Los Cabos: Glass-Bottom Boat, Pelican Rock Snorkel & Photos

Summary

Snorkeling pelican rock by glass boat with arch views and local flavors

You’ll ride a glass-bottom boat past Cabo’s Arch and sea lions before snorkeling Pelican Rock’s reefs with a local guide. Lunch is simple but satisfying after swimming, then there’s time for tequila tasting and wandering San Lucas shops. Expect salty air, laughter, and moments that linger longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed into this glass-bottom boat in Cabo San Lucas and honestly, I didn’t expect the water to be that clear. You could see these little flashes of silver darting under us—our guide, Luis, pointed out which ones were jurel or snapper (I forgot which was which pretty much instantly). The Arch of Cabo San Lucas looked almost unreal up close, all jagged and sun-bleached. There were sea lions barking on the rocks; one of them slid into the water with a splash that made everyone laugh. I got a whiff of sunscreen and salt air mixed together—classic beach day smell.

When we got to Pelican Rock for snorkeling, it felt like we’d been let in on some local secret. You can only reach it by boat, so there weren’t crowds. The water was cold at first—like a shock—but then you get used to it and suddenly you’re floating over these reefs with parrotfish everywhere. Our guide kept checking on us and pointed out a pufferfish (I nearly swallowed seawater from excitement). My mask fogged up twice but I just dunked my face again. There’s something about swimming with schools of fish that makes you forget time—I think we stayed longer than planned.

After drying off (sort of), we had this box lunch—baguette sandwich, chips, juice. Not fancy but honestly hit the spot after swimming. Then we wandered around San Lucas for shopping and tried tequila tasting—Luis taught us how to sip it “like locals,” though I still made a face at the first taste. He laughed and said I’d get used to it if I stayed longer. I still think about that view back toward the Arch as we headed in; something about the light bouncing off those rocks sticks with you, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and explore Pelican Rock

• Board glass-bottom boat
• View Arch and rock formations
• See sea lion colony
• Snorkel at Pelican Rock
• Tequila tasting and shopping

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Los Cabos snorkel tour?

Yes, roundtrip hotel pickup is included in your booking.

Where does the snorkeling take place during this tour?

The snorkeling session happens at Pelican Rock, only accessible by boat from Cabo San Lucas.

Are digital photos provided on this tour?

Yes, digital underwater photos are included so you don’t need your own camera.

Is lunch provided after snorkeling at Pelican Rock?

A box lunch with baguette sandwich, granola bar, juice, chips and water is included.

How long is the boat ride to Pelican Rock from Cabo?

The scenic glass-bottom boat ride takes about 20–30 minutes each way depending on conditions.

Can children join this snorkeling tour?

Yes—children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available if requested when booking your tour.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries?

No—the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries due to activity level.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Los Cabos, a scenic glass-bottom boat ride past the Arch and sea lion colony, guided snorkeling at Pelican Rock with sanitized gear provided (mask, snorkel tube, fins and life vest), digital underwater photos taken by staff so you can focus on swimming instead of snapping pics yourself, plus a simple box lunch with drinks before tequila tasting and free time in San Lucas for shopping or just soaking up the vibe before heading back.