Boat ride to the Arch and Snorkel

If you’re looking for a way to see Cabo San Lucas from the water while enjoying some excellent snorkeling and a laid-back vibe, this small-group boat tour might just fit the bill. We’ve looked into it closely, and many travelers rave about how personal and fun this experience is. It’s a great choice if you want a mix of scenic views, marine life, and some quality time on the water—without the chaos of large tour groups.

What really draws people in are the stunning views of the iconic Arch and the chance to snorkel at Pelican Rock, where the marine life is lively and plentiful. The intimacy of the small group means you’ll get more personalized attention from guides who are both knowledgeable and friendly. But, it’s worth noting that the tour lasts about 2.5 hours, so if you’re after a full-day adventure or extensive snorkeling, this might feel a bit brief.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value a relaxed pace, great scenery, and expert guides. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned snorkeler, the combination of underwater sights, scenic landmarks, and casual comfort makes it appealing. If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more intimate experience, the small-group setup is definitely a plus.

Key Points

• Small-group experience offers more personalized attention and fewer crowds
• Snorkeling at Pelican Rock provides vivid marine life viewing
• Stunning land-based sights like the Arch, Pelican Rock, and Lovers Beach
• Comfortable amenities including snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks
• Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic, and educational outing
• Price point offers good value considering the guided service, snorkeling gear, and included snacks

The Itinerary and What to Expect from the Tour

This tour begins at the Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort and Spa, a convenient spot near the marina. Starting around 11:30 am, you’ll meet your crew, who are known for being warm, welcoming, and attentive. The group is capped at 10 people, which means fewer crowds and more space to relax and ask questions.

Exploring Landmarks Before Heading Out

The first part of the experience is a mini tour of Cabo’s coastline from the boat. Your guides will point out the Land’s End rock formations, including Pelican Rock, Lover’s Beach, Neptune’s Finger, and the “window to the Pacific,” along with the Sea Lion colony. If you’re a photo enthusiast, this is a golden opportunity to snap some impressive shots of the iconic arch and surrounding scenery.

From there, you’ll cruise for about 30 minutes across the Sea of Cortez, soaking up the sunshine, listening to music, and enjoying the gentle ride. This part of the trip is all about unwinding and taking in the scenery—think calm waters and stunning vistas.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock

When you reach the snorkeling spot, it’s a well-loved reef where you’ll see over 20 species of fish. The guides are adept at explaining what you’re seeing, and many reviews mention how attentive they are—some even snorkel alongside to show you the best spots. This is a highlight for many, especially because of the variety of marine life and the clarity of the water.

Post-snorkel, you’ll return to the boat for some well-earned snacks and cold drinks—think fresh fruit, chips, and guacamole, along with sodas, bottled water, and even beer. The reviews frequently mention how delicious the guacamole and friendly service are, making this part of the trip a real treat.

Additional Highlights and Considerations

Other notable sights include Pelican Rock and Lovers Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax on the boat. The guide will share stories and information about the wildlife and the area’s geography, making the trip educational as well as scenic.

A few reviews mention that getting back on the boat after snorkeling can be tricky for some, as the ladder is a modified pool ladder—so if you or someone in your group has mobility concerns, it’s worth considering.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For an affordable price of about $77 per person, this tour includes snorkeling gear, snacks, bottled water, soda, and even beer. This package makes it a pretty good deal, especially considering the small-group intimacy and guided expertise.

However, you’ll need to pay a small dock fee of $2 per person, and private transportation isn’t included. If you’re staying at a different location, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

The Experience and the Vibe

From multiple reviews, it’s clear that the guides are a major part of what makes this tour special. They’re knowledgeable, friendly, and great at explaining the area’s natural features. Many travelers appreciate guides who are passionate about marine life and Cabo’s geography—some even snorkel with the group to help spot marine creatures or explain their significance.

The boat itself is described as cozy, with a capacity of only 10 people, which keeps things intimate and relaxed. This isn’t a party boat; instead, it’s more about enjoying the scenery, learning about the area, and experiencing the water comfortably.

The guacamole and cold drinks served on the boat are a bonus, often highlighted as some of the best post-snorkel snacks in many reviews. The small size of the group also means you get plenty of time for photos and questions without feeling rushed.

The Price and Overall Value

At roughly $77, this tour offers a good balance of affordability and quality. Snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and the expertise of guides are included, making it a sensible choice for those wanting a well-rounded experience without splurging on more commercialized, large-group tours.

While it’s not a full-day trip, the 2.5-hour duration works well for travelers with tight schedules or those looking for a relaxed, scenic outing. It’s particularly suitable for those who want a taste of Cabo’s marine world combined with close-up views of its landmark coastlines.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate small-group, personalized tours and want to avoid the crowds. It’s ideal for first-timers, families with children (most travelers can participate, though some may find the ladder a challenge), or anyone wanting a relaxed, educational, and scenic outing.

If you’re seeking a quick but rich experience with knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, this tour hits the mark. It’s also a fantastic choice for those who appreciate good snacks, cold drinks, and friendly service after a morning or early afternoon on the water.

Final Thoughts

This boat ride to the Arch and snorkeling at Pelican Rock offers a well-balanced combination of natural beauty, marine life, and informative guidance. It’s clear from reviews that the guides genuinely care about making your experience memorable, often going above and beyond for your. The small group size means fewer crowds and more personal attention, which elevates the experience beyond typical large-group tours.

While it’s not an all-day adventure and involves some physical activity like climbing a ladder to re-board, these are minor considerations compared to the overall value and enjoyment. For a relaxed, scenic, and engaging way to explore Cabo’s landmarks and underwater world, this tour is definitely worth considering.

It’s particularly perfect if you love taking photos, learning about marine ecology, or just want to unwind on a boat with friends or family in a friendly environment. For those who want a straightforward, fun, and enlightening experience, this tour delivers without the fluff.

FAQ

Is snorkeling gear included in the tour?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort and Spa, located at P.º de La Marina 4750, near the marina.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including boat time and snorkeling.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, the tour offers snacks, bottled water, soda, and beer—many travelers mention the delicious guacamole as a highlight.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but note that re-boarding the boat involves climbing a modified pool ladder, which might be challenging for some.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours, and no refund will be issued.

If you’re after a relaxed, personable adventure that combines Cabo’s iconic sights with lively marine encounters, this small-group boat and snorkel tour offers a lot of value and positive reviews. It’s a dependable, enjoyable way to explore Land’s End that many travelers keep coming back to.