Los Cabos Snorkeling Tour to Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Cove

If you’re considering a snorkeling adventure in Los Cabos, this tour to Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Cove might just be what you’re looking for. We’ve seen reviews and details that suggest it’s a solid option for travelers eager to enjoy calm waters, colorful marine life, and knowledgeable guides—without the fuss of boat rides.

Two things we particularly like about this experience? First, the shore-entry setup means you skip the sometimes rough boat rides, making it gentler and more accessible, especially for those who might be uneasy on water. Second, the expert guides consistently get glowing reviews for their friendliness, patience, and local knowledge—crucial for making the most of your time underwater.

One potential consideration is the water temperature, which guests have noted can be cool, especially in the mornings. Plus, since the tour is beach-based, it’s best suited for those comfortable swimming in open water or with basic snorkeling skills.

This tour seems perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who prefers calm waters and a more relaxed, land-based snorkeling experience. If you’re looking for a day of easy, beautiful, and well-guided snorkeling in Los Cabos, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Shore-entry snorkeling means no boat involved, making the experience more relaxed and accessible.
• Highly praised guides enhance the trip with their knowledge, patience, and friendliness.
• The marine environment at Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Cove is vibrant, with fish, corals, turtles, and sometimes rays.
• Convenient hotel pickup simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas.
• The tour is approximately 3 hours, including transportation, which offers plenty of time in the water.
• The cost is $95 per person, offering good value considering gear, guide service, and multiple snorkeling stops.

The Full Experience Breakdown

What’s Included and What’s Not

When you book this tour, you’re paying for a lot of convenience. The cost of $95 per person includes professional guides, snorkel gear, wetsuits (you’ll need to specify your size ahead of time), shaded camp to relax in, bottled water, and granola bars. Plus, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are part of the package, so you won’t have to worry about logistics.

However, alcoholic beverages and personal expenses aren’t included, so plan for your own drinks if you want a cold one afterward. Also, there are no lockers on site, so leave valuables in your transport.

How the Day Unfolds

The tour is split into two main stops, both designed to showcase the best of Los Cabos’ underwater world without the crowds or boat rides.

Stop 1: Santa Maria Beach — A calm, protected bay famous for its crystal-clear waters and colorful fish. This is an ideal spot for those new to snorkeling or who prefer gentle, shallow waters. Guests have raved about the ease of access and the vibrant marine life visible right from the beach. One reviewer mentioned, “Plenty of fish and clear water,” which sums up the experience well.

Stop 2: Chileno Bay — Slightly more scenic and diverse, with coral formations, sea fans, and a chance to see turtles, rays, and other curious sea creatures. Guests often tell us this site feels more like an underwater playground due to its varied marine life. One review highlights that the reef snorkeling here is “great,” and guides often assist in guiding and pointing out different species.

Road to the beaches — The drive between spots offers a chance to enjoy views of Cabo’s hotel zone and ocean, making the trip visually appealing even outside the water. The entire activity with transportation lasts about 3 hours, including pickup.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The land-based snorkeling setup is a real plus for many travelers. It means you won’t have to deal with boat rides, which can be choppy or intimidating for some. Instead, you walk directly into the water from the beach, with guides there to assist and ensure safety.

Guests consistently mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides, with Emilio, Marco, Hugo, and Luis frequently praised for their patience, local insights, and willingness to help even the non-swimmers or those needing gear adjustments. One review even states, “Emilio was a great guide, very patient and showed us really cool things.”

The marine environment at both spots is highly praised, with visitors seeing a variety of fish, coral, and sometimes larger creatures like turtles or white tip sharks. Visibility can vary, but most reviews note that the experience is rewarding even if conditions aren’t perfect.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is well-suited for beginners or those looking for a relaxed snorkeling experience. If you’re traveling with family, especially with children above 6 years old, this shore-based tour offers safety and simplicity. It’s also a good choice for solo travelers or couples who prefer a more laid-back experience without the hassle of boat rides or rough waters.

Plus, the tour’s flexible schedule with options for morning or afternoon departures caters well to different itineraries. If you want to avoid the windier, wave-prone late afternoons, mornings are recommended, which most reviews endorse.

The Value Factor

At $95 per person, the tour covers quite a bit: gear, wetsuits, guides, transport, and a couple of scenic snorkeling stops. When you compare this to boat-based trips that may cost more and involve less time in the water, it seems like a solid deal. For those who want quality gear, expert guidance, and the safety of land-based snorkeling, it’s good value.

Many guests mention the guides’ professionalism and friendliness, which significantly enhances the experience. These personal touches often turn a good snorkel into a memorable adventure.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Water temperature: Some reviews point out the water can be cold, especially in the mornings, so a wetsuit is helpful—and provided with your booking if you specify your size.
• Booking early: Since this is a land-based tour with a maximum of 15 travelers, securing your spot early is wise, especially in peak seasons.
• Weather dependency: Like most outdoor water activities, this tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor—high swell, wind, jellyfish, or storms—the tour might be rescheduled or canceled, with full refunds offered.
• Non-swimmers: Non-swimmers can still enjoy the experience, thanks to the guided support and shallow waters of Santa Maria Cove. Kids over 6 are welcome, making it family-friendly.
• What to bring: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure. Chairs are not provided, but you can leave personal belongings safely in your transport.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 6 years old are welcome, and the calm waters make it suitable for families. Guides are attentive to safety and comfort.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. Wetsuits are provided if you specify your size, which helps in cooler mornings.

Are there options for those who don’t swim well?
Absolutely. The shallow waters at Santa Maria Cove are beginner-friendly. Guides are helpful and patient, making it accessible even for less experienced swimmers.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience, including transport, lasts about 3 hours. Expect around 2 hours in the water across both stops.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions are unsuitable, the tour will be rescheduled or refunded.

Is this a boat tour?
No, this is a shore-entry snorkeling tour. You walk directly into the water from the beach, with no boat involved.

What if I want more time in the water?
This tour offers a generous amount of time for snorkeling, but if you want to extend your experience, you might consider other options or ask guides if additional time can be arranged.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a relaxed, well-guided, and scenic snorkeling experience in Los Cabos, this tour ticks most boxes. The land-based approach eliminates the hassle and potential discomfort of boat rides while still offering the chance to see vibrant marine life in calm, clear waters.

The guides’ consistent praise for their local knowledge, friendliness, and patience means you’ll feel well-supported in the water, whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or trying it for the first time. Plus, the convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, letting you focus on enjoying your day.

This experience best suits travelers who appreciate easy access, expert guidance, and beautiful underwater scenery without the need for boat rides or strenuous activity. It’s a perfect fit for families, couples, or solo adventurers wanting a memorable, hassle-free snorkeling outing in Cabo.

Happy snorkeling!