REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Luxury Snorkeling Tour in Cabo San Lucas
Book on Viator →Operated by Cabo Day Trips · Bookable on Viator
Sun and sea views come fast. This Cabo San Lucas luxury snorkeling tour mixes catamaran comfort with an easy sightseeing loop around Lands End. I like the way it keeps things relaxed with a small group and then feeds you (lunch plus snacks) while the crew keeps drinks moving.
One key thing to plan for: the $5 port fee per person is not included, and the lunch is more practical than fancy. Still, the overall package—gear provided, time on the water, and an attentive crew—makes it a solid value if you want snorkeling plus classic Cabo scenery in one go.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your attention
- Luxury catamaran snorkeling in Cabo: what your $149 really buys
- Pickup, start time, and the 3-hour rhythm
- Stop 1 at the Arch of Cabo San Lucas: photos, Sea Lions, and Pelican Rock
- Sea of Cortez by Medano Beach: drinks in hand and a longer sail
- The Pacific side to Divorce Beach: open bar sailing with scenery on both coasts
- Chileno Bay snorkeling: what to expect and how to gear up smart
- Lunch, snacks, and the open bar: comfort with a realistic food score
- Onboard service style: attentive, not intrusive
- Photos and that extra step you might need to confirm
- Who should book this Cabo snorkeling tour
- Should you book? My quick decision guide
- FAQ
- What does the $149 price include?
- Is the port fee included in the $149?
- How long is the tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- Do they offer hotel pickup?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- Is there an open bar on the boat?
- Is the tour canceled if the weather is bad?
- How big is the group?
Key highlights worth your attention

- Small group (max 14 travelers) for a calmer boat vibe
- Premium open bar with an international selection
- Snorkeling gear provided, so you can pack light
- Quick photo stop at the Arch with Sea Lions Colony and Pelican Rock
- Chileno Bay focus for the swimming and snorkeling time
- Lunch and snacks onboard, not just a quick drink-and-go
Luxury catamaran snorkeling in Cabo: what your $149 really buys
At $149 per person, this tour is priced like a “do it all” half-day: boat time, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and a premium open bar. You’re not just paying for a swim spot—you’re paying for comfort and reduced hassle. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup, plus the crew handles the pacing of when you’re sightseeing versus when you’re in the water.
Where it can feel extra worth it is the small-group limit. With up to 14 people, you’re less likely to feel like you’re on a cattle-boat. You also get more crew attention for basics like timing, gear fitting, and keeping an eye on anyone who needs a hand getting back aboard.
The one real “budget surprise” is the port fee. $5 per person is listed as not included, so factor that into your total before you fall in love with the headline price.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas.
Pickup, start time, and the 3-hour rhythm

The tour starts at 10:30 am and runs about 3 hours. That timing matters in Cabo: midday sun is strong, and you’ll want to be ready to snorkel and spend time on deck before the heat peaks.
Pickup is offered, and you’ll get the details a few days prior. You’ll also have a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking time. The tour operates in English, which makes it easier to get direct answers about where to swim and how long each stop lasts.
Tip: because the tour is only about 3 hours, you’ll feel every minute. If you hate tight schedules, plan to be flexible—this is built as a compact circuit around some of Cabo’s most photographed coastlines.
Stop 1 at the Arch of Cabo San Lucas: photos, Sea Lions, and Pelican Rock

This part is all about the signature Cabo look. You’ll sail to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas area for a stop that’s about 20 minutes. The plan includes views of Lands End, plus a stop at the Sea Lions Colony and Pelican Rock. There’s also a photo moment at Lovers Beach.
Why this stop works: it’s short, so you don’t waste your half-day waiting on land, and the scenery is the kind you can’t replicate from shore without a boat perspective. You also get a break from water temps and decide whether you want to be on deck for the next sailing segment or ready yourself for the snorkeling time.
Practical note: the Arch area is popular for a reason—wind and sun can hit fast. Bring your sunglasses, and if you burn easily, wear a sun shirt rather than relying on regular sunscreen (more on that later).
Sea of Cortez by Medano Beach: drinks in hand and a longer sail

Next up is Sea of Cortez, with a sail in front of Medano Beach, Cabo’s best-known beach area. This stop lasts about 1 hour, and it’s the more “hang out on the water” segment.
What I like about this layout is the pacing. After the photo stop, you get sustained time on the catamaran. You’ll have snacks and your favorite drinks while the boat moves along the coast.
This is also the part of the day where snorkeling time typically fits in, since the tour is designed around Chileno Bay swimming and snorkeling spots. The snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to hunt for rentals on your own. I recommend you treat this hour as your main chance to be ready—use the boat time to get your gear sorted early so you’re not rushing when the crew points out the swim window.
The Pacific side to Divorce Beach: open bar sailing with scenery on both coasts

