Cabo San Lucas and Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling Sightseeing Cruise

Cabo’s famous Arch looks best from the water, and this cruise gives you time to see it before heading to Santa Maria Bay for a swim and snorkel. On the way, keep an eye out for whales, sea turtles, and flying fish. Sightings are never guaranteed, but they can turn the boat ride into a highlight of its own.

I like two things in particular: the crew helps take photos at the Arch, and the fare includes lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear, so you are not paying separately for the basics once aboard. The main caveat is the swim stop: the boat anchors offshore, so you should not expect to step onto the beach, and visibility and fish life can vary.

What to know before you book

• The Arch is a quick photo stop: The boat pauses for about 10 minutes, and the crew can help take pictures using your phone.
• Santa Maria is an offshore swim stop: You get about 45 minutes in the water, but local rules keep boats from pulling up to the beach.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect sandwiches, appetizers, fruit, and an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.
• Snorkel gear is provided: Masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets are included. Paddleboards and a floating mat are available when sea conditions permit.
• This is a social shared cruise: The boat takes up to 40 people, with music and an open bar. It is not a private outing.
• Plan carefully if you arrive by cruise ship: Cabo is a tender port, and the operator warns that delays can mean a missed departure with no refund.

From Cabo’s marina to Land’s End

The cruise leaves at 1:00 pm from Cabo Blue Boat at the Main Dock Marina, near the flea market and the cruise-ship arrival area. Give yourself time to find the boat and check in. The operator’s guidance says to arrive 20 minutes before departure; that matters here, especially if you are coming ashore by tender.

Once aboard, the outing is a shared cruise rather than a small private charter. The stated maximum is 40 people. That is enough room for a lively group atmosphere, but it also means the boat and swim stop may feel busy, especially when several boats are in the same snorkeling area.

The advertised duration is about three and a half hours. I would think of it as a half-day on the water, not an all-day excursion: you get a coastal ride, a short Arch stop, and time to swim, with food and drinks included. The trip ends back at the marina.

The Arch: Cabo’s landmark from the water

The first major sight is the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the rock formation shaped by wind and water at Land’s End. From the boat, you can see where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, and the rock formations make a striking backdrop for photos.

The boat stops for about 10 minutes. That is enough time to take pictures, but it is a brief look, not a long visit. Bring your phone, and take advantage of the crew’s offer to help with photos so your whole group can be in the frame. The crew’s attention to photos is a useful touch, especially if you are traveling as a couple or family and do not want one person left out of every shot.

The coastline itself is part of the appeal. The ride out and back gives you more time to take in Cabo from the water than a quick land-based photo stop would. Whale sightings have been reported on some trips, along with sea turtles and flying fish, but wildlife is an added bonus, not a promise.

Santa Maria Bay: swim from the boat, not the sand

The main water stop is Santa Maria Bay, a protected area known for snorkeling. The cruise allows about 45 minutes here, with masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets provided. You can swim and look for fish, or stay on board if you prefer. Paddleboards, kayaks, and a floating water mat are also listed as included, though their use depends on suitable ocean conditions.

One detail is easy to miss in the tour’s beach language: you do not go ashore. The boat anchors roughly 60 yards offshore because local rules do not allow it to pull directly onto the beach. You enter the water from the boat and snorkel in the designated area. If walking on Santa Maria’s sand is important to you, this is not the right outing.

Snorkeling can be rewarding, but conditions are not fixed. Some days bring plenty of colorful fish and good visibility; on others, wind, rough seas, crowds, or limited visibility can make the underwater portion less impressive. I would book this for the full mix of scenery, swimming, and boat time rather than expecting a guaranteed exceptional reef encounter.

The crew distributes the gear and helps make sure people have a chance to use the water toys. Still, 45 minutes goes quickly once you have put on your gear and entered the water. If you love snorkeling, you may wish for a longer stop; if you are new to it or traveling with a mixed-ability group, the time can feel about right.

Lunch, drinks, and the boat’s social mood

The food is more substantial than a token snack, though it is still a casual boat lunch. The menu includes freshly prepared turkey, cheese, and vegetable baguettes, plus guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit. Some meals may include additional items such as pound cake, but the listed core offering is the safest guide to what to expect.

