Cabo San Lucas: Private Boat Snorkeling Tour & Santa Maria Bay

Summary

Snorkeling Cabo’s blue water with locals, music and a floating mat

You’ll cruise Cabo San Lucas on your own private boat with a local crew, stopping for photos at El Arco before snorkeling in Santa Maria Bay. Enjoy an open bar, lunch after swimming, paddle boards and a giant floating mat. Expect laughter, music, salty air — and maybe a sunburn if you forget your hat.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a cold drink before I’ve even found a seat — I’m still half-squinting at the sun bouncing off the water in Cabo San Lucas. The crew jokes about my sunscreen skills (or lack of), and I laugh because they’re right: my nose is already pink. We’re drifting past El Arco, all of us leaning over for photos, but honestly it’s the sea lions barking that gets my attention more than the famous rocks. There’s this salty smell mixed with coconut from someone’s lotion, and for a second it just feels like summer camp for grownups.

Our guide, Luis, points out Lover’s Beach and tells us how the tides can turn it into Divorce Beach if you’re not careful — he grins when he says it. We float closer to Pelican Rock, everyone scrambling for their phones. I almost drop mine into the ocean (heart attack moment). The main keyword here is “private boat snorkeling tour Cabo San Lucas,” but nobody’s thinking about keywords while stretched out on those nets at the front of the trimaran, toes dangling just above the waves. The sound system is blasting someone’s playlist — reggaeton mixed with classic rock — and there’s always another round coming from the open bar.

Santa Maria Bay looks unreal when we get there. Water so clear you can see your own shadow swimming under you. Snorkel gear fits better than I expected (I was worried about that), and suddenly there are fish everywhere — bright yellow ones darting around like confetti. Lunch after swimming tastes way better than it should; maybe that’s just hunger or maybe it’s eating with wet hair in the sun. Somebody tries paddle boarding and falls off right away; we all cheer anyway. It’s easy to forget what time it is out here.

I keep replaying that moment lying back on the floating mat, letting saltwater dry on my skin while watching pelicans dive nearby. Luis tells us whale season runs December to April — he says sometimes they come so close you can hear them breathe. I didn’t see any this time, but honestly? That quiet floating feeling was enough for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour and snorkeling

• Board private Cabo Blue boat
• Pass El Arco and Lover's Beach
• Take photos at landmarks
• Arrive at Santa Maria Bay
• Snorkel and swim at Santa Maria
• Use paddleboards and floating mat
• Enjoy cocktails from open bar
• Listen to music on Bluetooth system
• Have lunch after snorkeling
• Receive VIP service from crew

Top questions

How long is the private boat snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Cabo San Lucas boat tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included for guests.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is served after your snorkeling activity at Santa Maria Bay.

Are drinks included on board?

The tour includes a full unlimited open bar throughout the trip.

Can children join this private boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers are allowed.

What landmarks will we see during this Cabo San Lucas boat trip?

You’ll pass by El Arco, Lover's Beach, Pelican Rock, Sea Lion Colony and visit Santa Maria Beach.

How many people can join one booking?

The trimaran can hold up to 45 passengers per tour; contact directly for pricing over 12 guests.

Is whale watching possible during this trip?

If you book between December 15 and April 15, there’s a good chance of seeing whales nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at the marina in Cabo San Lucas before boarding your spacious private trimaran with local crew; all snorkeling gear plus paddle boards and a floating water mat are provided; enjoy unlimited drinks from an open bar throughout your cruise; lunch is served after swimming at Santa Maria Bay before heading back along the coast together.