Snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas

If you’re considering a snorkeling adventure in Cabo San Lucas, this tour caught our eye. It’s a popular choice, earning a solid 4.5-star rating from nearly 80 reviews, and it offers a balanced mix of scenic sights, underwater discovery, and relaxing moments. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a flexible option that aims to give travelers a taste of Cabo’s best natural beauty without overloading on complexity.

What really stands out are the spectacular views of El Arco, and the promise of top snorkeling spots at Chileno Bay—an area praised by experts for its underwater life. Plus, the inclusion of a delicious all-you-can-eat lunch and drinks makes it a good value for a 3-hour trip. The chance to try kayaking or paddleboarding adds a fun, active element—although availability can vary.

That said, there are some points to keep in mind. Weather can impact the snorkeling experience — as one review pointed out — which might be frustrating if your main goal is underwater exploration. Also, the basic nature of the food was mentioned by some as a slight downside, and a few travelers felt the snorkeling time was cut short when sea conditions didn’t cooperate.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic experience with the chance to see iconic Cabo sights and enjoy some good food and drinks. It’s good for those who don’t mind a group setting and appreciate the balance of adventure and comfort. If your focus is on serious snorkeling or exploring underwater in depth, you might want to look elsewhere. But for a balanced, friendly outing with plenty of chances to relax and take in the scenery, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery of the Arch and Chileno Bay makes the trip memorable.
• Good value with an all-you-can-eat buffet and drinks included.
• Flexible options like kayaking and paddleboarding enhance the experience.
• Weather can impact snorkeling, so be prepared for potential changes.
• Group size is moderate, with a maximum of 120 travelers, helping avoid overcrowding.
• Reviews highlight friendly staff and comfortable boat conditions.
• Some mention shorter snorkeling time when sea conditions aren’t ideal.
• Basic food might not impress, but the drinks and views often compensate.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas offers a nicely rounded way to enjoy some of the area’s most beautiful coastal scenery and marine life. Starting at the meeting point on Caborey Blvd., the trip begins with a scenic cruise past El Arco, the signature rock formation that’s practically the poster child of Cabo. From the deck, you get a sense of how iconic this spot is—standing tall and dramatic against the horizon.

Once you arrive at Chileno Bay, the real fun begins. This area is recognized for its excellent snorkeling—thanks to the natural rocky reefs and diverse fish populations. While some reviews mentioned seeing fewer fish or coral than expected, others praised the stunning views and the opportunity to see underwater life. One traveler noted, “It’s not a coral reef, but the rocky reefs and diversity of fish still make it interesting.”

The provided snorkeling gear makes it easy to get in the water, and the boat’s crew are generally helpful and accommodating. However, it’s worth noting that sea conditions can influence the length of snorkeling time. A guest shared, “We were supposed to have 45 minutes but only got 15–20 because of the weather,” which is common in open water trips. It’s important to stay flexible and enjoy the ride, even if the underwater exploration is shorter than hoped.

The lunch buffet is a highlight for many, offering all-you-can-eat options that keep you fueled for the day’s activities. Reviewers called it “basic” but appreciated the variety and the opportunity to relax with some drinks. Alcoholic beverages are included, so you can toast to the day while enjoying the views. Some guests found the deck area lacking shade, especially on the upper decks, so packing a hat or sunscreen is wise.

For those wanting a bit more activity, the availability of kayaks and paddleboards can be a real treat—when they’re available. One traveler mentioned, “We loved paddling around, it added a fun element to the trip.” Keep in mind, availability isn’t guaranteed, so if paddling is a priority, check beforehand or arrive early.

The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, with enough space for larger groups without feeling crowded. The maximum capacity is 120 travelers, but reviews suggest it never feels overwhelming, maintaining a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The crew receives praise for their helpfulness and positive attitude.

Snorkeling at Chileno Bay: What to Expect

Chileno Bay is often considered Cabo’s best snorkeling spot. The bay’s natural rocky reefs and clear waters attract a variety of fish, though some reviews noted that the actual underwater scenery doesn’t always live up to the hype, especially if you’re expecting abundant coral or large schools of fish. Still, many find the scenery and marine life rewarding enough for a half-hour or so in the water.

The shorter snorkeling window—sometimes around 15 to 20 minutes—can be disappointing if you love immersing yourself fully. But this is largely due to weather and sea conditions, which are outside the tour operator’s control. It’s a good idea to go into the experience with realistic expectations: this is a scenic cruise with underwater activity, not a dedicated diving or snorkeling expedition.

The Scenic Cruise & Photo Opportunities

One of the best parts of this tour is the glide past the iconic El Arco. The views are spectacular, especially when the boat is cruising slowly and you can snap photos of this natural wonder. It’s an excellent chance to capture Cabo’s signature scenery, and most guests love the relaxed vibe of the boat as they enjoy a drink or snack.

Food, Drinks, and Relaxation

The lunch buffet is described as “decent” with all-you-can-eat options, which is a plus when you’re spending a few hours on the water. The drinks, including alcoholic beverages, help you unwind and soak in the atmosphere. Some reviews said the food was basic, but considering the setting and the price, most felt it was a fair inclusion.

The deck space is suitable for lounging and enjoying the views, though a few mentioned that there isn’t enough shade on the upper decks. If you’re prone to sunburn or just like to stay cool, it’s worth bringing a hat, sunscreen, or even a lightweight cover-up.

Considering the Price & Overall Value

At $95 per person, this tour offers a decent value—especially considering the landscape views, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling. The price is comparable to other tours in Cabo with similar features. If you’re lucky with weather, the experience can feel quite special; if not, it’s still a relaxing cruise with some fun in the water.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas is a friendly, well-organized way to see the iconic sights and enjoy some marine activity. It’s not a hardcore adventure, but it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a beautiful, laid-back outing with good food and drinks. The scenic cruise past El Arco alone makes it worthwhile, and the chance to dip into Chileno Bay adds a fun, if sometimes brief, underwater element.

If you’re traveling with a group, especially if you appreciate a calm, social setting with plenty of space, this tour could be just right. Just keep in mind that weather can affect the snorkeling time, and the food is simple. But from the friendly staff to the stunning views, most travelers find it worth the price—and a nice way to spend a few hours in Cabo.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, but if children are comfortable in water and enjoy boat rides, they should be fine. Keep in mind the boat’s layout and the need for some walking and standing.

How long is the snorkeling time?
While the itinerary suggests about 45 minutes, some reviews mention only getting 15-20 minutes of actual snorkeling due to weather conditions. It’s best to be prepared for variable underwater time.

What is included in the tour?
You get snorkeling equipment, an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, alcoholic beverages, and access to kayaks and paddleboards when available.

Are towels provided?
No, towels are not included, so bring your own if needed.

How early should I book?
The tour is booked, on average, 94 days in advance, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

What is the meeting point?
Start and end are at Caborey Blvd., Paseo de la Marina, in Cabo San Lucas. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is there a dock tax?
Yes, there’s a small fee of $2 (or 40 pesos) per person payable aboard the boat.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and possibly a waterproof camera or phone case for photos.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time with a full refund.

Do I need to worry about the weather?
Yes, the tour relies on good weather, and if conditions aren’t suitable, it might be canceled or rescheduled. Refunds or alternative dates will be offered.

In summary, if you’re after a scenic cruise with a splash of underwater fun, this Cabo San Lucas snorkeling tour offers a friendly, enjoyable outing. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed day, some great views, and a chance to dip your toes in the water, all while enjoying good food and drinks on board. Just keep expectations in check regarding the underwater time, and you’ll likely come away happy with a memorable snapshot of Cabo’s stunning coastline.