Los Cabos: 2-Stop Snorkeling Tour & Zodiac Boat with Lunch

Summary

Santa Maria & Chileno Bay snorkeling by Zodiac plus Arch views

You’ll ride a Zodiac boat along Cabo San Lucas’ coast, snorkel at Santa Maria and Chileno Bays with a local guide, then relax with lunch on the sand near Land’s End. Expect lively marine life—including sea lions—and postcard-worthy views of El Arco and Lovers Beach. It’s not polished or fancy but feels real in all the best ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel two bays and visit landmarks

• Hotel pickup and van ride
• Boat ride to Santa Maria Bay
• Snorkel at Santa Maria Bay
• Boat ride to Chileno Bay
• Snorkel at Chileno Bay
• Light lunch on the beach
• Visit Land’s End Arch
• Visit Lovers Beach
• Visit Sea Lion Colony

Top questions

How long does the Los Cabos snorkeling tour last?

The tour includes two 30-minute snorkeling stops plus boat rides and lunch; total duration varies but plan for several hours.

Which beaches do you visit for snorkeling?

The tour visits Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay for snorkeling.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cabo snorkeling tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included before heading to the marina for your Zodiac boat ride.

What’s included in lunch during this day trip?

A light lunch is served on the beach after snorkeling; vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Are snorkel gear and drinks provided?

Yes, all snorkel gear (mask, fins, vest) plus bottled water and soda are included.

Can children join this Los Cabos snorkeling tour?

Children aged 5 and up can participate if accompanied by an adult.

Do you visit El Arco (the Arch) during this tour?

Yes, after snorkeling you’ll visit Land’s End to see El Arco, Lovers Beach, and the Sea Lion Colony from the boat.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions; moderate fitness is required.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient hotel pickup in Los Cabos, all your snorkel gear (mask, fins, vest), bottled water and soda onboard, a certified multilingual guide who knows these waters well, two guided snorkeling stops at Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay—with plenty of time at each—and a light lunch served right on the beach before returning to town.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the salt spray—sharp and cool, hitting my face as our little Zodiac bounced along the Sea of Cortez. We’d just left Cabo San Lucas, still half-awake from the early hotel pickup, and suddenly it was all blue water and that weird mix of sunscreen and ocean smell. Our guide, Diego, grinned back at us from the front. He kept pointing out pelicans skimming low over the waves. I tried to take a photo but nearly dropped my phone—should’ve known better.

Santa Maria Bay was our first snorkeling stop. The water looked almost painted, that kind of turquoise you see on postcards but never believe is real until you’re floating in it. I fumbled with my mask for a minute (Diego helped me adjust it, didn’t even laugh), then finally slipped under. It was quiet down there except for my own breathing—just these flashes of yellow fish darting through coral and sunlight rippling above. I lost track of time. Someone’s laugh bubbled up from a few feet away—think it was Ana from our group, she got excited every time she spotted something new.

After Chileno Bay (a bit busier but loads more fish), we climbed back into the boat—kind of awkward in fins—and zipped off toward Land’s End. That’s where you see El Arco, that big stone arch everyone talks about. Sea lions were sprawled out on the rocks like they owned the place; one barked loud enough to make us all jump. Lunch came next—nothing fancy, just sandwiches and cold drinks on the beach near Lovers Beach, toes in warm sand while Diego told us stories about old pirate ships hiding out here centuries ago. I still think about that view sometimes—the sea lions snoring away, the Arch behind them, sun burning off any last bit of worry.