Then the route shifts to the Pacific side. You’ll sail toward Divorce Beach and Lands End on the other side of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, with about 40 minutes for this segment.
Why this stop is fun: it gives you two flavors of Cabo coastlines in one outing—the side that’s all about iconic landmarks and the side that feels wider and more open. Plus, it’s a good window for enjoying the boat experience itself: sitting on deck, enjoying the premium open bar, and snacking while you swap between water views and shoreline landmarks.
One consideration: the Pacific side can feel a bit different depending on wind. If you’re the type who gets motion-sensitive, bring your best “boat day” habits—stay mid-ship if seating allows, and keep your eyes on the horizon when the water gets choppy.
Chileno Bay snorkeling: what to expect and how to gear up smart

The tour’s promise is simple: find the best swimming and snorkeling spots around Chileno Bay. The included snorkeling gear is there so you can focus on the water instead of the shopping.
From the experience reports I reviewed, snorkeling can be rewarding, with plenty of fish sightings. What matters most is how comfortable you are getting in and out of the water from a moving boat and how carefully you follow the crew’s guidance about where to swim.
Here’s the reef-friendly tip that’s worth taking seriously: bring or wear a sun shirt. One review specifically warned that sunscreen isn’t great for the coral reef and its inhabitants. I’m not saying skip sun protection—just change the method. A sun shirt plus shade when you can is a smart combo.
Also, bring your own towel(s). A reviewer recommended taking a towel for each person, and that makes sense for two reasons: you’ll want something for post-snorkel drying, and it’s easier to stay comfortable for the rest of the ride.
Lunch, snacks, and the open bar: comfort with a realistic food score

This tour includes lunch plus snacks, and the alcoholic beverages are a premium international open bar. A big plus here is how the drinks feel handled—at least from one review, once you finish a drink the crew is ready to offer the next one quickly. That kind of service usually makes a boat day feel smoother rather than “self-serve and forget.”
The food, though, is a mixed bag. One review described lunch as a sandwich, pasta, and only a bit of salad. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—it just means it’s not a Mexican food feast or a gourmet spread. If you want guacamole-and-chips energy, you may be disappointed unless you’re fine with simple, boat-friendly meals.
Snack strategy: don’t plan your day like lunch is your only meal. Between sailing stops and snorkeling time, you’ll probably feel better if you snack steadily rather than waiting for lunch to be “the thing.”
Bottom line: this is a tour where drinks and scenery often steal the show, while lunch is solid enough to keep you comfortable, not spectacular enough to build your day around.
Onboard service style: attentive, not intrusive

One of the more reassuring themes from reviews is the crew vibe: attentive, quick to help, and not overbearing. In one account, the captain and crew were described as responsive—especially helpful when a group arrived about 10 minutes late due to cruise tendering.
That kind of flexibility matters if your Cabo day has any moving parts. You don’t want to feel like you’re chasing a disappearing boat. Here, it sounds like they’re used to real-world timing issues.
Photos and that extra step you might need to confirm
You may see a photographer onboard, since one review called out photos taken during the trip. The catch: the reviewer was disappointed that the photos they expected weren’t included by email.
So here’s the smart move: before you assume anything, ask whether photo downloads are included and how they’re delivered. If you care about having those images after the trip, it’s worth clarifying the policy right at the start so you don’t end up paying or scrambling later.
Who should book this Cabo snorkeling tour
This tour fits best if you want a one-pass plan: snorkeling time (with gear included), plus the major Cabo landmarks around the Arch and Lands End, all from a comfortable catamaran.
It’s a good pick for:
- Couples or small groups who want the boat to feel relaxed
- People who value an open bar and don’t want to manage logistics
- Travelers who like snorkeling but also want big sightseeing moments
It may not fit as well if:
- You’re picky about lunch and want a specific kind of Mexican cuisine
- You’re very sensitive to sun and don’t plan to bring a sun shirt
- You assume all photos will be included without checking
Should you book? My quick decision guide
Book this tour if you want a compact, fun Cabo day with Chileno Bay snorkeling, classic coastal scenery, and the comfort perks of a small catamaran group. The price makes sense because it bundles what many separate bookings would cost you: boat ride, gear, food, and an open bar.
Hold off or ask more questions if you’re mainly food-focused or photo-focused. Lunch seems more practical than memorable, and the photo situation may require confirmation.
If you like the idea of being on the water for about three hours—snorkeling when the crew sets the window and sightseeing around the Arch and Lands End—this is the kind of tour that delivers the “Cabo in one go” feeling without overcomplicating your day.
FAQ
What does the $149 price include?
The tour includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup, and a premium international open bar with alcoholic beverages. A $5 port fee per person is not included.
Is the port fee included in the $149?
No. There is a $5 port fee per person that you’ll pay separately.
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 3 hours.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 10:30 am.
Do they offer hotel pickup?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and pickup details are sent a few days prior to your adventure.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
Is there an open bar on the boat?
Yes. The tour includes a premium open bar and snacks onboard.
Is the tour canceled if the weather is bad?
It depends. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers, keeping it a small-group experience.
























