Whales: The Giants of the Sea

Each winter, Los Cabos welcomes one of nature's most majestic sights—the migration of whales from the frigid waters of the Arctic to the warm, nutrient-rich waters of Baja. From December to April, Humpback and Gray Whales arrive to mate, birth, and nurture their young, treating onlookers to spectacular breaches and tail slaps. Humpback whales, the most commonly seen, can grow up to 60 feet long and undertake one of the longest migrations on Earth—traveling nearly 5,000 miles.

Other whales that pass through these waters, though harder to spot, include the massive Blue Whale, the largest animal on the planet, and the mighty Orca, also known as the Killer Whale, which, despite its name, is the largest member of the dolphin family.

Whale-watching in Cabo San Lucas is an unforgettable experience, with local tour operators offering up-close encounters with these oceanic giants.

Whale Sharks: Ocean’s Gentle Giants

From October to April, the waters near La Paz, just a two-hour drive north of Los Cabos, become a gathering place for Whale Sharks—the largest fish in the ocean. These gentle giants can reach lengths of up to 40 feet. Despite their impressive size, Whale Sharks are filter feeders, gracefully gliding through the nutrient-rich waters, feeding primarily on plankton. Known for their calm and gentle nature, they offer an incredible opportunity for snorkelers. Swimming alongside these peaceful giants is a truly unforgettable experience. Dedicated whale shark tours in La Paz provide the best opportunities for such encounters.

Sea Turtles: A Timeless Journey

The Sea of Cortez and the Baja California peninsula are home to five species of endangered sea turtles: Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Green Turtle, and Olive Ridley. Every year, they travel thousands of miles to return to the very shores of their birth to lay eggs, continuing a cycle that has existed for millions of years. These remarkable creatures can travel up to 20 miles daily, with migration routes spanning over 3,000 miles each season. From June to December, conservation programs and eco-conscious communities help protect these fragile hatchlings as they make their way to the sea. Many local resorts and organizations in Cabo San Lucas offer opportunities for visitors to participate in these releases. In San Jose del Cabo, the Campamento Tortuguero Don Manuel Orantes, located near the estuary, operates a protected nursery dedicated to monitoring and releasing sea turtle hatchlings.

Mobula Rays: Acrobatics Above the Waves

Between June and August, and again from late November to January, the coastlines of the Sea of Cortez come alive with another mesmerizing migration—thousands of Mobula Rays performing acrobatic leaps from the water. These graceful creatures, seen in schools of thousands, create an unforgettable spectacle not only for divers and snorkelers but also for those watching
from the beach.

Mobula rays are similar to stingrays but lack a stinger. They appear to ‘fly’ midwater using their pectoral fins, earning them the nickname "flying mobula." Their agility allows them to reach speeds of up to 13 mph and leap as high as 6 feet out of the water. 

Cabo San Lucas is a world-famous destination for swimming with these rays, and several companies in Los Cabos offer tours to witness this unforgettable spectacle.

The Sea of Cortez is a sanctuary of natural wonders, visited each year by migratory marine species—gigantic and tiny, graceful and swift, curious and gentle, tenacious and majestic—creatures we have the privilege to witness and protect.