Is there a Killer Whale population in Cabo San Lucas? It is a question that has intrigued many tourists and locals alike for years.
Theories about Killer Whales in Cabo San Lucas
There are many theories about Killer Whales in Cabo San Lucas. One theory suggests that whales from Bremer Canyon, Western Australia, migrate past Cabo San Lucas on their yearly migration to Baja Sur. This theory is supported by the annual migration of Humpback whales in April/May every year. Another theory is that whales are being kept as pets by locals in the nearby marinas. Although a plausible explanation, this theory has been largely discounted because there are no records of it ever occurring in the Los Cabos area.
Cameras Installation in Cabo San Lucas water
In 2010, the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) installed two cameras in Cabo San Lucas waters to monitor whale activity in the area. The cameras were monitored by members of the Oceanic Society and Center for Biological Diversity, who worked closely with NMFS to monitor the area and identify whales and their behaviors using pictures and video taken by the cameras.
The findings showed that there were no killer whales present in the monitored areas. However, in 2012, the whale-watching industry in Cabo San Lucas provided their vessel for the recording of a killer whale. Based on this evidence, it is believed that the monitoring of this area may provide valuable information on the habitat requirements of local whales, such as orcas in Cabo.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Dr. Lisa Anderson of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California in San Diego says, “Based on the footage that we’ve collected to date, we have no evidence that killer whales are using the whale-watching industry in Cabo San Lucas. In fact, the video we’ve collected so far shows that killer whales do visit the area, but they’re not feeding off the fishing boats.
Average Water Temperature in Cabo
In the Ocean around Cabo San Lucas, the current average water temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. So on most days, there is little to no current or temperature difference between ocean depths near shore and offshore. Whale sharks, however, prefer waters that are cooler than 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the only opportunity to see whale sharks in Cabo San Lucas is during February and early March when the ocean is at its coolest. As the waters warm up through May, many whale sharks migrate to warmer waters further south off the coast of Panama and Costa Rica, where they breed during the summer months.
When Killer Whales Appear in Cabo San Lucas?
The only time killer whales are seen feeding in Cabo San Lucas is during late spring when there is a large influx of bait fish into the waters around Cabo San Lucas. Killer whales feed on a wide variety of animals, including sea lions, birds, and squid,” said Dr Andrew Readhead of the Oceanic Society. “They will also feed on dead carcasses of animals that wash up on the beach.”
Typically seen Swimming in Cabos.
Whale sharks are typically seen swimming in Cabo San Lucas during the winter from December to April. During these months, the water temperatures remain cool and close to the 72-degree mark that whale sharks prefer. Although whale watching has become popular in recent years, these seasonal migrations have limited the number of available excursions during these months.
Cabo Excursions
Cabo Excursions is an organization that makes tourist trips memorable and enjoyable, and full of fun. By providing services of scuba diving in Cabo, even if you never dive into seawater, their professionals will help you and guide you.
