Cabo San Lucas and Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling Sightseeing Cruise

Planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas and wondering if this snorkeling cruise is worth it? We’ve looked into this highly-rated tour, and it’s clear why it’s a favorite among visitors. For just under $80, you get a half-day boat trip with plenty of opportunities to see iconic sights, snorkel in calm waters, and enjoy good food and drinks.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are the stunning scenery — from the famous Arch to the coastline — and the well-reviewed guides and crew who keep the atmosphere lively and attentive. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and a tasty lunch adds real value.

That said, a small consideration is that the tour is shared, meaning you might be sharing space with others and the snorkeling spot is offshore due to local regulations, not right on the beach. If you’re seeking a quiet, secluded beach day, this might not be your best fit.

This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic, and lively experience — ideal if you want to see the highlights, enjoy some water activities, and have fun with a friendly crew.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal sights: See the iconic Arch and coastline from the water.
• Great value: Includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and paddle boards for a reasonable price.
• Lively crew: Known for friendly, attentive staff who keep the mood fun.
• Good for all ages: Snorkeling is suitable for children ages 5 and up.
• Shared experience: Not private, so expect other travelers on board.
• Weather dependent: Visibility and conditions can vary, especially with ocean currents and weather.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: The Marina in Cabo San Lucas

The tour kicks off at the Main Dock Marina, right beside the Flea Market in Cabo San Lucas. This spot is convenient, near public transport, and easy to find with Google Maps. You’ll check-in about 20 minutes prior to departure at 1:00 pm, giving you some time to settle in and get ready for the adventure ahead.

Reviewers mention that check-in times are clear, but one reviewer noted missing the boat because they arrived late—so plan to arrive early to avoid missing out. The boat is a Cabo Blue Trimaran and the group size maxes out at around 40 travelers, which keeps things lively but not crowded.

The Iconic El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

No trip to Cabo is complete without seeing the famous Arch, and this tour delivers just that. The crew will help you snap photos at Lands End, where the rock formation plunges into the Sea of Cortez.

The stop here lasts roughly 10 minutes, giving everyone time for photos and to marvel at this natural marvel. Several reviews note that while the views are stunning, the boat doesn’t pull right up to the beach—it’s anchored offshore, and you’ll snorkel from the boat. It’s a practical setup because local regulations prevent boats from mooring right on the beach, but it’s a small trade-off for the incredible scenery.

Santa Maria Bay: The Snorkeler’s Dream

This is the highlight for most guests. After the scenic cruise, you’ll anchor in Santa Maria Bay, a protected cove known for its clear, calm waters and abundant marine life. You’ll jump into the water with snorkeling gear included, and almost everyone raves about the experience.

According to reviews, the snorkeling here surpasses expectations for many. One guest shared, “the snorkeling was such a beautiful experience,” and another mentioned seeing “tons of fish and some sea turtles.” The area offers a designated snorkeling zone, which keeps it safe and accessible for beginners and kids (ages 5+).

The tour also includes paddle boards and a floating water mat, perfect for those wanting to relax on the surface or explore at a slower pace. Keep in mind, ocean conditions can affect visibility and paddleboard usability—some reviews noted that the water was a bit rough or visibility was moderate due to weather.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

A big part of what makes this cruise enjoyable is the lively and friendly crew. Multiple reviews mention how attentive and entertaining they are, always checking in, offering drinks, and snapping photos.

Included in the tour is a delicious lunch: fresh baguettes with turkey, cheese, vegetables, plus appetizers like guacamole, salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit. Reviewers note that the food is surprisingly good for a boat lunch, with one describing it as “delicious.”

The open bar is a real plus, with unlimited soft drinks and alcohol, including tequila—an obvious crowd favorite. Expect a fun, relaxed atmosphere, especially with good music and a crew that clearly enjoys their work.

Additional Amenities

• Snorkeling gear: Masks, fins, tubes, and lifejackets are provided, making it easy to jump straight in.
• Bluetooth sound system: Adds to the festive vibe.
• Rinse-off hose and wash station: Helpful for cleaning off after snorkeling.
• Water safety: Life jackets are available, and the crew is attentive to everyone’s safety.

The Experience and Its Value

Duration and Group Size

This is a half-day tour lasting about 3.5 hours, which is perfect if you’re looking for a substantial but not overly long adventure. The group size is capped at 40, offering a good balance between social energy and comfort.

Price and What You Get

At $79.80 per person, the tour offers quite good value considering the inclusive food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and paddle boards. It’s a relaxed way to tick off Cabo’s must-see sights without breaking the bank.

The Real Deal with Reviews

Most guests leave glowing reviews, highlighting the friendly staff, stunning scenery, and good food. Many mention how the crew goes above and beyond—taking photos, keeping drinks flowing, and making sure everyone is having a good time.

Some reviews pointed out that snorkeling conditions can vary—visibility might be moderate, and ocean currents sometimes roughen the water. However, the calm waters in Santa Maria Bay generally mitigate these issues, making it suitable even for less experienced snorkelers or families with kids.

A few guests noted that the boat doesn’t get close enough to the beach for a typical beach day, but this is a common restriction due to local regulations. Still, the offshore anchoring doesn’t take away from the overall experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is perfect if you want to combine scenic sightseeing with water activities in a lively, friendly setting. It suits travelers who appreciate good value for money and enjoy a social atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to relax and take photos.

It’s also a great choice for families or groups with children over 5, thanks to the safe snorkeling zone and inclusive gear. However, if you’re seeking a private experience or desire more time on a specific beach, you might want to consider other options.

Finally, if you’re after great scenery and an easygoing cruise experience with decent food and drinks, this tour hits the mark. Just remember that ocean conditions can influence the snorkeling experience, so a nice day makes a difference.

FAQ

Is this a shared or private tour?
This is a shared tour, with up to 40 travelers on board. It’s lively and social but not exclusive.

What’s included in the price?
You get snorkeling gear, paddle boards, a floating water mat, lunch, open bar (including alcohol and soft drinks), and the boat ride itself.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for gratuities, a hat, sunscreen, and your camera. The tour provides all snorkeling and safety equipment.

How long is the snorkeling stop?
You’ll have about 45 minutes snorkeling in Santa Maria Bay, which is enough time to see plenty of fish and marine life.

Are kids allowed?
Yes, the tour is suitable for travelers aged 5 years and up. Kids usually love the water activities and the crew’s friendly vibe.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to go ahead. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I find the meeting point?
The start point is at Cabo Blue Boat, Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey. Arrive 20 minutes early for check-in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and well-organized chance to see the famous Cabo coastline and enjoy some underwater fun, this snorkeling cruise is a solid pick. The friendly crew, good food, and lively atmosphere make it a memorable experience, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family looking for a relaxed day on the water.

While it’s not a secluded, private adventure, the combination of breathtaking views, a good variety of activities, and all-inclusive drinks and snacks make this tour a dependable choice for most travelers wanting a balanced half-day outing.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to tick off some must-see sights with a splash of fun, this cruise will likely leave you with plenty of stories and photos to remember your Cabo trip.