Official dates for Cabo San Lucas
The Diario Oficial de la Federación published the 2026–2027 annual notice on October 30, 2026. Its Baja California Sur section identifies the Cabo San Lucas Flora and Fauna Protection Area and the relevant Los Cabos area for December 15, 2026 to April 30, 2027. The notice is the controlling annual reference for the authorized season, alongside NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010 and the conditions attached to each permit.
These dates should not be confused with dates for other Baja California Sur destinations. For example, some areas around Magdalena Bay and La Paz have different opening dates. If a trip is advertised from another town, check the exact location and the applicable section of the annual notice.
Why dates can differ by destination
Baja California Sur covers a large coastline with several whale-watching areas. The federal notice assigns dates by area and may identify restricted polygons within an area. A date that applies to Cabo San Lucas should not automatically be applied to Puerto Chale, Puerto San Carlos, Loreto or other locations.
Operators must also work within their current authorizations. Travelers should ask which protected area the tour enters and whether the activity is authorized for the requested date.
What is the best month to go?
Many visitors plan winter trips because this is the broad migration period associated with whale watching in Los Cabos. However, there is no guaranteed best day or month for a sighting. Whale presence and behavior vary naturally, and a trip early or late in the authorized window may still depend on weather, sea state and daily movements.
If your vacation dates are flexible, ask a local operator what recent conditions have been like, while remembering that recent sightings do not guarantee future sightings. Choose a date that fits your trip rather than relying on a promise of a particular number of whales.
Booking around the season
Before paying, confirm that the chosen departure date falls within the official window for the specific area, that the operator has the necessary authorization and that the vessel is scheduled to operate. Ask about departure time, check-in location, duration, inclusions and cancellation arrangements.
Tour Cabo Today lists a Whale Watching Catamaran Tour and a separate private whale-watching sunset yacht experience. The published catalog details should be reconfirmed for your travel date because operating schedules and commercial terms can change.
A note about restricted zones
The 2026–2027 notice identifies two restricted areas in the Cabo San Lucas protected area due to excessive navigation, including an area around the port and Arch and a strip near Punta Ballenas. It also identifies restrictions in the Cabo Pulmo area. These boundaries matter: the authorized season is not permission to navigate or conduct whale watching in every restricted polygon.
Guests should not attempt to direct a vessel into a closed area. The captain and authorized operator are responsible for following the current official notice and permit conditions.
Explore whale-watching options with Tour Cabo Today
Tour Cabo Today lists a shared Whale Watching Catamaran Tour and a separate private whale-watching sunset yacht experience. Ask John Richardson to confirm the current vessel, date, departure time, availability, total price and inclusions before making a reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official 2026–2027 dates for Cabo San Lucas?
The federal notice lists December 15, 2026 through April 30, 2027 for the Cabo San Lucas protected area, subject to restricted zones and permit conditions.
Does the same season apply to all of Baja California Sur?
No. The annual notice assigns dates by location. Some areas have different opening dates, so verify the exact departure area.
Can I see whales before December 15?
The official authorized whale-watching activity for the Cabo San Lucas area begins on the date stated in the annual notice. Do not book a commercial whale-watching trip outside the authorized period.
Should I reserve in advance?
Advance planning is sensible during popular travel periods. Confirm the operator’s schedule, authorization, vessel and cancellation policy before payment.
Related Whale Watching Guides
- Diario Oficial de la Federación: 2026–2027 whale-watching season notice (October 30, 2026)
- NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010: whale-watching protection and conservation guidelines
- International Whaling Commission: Mexico whale-watching profile
Tour schedules, prices, vessel assignments and inclusions can change. Confirm current details directly before booking. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.