Cabo San Lucas: PADI Scuba Dive Lesson & Arch Boat Tour

Summary

Scuba dive for beginners at Pelican Rock near the famous arch

You’ll start with a friendly PADI dive lesson in Cabo San Lucas, practicing in a shallow pool before heading out by boat toward Land’s End and Pelican Rock. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll take your first real dive among colorful fish and sea lions—then swap stories over snacks on deck as you cruise back to shore.

What’s the experience like?

I was honestly nervous walking into the Cabo Adventures dive center. Something about the salty air and the low hum of boats at the marina made my stomach flutter. Our instructor, Jorge, greeted us with this easy smile and a joke about how everyone looks awkward in wetsuits—he wasn’t wrong. We started with some safety basics in a little pool right there at the center. The water felt colder than I expected, but it actually helped me wake up, you know?

After we’d practiced breathing underwater (which is way more surreal than I imagined), we climbed aboard this big white boat—45 feet, they said, with a bathroom onboard, which I appreciated after all that nervous hydration. The ride out toward Land’s End was bumpy but kind of fun. Pelican Rock looked closer from shore, but it took maybe 15 minutes to get there. Jorge pointed out sea lions barking on the rocks and told us not to worry if we saw any—they’re just nosy neighbors.

I remember pausing on the edge of the boat before my first real dive. The ocean smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic, and I could feel my heart pounding through my wetsuit. When I finally slipped under, everything got quiet except for my own bubbles. It’s strange how quickly you forget about being scared when you’re watching schools of fish flicker past your mask. My mask fogged up once because I laughed at something Jorge said underwater (he tried miming a fish mustache). That moment stuck with me.

We surfaced after what felt like five minutes but was actually half an hour. My hair was full of salt and I couldn’t stop grinning—even when I realized I’d probably butchered “gracias” thanking our crew. On the way back to shore, someone handed around snacks and we all traded stories about what we saw down there. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to learn scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas for real—not just ticking off a list—I think this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn to scuba dive in Cabo San Lucas

• Check-in and meet instructors
• Receive PADI diving safety instruction
• Practice first dive in shallow pool
• Board scuba boat to famous arch
• Explore ocean during 30-minute dive

Top questions

Is this scuba diving tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for first-time divers and includes an introductory session in a shallow pool before heading out to open water.

Where does the scuba diving take place in Cabo San Lucas?

The main dive happens near Pelican Rock close to Land’s End and the famous arch.

How long do you spend underwater during the dive?

The guided ocean dive lasts about 30 minutes.

Are equipment rental fees included?

No, there is an additional $40 USD fee for equipment rental payable at check-in.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation is available for a $10 USD fee; confirm pickup time with the operator after booking.

What should I bring or prepare for this PADI lesson?

You should be moderately fit and will need to complete a medical waiver; bring cash for equipment and dock fees.

Can people with health conditions join this scuba tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, diabetes, respiratory issues or history of seizures; expectant mothers cannot participate.

Are snacks provided during the trip?

Yes, snacks are included onboard during your excursion.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (with advance confirmation), an introductory PADI safety session in a shallow pool led by certified instructors, use of a US lifeguard-certified 45ft dive boat with bathroom onboard, plus snacks served during your outing near Land’s End before returning to shore together.