Los Cabos: Snorkel Cruise & Santa Maria Bay Lunch with Open Bar

Summary

Catamaran cruise past The Arch with snorkeling and lunch in Santa Maria Bay

You’ll sail from Los Cabos past The Arch with a local crew, then anchor at Santa Maria Bay for snorkeling among bright fish or relaxing on deck. Enjoy unlimited drinks from the open bar and a fresh buffet lunch before cruising back along the coast—there’s time for laughter, sun, and those little moments you’ll keep replaying long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this soft slap of water against the hull that I still hear sometimes when I think about our snorkel cruise in Los Cabos. We’d just left the dock, sun already sharp but the breeze kept it friendly. Our guide—can’t remember if it was Diego or Luis—pointed out pelicans perched on rocks like they owned the place. Everyone scrambled for a shot of The Arch as we drifted by; I almost dropped my phone trying to get the sea lions in frame. They barked at us like we were late for something.

The ride out to Santa Maria Bay took maybe forty minutes, but it didn’t feel long. Someone behind me started up a conversation about fish species (I pretended to know more than I did). The crew passed around cold drinks from the open bar—margaritas tasted extra limey, or maybe that was just the salt air. When we finally anchored, there was this hush before everyone jumped in. Water here is cooler than you’d expect and clear enough to see your own toes wriggling. Schools of silver fish darted under us; one brushed my arm and I yelped underwater—nobody heard except maybe the fish.

I stayed out longer than planned, just floating and watching sunlight flicker over rocks below. Back on board, towels everywhere and people comparing GoPro footage like kids showing off trading cards. Lunch was simple—fresh baguettes with cold cuts and cheese—but after swimming it tasted like a feast. Someone tried to ask for seconds in Spanish; our guide laughed and helped him out (I should’ve paid more attention in class). On the way back, everyone stretched out in patches of sun or shade, half-drowsy from swimming and food. I kept glancing at the coastline slipping by, not really wanting it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling cruise and lunch in Los Cabos

• Check in at the desk
• Board the catamaran
• Pass Cabo San Lucas Bay attractions
• Take photos at The Arch
• Sail 40 minutes to Santa Maria Bay
• Snorkel or relax on board
• Enjoy lunch buffet on catamaran
• Return to dock
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Los Cabos snorkel cruise last?

The cruise includes sailing to Santa Maria Bay with time for snorkeling and lunch; expect several hours total including transit.

Is hotel pickup included for this snorkel cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you contact the operator to confirm this service.

What’s served for lunch on board?

The buffet lunch includes fresh baguettes with assorted cold cuts, cheeses, and condiments.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, unlimited drinks are available from an open bar as well as soft drinks.

Do I need to bring anything special?

You should bring a towel and sunglasses; everything else is provided.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling happens at Santa Maria Bay after sailing from Cabo San Lucas Bay.

Will we see The Arch during this tour?

Yes, you’ll pass by The Arch for photos before heading to Santa Maria Bay.

Is there public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the dock area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if arranged ahead of time, all taxes and fees covered, unlimited drinks from an open bar plus soft drinks throughout the cruise, snorkeling equipment provided on board, and a buffet lunch with fresh baguettes stacked with cold cuts and cheeses before heading back along the coast.