Snorkeling at Pelicans Rock

Discovering Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: A Realistic Look at This Popular Cabo Adventure

If you’re heading to San Jose del Cabo and love the idea of getting your fins wet, the snorkeling tour to Pelican Rock might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally done it, we’ve looked carefully at what travelers are saying and what this experience offers. It’s a well-rated outing that promises a relaxing, scenic trip with a chance to see vibrant marine life and iconic Cabo sights.

What really catches our attention are the small group setting — which often translates to more personalized attention — and the chance to see Cabo’s famous Los Cabos Arch, Lands End, and a colony of sea lions. On the flip side, some folks mention unexpected costs or the need for moderate fitness, which is worth keeping in mind if you prefer your tours super laid-back or are traveling with kids.

This tour could suit anyone who loves water activities, appreciates natural beauty, and values knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, the mix of scenic boat rides and underwater exploration makes for a memorable half-day outing.

Key Points

• Small group size offers more attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Scenic boat ride passing Los Cabos landmarks like the Arch and sea lion colonies.
• Snorkeling experience with professional guides and colorful marine life.
• Hassle-free pickup and transfers from San Jose del Cabo hotels.
• Includes a glass-bottom boat ride, adding a unique perspective of Cabo’s coastline.
• Food and tequila tasting are part of the experience, adding local flavors.

An Honest Breakdown of the Snorkeling at Pelican Rock Tour

The Itinerary: What to Expect Day-By-Day

The adventure kicks off with pickup from your San Jose del Cabo hotel — a real convenience that saves you the hassle of navigating. The tour provider, Cabo Day Trips, ensures you’re picked up at a convenient time, and during the ride to the marina, your guide shares useful info about Cabo’s sights and marine environment.

Once at the marina, you board a glass-bottom boat — a fun feature that lets you take in the coastline without even getting wet if you prefer. The boat cruise takes you past Los Cabos Arch, Lands End, and a colony of sea lions, which are genuinely striking sights. These stops are not just photo ops; they’re integral parts of the experience, giving you a taste of Cabo’s unique geography and wildlife.

When you reach Pelican Rock, it’s time to gear up. The tour provides snorkel equipment, which means you don’t need to bring your own gear unless you want to. You’re then led into the water by a professional snorkel guide, ensuring safety and guidance, especially for those who might be new to snorkeling. The waters here are teeming with colorful tropical fish, and the rocks and formations make the underwater scene pretty lively.

After about 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling, the boat takes you back to shore. Some reviews mention that the experience is highly engaging thanks to knowledgeable guides and diverse marine life, with one guest noting, “We saw so many fish and sea lions, and our guide was super knowledgeable and funny.”

The Highlights: More Than Just Snorkeling

Beyond the underwater sights, this tour throws in some extra delights. The boat ride itself offers stunning views of Cabo’s coastline, and the small group size ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd. You’ll appreciate the personalized attention from guides, who are praised for their clarity and friendliness.

Another feature some travelers love is the lunch and tequila tasting, which adds a flavor of local culture to the day. While not included in the tour price (some reviews pointed out confusion about this), it’s a nice bonus if available or as an optional add-on.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $109 per person, this tour sits in a reasonable price range for Cabo snorkeling excursions. When you consider the two-and-a-half-hour duration, guidance, boat ride, snorkel gear, and hotel pickup, it’s a solid package. The inclusion of transportation and the small group setup can make for a more intimate, hassle-free experience — especially if you dislike large crowds or busy tour buses.

However, some reviews mention extra costs for underwater photos, which isn’t included, and that lunch or tequila tasting may not be part of the initial fee. It’s worth checking exactly what’s included when booking so you’re not surprised.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

Many guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery. One reviewer mentioned, “Tour guide Jonathan and Captain Lupe provided a great experience,” highlighting the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Others appreciated the diversity of marine life seen during snorkeling, with some quoting, “We saw so many fish and TONS of different species.”

On the flip side, a few travelers noted that things didn’t quite match their expectations — for example, one reviewer was surprised to find that lunch and tequila tasting weren’t included despite promotional materials suggesting they were. This is a reminder to double-check what’s included before you book.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

The tour provider has taken additional safety precautions to ensure a secure environment during COVID-19, which might include mask mandates, sanitizing procedures, or social distancing policies. While not explicitly detailed, it’s good to know that safety is being prioritized.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic boat ride combined with snorkeling in a small-group setting, this tour hits many marks. It’s great for those who want to see Cabo’s famous landmarks without a huge crowd, and to enjoy some marine life in clear waters. It’s also suitable for travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity — snorkeling and swimming are involved, but guides are there to help you feel confident.

While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, older kids or teens with some swimming ability might enjoy this as well. Just bear in mind the moderate physical component and the need for decent mobility.

Final Thoughts

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock through this small-group tour offers a balanced mix of scenic boat rides, underwater exploration, and cultural touches like tequila tasting. The experience’s main strength lies in its personalized approach, with knowledgeable guides and the chance to see Cabo’s iconic spots from the water.

For those who value a hassle-free adventure, combined with the opportunity to observe vibrant marine life and iconic Cabo landmarks, this tour provides good value. It’s especially ideal for travelers who appreciate small groups and detailed guidance, making it easier to relax and enjoy.

However, if you’re expecting all-inclusive perks like lunch and underwater photos, or prefer a more laid-back, less active outing, you might want to do a little extra planning or look for alternatives.

In the end, this snorkeling trip hits the sweet spot for many nature lovers and water enthusiasts looking for a fun, manageable half-day out in Cabo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from San Jose del Cabo hotels is offered, making the experience more convenient.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including boat rides and snorkeling.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is 13 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What’s included in the price?
You get the use of snorkeling equipment, a 45-minute glass-bottom boat ride, and guided snorkeling. Lunch and tequila tasting are not part of the base cost but may be available separately.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, with a professional guide and provided gear, beginners can comfortably enjoy the water, assuming moderate physical fitness.

Are underwater photos included?
No, underwater photos are extra and are not included in the tour fee.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you want photos — but note, underwater photos cost extra.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This snorkeling tour to Pelican Rock offers a good snapshot of the natural beauty and marine life of Cabo, wrapped in a small-group, relaxed setting. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to combine scenic views, underwater discovery, and local touches in a manageable, enjoyable package.