Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

The thrill here is the open ocean, where a four-hour trip may bring you close to humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, cownose rays, sharks, or even a marlin. The crew, including guides such as Alex, Nick, Rafa, and Kyla on some outings, works hard to find wildlife without treating the animals like a staged show. You might see a breach one minute and an empty patch of sea the next.

I like the small group of no more than 10, which gives you more room on the boat and more time to ask questions. I also like the mix of whale watching, snorkeling, Cabo’s famous Arch, and underwater or drone photography. The main caution is simple: this is wild nature, not a guaranteed checklist, and one outing included only about three minutes in the water while the group searched for rays. At $215 per person, that uncertainty matters.

Key points before you book

• Wildlife comes first: You may see humpback or grey whales, dolphins, sea lions, rays, sharks, colorful fish, or a marlin, but no species is promised.
• Small boat group: The maximum is 10 people, a useful advantage when you are looking for fast-moving animals or getting into the water.
• Three contrasting stops: El Arco provides iconic Cabo scenery, Pelican Rock offers a marine-life setting, and the Sea of Cortez opens the trip to wider wildlife searches.
• Four hours on the water: The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. from Dock C in the marina and returns to the same point.
• Useful extras included: Snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, a guide, and photos or video are part of the experience.
• Ask about the wetsuit and photos: A past outing charged $15 for a wetsuit, and only 10 photos were free before an extra fee applied.

Why this Cabo safari feels different

Many boat trips around Cabo follow a fixed sightseeing route. This one is built around searching. The crew heads into the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez with a flexible goal: find marine life and give you a respectful look without forcing an encounter.

That makes the trip exciting, but it also makes it unpredictable. You could spend part of the morning watching humpback whales surface and breach, then see dolphins playing near sea lions. On another day, the main reward may be whales alone, followed by a short snorkeling stop. The ocean decides the schedule more than the brochure does.

I like that the focus is not limited to one famous species. The possible sightings cover large whales, quick dolphins, rays moving in groups, sea lions, sharks, reef fish, and other creatures. One especially full outing included cownose rays, dolphins, sea lions, a humpback whale, a marlin, and colorful fish near a reef. That is an exceptional day, not a promise, but it shows the range of what can happen.

The crew also puts care at the center of the outing. The stated aim is to protect both marine life and the people in the water. You should expect guides to adjust their approach based on animal behavior and sea conditions rather than chase every sighting at any cost.

Starting at Dock C at 9:00 a.m.

You meet at Dock C on Boulevard Paseo de la Marina in central Cabo San Lucas. The marina is near public transportation, and the activity finishes back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride home from another part of town.

The start time is 9:00 a.m., with the total outing lasting about four hours. That morning timing gives you a useful half-day plan. You can spend the afternoon resting, visiting another part of Cabo, or keeping your schedule open in case the boat returns later than expected.

One practical tip is to confirm the trip directly with Apex Ocean Divers before you go. A confirmation at booking is provided, but conditions, minimum group size, and operations can change. Leave some flexibility around the return time, especially if whale or dolphin activity keeps the boat out longer, or if sea conditions alter the plan.

The group limit of 10 is one of the best features here. A small group makes it easier for the guide to explain what you are seeing, pass along safety instructions, and help people get a clear look. It also reduces the crowded feeling common on large sightseeing boats.

El Arco gives you the classic Cabo view

The first listed stop is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the famous rock formation where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. Even if the wildlife is quiet, this is a worthwhile part of the morning because it gives you the signature Cabo photograph from the water.

The crew may also take photos of you at the Arch. Kyla was praised for patiently taking as many pictures as needed on one outing, so you may get more than a quick pass by the rocks. Still, do not assume every trip includes unlimited personal portraits. The available photo package can vary, so ask what is included before you leave the marina.

El Arco is primarily a scenic stop, not the place to expect the largest wildlife encounter. Think of it as a visual anchor for the trip. The open-water search can feel less predictable, while the Arch gives you a reliable sense of place and a chance to take home a classic Cabo image.

Pelican Rock and the snorkeling portion

Pelican Rock is the most obvious transition from sightseeing to getting into the water. The snorkeling equipment is included, and the area can offer fish and other marine life in a setting closer to shore than the open-ocean search.

Your time in the water may vary sharply. One outing had only about three minutes of snorkeling while the group searched for rays. That short stop was a disappointment for someone expecting a longer swim, even though the whale sightings were excellent. If getting in the water is the main reason you are booking, ask how the crew handles the snorkeling portion when wildlife is not present.

You should also ask about wetsuit costs. A past participant paid $15 for one, and that charge was not clear in the original booking details. The included snorkeling gear does not necessarily mean a wetsuit is included. This is a small extra cost compared with the total price, but it is exactly the kind of surprise worth avoiding.

