Cabo Blue Snorkeling Cruise, Open Bar and Lunch in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo’s famous Arch is only part of the appeal here. This 3.5-hour cruise pairs the classic Land’s End sights with a stop to snorkel at Santa Maria Bay, where you can look for tropical fish, then dry off over lunch and a drink on board.

I like two things in particular: the mix of sightseeing and water time makes this a useful half-day outing, and lunch, snorkel equipment, and an open bar are included in the $79.80 price. The main consideration is the mood: music and drinks give the boat a lively, sometimes party-like feel, so it may not suit you if you want a quiet sailing trip.

At a glance

• Land’s End from the water: The route includes Pelican Rock, Lovers Beach, and the Arch, with time to take photos.
• Santa Maria Bay swim stop: Snorkel gear is provided, and the crew sets you up to explore the water.
• Whale season bonus: Whales may be spotted from mid-December to mid-April, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect baguettes, appetizers, fruit, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
• A social boat atmosphere: Music, attentive service, and drinks are part of the outing, not an afterthought.
• Plan for the departure: Check in at 12:40 p.m. for the 1 p.m. sailing from the main marina pier.

Cabo’s Arch Is the Headliner, but Not the Whole Show

The Arch rises at Land’s End, the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. Seeing it from a boat gives you a better sense of its scale than a quick shore-side photo, and the crew allows time for pictures. Still, this is a moving boat tour with several stops, not a long, unhurried visit to the Arch.

The route also passes Lovers Beach and Pelican Rock, both part of the striking rock formations around Cabo’s tip. The cruise then heads to Santa Maria Bay for the activity that gives the trip its name: snorkeling. You get a compact sampler of Cabo from the water, with time for swimming and a meal before returning to the marina.

The roughly 3.5-hour schedule works well if you want an afternoon on the water without committing most of the day. It also means the itinerary has to balance landmarks, possible wildlife sightings, and the snorkel stop. If you want a long snorkel session above all else, this may feel brief. The swim is commonly around 45 minutes, though some outings allow closer to 50.

Four Stops, Each With a Different View of Cabo

Pelican Rock is the first listed stop. Here, the appeal is the rock formations and views over the Sea of Cortez. You can take photos and enjoy the scenery rather than treating every stop as a required swim. The water and rock formations are the main event, so bring a camera you can use safely around spray.

Lovers Beach, or Playa del Amor, sits at Land’s End. Its unusual position means one side borders the Pacific and the other the Sea of Cortez. From the boat, you get a good view of the beach and the meeting point of two very different bodies of water. Do not expect a beach landing as part of the excursion: at Santa Maria Bay, swimming to shore is not permitted, and the tour is designed around time on the boat and in the water nearby.

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, known locally as El Arco, is the signature photo stop. The crew gives you time to take pictures and can help capture a group shot. That practical touch matters when the whole group wants a picture together, though the time is still limited. One family said they wished they had stayed longer at the Arch, which is worth bearing in mind if this landmark is your top priority.

Santa Maria Bay is the main swimming stop and one of Los Cabos’ top snorkeling areas. Cabo Blue provides masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets, and the crew helps you get set up. Expect to see tropical fish, though water clarity can vary. Some outings have clear, fish-filled water; others may have cloudier conditions. Paddleboards and a floating mat are also available when sea conditions are suitable.

Snorkeling Is the Main Activity, Not an All-Day Expedition

At Santa Maria Bay, you can explore at your own pace rather than being required to follow a tightly controlled line, according to the way this trip is run. You still need to follow the crew’s safety instructions and stay within the permitted area. The tour does not allow swimming to shore.

Snorkeling time is a meaningful part of the outing, but it is not the entire afternoon. Plan on roughly 45 minutes in the water, with some trips closer to 50 minutes. That gives you time to look for fish and enjoy a swim, but experienced snorkelers who want an extended session may want a dedicated snorkeling tour instead.

The two paddleboards and floating water mat offer alternatives if you would rather float or take turns on the boards. Both depend on suitable ocean conditions, so treat them as a welcome extra, not a guaranteed centerpiece. A rinse-off hose is available after swimming.

Whales Can Turn the Ride Into a Wildlife Watch

From mid-December to mid-April, whale sightings can be a memorable bonus. Cabo Blue’s crew may pause when whales are spotted, and the route can offer chances to watch them before or after snorkeling. Sightings and how close the boat can safely get depend on what is happening at sea, so book this for the cruise and snorkel experience rather than as a guaranteed whale-watching trip.

