Gray Whale-Watching 2-Day Experience in Magdalena Bay

Posted By : 2chow
On this trip, we not only got to see lots of grey whales including several sightings of a mama-baby pair, but also got to eat some of the best food of our Los Cabos vacation! Our biologist guides were Andrea from Spain and Maria from Peru. They drove the 6 of us from Hotel Tesoro to a tiny family-owned hotel and dining hall that was a short walk from the Port of Lopez Mateos.

About an hour up the coast, we stopped at the best restaurant of this trip for breakfast. It was called Lonchera La Garrita in Todos Santos. They brought out a salsa and fried panela cheese tray with chips. The two of us shared a huge chilaquiles plate with red and green sauces and refried beans. Others had the most luscious looking tamales (moist and covered with a fantastic red sauce), chicken picadillo smothered in red and green sauce with fried eggs, fruit platters, etc.

Once we arrived at Restaurant Hotel Familiar, we got a fantastic home cooked meal of shrimp and fish tacos in homemade flour tortillas with chips and the best salsa of the trip. There was another group of 7 that met us there. The hotel itself was a bit run down looking, with finicky plumbing, but we quite enjoyed our stay. The plumbing was noisy when the hot water was on for showers, but quiet once they turned it off for the night and we slept well as the bed was comfortable.

Then it was out onto the boats. I am glad they told us to bring warm clothes, as I ended up with wool hat and gloves, a long sleeve shirt under an alpaca sweater and windbreaker. Also glad we had scopolamine patches as it was rough in the area they call The Blender. The boats were small, allowing closer views, and felt extremely stable despite the waves.

The whale sitings were amazing and we got some fairly close views of the blowhole area, barnacles, ridges along the tail and flukes. No babies yet because El Niño caused a low birth rate and they had only seen one baby the whole season. For dinner it was lobster tail and fish with salad with more chips and salsa.
After an early awakening with breakfast at 6:15, we headed out again. Saw a lot more whales, including a mother-baby pair with usually a small spout followed by a large spout. At one point we were completely surrounded with spouts going around the clockface. We also saw a lot of dolphins and pelicans, cormorants, herons and frigatebirds.

At lunch, which was more fish and shrimp tacos on handmade flour tortillas, one of the guys brought out a different salsa that was simply amazing, with a slow heat that built to a slightly higher heat than their regular salsa. As we dug in, he obviously got concerned that it might disappear and he took it away. Turns out he made it for his father in law to have with his lunch and just wanted to give us a taste.

Then it was a 6 h drive back to our hotel. A fantastic excursion!! The only slight downside was that it was a bit tight for three people in the very back of the van, so we took turns sitting back there. We made friends on this trip and hope to keep in touch. Our bags were always secure locked either in the van, or in the hotel room during both boat rides. We had brought our rollaboards as we checked out of our hotel before this trip, but the other two couples just had overnight backpacks, and these bags just fit into the rather small space at the back of the van. I think they do have a larger van, if for instance, our group had filled to the maximum 8 per boat. I feel very comfortable with this company -- they went towards, but did not chase the whales or dolphins, and would book with Cabo Trek again.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-15 20:01:15

Posted By : berkleypup
We all were thrilled with our experience, it actually exceeded expectations. Our group of four spent one night at Hotel Isabela , which was very nice and the associated restaurant was great. The next morning we set out with a. friendly boat driver, Juan Carlos, and had a covered panga boat all to the 4 of our group. we saw whale spouts almost immediately after arriving at the south end of the bay, and in a very short time we were right next to them. There were about 4 adult whales interested in the tour boats- they would hang out and swim right underneath or surface in the center of a tight circle of boats .The guides were all respectful of the whales, and knowledgeable about the area. Do not expect a ‘naturalist’ type tour, however. I highly recommend this outfitter!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-03 10:33:37

