Cabo San Lucas: Arch Cruise & Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Trimaran cruise to Land’s End with snorkeling in Santa Maria Bay

You’ll board a spacious trimaran in Cabo San Lucas with a local crew, cruise past El Arco for those iconic photos, then snorkel among colorful fish at Santa Maria Bay. Enjoy lunch, unlimited drinks from the open bar, and plenty of time lounging on deck nets or trying paddleboards—plus friendly company and little surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the Cabo Blue trimaran just as some pelicans squabbled over breakfast scraps at the marina. The crew handed us cold drinks right away—mine was a tamarind margarita that tasted way better than I expected at 10am. There was music playing (not too loud), and people sort of lounged on the big nets up front, shoes off, toes poking through. Our guide, Alejandra, pointed out where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. She joked about how locals say you can spot which side is saltier by taste—nobody volunteered to test it.

The boat slowed near El Arco—the famous Arch—and everyone shuffled for photos. I tried to get a selfie but ended up with more ocean than arch (classic). Alejandra offered to help, and somehow managed to get both us and a sea lion in one shot. The air smelled salty but also faintly sweet from sunscreen and cut fruit. There was this moment when we drifted close to Land’s End and everything felt quieter than it should’ve—just waves slapping the hull and someone laughing behind me about dropping their hat.

After that we headed out toward Santa Maria Bay for snorkeling. The water looked almost fake—so clear I could see fish before even jumping in. They gave us gear (I always worry about leaky masks but these were fine), plus paddleboards and even a floating mat that kids immediately claimed as their pirate ship. Lunch showed up right after: turkey baguettes, guacamole, salsa, chips—simple but honestly perfect after swimming around chasing blue tangs. Open bar kept going; I stuck with agua fresca this time since sun + tequila = nap.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much with strangers or feel so relaxed just drifting back toward Cabo San Lucas with music playing and salt drying on my skin. Whale season runs December through April—they said sometimes you’ll spot one right from the deck if you’re lucky. We didn’t, but I still think about that quiet moment by the Arch, sun on my face, feeling like maybe I could stay out there all afternoon…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cabo San Lucas snorkeling and sightseeing cruise

• Meet at Marina main dock
• Visit the famous Arch and Land’s End
• Snorkel at Santa Maria Beach

Top questions

How long is the Cabo San Lucas snorkeling cruise?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from boarding to return at the marina.

Is snorkeling gear included on this Cabo cruise?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment like masks, tubes, fins, and lifejackets are provided.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise departs from the main dock marina in Cabo San Lucas by the Flea Market.

What food is served during the tour?

You’ll get freshly prepared turkey baguettes with cheese and vegetables plus appetizers like guacamole, salsa, tuna salad, chips and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes—there’s an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic options throughout the trip.

Can kids join this Cabo snorkeling tour?

Children aged 5 years and up are welcome on this shared group tour.

Is whale watching possible on this cruise?

During whale season (Dec 15–Apr 15) you might spot whales from the boat if conditions are right.

How many people are on each tour?

This is a shared group experience with up to 40 guests per trip.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Cabo’s main marina dock with a friendly local crew welcoming you aboard a spacious trimaran. You’ll have use of all snorkeling gear plus paddleboards and a floating water mat when conditions allow. Lunch is freshly prepared onboard—think turkey baguettes with sides like guacamole and fruit—and there’s an open bar serving drinks all cruise long before returning to port together in Cabo San Lucas.