Cabo San Lucas: Private Snorkeling Tour & Arch Boat Trip

Swim by the Arch, meet sea lions and explore Cabo’s best bays

You’ll slip into warm Baja waters with a local PADI guide in Cabo San Lucas, swim near sea lions by El Arco, and watch bright fish swirl around you at Santa Maria or Chileno Bay. Snacks and soft drinks are included onboard as you cruise between famous landmarks—expect laughter, salt on your lips, and a few surprises below the surface.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas

• Put on snorkeling gear and safety equipment
• Visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
• Snorkel at Pelican Rock or Santa Maria and Chileno Bays
• Enjoy soft drinks and a snack on the boat
• Learn about marine life from PADI PRO guide

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was how the water at Santa Maria Beach looked almost too blue to be real — like someone turned up the saturation just for us. We’d barely left the marina in Cabo San Lucas when our guide, Luis, grinned and pointed out a pelican gliding so close to the boat I could hear its wings. I tried not to look too nervous about squeezing into my wetsuit (not my most graceful moment), but Luis just laughed and handed me a mask. He said something about “the best fish tacos being after snorkeling,” which honestly kept me motivated.

We drifted past the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas — El Arco — and it’s bigger up close than any photo shows. Sea lions barked from the rocks like they owned the place. The air smelled salty and a little sweet, maybe from sunscreen or someone’s snack? When we finally slipped into the water at Chileno Bay, it was colder than I expected but clear enough to see schools of yellow fish darting around my feet. There was this weird calm underwater, except for my own breathing and Luis tapping his ring against his tank to get our attention when he spotted a turtle gliding by. I waved like an idiot; not sure turtles care.

On our way back, sunburnt and hungry (snacks never tasted so good), we chatted about Baja’s marine park rules — apparently you need permits for everything here, but it keeps things healthy for all those creatures. Someone asked if we’d really seen dolphins or if that was just wishful thinking; Luis swore he saw fins near Pelican Rock but maybe he just wanted us to come back next year. Either way, I still think about that view of Cabo from the water — kind of makes you want to stay out there forever.

Top questions

How long does the private snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas last?

You can choose between a 2-hour tour focused on the Marine Park or a 4-hour trip visiting Santa Maria and Chileno Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all necessary snorkel gear is included in your booking.

Are snacks or drinks included during the tour?

Yes, snacks, soft drinks, and water are provided onboard.

What marine life might I see while snorkeling in Cabo?

You might spot sea lions, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, humpback whales, birds, and many kinds of fish.

Does this tour include a visit to El Arco (the Arch)?

Yes, both 2-hour and 4-hour tours include seeing El Arco from the boat.

Is there hotel pickup for this snorkeling tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

How many people can join this private snorkeling tour?

The private boat can accommodate up to 8 people per group.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes a private boat with captain for up to eight guests, all necessary snorkel equipment provided by your professional PADI instructor guide, marine park fees covered so you don’t have to worry about permits or extra charges along the way—and plenty of cold soft drinks plus light snacks while you’re out exploring Baja’s best bays before heading back ashore.