Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

Humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, and schools of rays may all cross your path on this four-hour trip from Cabo San Lucas. The point is to search the open water, not follow a fixed wildlife script, and the crew says animal welfare comes first. On a good day, you may also get in the water to snorkel near marine life.

I like two things in particular: the group is capped at 10 people, and the outing combines the open sea with stops at El Arco and Pelican Rock. You also get a guide, snorkel equipment, snacks, water, and photos and videos, which can make the $215 price easier to weigh.

The catch is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and time in the water can vary. One account describes only a few minutes of snorkeling and an extra $15 wetsuit charge, so ask about wetsuit costs and photo arrangements before you go.

Key points

• Wildlife is the main event: You might see whales, Mobula or cownose rays, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life.
• The ocean sets the schedule: Sightings and time in the water depend on conditions and where animals are found.
• The group stays small: No more than 10 people can join, giving the crew room to adapt the outing.
• Three stops, three different views: El Arco, Pelican Rock, and the Sea of Cortez each add something to the trip.
• Useful basics are included: Snorkel gear, snacks, bottled water, a guide, and photos and videos are part of the package.
• Check the extras: A wetsuit may cost $15, and you should confirm how many photos are included before setting out.

A Cabo safari built around wild encounters

This is an ocean search, not a guaranteed checklist. The crew heads out into the Pacific and Sea of Cortez looking for marine life, with the possibility of seeing whales, rays, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and more. On some outings, the mix can be remarkable: one account describes cownose rays, dolphins playing near sea lions, a humpback whale, a marlin, and colorful reef fish within four hours.

That variety is the appeal, but it also calls for realistic expectations. A different day brought several humpback and grey whales, including breaches, but little else and almost no time in the water. The sea decides what appears, and a wildlife safari can feel thrilling one day and less varied the next.

The guides aim to find animals while keeping their wellbeing and safety in mind. That matters on an outing where people may enter the water near wildlife. You should expect the crew to make choices based on conditions and animal behavior, rather than promise a close encounter or a set amount of snorkeling.

El Arco and Pelican Rock add a Cabo landmark stop

The trip begins at Dock C in the Cabo San Lucas marina and includes a visit to El Arco, the natural rock formation that gives Cabo many of its signature views. It is a useful contrast to the open-water search: even if wildlife is distant, you still get time near one of the area’s best-known coastal sights.

There has been time for photos at the Arch, with a guide helping take pictures. If you want a particular shot, ask politely and be ready to wait your turn. The crew’s attention may also be needed elsewhere, especially if wildlife appears or sea conditions call for a change of plan.

Pelican Rock is another stop on the route. The trip information does not promise a specific activity or animal encounter there, so think of it as part of the day’s coastal and marine-life search rather than a guaranteed snorkeling session. The exact order and length of stops may vary with conditions.

The Sea of Cortez is where the search opens up

The Sea of Cortez stop is the heart of the safari: here, the crew looks for animals in their natural setting. Reports from past trips include humpback whales, grey whales, Mobula and cownose rays, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and, on one outing, a marlin. Those are possibilities, not a menu you can order from.

Whale watching can be rewarding even when the animals stay at a distance. Breaches are possible, but not something to count on. If you spot dolphins or sea lions, their presence does not mean you will necessarily swim with them. The captain and guide have to balance the wish for a close look with the animals’ space and the safety of everyone aboard.

At times, the crew may offer snorkeling in the water. One outing ended with snorkeling over coral reefs and colorful fish, while another had only a very brief attempt to find rays. That difference is a good reminder to treat snorkeling as a possible part of the safari, not the central guarantee. If your main goal is a long, relaxed snorkel, this may not be the right trip to book.

Small group, attentive guides, and wildlife care

A maximum of 10 people is a real advantage on a boat trip that can change direction as animals appear. A small group can make it easier to hear the guide, move around, and take photos without feeling packed in. It also gives the crew more flexibility to respond to the day’s conditions.

