Pelican Rock Snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas: See the famous Sandfalls

Swim among tropical fish and sea turtles at a protected rock formation where two oceans meet

Snorkel at Pelican Rock, a protected marine sanctuary in Cabo San Lucas accessible only by boat, where calm clear waters teem with tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays and octopus. The site features a dramatic wall dive that drops to the Sandfalls (underwater formations of sand that resemble waterfalls), and rocky slopes covered in gorgonians and sea fans. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the two-hour activity, which includes all snorkeling gear and ends with beach time at Lover's Beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Arch of Cabo San Lucas10m
2. Lover's Beach45m
3. Pelican Rock45m

Snorkeling and sightseeing at Pelican Rock

• Visit Arch of Cabo San Lucas
• Relax at Lover's Beach
• Snorkel at Pelican Rock

The experience

Pelican Rock sits where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, a protected sanctuary you reach only by boat. The waters stay calm and clear year-round, making the site work for first-time snorkelers and experienced ones alike. You'll be surrounded by clouds of colorful tropical fish, and if the season aligns, manta rays and larger species move through in the summer months. The rock itself drops into a wall dive that leads to the Sandfalls, an unusual underwater feature where sand flows like water down the slope, and the rocky surfaces bristle with gorgonians and sea fans that sway in the current.

The operator provides masks, snorkels, fins and life jackets, so you arrive ready to enter the water. A live guide in English or Spanish stays with the group throughout, pointing out marine life and navigating the site's best vantage points. The two-hour activity leaves time to rest and recharge afterward: most departures include a stop at Lover's Beach, where you can relax on the sand and have access to bottled water before heading back.

Photographers find the shallow, clear water and abundance of subjects ideal for underwater shots. Bring a waterproof camera and biodegradable sunscreen: the latter protects the reef and the marine life you came to see. Children from age six can join when accompanied by an adult. The calm conditions and provided flotation make it accessible for younger swimmers building confidence in the water.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear including mask, snorkel, fins and life jacket.
• local taxes.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• beach time at Lover's Beach with bottled water.

Before you book

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 09:00 and 14:00, from US$ 57 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

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

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 88 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 2

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by AQUA ACTIVITIES

Is this one for you?Two hours on the water means you can snorkel Pelican Rock and still have the rest of your day free for other activities in Cabo San Lucas or time to explore the Arch and nearby beaches without feeling rushed.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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 kind of marine life will I see at Pelican Rock?

Pelican Rock teems with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, sea horses and octopus in the shallow waters. In summer months, manta rays and larger fish species also pass through the site. The rocky slopes covered in gorgonians and sea fans add to the underwater landscape.

Is Pelican Rock suitable if I've never snorkeled before?

Yes. The waters at Pelican Rock are typically calm and clear, and the site is designed for all fitness levels. The operator provides all gear (masks, snorkels, fins and life jackets), and a live guide leads the group, so you can enter the water with confidence.

What is the Sandfalls, and will I see it while snorkeling?

The Sandfalls are an underwater formation where sand flows down a wall dive like a waterfall, composed entirely of sand rather than water. You'll see this feature as part of the wall dive at Pelican Rock during your snorkel.

How much time do I have to relax after snorkeling?

After the snorkel at Pelican Rock, the two-hour activity typically includes a stop at Lover's Beach where you can relax on the sand and have access to bottled water before the return.

What should I bring for this snorkeling activity?

Bring biodegradable sunscreen to protect the reef, a swimsuit, a waterproof camera if you want to photograph the marine life, and cash for the marine park fee. All snorkeling gear is provided by the operator.