The water experience suits people with a moderate level of fitness. You need to be comfortable taking part in a boat outing and snorkeling activity. The tour is not presented as a technical water sport, but it is still wise to be honest about your swimming comfort and physical limits.

Searching the Sea of Cortez for whales and more

The Sea of Cortez is where the trip has its greatest room for surprise. This portion is less about visiting one fixed point and more about scanning the water for signs of animals.

Humpback and grey whales are possible highlights. You may see a back rising, a blow in the distance, or, with luck, a full breach. Two breaches were seen on one outing, along with many whales. That kind of sighting can make the whole morning worthwhile, but no captain can schedule a breach for you.

Dolphins and sea lions add a different kind of energy. Dolphins may move quickly beside the boat, while sea lions can appear near rocky areas or around feeding activity. Cownose rays are another possible sight, sometimes gathering in large groups beneath the surface. Sharks and marlin are also listed as possibilities, though they are not regular guarantees.

The guides make a real difference here. Alex has been praised for patience, positivity, and sustained effort in searching for animals. Nick and Rafa have also led outings in which they explained local marine life and helped the group make the most of time in the water. The crew names can change, but the value of a strong guide remains the same: the guide helps you understand what you are seeing instead of simply pointing toward a fin.

Still, keep your expectations in the right place. A day with whales but no rays or dolphins is not a failed trip. A day with several species is fortunate. You are paying for access, equipment, time, and a serious search effort, not a guaranteed encounter.

Photos and video add real value

Photos and video are included, which helps justify part of the $215 price. Marine encounters happen quickly, and it is difficult to watch a whale, hold a camera, and stay aware of instructions at the same time. Having the crew capture some of the action lets you keep your attention on the water.

The operation has produced drone and underwater footage, including images of animals and, when conditions allow, people in the frame with them. That is a useful extra for anyone who wants more than a few phone pictures at the Arch.

There is one point to clarify before booking. One outing included 10 free photos, with additional images requiring payment. The overall tour information says photos and videos are included, but the exact number and format are not fully clear. Ask whether you receive a set number of edited photos, all available images, video clips, or a mixture.

This matters because photography is one of the tour’s more appealing features. If you value the footage highly, learn the extra charges before you step aboard.

Is $215 a fair price?

At $215 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Cabo. The value depends on what you want.

You receive about four hours on the water, a maximum group of 10, a guide, snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, and photos or video. The trip also combines several experiences that are often sold separately: marine wildlife watching, snorkeling, the Arch, and photography.

I think the price makes more sense for you if small groups and wildlife care are important. A crowded boat may cost less, but it can give you less room and less personal attention. Here, the crew can adapt the search and speak with you directly.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a long, relaxed snorkeling session. The amount of time in the water may be short when conditions or animal activity do not cooperate. It is also harder to justify if you need a guaranteed species sighting. Nature does not offer that kind of certainty.

Budget another $15 for a wetsuit if needed, and confirm the photo policy. Those questions will give you a more honest idea of the final cost.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this for someone who wants an active, small-group wildlife trip and can accept uncertainty. It fits people who would rather search for animals than follow a rigid sightseeing route.

It is especially suitable for:

• First-time visitors who want Cabo scenery and marine life in one morning
• People who enjoy whales but also hope to see dolphins, rays, sea lions, or reef fish
• Snorkelers with moderate physical fitness
• Photographers who want underwater or drone footage
• Visitors who care about respectful treatment of marine animals
• Anyone who prefers a group of 10 or fewer

I would think twice if you need a guaranteed long swim, have a tight schedule, or dislike changing plans. The tour requires good weather, and it may be canceled if conditions are poor or if the minimum number of people is not met.

Service animals are allowed. The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Because the trip depends on sea conditions and wildlife, I would avoid placing an important appointment immediately after the scheduled return. The stated duration is approximately four hours, but flexibility is sensible.

Should you book the Open Ocean Safari?

Book it if your ideal Cabo morning includes whales, dolphins, sea lions, rays, a famous rock formation, and the chance to snorkel, all with a small crew. The strongest reasons to go are the low group limit, the serious effort to find animals, the care shown toward marine life, and the included photography.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed list of species or a long snorkeling session. The ocean may give you an extraordinary mix of animals, or it may give you whales and little else. Confirm the wetsuit fee, ask exactly how many photos or videos are included, and keep your schedule flexible.

For the right person, that uncertainty is part of the appeal. You are not visiting an aquarium with a timetable. You are heading into a living ocean and hoping it decides to put on a show.

FAQ

Where does the Open Ocean Safari start?

It starts at Dock C, Marina del Rey, Boulevard Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour finish?

It ends back at the original meeting point at Dock C.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include mobula or cownose rays, sea lions, dolphins, sharks, humpback whales, grey whales, marlin, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, a guide, and photos or videos of the experience.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.