behaviors. However, sightings depend on wildlife activity.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness to handle snorkeling and boat transfers comfortably.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refunded. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the activity are not refunded, but weather-related cancellations are fully reimbursed or rescheduled.