Snorkel and Whale Platinum Tour (Dec 15- Apr 15)

If you’re planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas during whale season or just want a solid day on the water, the Snorkel and Whale Platinum Tour could be a great choice. This tour offers a blend of whale spotting and snorkeling in some of the most beautiful protected beaches in Los Cabos. It’s a package that combines adventure, relaxation, and a touch of luxury—all in about four hours.

What immediately catches your eye is the small group size — with a maximum of 16 travelers, it promises a more intimate experience than some of the larger, busier tours. Plus, the all-inclusive aspect, with an open bar and tasty lunch, makes it feel less like an excursion and more like a mini vacation. That said, it’s worth noting that you do have to pay a small dock fee of $5, which is pretty standard.

One thing to keep in mind is the seasonal nature of the whale watching — it runs from December 15 through April 15, aligning perfectly with humpback whale migrations. If you’re traveling outside those months, this part of the tour won’t be available, but snorkeling and enjoying the scenery still might be.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who love a mix of wildlife sightings and water activities in a relaxed, friendly setting. Families, couples, or groups of friends who want a well-rounded, hassle-free day on the water will find plenty to enjoy here. It’s not the cheapest tour in Cabo, but many reviews highlight the good value given the experiences, food, drinks, and overall service.

Key Points

• Seasonal whale watching from December to April offers a chance to see whales in their natural migration.
• Small-group setting ensures a more personal and less crowded experience.
• All-inclusive with lunch and open bar adds comfort and convenience.
• Beautiful beaches like Santa Maria and Chileno Bay are protected, Blue Flag beaches perfect for snorkeling.
• Comfortable, modern catamaran with positive reviews about the stability and cleanliness.
• Highly rated crew and gourmet food, with multiple reviewers praising their attentiveness and delicious snacks.

Why You Might Like This Tour

We loved the way this tour balances wildlife encounters with water-based relaxation. Seeing whales in their natural environment is an incredible experience, especially when combined with snorkeling in tranquil, protected beaches. The boat’s intimate size makes it easy to chat with the crew and fellow travelers, adding a friendly, personalized vibe.

The inclusion of lunch and an open bar means you can unwind without worrying about extra costs or rushing to find food afterward. Many reviews mention how the crew makes cocktails to order and serves fresh, tasty food, elevating this from a typical boat tour into a genuine treat.

Another perk is that the itinerary is flexible enough to suit various interests—whether you’re most excited about whale watching, snorkeling, or just enjoying a scenic cruise. Plus, the pickup and drop-off service smooths out logistics, especially helpful if you’re staying at a hotel in Cabo.

However, a couple of considerations might influence your decision. The price of $239 per person isn’t pocket change, but many think it’s fair given the included amenities and exclusive feel. Also, the small group size means booking well in advance is wise, especially during peak whale season, to secure your spot.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, heading to the marina where you’ll leave your shoes in a provided basket—no worries about wet feet or sandy shoes here. Once aboard your modern, comfortable catamaran, the crew will give a quick safety briefing and explain the boat’s features.

From the marina, you’ll sail toward either Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay — two gems recognized with Blue Flag status for their environmental quality and beauty. These beaches are part of a marine protected area, which means you’ll be snorkeling among vibrant marine life, often in calm, clear waters perfect for both beginners and experienced swimmers.

Many reviews highlight how clean and well-maintained the boat is, with some describing it as feeling like a private yacht. The crew is praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making sure everyone feels safe and taken care of.

Once at the snorkeling spots, you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the scenery. The protected nature of the beaches means fewer crowds and more natural beauty. You might spot colorful fish, coral, and possibly even some sea turtles, according to reviews.

After snorkeling, you’ll relax onboard with drinks and lunch, which many travelers describe as delicious—think fresh fish tacos, guacamole, and tropical cocktails. The all-you-can-drink open bar is a definite highlight, with many reviewers appreciating the attentive service and tasty drinks, including margaritas and mezcal cocktails.

The whale watching segment happens during the migration season. Here, the boat’s positioning and knowledgeable crew increase your chances of spotting these gentle giants. Multiple reviews mention witnessing whales breaching or just cruising past, which is truly a memory-maker.

As the tour winds down, you’ll head back to the marina, feeling relaxed and filled with pictures, stories, and perhaps a new appreciation for the sea. The small group size ensures that everyone gets enough space and comfort, making this a cozy, personal experience.

Value and Cost Analysis

At $239 per person, this tour falls into the moderate-to-premium range for Cabo excursions. When you factor in lunch, open bar, snorkeling gear, and hotel pickup, many consider it a good value, especially given the quality of the boat and the professional crew. The reviews frequently mention the delicious food and top-notch service as worth the price.

The dock fee of $5 is a small additional expense that you’ll pay on-site. It’s common for tours to include or exclude these fees, so it’s good to be aware.

While it’s not the cheapest option available, the intimate atmosphere, guaranteed whale sightings during season, and well-organized itinerary justify the price for many travelers. Those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative might find other tours at lower costs, but they may sacrifice some of the comfort or experience quality you get here.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a good mix of wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and relaxation. It’s also perfect if you prefer a more personal, less crowded tour with attentive crew members. Families with older children who are comfortable in the water could enjoy it, especially since the beaches are calm and the boat is described as stable.

If whale watching is a priority, planning your trip during the season from December through April makes all the difference. Those seeking a luxury feel with gourmet food and drinks will appreciate the gourmet chef and top-shelf cocktails.

However, if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or want more extensive snorkeling or whale watching, this might feel a bit short or limited. Also, keep in mind that mobility issues could be a concern, as the boat and boarding process require some physical agility.

Final Thoughts

For a balanced, enjoyable excursion that combines the best of Cabo’s marine life, scenic beauty, and leisure, this Snorkel and Whale Platinum Tour hits many notes. It offers a comfortable boat, expert crew, tasty food, and the chance to see whales in their natural habitat—all wrapped into a well-organized four-hour experience.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, intimate tour that captures the essence of Cabo’s waters, this could be just the ticket. It’s especially suited for those who want to enjoy wildlife and snorkeling without feeling rushed or crammed onto a crowded vessel.

While it might not be the absolute cheapest option, the reviews suggest that many see the value in the quality, comfort, and memorable moments it provides. Planning ahead, especially during peak whale season, will help ensure you get a spot on this highly-rated tour.

FAQ

Is there a specific season for whale watching on this tour?
Yes, whale watching is available from December 15 through April 15, aligning with whale migration seasons. Outside these dates, whale viewing won’t be part of the trip.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around four hours, including travel time, snorkeling, whale watching, lunch, and drinks.

What is included in the price?
For $239, you get a hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, lunch, an open bar serving margaritas and mezcal cocktails, and the use of the boat.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there’s a dock fee of $5 per person payable on-site. This is standard for many marine tours.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
It’s suitable for most travelers, but since the boat has a maximum of 16 people and involves water activities, children should be comfortable swimmers and be supervised. Keep in mind mobility could be a factor.

How many people will be on the boat?
The tour caps at 16 travelers, making it more intimate than larger group tours, which many guests appreciate.

What if the weather is bad?
This tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Hope this helps you decide if this Cabo adventure matches what you’re after. Whether it’s the whales, the snorkeling, or just enjoying a relaxed day on the water, this tour seems to offer a pretty well-rounded experience that many find worthwhile.