Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

Whales are only part of the story. This four-hour Cabo San Lucas expedition combines whale watching, snorkeling, sea lions, dolphins, rays, and famous coastal landmarks, all with a small group capped at 10 people. I like the small-group format and the clear effort to treat marine life with care. I also like that photos, videos, snacks, water, and snorkeling gear are included.

The main caution is simple: this is wild nature, not a staged animal show. You might see humpback whales breaching, dolphins playing, and huge groups of rays, or you might spend most of the morning watching whales and get only a few minutes in the water. The $215 price is reasonable for a focused, photo-friendly ocean trip, but you should book it for the experience of searching, not for a guaranteed animal checklist.

Key points at a glance

• Small group of no more than 10: You get a better chance to ask questions, move around the boat, and receive personal help than on a large harbor cruise.
• Three different water settings: The route includes El Arco, Pelican Rock, and the Sea of Cortez, with chances for sightseeing, snorkeling, and wildlife watching.
• Possible animal encounters: Humpback and gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, Mobula rays, sharks, marlin, and colorful fish have all been part of past outings.
• Photos and videos included: The crew provides memories from above and underwater, though one account noted that only 10 photos were included before extra images required payment.
• A strong ethical focus: The operator emphasizes calm, respectful encounters that protect the animals and avoid forcing contact.
• Plan for weather and nature: The trip can change or be canceled because of conditions, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Starting at Dock C in Cabo San Lucas

The day begins at 9:00 am at Dock C, Marina del Rey, on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina in central Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return ride or work out a second pickup location.

That fixed start point makes the tour fairly easy to fit into a Cabo schedule. Still, I would avoid booking a tightly timed lunch, airport transfer, or another excursion immediately afterward. A four-hour estimate allows time on the water, but conditions and animal sightings can affect the timing.

The tour is offered in English and confirmation is provided when you book. It is also near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. The operator asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, which matters because you may board a boat, handle snorkeling equipment, and enter the water.

Bring patience. One useful practical tip is to confirm the departure directly with Apex Ocean Divers, even after receiving your booking confirmation. A past outing did not operate exactly as expected, with little notice, so a quick check can save you a wasted morning.

El Arco: Cabo’s famous opening scene

The first listed stop is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the pale rock formation at the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. It is Cabo’s signature view, and the stop gives you the classic photo opportunity that appears on postcards throughout town.

This is more than a quick photo backdrop. From the water, the arch looks different from the view you get on land, and the surrounding rocks help you understand why boat trips are such a popular part of a Cabo visit. The sea, cliffs, and changing light provide a strong opening to the morning.

The crew can also take photos of you here. One account praised Kyla for patiently taking as many pictures as needed, which is useful if you want more than a rushed snapshot. Since the tour includes photos and videos, you can enjoy the scenery without spending the whole trip trying to operate your phone.

Still, El Arco is not the reason to pay $215. It is a valuable part of the route, but the real value comes from combining the landmark with time spent searching for animals in open water.

Pelican Rock and the chance to snorkel

Pelican Rock is another key stop, and the area can offer a more sheltered setting for getting into the water. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with snacks and bottled water, so you do not need to rent the basic gear separately.

The underwater portion is best viewed as an opportunity rather than a promise. You might find colorful fish, rays, or other sea life, but conditions and animal movement control the experience. One outing produced a large group of cownose rays and colorful fish around coral reefs. Another had only about three minutes in the water while the crew searched for rays.

That contrast is important. If you are booking this mainly to spend a long time snorkeling, you may find the trip unpredictable. The crew’s first priority is finding wildlife safely and respectfully, not keeping everyone in the water for a fixed number of minutes.

A wetsuit may also cost extra. One person paid $15 for one, and that charge was not clear in the tour details provided here. Ask about the wetsuit fee before departure, especially if you are sensitive to cooler water or expect to snorkel for much of the morning.

Searching the Sea of Cortez for whales and more

The Sea of Cortez is where the safari style of the trip really comes into play. Instead of following a rigid sightseeing script, the crew looks for signs of marine life and adjusts the route to the conditions.

Possible sightings include humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, Mobula rays, sharks, and marlin. The most commonly praised encounters involve humpback whales and dolphins, but the variety is what gives the trip its appeal. One four-hour outing included cownose rays, dolphins playing near sea lions, a humpback whale, a marlin, and reef fish.

You could also see two humpback breaches, which is a thrilling sight from any boat. But you should not expect every species listed above. The ocean may offer whales and little else, or it may surprise you with a broad mix of animals.

