It’s worth the early morning alarm for me to be at the airport in plenty of time for a 6 a.m. flight to Cabo San Lucas for my winter getaway. Here’s why: It’s about a four-hour nonstop flight from the convenient Terminal 2 at MSP, and you can be to your hotel in time for lunch and an afternoon in the sun. To me, Cabo has everything: guaranteed sun, ocean, mountains, desert cactuses, and tropical palm trees.
The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean around Cabo San Lucas host some of the world’s best and most reliable whale watching. From December to April, humpback and gray whales migrate from Alaska to breed in the winter months and you can watch mamas and their baby calves come up for air from shore by looking for their famous spouting.
Hotels in the tourist corridor are close to the marina. Among several operators, we chose Cabo-Adventures which picked us up and returned us to our hotel. We chose to tour via a catamaran which included lunch and shade available on this kind of boat. (Another option is to a choose a tour on a “rigid inflatable boat,” which can move faster to get closer to the whales when spotted.)
The whale watching and snorkeling trips also include a stop for a photo opportunity of the arch and rocks at the point of Cabo. You can also enjoy great views of the rocky coastline during the trip.
We saw gray whales, and a humpback and her baby put on a show with flapping fins and tail splashes. These animals are magnificent; every time one was spotted, our fellow tourists could not contain their excitement. I will tell you it is hard to get a photo or video without missing out on watching the whales!
I also took a second trip for snorkeling with Cabo Adventures, which traveled the opposite direction along the tourist corridor to the east of the marina for two bays where you can snorkel and go into the water. Much of Cabo is off-limits for ocean swimming because of a strong and dangerous current.
The average temperature in late February was in the high 70s, but the sun was very strong and hot. The Pacific Ocean, however, was chilly.
The other bonus of Cabo’s location? The Pacific side of the peninsula boasts spectacular sunsets and delectable seafood. After being out on the water, you’re going to be hungry – we certainly were!
The Baja Peninsula is the home of the Baja fish taco, fried white fish topped with cabbage and served with salsa and guacamole. No grocery store tortillas here, and they are delicious. Avocado came with virtually every meal! I recommend finding a restaurant with a view of the pacific for dinner, a breathtaking sunset, and more whale watching while you eat.
My first trip to Cabo was so great in 2024, I’m going back in 2025! I hope you will give Cabo a try this winter for your getaway!
Ready to experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with the giants of the sea? Book your Cabo trip today. Get To Going.