Santa Maria & Chileno Bay kayak and snorkel tour

Two bays, two reef systems, one morning on the water

A kayak and snorkel outing at Santa Maria and Chileno Bay in the Sea of Cortez combines paddling along volcanic cliffs with guided snorkeling in one of Los Cabos' most protected reef zones. The experience runs roughly two hours, includes a certified bilingual guide, all equipment, and round-trip transport from selected areas. Ocean conditions may limit the route to a single bay, though snorkeling and beach time continue either way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and snorkel at two bays

• Paddle along Sea of Cortez coastline
• Arrive at Chileno Bay
• Guided snorkeling at Chileno Bay

The Experience

You start from the beach—no boats, no dock logistics—and paddle a tandem kayak along the coastline between the two bays. The route takes 40 to 50 minutes depending on swell and conditions, passing volcanic cliffs and turquoise water. Santa Maria's horseshoe cove sits naturally protected from prevailing swell, while Chileno Bay opens onto an extensive rocky reef. Paddling between them gives you a view of the shoreline and the Sea of Cortez ecosystem that you cannot get from land.

Once you reach Chileno Bay, the snorkeling happens directly from the beach and shoreline reef areas—still no boats involved. You spend roughly 30 to 40 minutes in the water with your guide, exploring one of the most protected reef habitats in Los Cabos. A certified bilingual guide leads the whole experience, and wetsuits are available on request, especially useful during winter months. The outing wraps in about two hours total.

Your gear is provided: tandem kayak, paddle, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, beach chairs and an umbrella. You get bottled water and light snacks, and an air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from selected areas and brings you back. If ocean conditions between the bays are not ideal on the day you go, the experience stays within one protected bay instead—you still kayak, still snorkel, still have beach time, though the route shifts. Wetsuits come in XL, LG, M and SM sizes; the maximum combined weight on a tandem kayak is 195 kg (425 lbs). Exact pickup instructions arrive within 24 hours after booking.

What’s included

• Tandem kayak, paddle, life jacket and snorkeling equipment.
• certified bilingual guide.
• beach chairs and umbrella.
• bottled water and light snacks.
• wetsuits available upon request.
• round-trip air-conditioned transport from selected areas.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by High Tide Los Cabos

Is this one for you?The kayaking requires basic fitness and comfort in the water, and paddling a tandem kayak with another person means coordinating rhythm—this is not a solo paddle or a guided tour where someone else does the work. If you have a free morning and want to move between two different reef systems rather than stay in one spot, the route and the guide make both bays reachable in a single outing.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

678 verified traveler reviews

5 ★669

4 ★6

3 ★3

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the difference between Santa Maria and Chileno Bay?

Santa Maria Bay is a horseshoe-shaped cove with natural protection from swell, while Chileno Bay is known for its extensive rocky reef habitat. Paddling between them in a single outing lets you experience both marine environments and the coastal diversity of the Los Cabos shoreline.

How long does the kayaking part take?

The paddle between the two bays takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes total, depending on ocean conditions. Snorkeling at Chileno Bay adds another 30 to 40 minutes, with the full experience running roughly two hours.

What happens if the ocean conditions are rough on the day I go?

If crossing conditions between Santa Maria and Chileno Bay are not ideal, the experience remains within one protected bay instead. You still kayak, snorkel, and spend time on the beach; the route simply adjusts to the day's conditions. Partial refunds are not provided for route adjustments.

Is the snorkeling from a boat or from shore?

Snorkeling is done directly from the beach and shoreline reef areas at Chileno Bay—no boats are involved. The entire experience begins and stays on the beach.

What equipment is included, and do I need to bring anything?

The tour includes a tandem kayak, paddle, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, beach chairs, umbrella, bottled water and light snacks. Wetsuits are available upon request. You do not need to bring gear, though you may want to bring a personal towel and sunscreen; towels are not provided.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes, a certified bilingual guide leads the experience throughout in both English and Spanish.