Posted By : Stilren
I had been wanting to do this trip for years after doing the humpback whale watching tour with Cabo Trek many times. We were finally able to spend the time to go on this trip and it didn’t disappoint! First off, Angie and Andrea were amazing! We could not ask for a better guides, they were so knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about what they do. Their concern for our comfort and safety was second to none. They are also very good drivers! We had an amazing time from start to finish, being out on the water with the gray whales on my birthday was definitely a bucket list moment! To be able to see these majestic creatures up close was a dream of mine. Don’t worry about taking photos, the guides have the best cameras and will take the most fantastic photos. We can’t say enough about this trip if you want to have an adventure in Mexico and commune with the whales in their warm winter habitat. Highly recommend this trip and Cabo Trek, they are the absolute best. Thank you Angie and Andrea!!!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-02-09 09:17:34

Posted By : Deborah A
Once in a lifetime experience!!! We saw dozens of gray whale mamas and babies, far more than we expected!!! They were up close, so close at one point a mama brushed against the side of our boat and one guest actually pet her!!! We also saw dolphins, a variety of birds and a coyote. We were fortunate to have two marine biologists, Angelika and Andrea as our guides. They were extremely knowledgeable and freely provided information and answered questions. AND they were attentive, respectful and fun! It’s a 6 hour drive from Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos where we checked into our family owned and operated motel which included home cooked meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch) while we were there. Some of the fare we enjoyed include fish and shrimp tacos for lunch, dinner with shrimp, fried fish and lobster. Pancakes and eggs for breakfast. Homemade salsas and guacamole. Bottled juices and ample available bottled water to drink and for coffee and tea. Simple accommodations, no tv but free Wi-Fi. Rooms are sparse but clean, Food is served by the friendly kind family. Some beautiful scenery and some pretty plain stretches. Stopped for a really great breakfast on the way and ample potty breaks. While it was a long drive, it went by fast. Both drove very safely.

Magdalena Bay is breathtaking with incredible sand dunes on one side and beautiful mangroves on the other. Our Captain was very accommodating and knew how to find and get safety close to the whales. Timing was good and we were not inundated by other boats. Took a ride through the mangroves and we’re treated to blue herons, ibis, pelicans, cormorants and various other sea birds. Captain Saul was also funny, barked realistically to call the whales along with bird song and some fun singing. We spent a very adequate amount of time both the first afternoon and the next morning.

Be sure to be mindful of the temperature when you pack. It was chilly in the late afternoon and even more so the next morning. With the sun it warmed up.

We highly recommend!!!! Enjoy!!!
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-02-10 12:03:47

Posted By : Sussex40
Pablo and guide were so knowledgeable and determined to find whales for us - and they did!!! They made it a fun and incredible experience.
Dolphins found us!
Highly recommend Cabo Trek
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-01-24 17:08:25

Posted By : JuJuB45
Before you go, you should know that although there are few hotels in Lopez Mateos, the one for this tour is the worst. Room 10 had no hot water in the sink or shower at any time. The guides/drivers were knowledgeable but driving ability was lacking-prepare for some scary road times. Since I have been to Magdalena Bay two times before, I can say this was the worst experience I had. Sadly, there were 4 avid photographers in our group and that is great but everyone should have an opportunity to get a chance to capture the beauty of the whales. The guide/naturalists were more interested in taking their photos than looking after the ones paying their salary. I booked as a single and when I arrived to depart, I was advised that I would have a roommate. That might be great for a 20-something but not for me. I had to pay extra for that room with no hot water.
Rating :
Posted On : 2022-06-05 15:28:56

Posted By : Montse C
It was an incredible experience. Vanussa, Alberto, Philip and Adrian where super nice and kind. If you are in Cabos you should definitely go.
Rating :
Posted On : 2022-01-27 13:48:22

Posted By : Beckerley
My wife and I had the most amazing 2 days up in Magdalena Bay,its difficult to know where to start, but everything met are expectations and more, we went on 2 trips out to see the Gray whales and found ourselves surrounded by Gray whales and their calves. Katia our guide and marine biologist was very knowledgeable and informative, always happy to answer any questions the small group of 8 were constantly asking her. They were always respectful and kept a safe distance from the whales,but at times had no control on how close to the boat these beautiful creatures came, one inquisitive whale even came up to the boat for a closer view of us all. We found everyone so friendly, the captain of the boat and all his family who provided the overnight accommodation and meals, and Victor who drove us up and back, and was always there to tell you more about Mexico and its people. Great trip, well worth the money...tahnk you Cabotrek
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-02-23 13:29:14

