Whale Watching Guide & Marine Naturalist

Responsibilities

• Lead whale watching excursions in Banderas Bay and the Sea of Cortez during the December–March humpback season: approach whales using IWC (International Whaling Commission) and PROFEPA-compliant marine mammal approach protocols — minimum distance, no approach from directly ahead of the whale, engine off during close encounters
• Provide marine naturalist content throughout each excursion: humpback whale biology, migratory behavior, breeding ground function of the Sea of Cortez, and the conservation status of the population — the guide who gives guests this context transforms a boat ride into an education
• Identify and communicate other Sea of Cortez marine wildlife during excursions: blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, mobula rays, bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions — the guide's ability to identify and name each encounter enriches the experience at every moment
• Monitor responsible whale approach compliance during close encounters: when whales approach the vessel voluntarily (approaching is different from being approached — the guide explains this distinction), the guide manages the guest response and manages photography to not disturb the animal
• Conduct sunset and sea kayaking tours during shoulder and off-season: the whale watching operation operates marine wildlife and scenic excursions year-round, not only in whale season
• Maintain naturalist knowledge currency: read current research on Sea of Cortez marine populations and ecology to keep guide commentary current

Requirements

• Marine wildlife guide experience with humpback whale encounter protocol training
• SEMAR recreational vessel crew certification or deckhand experience
• Marine biology or naturalist background preferred; ability to self-study for certification
• English and Spanish bilingual; ideally German for Los Cabos European market
• Deep personal passion for marine conservation — essential for authentic naturalist delivery

Benefits

• IMSS, aguinaldo, paid vacation + premium
• Housing allowance MXN 2,000/month
• Fixed monthly + marine excursion tip income + seasonal peak (whale season) bonus
• Connection to the Cabo Pulmo and Sea of Cortez marine conservation community
• Career development in responsible marine wildlife tourism

Work environment

Whale watching and marine naturalist guide based in Los Cabos. Seasonal humpback whale encounter focus in the December–March peak, with year-round Sea of Cortez marine excursion operations.

About the role

The guide who watches a humpback mother and calf surface 20 meters from the boat — who turns to 16 guests and says "that calf was born here in this bay two weeks ago, and in four months the mother will lead it 6,000 kilometers north to Alaska" — and who watches those 16 faces simultaneously absorb the information and process the animal in front of them — is doing what the best naturalist guides do. Not just pointing at the whale. Connecting the whale to a story that makes sense of what they're seeing.