Los Cabos: Snorkeling Chileno Bay & Santa Maria Pickup

Summary

Swim with colorful fish in cabo’s calmest bays guided by locals

You’ll slip into Los Cabos’ clearest waters with a local guide who knows every cove and current. Snorkel among bright fish at Santa Maria Cove, then drift through gentle waves at Chileno Bay — all gear, wetsuit, pickup and snacks included. Expect laughter, sandy toes, and moments of calm you might carry home with you.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re going to want to breathe slow,” our guide Armando said, handing me a wetsuit that felt a bit too snug at first. I laughed and tried to wriggle in without falling over — not my most graceful moment. The van ride from Cabo San Lucas was quick, maybe 20 minutes? We passed the hotel zone, windows down, salty air mixing with sunscreen and the faint smell of someone’s breakfast burrito. I kept asking Armando if the water would be cold; he just grinned and said, “Wait until you see the color.”

First stop was Santa Maria Cove. The sand there isn’t powdery — it’s more like tiny pebbles that crunch under your feet. I didn’t expect so many families already out early, kids squealing every time a wave lapped up. Armando gave us a quick rundown on how to keep the mask from fogging (spit actually works, who knew?) and pointed out where the coral started. The water really is clear — like looking through glass — but what surprised me most were these flashes of yellow and blue darting around my legs. Someone swore they saw a sea turtle but I missed it; still kicking myself.

We packed up after about an hour and drove just a few minutes down to Chileno Bay. This one felt quieter, maybe because the waves are gentler or maybe because everyone seemed lost in their own little world under the surface. There’s this moment when you float face-down and all you hear is your own breath through the snorkel, muffled voices above, sunlight flickering on rocks below. Armando dove down suddenly and waved at a school of silvery fish — I tried to follow but mostly just flailed around. He popped up laughing, “You need more tacos for energy!”

Afterwards we sat under a little shaded camp eating granola bars (not fancy but somehow perfect) and drinking bottled water that tasted extra good after all that salt. My hair was full of sand and my nose was sunburned even though I swear I reapplied twice. There wasn’t any rush to leave; nobody hustling us along. I still think about that quiet floating feeling sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling at Santa Maria and Chileno Bay

• Travel along hotel zone and ocean view
• Snorkel at Santa Maria Cove
• Snorkel at Chileno Bay

Top questions

How long does the Los Cabos snorkeling tour last?

The activity lasts about 3 hours including transportation from your hotel or port.

Are hotel pickups included for the snorkeling tour?

Yes, complimentary hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your day.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkel gear and wetsuits are provided; let them know your size ahead of time.

What ages can join the snorkeling tour?

The tour is suitable for anyone aged 6 years or older.

Which beaches do we visit during the tour?

You’ll snorkel at Santa Maria Cove and Chileno Bay in Los Cabos.

Is lunch included on this snorkeling day trip?

No full lunch is provided but bottled water and granola bars are included as snacks.

Do activities start from a boat or from shore?

All water activities begin directly from the beach — no boats are used.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If weather isn’t safe (rain, high waves), you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel or port pickup in Los Cabos, all snorkel gear plus wetsuit (just give your size ahead), guidance from a friendly local expert throughout both bays, shaded camp setup for breaks between swims, bottled water to keep you refreshed, and simple snacks like granola bars before heading back relaxed (and probably sandy).