Posted By : GLW8
We have whale watched around the world, including the Arctic. This was by far the best experience we've ever had. We saw so many grey whales, up close and personal, that we lost count. We had moms and calves next to and under the boat. We had adults asking to be touched, as well as others breaching, spyhopping, and following us.

Our Cabotrek team was awesome--Victor, Katya, and captain Saul and his family. They took great care of us and were very knowledgeable. The food was homey and plentiful. The lodging was very barebones so don't expect much there but think of this as an expedition or adventure and you'll be fine. The drive from Cabo was long but there were plenty of stops, snacks, and drinks.

If you are a whale fan and want to get up close and personal with grey whales, do this trip! You won't regret it!
Rating :
Posted On : 2020-02-22 13:38:55

Posted By : RichieLH-Malvern
Cabo Trek was perfect in every way! Sadly, I used them only once - had I known they were going to be that good, I would have used them for the whole vacation! It is a small operation but by being small, they offer great customer service and attention. They limit the numbers on tour for that reason and I really regret using them once only.

Immediate tips

- Cabo Trek has 3 websites. My mistake was seeing the whale shark trip on one site and when I went to book it, I mistakenly looked at the wrong site and didn't see it available. I went elsewhere and regret it immensely.

- even though only a few tours are advertised (only 2 grey whale tours per season for example), they will put on more if demand is there. They are a small company so very flexible and can do much more than their website says.

- the site advised to take a light jacket and a sweater. They mean to take both, not 1 or the other! I had a sweatshirt and shorts - while great when the sun shone, it was pretty chilly first thing in the morning.

On to my Grey (Gray) Whale trip. We were 6 in total, 4 guests, a photographer/driver and a marine biologist/guide. We set off early in the morning from Cabo. First stop was breakfast at a wonderful restaurant to pick up a burrito and coffee (great food and a good start to the trip). Reaching our small, simple but truly wonderful hotel, we had lunch and set off for our first trip to see the whales. I cannot be more pleased with this tour! Magnificent does not describe it for me! 6 of us and the boat captain saw at least 50 whales all around us, we interacted with some of them as they swam right up to us. The captain and guide kept finding more and more and even they were excited. So much so, we were supposed to be out for 2 hours but it became close to 3 because so much was going on. By far one of the best life experiences I have ever had - this was about my 7th whale watching trip and it surpassed all of them put together, it was that good. Excitedly, we got back to the hotel, and chatted, drank and ate for some hours reliving the experience. Cabo Trek even provided wine with the meal, all soft drinks and beer.

The next day, there were 11 of us in the boat (not 6) but it was much calmer and we could see spouts and whales from a long way off. Again, we drifted here and there looking at the whales and once we were near the entrance of the bay, it all kicked off again - breaches, flukes, swim-bys! Even though a great trip again, it really could not match the memorable first afternoon. Back to the hotel for lunch and sadly, off we went back to Cabo.

The boat captain, Saul, was magnificent - a singing fisherman whose family ran the hotel and kitchens, even the young son helped out. The feeling throughout the trip was that of personal attention, friendship and people wanting us to have a great experience. Saul even joined us for breakfast and we all chatted, he was not just the captain, he was our friend! I can say exactly the same for the Cabo Trek staff, it felt like we went on holiday as a group, not as customers and guides. Because of this, we all got on well together and made 2 days feel so, so much longer and better.

Do I have anything negative? Well, if I said the car journey (5 hours each way) was a little uncomfortable, I suppose that would be it - at 5ft 11ins, sitting at the back was a problem but that's the luck of the draw. The other seats were far roomier and maybe we could have rotated seats, something to suggest maybe?
Rating :
Posted On : 2019-03-15 09:34:55