Private Glass bottom Kayak and snorkel at two Bays

If you’re considering a water-based activity in Cabo San Lucas, a private glass bottom kayak and snorkel tour at Santa María and Chileno Bays might just be the perfect fit. This experience offers a chance to see the vibrant underwater world up close while enjoying the tranquility of Cabo’s calm waters. It’s a fantastic way to combine gentle paddling with snorkeling, especially if you’re after some personalized attention and flexible timing.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its private nature—meaning you get to customize your experience, and it’s not just a large group clogging up the activity. Plus, the convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off make it a hassle-free way to enjoy your day without worrying about logistics. The other standout feature is the amazing clarity of the waters, ideal for viewing marine life through the glass bottom of your kayak and snorkeling gear.

That said, a possible consideration is the weather—like many outdoor water activities in Cabo, conditions can change quickly. Wind, waves, or unexpected weather can affect your plans, and sometimes rescheduling or cancellation might be necessary for safety reasons. It’s worth being flexible and aware that this tour heavily relies on good weather.

This experience seems best suited for water enthusiasts who appreciate a personalized adventure and want to see Cabo’s famous marine ecosystems in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with a small group, as it’s designed to accommodate up to 10 people.

Key Points

• Private experience allows for customization and more personal attention.
• Ideal for water lovers wanting a calm, scenic paddle with the chance to snorkel marine life.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.
• Good weather is essential, as conditions can influence the day’s plans.
• Suitable for all ages over 6, making it family-friendly.
• Cost & value: $130 per person for a 2.5-hour adventure offers a fair balance of price vs. the personalized, high-quality experience.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The tour begins with a convenient pickup—if you choose that option—leaving you free to relax before your water adventure. The journey to Santa María Bay is about 30 minutes along the Transpeninsular Highway, famous for its scenic views, setting the tone for the day ahead. Arriving at Santa María Beach, you’ll get a safety briefing and instructions, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before getting into the water. It’s a relaxed start that suits travelers of all experience levels.

Santa María Bay: Calm Waters and Cliffs

Once on the water, the real joy begins. Paddle your tandem kayak through the tranquil waters, surrounded by dramatic cliffs that create a stunning backdrop. The glass bottom of the kayak provides a unique perspective—you’ll see the underwater world without even getting wet, catching glimpses of colorful fish, starfish, and even rays or turtles if you’re lucky. One review noted, “There was good and bad, but the 5 stars is for them stepping up to good customer service,” which hints at the tour’s flexibility and focus on guest satisfaction.

Exploring Tide Pools and Marine Life

Paddling east from Santa María, you’ll explore tide pools where marine life congregates in shallow, calm waters. These usually include eels, starfish, and urchins—great for better understanding the local ecosystem and taking some memorable photos. The guide’s storytelling enriches this part of the experience, sharing interesting facts about Cabo’s coastline and marine environment.

Chileno Bay: Snorkel and Relax

Reaching Chileno Bay, the tour pauses for snorkeling. Here, coral formations and multicolored fish create a vibrant underwater scene. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of turtles swimming peacefully nearby. The tour provides all the snorkeling equipment, so you can simply jump in and enjoy. Reviewers have expressed satisfaction with the calm, clear waters, saying, “The conditions are usually more favorable in the mornings,” making early starts worthwhile.

Returning and Reflecting

After snorkeling, you’ll kayak back to Santa María Beach, where you can unwind and soak in the views. The return drive along the Transpeninsular Highway wraps up your adventure, bringing you back to your hotel or meeting point comfortably. The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that won’t eat into your whole trip.

What’s Included and What To Keep in Mind

The tour includes everything you need for a smooth experience: tandem kayak, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and granola bars for a quick snack. The private guide adds a personal touch, and the air-conditioned vehicle ensures your comfort during transportation.

However, it’s worth noting that alcohol isn’t included, and personal expenses are yours to cover. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, but beyond that, it’s accessible for most water lovers. The maximum weight limit for tandem kayaks is 195kg/425lbs, so heavier participants should check if this applies.

Weather and Cancellation

Good weather is a cornerstone of this tour—if conditions aren’t favorable, the tour provider may reschedule or cancel, offering a full refund if needed. This flexibility is a plus, especially if your plans depend on fair weather. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving peace of mind.

The Value Proposition

At $130 per person, this tour is priced reasonably considering the private nature, personalized attention, and the quality of the water activities. If you’re someone who values a flexible, intimate experience over large-group tours, this offers good value. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off also adds to the convenience, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of navigating Cabo’s busy roads.

Authentic Feedback

Reviewers have highlighted the staff’s customer service, with one saying, “They gave us a refund because we didn’t end up doing either activity due to the cold weather,” showing a level of care and flexibility. The stunning views are consistently praised, underscoring how much you’ll enjoy the scenery and marine life.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This activity is well-suited for water lovers — whether you’re experienced or a first-timer — who want a relaxed, guided experience in Cabo’s calm bays. It’s perfect for small groups or couples looking for a private outing with plenty of opportunities to see fish, starfish, and turtles. The flexibility makes it a good choice for those who prefer a slower pace or have specific interests, like exploring tide pools or paddleboarding with a glass bottom kayak.

If you’re traveling with children over 6, or are comfortable in the water, you’ll likely enjoy this as a family-friendly, scenic adventure. On the flip side, if weather is a concern or you’re not keen on kayaking or snorkeling, you might want to consider other options.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, participants must be at least 6 years old, making it suitable for families with kids who are comfortable in the water.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour provides tandem kayaks, snorkeling gear, bottled water, granola bars, and a private guide. Transportation is also included if you select the pickup option.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving enough time for paddling, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions aren’t safe, with a full refund offered in such cases.

Is it a group or private experience?
This tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Just bring your sense of adventure, swimwear, and perhaps a towel. The tour provides all necessary equipment.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic water adventure with the chance to see Cabo’s marine life without the crowds, this private glass-bottom kayak and snorkel tour hits the right notes. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the coast, with plenty of chances for memorable encounters—whether it’s the colorful fish, starfish on tide pools, or turtles gliding past. Perfect for those who appreciate a calm pace, personalized service, and stunning views, it’s an experience that can add a special touch to your Cabo trip.