Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas: Private boat with PADI instructor
The Arch, two bays and a marine sanctuary in one afternoon
Private snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas puts you on a boat with a PADI instructor, visiting the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Santa Maria Beach and Pelican Rock depending on which duration you choose. The 4-hour option reaches the protected bays of Santa Maria and Chileno. The 2-hour focuses on Pelican Rock in the local Marine Park. All snorkel equipment, marine park fees, snacks and soft drinks are included. The boat holds up to 8 people and operates in English or Spanish.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas
- Visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
- Snorkel at Santa Maria Beach
- Snorkel at Chileno Bay
What’s included
- Private boat and captain.
- professional PADI instructor in English or Spanish.
- all snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
- snacks, soft drinks and water.
- all marine park fees.
- group size up to 8 people.
- Every day 08:00 13:30
Last departure this season: 14 Dec
Information
Snorkel Cabo San Lucas waters with a PADI instructor on a private boat for up to 8 people, visiting the Arch, Santa Maria Beach and Pelican Rock to see marine life.
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The experience
You're in Cabo for a few days and the ocean is calling. A private boat departs with your group, a PADI-certified guide, and everything you need to breathe underwater. The Arch of Cabo San Lucas (that limestone formation you've seen in photos) comes into view first, and the boat slows so you can take it in before moving to the snorkel sites. From there, the day splits by duration: the 4-hour trip heads to Santa Maria Beach, a horseshoe-shaped bay with calm, clear water and tropical fish moving through it, then continues to Chileno Bay. The 2-hour option stays focused on Pelican Rock in the Marine Park, where the snorkeling is concentrated and the water stays shallow enough to see the bottom.
The guide handles the logistics (where to enter, how to move, what you're looking at), so you're not figuring it out alone in the water. Snacks, soft drinks and water stay on the boat between sites. All marine park fees are paid upfront, so there's no transaction at the dock. The boat is private to your group, which means no strangers in your photos and no waiting for a larger group to finish gearing up.
If you're a first-time snorkeler or haven't done it in years, the PADI instructor adjusts the pace. The activity suits all fitness levels, though the boat ride and time in the water do require basic comfort in the ocean. Souvenir photos are available to purchase if you want them after the trip.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the difference between the 2-hour and 4-hour snorkeling options in Cabo San Lucas?
The 4-hour snorkeling trip visits the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Santa Maria Beach and Chileno Bay, covering the most famous landmarks and bays of the region. The 2-hour option starts at the Arch but focuses the snorkeling time on Pelican Rock in the local Marine Park, where the conditions are ideal and the water is shallow.
Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?
All necessary snorkel equipment is included with your private snorkeling trip: mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit if needed. The PADI instructor checks the fit before you enter the water.
How many people can go on the private snorkeling boat?
The private boat holds up to 8 people in your group, plus the PADI instructor and captain. It's your group only, so no other travelers are on board.
What marine life will I see snorkeling at Pelican Rock and Santa Maria Beach?
Pelican Rock and Santa Maria Beach are home to tropical fish, rays and other marine species typical of the Pacific waters off Baja California Sur. The guide points out what you're seeing and keeps the group together, though the exact species and numbers vary by season and conditions on the day.
Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the boat departure point?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included with this snorkeling trip. Public transportation options are available near the departure point, or you can arrange a taxi or rental car to get there.
Is this snorkeling activity safe for someone who's never done it before?
The snorkeling trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels and is led by a PADI-certified instructor who adjusts the pace and depth for your comfort. The guide stays with the group in the water and handles the technical side so you can focus on the experience.
Operated by Cabo Trek. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated today
Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas: Private boat with PADI instructor
4h · EN · ES
from US$ 399 per group
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