The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The crew can prepare mixed drinks, and water and soft drinks are available. That helps make the fare good value if you plan to have a few drinks, but the bar is also part of the boat’s character: music plays through a Bluetooth sound system, the mood can get festive, and some people describe the outing as a party boat.

That atmosphere is a plus if you want a sociable afternoon with music and drinks. It is less ideal if you want a quiet nature cruise. The boat has shade, but it is not a large multi-deck vessel, and a full group can make the shared space feel lively. If calm and silence are your priorities, consider a different kind of excursion.

What the $79.80 fare gets you

At $79.80 per person, the price covers a lot of the practical pieces: the cruise, the Arch stop, the swim stop, snorkel equipment, lunch, and an open bar. Paddleboards, kayaks, and a floating mat are included when conditions are suitable. You also get the benefit of a crew that helps with photos and keeps an eye on the group.

The value depends partly on what you want from the day. If you would otherwise pay separately for drinks, lunch, and water gear, the package is attractive. If you are mainly after a pristine snorkeling site or a quiet, private boat, the same fare may feel less compelling. This is a shared experience, and the designated snorkel area can be crowded.

Budget another $1 per person for the government fee, and bring cash for gratuity, which is not included. The tip is not mandatory in the stated inclusions, but it is worth planning for if the crew makes your outing easier or more fun.

Who will enjoy this Cabo cruise most

I would recommend this outing to couples, friends, and families who want a little of everything: coastal sightseeing, a swim, a casual lunch, and drinks, all in one half-day. Children must be at least 5 years old, and the tour information says most people can participate. Families may appreciate the life jackets, attentive crew, and nonalcoholic drinks, while adults can make use of the open bar.

It is also a good fit if you want to see the Arch without arranging a separate boat trip. The ride itself is part of the experience, and the chance of spotting whales or other wildlife adds an appealing bit of uncertainty. Crew members Adrian and Brian have been praised by name for their friendly, hospitable service, though the staff on your departure may differ.

I would hesitate if you dislike loud music, want a private setting, or expect to spend time walking on Santa Maria Beach. And if snorkeling is the only reason you are going, remember that visibility and fish activity vary. The scenery and crew may still make the outing worthwhile, but underwater conditions are not something the operator can control.

Timing, meeting point, and weather notes

The start time is 1:00 pm, and the meeting point is Cabo Blue Boat at the Main Dock Marina, Marina del Rey, Cabo San Lucas. The activity returns to the same point. Check your confirmation and reminder details, and arrive early enough to complete check-in before departure.

Cruise-ship visitors need to be especially cautious. Cabo is a tender port, so delays getting ashore can interfere with the scheduled departure. The operator states that it does not refund missed departures caused by cruise-ship or tender delays. If your ship’s timing is tight, weigh that risk before booking.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. For a voluntary cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Cabo Blue cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, active half-day with Cabo’s Arch, a chance to snorkel, lunch, and drinks included. The crew’s service, photo help, and easygoing atmosphere are strong reasons to choose it, and $79.80 is fair value if you will use the included food and bar.

Skip it if you want a quiet trip, private service, time on Santa Maria’s sand, or snorkeling conditions you can count on. For most people looking for a social coastal outing rather than a specialist snorkel charter, it is a solid way to spend an afternoon on the water.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 1:00 pm.

Where does the cruise meet?

Meet at Cabo Blue Boat at the Main Dock Marina, Marina del Rey, in Cabo San Lucas. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Does the boat stop at the Arch?

Yes. The cruise pauses at the Arch for about 10 minutes, and the crew can help take photos using your phone.

Do you get off the boat at Santa Maria Beach?

No. The boat anchors offshore, about 60 yards from the beach, and you enter the water from there. Local rules do not allow the boat to pull directly onto the beach.

What is included in the price?

The fare includes lunch, an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkel equipment, and access to paddleboards, kayaks, and a floating mat when conditions allow.

Is the tour private?

No. It is a shared tour with a maximum of 40 people.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 5 years.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not accepted. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.