The team has included guides named Nick, Rafa, Alex, and Kyla. Guests have praised their patience, enthusiasm, and knowledge of marine life; one outing also had a guide who was newer to Cabo and less familiar with the area. Guides can differ, but the stated approach is consistent: search hard, share information, and treat the animals with care.

The best wildlife encounters are not measured only by how close you get. The operator emphasizes keeping animals undisturbed and making calm, respectful encounters. If you care about responsible wildlife viewing, that approach is an important part of the value. You can still hope for a memorable sighting without expecting the crew to chase or crowd an animal.

What the $215 price includes, and what it may not

At $215 per person, this costs more than a simple boat ride around Cabo. You are paying for about four hours on the water, a small group, a guide, snorkel equipment, snacks, bottled water, and photos and videos. The potential to see several kinds of marine life, plus stops at El Arco and Pelican Rock, adds to the value when the day goes well.

The price is harder to justify if your priority is a guaranteed swim with a specific animal or a long session in the water. The wildlife is unpredictable, and one account describes returning early after an unsuccessful search for other species. That does not mean the outing will be short, but it does show why the value depends partly on what the ocean offers that morning.

Bring the possibility of extra costs into your calculations. A wetsuit was charged separately at $15 on one trip, even though it was not listed among the included items. Photos and videos are included, but one account described receiving 10 complimentary photos and paying extra for the rest. Since the exact arrangements are not specified here, ask the operator what is covered before departure.

Getting ready for a 9:00 am departure

The meeting point is Dock C, Marina del Rey, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Cabo San Lucas. The activity starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point. It lasts about four hours, so keep the rest of your day flexible rather than scheduling a tight connection or another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Confirmation is provided at booking, but one practical tip is worth taking seriously: contact the operator yourself before the trip to confirm the departure. A booking confirmation and a smooth day-of schedule are not always the same thing. The operator is Apex Ocean Divers.

Snorkeling is part of the plan, so you should be comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The information provided does not specify the boat’s facilities or the water temperature, so ask about any personal needs before booking.

Pack patience as well as sun protection and a willingness to adapt. Wildlife searches work on the sea’s timetable. If you do get in the water, follow the guide’s instructions and remember that an animal may move away before you have had a long look.

Who is likely to enjoy this safari

This trip suits you if you are excited by wildlife, comfortable with uncertainty, and happy to spend time searching rather than following a fixed route. It is especially appealing if you value a small group and want a guide to explain the marine life while you look for it.

It can also work well for people who want a mix of Cabo scenery and open-water exploration. El Arco provides a familiar landmark, while the Sea of Cortez offers the chance of a more unusual encounter. Photos and videos may help you keep a record of the day, though you should check how many are included and whether additional images cost extra.

Think twice if you need guaranteed sightings, expect a long snorkeling session, or dislike changing plans. The crew can make every effort, but no guide controls where whales, rays, or dolphins choose to appear. The trip’s strongest promise is the search itself, carried out by a small team with an emphasis on animal welfare.

Should you book the Cabo open ocean safari?

Book it if the prospect of seeing wildlife in the open ocean excites you, even when the day’s sightings are uncertain. The small group, experienced guides, included basics, and mix of marine-life search with Cabo landmarks make this a compelling half-day outing at $215.

Before paying, confirm the departure directly with Apex Ocean Divers, ask whether a wetsuit is available and what it costs, and clarify the photo package. Go in hoping for whales, rays, dolphins, or sea lions, but leave room for the ocean to surprise you in a different way. If you can accept that balance, this safari is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the open ocean safari?

The trip lasts about four hours.

What time does it start?

The stated start time is 9:00 am.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at Dock C, Marina del Rey, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include Mobula rays, cownose rays, whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the outing may include time in the water. How much time you get can vary.

What is included in the price?

The listed inclusions are snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, photos and videos of the experience, and a guide. A wetsuit may cost extra.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded. If poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of travelers cancels the trip, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.