Cabo San Lucas: Kayak & Snorkel to Arch with Marine Biologist

Summary

Early morning paddle to the arch snorkeling pelican rock reef with marine biologist guide

You’ll paddle or kayak across calm morning waters in Cabo San Lucas with a marine biologist as your guide. Spot sea lions near Land’s End, snap photos at the Arch, then snorkel among bright fish at Pelican Rock reef. With snacks and photos included, this tour leaves you feeling like you’ve seen another side of Cabo.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the bay to be so quiet that early — just a few gulls and that salty, almost sweet smell you get before the sun’s really up. Our guide, Diego (he’s a marine biologist, which sounded fancy but he was super chill), handed me a paddle and grinned like he knew I’d wobble. We pushed off from the sand, and for a few minutes it felt like Cabo San Lucas belonged only to us. The water was glassy, except where pelicans kept bombing in for breakfast.

Paddling toward Land’s End was slower than I thought — not tough exactly, just sort of hypnotic. Diego pointed out sea lions barking on the rocks (I tried to snap a photo but mostly caught my own thumb). He told us how the currents shape the bay and why some fish here are neon blue. I liked that he didn’t sound rehearsed; he even laughed when I mixed up “arrecife” and “archivo.” Anyway, we drifted right up to the Arch — it’s weirdly massive up close — and Diego took our photos while we all squinted into the sun.

On the way back we stopped at Pelican Rock for snorkeling. The water was colder than I expected, but once you’re under it’s just…quiet. Fish everywhere — yellow ones darting around my ankles, some black-and-white ones that looked almost fake. I floated there until my fingers wrinkled. Coming out of the water, someone handed me bottled water and a snack bar (I’d forgotten how hungry paddling makes you). There was sand stuck to everything by then.

I still think about how peaceful it felt gliding past those cliffs before Cabo woke up. If you want crowds or party boats, this isn’t it. But if you want to actually hear your own paddle hit the water — yeah, this day trip from Cabo San Lucas is worth getting up early for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paddle and snorkel at Cabo San Lucas

• Start paddling at 8:00 a.m.
• Paddle slowly around the hills
• Observe local fauna
• Stop at the Arch for photos
• Snorkel at Pelican Rock coral reef
• Return to the beach

Top questions

What time does the kayak & snorkel tour in Cabo San Lucas start?

The tour starts at 8:00 a.m., when conditions are calmer and there’s less boat traffic.

Is a local guide included on this Cabo San Lucas kayaking trip?

Yes, your guide is either a marine biologist or oceanographer who shares insights during the tour.

How long does the day trip to Land's End Arch take?

The experience lasts between two and two and a half hours.

Do you get to snorkel on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at Pelican Rock for snorkeling with more than 20 types of fish.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the kayak & snorkel tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included for all guests on this tour.

Is equipment provided for both kayaking/paddle boarding and snorkeling?

Yes, all necessary paddle board/kayak gear plus snorkelling equipment are provided.

Is this Cabo day trip suitable for beginners?

You should have moderate physical fitness; no advanced skills needed but some paddling required.

Are photos included in this kayak & snorkel experience?

Yes, your guide will take photos during stops at landmarks like The Arch.

What’s included

Your morning includes use of all paddle board or kayak equipment as well as snorkelling gear at Pelican Rock reef. Bottled water and snacks are provided after your swim, plus your marine biologist guide takes care of photos so you can just enjoy being out there on the bay before heading back to shore together.