Private 3-Hour Snorkeling Tour with Arch Tour and Beach Time

If you’re considering a half-day adventure in Cabo San Lucas, this private 3-hour snorkeling tour with an arch tour and beach time offers a relaxed, personalized way to enjoy the stunning coastline. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty promising picture for those looking for an intimate, flexible boat trip with plenty of opportunities to see the famous sights and marine life.

What we really like about this experience is the customizable itinerary—you can pick departure times throughout the day, making it easier to fit into your travel plans. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling gear and water means you’re set for underwater exploration without extra hassle. A potential downside is the limited duration, which might leave some wanting more time at certain stops, especially if you’re keen on long beach stays or extended snorkeling.

This tour seems perfect for travelers who want a private, flexible outing with family, friends, or as a couple. If you enjoy both sightseeing and getting in the water, and prefer a more intimate, curated experience rather than large group tours, this might be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: You can choose your departure time and tailor the stops to your interests.
• Includes snorkeling equipment: No need to bring your own gear; everything’s provided for underwater fun.
• Stunning sights: See the iconic Los Cabos Arch, Sea Lions Colony, and Lovers Beach with excellent views from the boat.
• Family-friendly and accessible: Kids seem to love the boat ride and snorkeling, especially with engaging guides.
• Value for the price: At $100 per person, it offers a good mix of sightseeing and activity, especially being private.
• Weather-dependent: As with any ocean activity, weather can affect the experience, especially beach access.

The Nitty-Gritty of the Tour

The itinerary is designed to maximize your experience of Cabo’s most photogenic spots within a compact 3-hour window. Starting at the meeting point on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, the tour takes you to El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the iconic rock formation that’s practically the symbol of the area. From the boat, you’ll get to see the famous Sea Lions Colony and the Lover’s Beach, along with other stops like Pelican Rock and Pirates Cave.

What’s great about this tour, as highlighted by reviews, is the flexibility. You can choose from departure times at 9 AM, 12 PM, or 3 PM, which can be a real advantage if you want to coordinate with cruise schedules or other activities. The bilingual captain ensures clear communication, and the boat’s glass bottom gives a nice peek into the underwater world, though don’t expect a fully transparent bottom—just a glass window in the middle of the boat to see fish swimming beneath.

What to Expect at Each Stop

• El Arco (The Arch): The star of the tour. From the boat, you’ll get sweeping views of this natural marvel, perfect for photos. It’s also a great spot to see sea lions lounging on rocks nearby.
• Sea Lions Colony: You may spot playful pups and adult sea lions basking in the sun. It’s a crowd favorite, especially for kids.
• Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach: Depending on ocean conditions and tides, your guide might take you close to these beaches for photo ops. If high tide or safety concerns prevent landing, the boat ride still offers fantastic views.
• Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: You’ll get to snorkel in areas known for vibrant fish populations. Reviews mention that you’ll see many fish, with some noting that the snorkeling area can get busy, and the duration might be limited if you want to explore more.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

The snorkeling equipment is included, which is a nice perk. The reviews share that snorkelers see lots of beautiful fish, and the underwater activity is a highlight. One reviewer mentioned seeing a lot of fish around Pelican Rock, and that the area is “not that big,” so don’t expect a long, sprawling reef—more of a quick, lively underwater encounter.

The Experience on the Water

What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch, thanks to its private nature. Only your group will participate, which means the captain (like Veymar, mentioned fondly in reviews) can tailor the tour to your interests. Many reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides, with one describing him as a great conversationalist and humorist. This personal attention can truly elevate the experience, especially if you enjoy engaging guides who can share insights about the area.

The boat itself is well-maintained and complies with safety regulations, with only a part of the bottom made of glass for safety reasons. The ride is generally smooth, but, as with any ocean trip, be prepared for the possibility of choppier waters or slight delays if weather conditions aren’t ideal.

Tour Duration and Group Size

Three hours is a decent length for a quick but comprehensive trip, especially considering the private setting. You won’t be rushed through the stops, but you also won’t have hours to linger, which is perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or want a snapshot of Cabo’s highlights. The small group size allows for a more relaxed, intimate experience—no crowded boats here.

Price and Value

At $100 per person, this tour offers a fair value for the level of personalization and inclusivity. It’s not the cheapest option, but the private aspect and flexible stops make it worth considering, especially if you dislike big tour groups or prefer a more tailored experience.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance: The tour is usually booked about 23 days ahead, so plan early if you’re set on specific times.
• Bring essentials: Waterproof camera, hat, sunscreen, non-slip shoes, and cash for gratuities or souvenirs.
• Dress for getting wet: Expect to get splashed or wet during the boat ride and snorkeling.
• Arrive a little early: The meeting point is at Dock 1, near Cabo Dolphins & Cabo Adventures. Showing up 5 minutes early helps avoid rushing.
• Weather matters: If the ocean is high tide, access to Lover’s Beach may be restricted for safety reasons.
• Consider your group’s comfort: If you or your travel companions aren’t comfortable in open water, the shorter snorkeling span might be ideal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for those who want a personalized, relaxed outing rather than a large tour. It’s perfect if you prioritize seeing iconic sights like the Arch and Sea Lions, and want to snorkel in a lively, fish-filled spot. Families with kids who enjoy water activities will likely find this engaging, especially with the friendly guides and safe equipment.

It’s also a good fit for travelers with flexible schedules who prefer departing at different times throughout the day, making it easier to coordinate with other activities or cruise schedules.

Final Thoughts

This private 3-hour snorkeling and arch tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience the highlights of Cabo San Lucas from the water. Its private, flexible nature means you can customize your trip and avoid the crowds, making it a good choice for a more intimate adventure. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, water, and a knowledgeable guide makes it a good deal, especially for those who appreciate a personal touch.

While the limited duration might leave some wishing for more time at favorite stops, the chance to see the Sea Lions, snorkel at Pelican Rock, and snap photos of El Arco makes every moment count. It’s a straightforward, well-reviewed option that balances sightseeing, activity, and comfort—ideal for travelers wanting a taste of Cabo’s marine beauty without overcommitting.

FAQ

Is this tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will be on the boat, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What are the departure times?
You can choose from 9 AM, 12 PM, or 3 PM, giving flexibility to fit your schedule.

Are snorkeling equipment and water included?
Yes, snorkeling gear and bottled water are provided, so you won’t need to bring your own unless preferred.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including all stops and activities.

Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at Dock 1, near Cabo Dolphins & Cabo Adventures in Cabo San Lucas marina. It’s recommended to arrive 5 minutes early.

Will I see marine life?
Yes, many reviews mention seeing lots of fish and enjoying the underwater views, especially around Pelican Rock.

Is the boat safe and comfortable?
Yes, the boat meets all safety standards. It features a glass bottom in the middle section for viewing fish, and the ride is generally smooth.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. No refunds are issued for late cancellations.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally family-friendly, especially with kids who enjoy water activities.

If you’re after a relaxed, private way to see Cabo’s famous sights and get a good splash of the underwater world, this tour strikes a nice balance. It’s straightforward, well-reviewed, and offers just enough time to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.