Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas: Glass Bottom Kayak & Pelican Rock

Paddle past granite cliffs and the Arch, then drop below the surface at Pelican Rock.

Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas combines kayaking and reef exploration in a single morning activity. You paddle glass bottom kayaks from Playa Empacadora toward Land's End, passing Neptune's Finger, the Arch, and Lovers Beach, then stop to snorkel near Pelican Rock's rocky reef habitat in the Sea of Cortez. A certified bilingual guide leads the experience, which lasts about two hours and includes all equipment, wetsuits on request, water and snacks. Round-trip transportation from selected areas is included. Morning departures are recommended for calmer water and better visibility.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Arch of Cabo San Lucaspass by
2. Lover's Beachpass by
3. Pelican Rock35m · entry included

Kayak and snorkel at Land's End

• Meet guide at Playa Empacadora
• Set up equipment and safety briefing
• Launch kayak from the beach
• Paddle toward Neptune's Finger
• Continue to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
• Pass near Lovers Beach
• Snorkel near Pelican Rock reef
• Return paddle to Playa Empacadora

The experience

You meet your guide at Playa Empacadora, a historic beach that sits closest to Land's End, where equipment setup and a safety briefing happen before you launch. The glass bottom kayak lets you see the underwater environment while paddling: a perspective most snorkeling trips don't offer. From there you paddle along the coastline toward Neptune's Finger and the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the granite formations that mark where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. The route passes Lovers Beach, a secluded stretch framed by dramatic cliffs, and you get photo time at the Arch itself.

The snorkeling stop happens near Pelican Rock or a nearby reef selected based on the day's conditions. Your guide leads you through the rocky habitat where the Sea of Cortez's marine life congregates. Wind and ocean conditions occasionally prevent access to the Arch area. When that happens, the experience continues with additional paddling around Land's End and extra snorkeling time instead. The return paddle takes you back to Playa Empacadora with final views of the bay and coastline.

The activity requires basic comfort in the water and fitness for paddling, but it's suitable for all fitness levels and open to ages six and up. Wetsuits are available on request, especially useful in winter months. Bottled water and light snacks are provided. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from selected areas and brings you back, so you don't arrange your own transport to the beach. Exact pickup instructions arrive within 24 hours of booking.

What’s included

• Certified bilingual guide in English and Spanish throughout.
• tandem glass bottom kayak with paddle and life jacket.
• snorkeling equipment.
• wetsuits available on request.
• bottled water and light snacks.
• round-trip air-conditioned transportation from selected areas in Cabo San Lucas.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (6 to 70 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by High Tide Los Cabos

Is this one for you?You do the paddling and snorkeling yourself with a guide leading the way, so this suits anyone who wants to be active on the water rather than watching from a boat. The morning departure is usually calmer and clearer, which matters if you're new to snorkeling or prefer easier conditions. Afternoon light is stronger but wind and boat traffic pick up. The two-hour window works for a free morning or a break between other plans, and pickup from your hotel removes the logistics of finding Playa Empacadora on your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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 glass bottom kayak and regular snorkeling?

The glass bottom kayak lets you observe underwater life while staying on the surface and paddling, so you see the reef without getting wet during the paddle portion. The snorkeling stop is a separate part of the experience where you enter the water at Pelican Rock to explore the reef habitat directly.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The experience is suitable for all fitness levels and ages six and up. Your certified guide provides instruction and is with you throughout the snorkeling portion near Pelican Rock.

What happens if the weather is bad or we can't reach the Arch?

If wind or ocean conditions prevent access to the Arch, the experience continues with scenic paddling around Land's End, additional coastline exploration, and extra snorkeling time. No partial refunds are given for route adjustments due to conditions. If weather is unsafe, the operator offers an alternative date or full refund.

Is transportation really included from my hotel?

Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included from selected areas in Cabo San Lucas. You'll receive exact pickup instructions and your meeting location within 24 hours of booking.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear swimwear under clothes you can change out of easily. Wetsuits are available on request. The operator provides all snorkeling and kayaking equipment, life jackets, paddles, water and snacks. No locker facilities exist, but your belongings can usually stay in the vehicle during the activity. Bring sunscreen and a towel if you have one, as towels aren't provided.

How long does the whole experience take?

The activity itself lasts about two hours from launch to return at Playa Empacadora. Add time for pickup, drop-off, and equipment setup before you paddle.