Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas: Private Yacht with Whale Watching

Snorkel from a 45-foot yacht and watch the Arch rise from the water

A private 45-foot yacht charter in Cabo San Lucas includes snorkeling, whale watching (seasonal), and cruising past the Arch and Medano Beach. The boat carries paddle boards, full snorkel equipment, a floating mat, and an open bar with fresh snacks. The three-hour outing runs with a live guide in English or Spanish, and all areas aboard are wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury yacht cruise and sightseeing

• See the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
• Watch sea lions colony
• Relax at Médano Beach with snacks
• Enjoy whale watching or Pacific shore views

Stops and time spent at each 2 stops

1. Arch of Cabo San Lucas 30m
2. Medano Beach 30m

What’s included

• Open bar with tequila, vodka, rum, and beer.
• fresh snacks including guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese quesadillas, and fruit platter.
• complete snorkel equipment and paddle boards.
• use of a large floating mat.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Times

• Every day 09:00 12:00 16:30

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Private 2 group tours ›

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 1 with pickup ›

Book up to 2h before

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Confirmation Confirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Stroller-friendly Pets welcome Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Papillon Yachts

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

You board a 45-foot Sea Ray at the dock in Cabo San Lucas and head straight for the Arch: the limestone formation that rises where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. The boat slows so you can see the sea lion colony hauled out on the rocks below it. From there, the route swings to Medano Beach, where the yacht anchors and the real work starts: you gear up with the snorkel equipment stowed aboard, slip into the water, and spend time exploring whatever the conditions and the season offer. Whale watching happens when the migration is on. If it is not, the guide points out the Pacific shoreline and the marine life that is there instead.

Between water time, you drift on the floating mat or paddle out on the boards. The open bar runs the whole three hours (tequila, vodka, rum, beer), and the kitchen sends out guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese quesadillas, and a fruit platter. The salon below deck stays cool if you need to get out of the sun. A final passenger count goes to the operator at least one day before you go, so the crew knows the load and the timing holds.

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 Arch of Cabo San Lucas like when you're snorkeling near it?

The Arch is a 62-meter limestone formation at the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. From the water, you see it rise above you. The boat passes close enough that you can photograph it and watch the sea lion colony on the rocks below.

Do I need snorkeling experience to go on this yacht?

No. The snorkel equipment is provided and the guide is there to help. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and children can come along: infants ride on an adult's lap, and the boat is wheelchair accessible throughout.

What happens if whale season isn't active when I book?

Whale watching is seasonal and depends on migration timing. If whales aren't present, the guide focuses on the Pacific shoreline, the sea lion colony at the Arch, and whatever marine life is visible that day. The snorkeling and the other stops stay the same.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

The three-hour charter includes the cruise to the Arch, time at Medano Beach for snorkeling, and time on the floating mat or paddle boards. The exact water time depends on conditions and how long you want to stay down, but snorkeling is the main activity once you reach the beach.

What's included in the open bar?

The open bar carries tequila, vodka, rum, and beer throughout the three hours. Fresh snacks (guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese quesadillas, and fruit) come out during the cruise.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear or do I have to use the yacht's equipment?

The yacht provides complete snorkel equipment for all guests. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer, but everything you need is already aboard.