That uncertainty is not a flaw in the operation. It is the central fact of wildlife watching. The responsible approach is to give the animals space, avoid chasing them aggressively, and accept that a quiet day is still a real encounter with the sea.

What the guides add to the experience

The guide can make or break a wildlife trip. The strongest feedback here praises the crew’s patience, warmth, and effort to explain what you are seeing.

Nick and Rafa were praised as a strong team, with Nick sharing information about local marine life. Alex was described as especially positive, thoughtful, and patient while working hard to locate animals. The crew’s attitude matters because open ocean searches can include long stretches of waiting and scanning.

You should also keep expectations realistic about guide experience. One account found the guide kind but somewhat new to Cabo and less familiar with the area than expected. That does not erase the good service, but it shows why guide quality can vary from one departure to another.

The operator’s stated approach centers on animal welfare. That means you may not get a close approach every time, and the boat may move on when conditions are not right. For me, that is a welcome tradeoff. Wildlife viewing is better when the animals are not treated as performers.

Photos, videos, and what is actually included

Photos and videos are included in the price, which adds real value to an experience where you may not want to keep your phone out around salt water. The crew has produced drone footage, underwater images, and photos of people alongside the scenery and animals.

There is one detail to clarify before you go. One account received 10 free photos and was asked to pay extra for the remaining images. The tour details say photos and videos are included, but they do not explain the exact number or whether all footage is included.

Ask the operator what you will receive and how it will be delivered. That small question prevents confusion later. Even if only a selection is included, having professional images can make the $215 price feel more worthwhile.

Is $215 a fair price?

At $215 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. You are paying for a small group, a specialized wildlife search, a guide, snorkeling gear, snacks, water, and photo or video coverage.

The group limit of 10 is the strongest value point. A smaller boat can feel more personal, and you are less likely to spend the entire trip behind rows of people. You also have a better chance to speak with the guide and get help in the water.

The price makes the most sense if you care about marine life, want a serious whale-watching outing, and value quality images afterward. It is less compelling if you only want a short cruise past El Arco or a guaranteed swim with rays.

You should also budget for a possible $15 wetsuit fee. Since that charge may not be included, confirm it before booking. The trip has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the 9:00 am start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refundable.

Who will enjoy this most?

This safari suits you if you are comfortable with an active morning on the water and can accept changing plans. It is a good match for people who want more than a standard sightseeing cruise, especially wildlife photographers, snorkelers, and anyone excited by the chance of seeing several species in one outing.

It also works well for visitors who prefer a small group and personal guidance. The crew’s effort to share marine information adds meaning to the animal sightings rather than treating them as quick photo stops.

You may want to choose another activity if you need a guaranteed schedule, dislike open-water conditions, or mainly want a long, relaxed snorkeling session. The physical demands are moderate, and the day can involve waiting, searching, and changing direction.

Families and mixed-age groups should think about each person’s comfort level in the water. The tour allows service animals, but the information provided does not give a specific minimum age or detailed swimming requirements, so ask the operator before booking for children.

Six practical questions to ask before departure

A few quick questions can make the morning smoother:

• Is the $15 wetsuit rental still required?
• How many photos and videos are included?
• What happens if the sea conditions change during the outing?
• Where exactly should you meet at Dock C?
• Will the tour focus more on whale watching or snorkeling that day?
• How long is the expected return window?

These are not signs of a difficult tour. They simply reflect the fact that open-water wildlife trips depend on conditions and animal behavior.

Should you book the Open Ocean Safari?

Book it if you want a small, wildlife-focused ocean trip and understand that nature sets the schedule. The best case is remarkable: whales, dolphins, sea lions, rays, fish, and even a marlin, along with El Arco photos and professional footage.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed list of animals or hours of uninterrupted snorkeling. A quieter outing can still be worthwhile, but the $215 cost requires you to value the search itself.

My call: this is a strong choice for flexible, ocean-loving visitors who prefer respectful wildlife viewing over a crowded party boat. Confirm the departure, ask about wetsuit and photo fees, leave room in your schedule, and bring patience. The ocean may give you a spectacular morning, but it will not take requests.

FAQ

How long is the Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and begins at 9:00 am.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Dock C, Marina del Rey, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include Mobula rays, sea lions, dolphins, sharks, humpback whales, gray whales, marlin, and colorful reef fish. Sightings are not guaranteed because the tour takes place in the wild.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, and a guide are included. A wetsuit may cost an additional $15, so confirm that charge before departure.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.