Humpback whales have been seen breaching and slapping their fins during outings, and sea lions have also been spotted. Sightings outside the main whale season have occurred, too, but they are even less predictable. Keep your camera ready, but remember that the wildlife decides the schedule.

The crew’s attention to wildlife is one of the tour’s strengths. When whales appear, a flexible stop can make the return ride much more than a transfer back to the marina. If you are visiting in peak season and whale watching matters to you, this is a nice two-for-one: a snorkeling outing with the chance of a wildlife encounter.

Lunch, Drinks, and Music Set the Mood

Lunch is simple and practical: freshly prepared turkey, cheese, and vegetable baguettes, with guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit. It is enough to make the half-day outing feel self-contained, though this is not a gourmet meal. The crew prepares or serves lunch while you are snorkeling, so food is ready after your swim.

The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, with drinks offered throughout the cruise. That is a useful part of the $79.80 fare, especially if you would otherwise buy drinks separately. Still, pace yourself: sun, swimming, and alcohol are a combination that calls for water and shade as well as a cold drink. Nonalcoholic options are included.

A Bluetooth sound system and lively music contribute to the social atmosphere. Many people enjoy the upbeat playlist and friendly service, but the sound can be loud. One useful distinction: this is a fun cruise with snorkeling, not a quiet sailing lesson or a subdued nature trip. The boat has been described as a trimaran, but you should not book expecting a traditional sail under canvas.

What the Price Covers, and What It Does Not

At $79.80 per person, the fare includes the cruise, lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkel gear, and access to two paddleboards and a floating mat when conditions allow. The route also combines several Cabo landmarks with a swim stop. Taken together, that makes the price reasonable for a packaged afternoon, especially if you value not having to arrange food and equipment separately.

There are two small extra costs to plan for. A port tax of $1 or 20 pesos per person is payable in cash, and gratuity is not included. Bring cash for both. The stated tax is modest, but it is easy to overlook when budgeting.

The group is capped at 40 people, which is not a private or tiny-boat experience, but it can feel more personal than a much larger excursion. The crew is often praised for staying attentive, offering drinks, helping with photos, and assisting people who feel unwell or unsure in the water. Crew names mentioned on the boat include Ricardo, Ismael, Lalo, and Brian; Captain Kiko Mariscal has also been singled out. You cannot count on a particular crew member being on your departure.

Getting to the Marina and Preparing for the Afternoon

The boat leaves at 1 p.m. from Cabo Blue Boat, Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, in Cabo San Lucas. Check in at 12:40 p.m. to begin boarding. The marina is large, and the exact starting point can be hard to find, so do not leave your arrival until the last minute. Confirm the location details before you set off, especially if a taxi drops you at a different side of the port.

Parking is located around the corner from check-in, and the operator can provide a Google map on request. The meeting point is near public transportation. The tour ends back at the same place.

The minimum age is five, and most people can participate. The outing is a good fit for families with school-age children, couples, and groups of friends who want sightseeing and swimming in one trip. It may be less appealing if you dislike loud music, prefer a quiet boat, or want to spend most of your time snorkeling.

Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, and a UV shirt. The sun can feel intense on the water, and the shade may not be enough for everyone. If you sit at the front of the boat, expect to get splashed. Bring a phone or camera for the landmarks, but keep it secure when moving around the boat and near the water.

Should You Book Cabo Blue?

Book this cruise if you want an easygoing afternoon that combines Cabo’s famous rock formations, a proper swim stop, lunch, and drinks in one price. It is especially appealing in whale season, when sightings can add a thrilling extra without requiring a separate excursion. The crew’s attentive service and willingness to help with photos and swimming gear are a real part of the appeal.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing experience, guaranteed whale sightings, or a long snorkel session. The boat has a lively, music-forward mood, and the stop at the Arch is not unlimited. For a well-rounded first look at Cabo from the water, though, it offers good value and a satisfying mix of scenery, swimming, and time to relax on board.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo Blue snorkeling cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs at 1 p.m. Check in at 12:40 p.m. to begin boarding.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Cabo Blue Boat, Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, Cabo San Lucas, and returns to the same meeting point.

What stops are included?

The listed stops are Pelican Rock, Lovers Beach, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and Santa Maria Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes turkey, cheese, and vegetable baguettes, plus guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Are paddleboards and a floating mat available?

Yes. Two paddleboards and a floating water mat are included, subject to suitable ocean conditions.

Can I see whales on the cruise?

Whales may be seen from mid-December to mid-April. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Are there any extra fees?

A $1 or 20-peso port tax per person is payable in cash. Gratuity is not included.