Snorkeling in San Jose del Cabo: Manta Rays & Coral Reefs

The Sea of Cortez holds species you won't find anywhere else on Earth.

Small-group snorkeling activity departing from San Jose del Cabo marina to remote coral reefs in the Sea of Cortez, where swimmers encounter manta rays, dolphins, sea lions and other endemic marine life. The boat brings you to sites away from the crowds of Cabo San Lucas. Photos taken during the experience are yours free. A live guide speaks English and Spanish. Children from age one are welcome.

The experience

The boats leave the San Jose del Cabo marina and head to snorkeling sites scattered across the Corridor (Zacatitos, Palmilla and beyond) reefs that rarely see other visitors. Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez "the aquarium of the world," and the moderate water temperatures make it comfortable to spend hours in the water without fighting the cold. You'll wear a wetsuit and snorkel gear provided by the operator, and a guide stays with the group throughout.

What makes this habitat different is the sheer concentration of species found nowhere else: manta rays, dolphins, sea lions, and coral formations that thrive in these waters. The three-hour window gives you real time at the reefs rather than a quick dip: enough to watch the animals move through their space and understand why this particular stretch of ocean draws serious snorkelers back again and again. Water and cookies are provided on the boat.

The group stays small, which is why you end up at sites where your boat is the only one anchored. A photographer documents the experience, and the images are yours at no extra cost. A practical detail that matters if you want proof of what you saw or a record to share.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and wetsuits.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• water and cookies on the boat.
• free tour photos taken during the experience.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Thursday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 6 years): free

GroupUp to 12

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by SALTY CABO Excursions

Is this one for you?The activity runs three hours with entry and exit from the boat, so you're in and out of the water on the operator's schedule rather than your own pace. Book this if you want a guided introduction to the Sea of Cortez reefs with a small group and don't need the flexibility of a self-guided rental or a longer day on the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 6 years): free.

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 sea life will I actually see while snorkeling in San Jose del Cabo?

Manta rays, dolphins, sea lions and endemic fish species thrive in the Sea of Cortez reefs. The moderate water temperatures support a habitat found nowhere else on Earth, so the marine life composition is genuinely different from other snorkeling destinations.

How far from the marina do the snorkeling sites go?

The reefs stretch across the Corridor (from Zacatitos and Palmilla outward), and the boat takes you to sites that see few other visitors. The distance keeps you away from the crowds at Cabo San Lucas while staying within a comfortable boat ride from San Jose del Cabo.

Is snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel gear and wetsuits are provided by the operator. Water and cookies are also included on the boat.

What happens to the photos taken during the snorkeling?

A photographer documents the experience, and all photos are yours free: no additional purchase required. You receive them at the end of the activity.