Luxury Whale Watching Dinner Cruise in Cabo

If you’re considering a sunset cruise in Los Cabos that combines marine wildlife, scenic views, and a hearty Mexican meal, this Luxury Whale Watching Dinner Cruise in Cabo might seem like a tempting option. Offered at $145 per person, the tour promises a blend of adventure and relaxation with a touch of luxury. But, as with many things in travel, the experience can vary dramatically depending on expectations and previous travelers’ insights.

We like that this cruise provides the opportunity to see Cabo’s iconic landmarks, like the Arch and Lover’s Beach, while also offering a delicious Mexican buffet and an open bar. The chance to spot marine creatures—dolphins, sea turtles, and possibly whales in season—makes it appealing for nature lovers. On the flip side, some reviews raise concerns about safety and authenticity, which are important considerations before booking.

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic evening with good food rather than an adventure-filled or fishing-focused outing. Families and couples seeking a romantic or memorable meal with a view might find it appealing—if they’re willing to overlook some inconsistencies reported by past guests.

Key Points

Scenic views and iconic landmarks are highlights of this cruise.
A hearty Mexican buffet with grilled steak, BBQ chicken, and fresh fruit offers great value for food lovers.
Open bar service adds a touch of luxury, making the evening feel special.
Marine wildlife sightings are possible, including dolphins, sea turtles, and whales in season.
Some reviews mention safety and authenticity issues, so manage expectations accordingly.
Pickup service simplifies logistics, especially for travelers staying in Cabo.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

The tour begins with a marina pickup, taking you comfortably to the departure point, and then the boat sets off along Cabo’s breathtaking coastline. Your route includes a close-up view of Medano Beach, Cabo’s lively hub, where you can imagine the bustling beach scene. As the vessel glides toward the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, you’ll get a chance to snap photos of this stunning rock formation, often called the gateway to the Sea of Cortez.

The first stop is an hour-long cruise past the coastline, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the scenic vistas and capture memorable photos. The captain or guide will often share insider stories about the area’s natural and cultural history, adding depth to the experience.

Next, you’ll make a 15-minute stop at the Sea Lions Colony. This is one of the most visually interesting parts of the cruise, where playful sea lions lounge on rocks, providing fun photo opportunities and lively wildlife viewing. It’s a good chance to see local marine life up close and get some fun shots.

The highlight for many, however, is the visit to Lover’s Beach, with its clear waters and beautiful setting right near the Arch. It’s an ideal spot to relax, perhaps dip your toes in the water, or simply admire the views before heading back.

Food and Drinks: What’s on Offer?

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the Mexican buffet. The menu features grilled steak, BBQ chicken skewers, melted cheese, guacamole, Mexican salsa, vegetable rice, beans, chips, tortillas, and fresh fruit. It’s a substantial meal designed to satisfy many tastes and dietary needs, with options for vegetarians, vegans, or gluten-free diets if specified in advance.

The national open bar is another attraction, serving water, soda, juices, and alcoholic drinks for guests aged 18 and over. This adds a celebratory feel, especially during sunset, as you sip on your beverage of choice while enjoying the views.

The Marine Wildlife and Sightings

While the tour promises a chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and sea lions, the real highlight can be spotting whales in season—typically during the migration months. This can be a magical experience if luck is on your side. However, it’s important to remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and some guests may not see whales or dolphins despite the tour’s promises.

The Safety and Authenticity Concerns

One review from a past guest, Joseph S., provides a stark warning: “You’re risking your life if you get on this boat! This was NOT the boat pictured!! The diesel exhaust fumes made us sick! There were NO life preservers, NO radio, NO fishing equipment except fishing poles and 2 plastic chairs on the back of the boat.” Such comments are alarming and suggest that safety standards may not be up to par, which is a critical consideration for families or those with safety concerns.

It’s worth noting that the tour is private, meaning your group is the only participants, which can be a plus for intimacy and personalized service. The air-conditioned transport from your hotel or lodging makes the entire experience more comfortable, especially after a day of exploring.

Pricing and Value

At $145 per person, this cruise falls into the premium category. The price includes the boat ride, the buffet, and the open bar, but there’s an additional dock access fee of $2 per person. Considering the scenic beauty, the food, and the drinks, many might find the price justified, particularly if they’re celebrating a special occasion. However, the safety concerns and inconsistent reviews should give potential travelers pause.

Who’s It For?

This tour caters best to those looking for a relaxed, scenic evening with good food and drinks, rather than thrill-seekers or adventure travelers. Families with children over four, couples, or groups celebrating special moments should find it fitting—assuming safety isn’t a concern. If wildlife sightings are your priority, remember that nature can be unpredictable, and sightings are not guaranteed.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This cruise offers a beautiful combo of sea, land, and culinary delights. The views of Cabo’s iconic rock formations, combined with a leisurely meal and drinks, make it a memorable choice for many. The delicious buffet and open bar elevate the experience, turning an ordinary boat ride into a semi-luxurious affair.

However, the safety and authenticity issues raised by some past guests are important to consider. If your main goal is to enjoy Cabo’s natural beauty, wildlife, and iconic coastline without concerns about safety, this might not be the best choice. If, on the other hand, you value a comfortable, scenic cruise with good food and drinks, and you’re willing to overlook some inconsistencies, it could be a fun evening.

In summary, this tour is best for travelers who prioritize relaxing scenery, good eats, and a lively atmosphere over adventure or wildlife guarantees. It’s a nice way to wind down after a day of exploring, provided you’re aware of the safety caveats and manage expectations about the wildlife sightings.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup service from your hotel or lodging in Cabo, making logistics easier.

What’s the duration of the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at $145 per person, which includes the boat ride, buffet, and open bar, plus a small dock fee of $2.

Can I expect to see whales?
Whales are possible in season, but sightings are not guaranteed. Marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and sea lions are more consistently seen.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there is an open bar serving water, soda, juices, and alcoholic beverages for guests 18 and older.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and children over 4 years old are welcome, but they should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

What about dietary restrictions?
The buffet can accommodate special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, if specified at booking.

Are safety features provided on the boat?
There are concerns raised about safety standards, such as the absence of life preservers, so travelers should consider their comfort and safety preferences.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before results in no refund.

To sum it up, this Cabo sunset cruise offers a scenic, food-filled evening with some wildlife viewing potential but comes with safety questions that travelers should consider. Its appeal mainly lies with those seeking a relaxed, luxurious experience with good food and stunning views. If safety and wildlife guarantees are your priority, it may be wise to explore other options. But for a memorable, laid-back evening with loved ones, this cruise could be just the right fit—just keep your expectations in check.