Private Snorkel Santa Maria and Chileno Bay Adventure Los Cabos

If you’re considering a day of snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas, this private tour promises to take you to two of the area’s top spots: Santa Maria Beach and Chileno Bay. As someone who’s seen a lot of tours and adventures, I’ll be honest — this experience offers some fantastic highlights, especially if you love marine life and calm waters.

Two things I particularly like? First, the personalized nature of the private group, which means fewer crowds and more tailored attention from your guide. Second, the diverse stops — from rock formations to sea lions and potential whale sightings — ensuring your time on the water is varied and visually stunning.

A potential consideration is the price—at $600 for up to five people, it’s a fair price for a private trip, but it’s not inexpensive. You’ll want to weigh this against what you get in terms of exclusive access, guides, and quality gear.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who enjoy snorkeling, want a more intimate adventure, and prefer a flexible, guided experience rather than a large group outing. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a small group, want to avoid big crowds, or are looking for a relaxed way to explore Cabo’s marine life.

Key Points

• Private experience means personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Two prime snorkeling sites: Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Beach.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local knowledge.
• Calm, clear waters make for excellent visibility and easy swimming.
• Flexible schedule with around 40 minutes at each site.
• Includes snorkel gear, water, and snacks for a comfortable outing.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This private snorkel adventure offers a tempting mix of natural beauty, marine encounters, and a bit of sightseeing. Starting at the marina in Cabo San Lucas, your small group will set out along the coast, heading first to Chileno Bay. It’s known for its remarkable rock formations and, on rare occasions, whitetip reef sharks. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the chance to swim in such pristine waters is compelling in itself.

Chileno Bay: A Marine Playground

The first stop, Chileno Bay, is a standout for many reasons. We loved the way this site combines dramatic rock structures with calm, crystal-clear waters. The environment looks almost surreal — a perfect backdrop for snorkeling. While the chance of catching a glimpse of a reef shark is slim, just swimming alongside colorful fish and observing the marine environment is enough to make your trip worthwhile.

The guide’s knowledge here is invaluable. They point out interesting formations and help you spot marine life, making sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. The 40-minute window gives enough time to explore without feeling rushed, and since all snorkel gear is provided, you just need to bring your curiosity and a waterproof camera if you want to capture the underwater scenes.

El Arco and Sea Lions Colony

From Chileno Bay, the tour includes a quick visit to the iconic El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, a natural rock formation that’s synonymous with the area. Here, you’ll have about 15 minutes to take photos and appreciate the landmark, which is also home to a sea lions colony. While this isn’t a snorkeling stop, it’s a classic Cabo photo opportunity and an interesting way to break up the water activities.

Santa Maria Beach: Quiet and Potential for Whale Sightings

The second snorkeling stop is Santa Maria Beach, another gorgeous cove with calm waters and minimal vendor activity. This quieter spot is ideal for those who prefer a less commercialized environment. If visiting during migration season, there’s even the chance to see whales — which adds a special touch to your day.

Again, you get about 40 minutes here to enjoy the water, spot marine life, and soak in the scenery. The guide’s insights can help you identify different fish or point out seasonal whale activity if the timing’s right. The area’s serenity makes it a highlight for many travelers, especially those seeking a peaceful snorkeling experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides professional guides, snorkel gear, bottled water, and snacks, which helps make the experience more comfortable. The small group size (up to 12 travelers) and private nature mean you’ll get a more tailored experience compared to larger tours, with better chances of asking questions and enjoying personalized attention.

However, it’s important to note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at the marina — an easy spot to find given its central location. Souvenir photos are available but extra if you want to keep a memento of your underwater adventure.

What to Bring

Make sure to come prepared with a swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunblock (SPF 30+), and a waterproof camera to capture your underwater moments. The guide recommends biodegradable sunscreen, which is considerate of the environment and marine life.

Weather and Cancellation

Since the tour depends on good weather, it might be canceled or rescheduled if conditions aren’t favorable — a common practice for outdoor water activities. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some peace of mind.

How the Experience Feels in Practice

From reviews and available information, guides seem to be a real highlight. Their knowledge and friendly attitude make a difference, especially for first-time snorkelers or those unfamiliar with the area. The focus on small groups allows for a relaxed pace and the chance to ask questions or get tips.

One traveler mentioned, “The guide was very knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable even in the water,” which echoes the overall sentiment that this tour offers both education and fun. The calm waters and beautiful scenery are ideal for those who want a risk-free snorkeling experience with knowledgeable supervision.

While some noted the price might seem high, many felt it was justified given the personalized nature, the quality of gear, and the exclusive access to these prime spots. It’s a more intimate alternative to larger, more commercialized tours, making it a good choice if you prefer a relaxed, guided experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private snorkeling adventure suits travelers who value personalized service and want to explore Cabo’s marine environment without large crowds. It’s particularly great for small groups or couples looking to enjoy a relaxed, tailored experience.

If you’re traveling with children aged 2 and up, the tour might work, but always check with the provider to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. It’s ideal for those who want to see marine life, enjoy calm waters, and have a flexible schedule.

It’s less suitable if you’re on a tight budget, as $600 can add up for a larger group, or if you’re looking for a very quick, large-group tour. This is a leisurely, comfortable experience aimed at quality over quantity.

Final thoughts

All in all, this private snorkel tour offers a well-rounded, scenic, and educational look at Cabo’s underwater world. The combination of expert guides, pristine locations, and a quiet, personalized setting makes it an appealing choice for those who want a more intimate experience.

While the price might seem steep compared to group tours, the focus on quality, safety, and comfort helps justify the cost. You’ll love the chance to see unique rock formations, marine life, and possibly even whales, all while enjoying calm waters and attentive guidance.

If you’re after a relaxed, small-group adventure that values local knowledge and environmental responsibility, this trip could be just right — especially if you’re eager to explore Cabo’s marine beauty at a leisurely pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Yes, the minimum age is 2 years old, but you should consider your child’s swimming ability and comfort in the water.

• What should I bring?
  Bring a swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunblock (SPF 30+), waterproof camera, and any personal items you’d like to use during snorkeling.

• Are snorkeling gear provided?
  Yes, all snorkel gear is included in the tour.

• Can I see marine animals like sharks or whales?
  While you have the chance to see marine life, sightings of sharks are rare and whale sightings depend on the season.

• Is hotel pickup included?
  No, you need to meet at the designated marina meeting point.

• How long is each snorkeling stop?
  Each site offers approximately 40 minutes to explore underwater.

• What’s the cancellation policy?
  You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour are non-refundable.

• What happens if the weather is bad?
  The tour may be canceled due to weather, and you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Is there a limit on group size?
  Yes, the maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

• Does the tour include transportation?
  No, transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan accordingly.

All things considered, this private snorkeling tour delivers a mix of scenic beauty, marine encounters, and personalized service—ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, quality-focused adventure in Cabo.