Cabo Escape Snorkel Fun Cruise

Cabo Escape Snorkel Fun Cruise offers a popular way for travelers to enjoy the stunning coastline and marine life of Cabo San Lucas. With an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 from around 150 reviews, this tour appeals to those looking for a laid-back, fun-filled afternoon at sea. It’s priced at $89 per person, and most bookings are made about 11 days in advance — a good sign that it’s well-liked and accessible.

What makes this cruise attractive? We love its combination of scenic water views and snorkeling, along with the inclusive lunch and open bar. The boat trip provides a chance to see iconic landmarks like Lands End and The Arch, plus natural highlights such as Pelican Rock and Lovers Beach. However, some travelers have found the snorkeling experience a bit underwhelming, and a few mention frustrations with wait times or the activity’s family-friendliness.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a combination of sightseeing, light adventure, and socializing in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a solo adventurer eager for some ocean air, this cruise might be a solid choice — just keep in mind some reviews suggest it’s not ideal for those seeking serious snorkel exploration or wildlife encounters.

Key Points

• Scenic Water Views: See Cabo’s famous landmarks like The Arch and Lovers Beach from the water.
• Snorkeling at Chileno Beach: Explore marine life in what’s often described as a natural aquarium—equipment included.
• Includes Lunch & Open Bar: Enjoy grilled tacos and an open bar with beer, tequila, vodka, and sodas.
• Short & Manageable: The 3.5-hour tour is ideal for a relaxed afternoon without overcommitting.
• Mixed Experiences: Some reviews highlight fun times, while others mention disappointed snorkeling or logistical issues.
• Family-Friendly? Mixed reviews suggest it’s more social than specifically designed for kids.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The adventure begins at Cabo Escape Tours’ meeting point at Muelle del Cabo, right in the bustling Marina area. Check-in is straightforward, and the crew’s multilingual guides help keep things informative. The boat departs around 12:30 pm, giving you ample daylight to enjoy the trip.

The first part of the cruise takes you past Pelican Rock and Lovers Beach, both iconic sights visible only from the water. The views here are spectacular — the rugged cliffs, the shimmering sea, and the chance to snap memorable photos of The Arch as the vessel glides past.

Most travelers appreciate the opportunity to see Cabo’s coastline from this perspective, often describing it as a “great experience” or “beautiful scenery.” One reviewer noted, “It was a great experience, the staff was very attentive with everything,” emphasizing the friendly service.

Next, the boat heads toward Chileno Bay, a well-known snorkeling spot. Here, the vessel stops for about 25-30 minutes, giving snorkelers the chance to peer into the clear waters and spot local marine life. The experience is described as “natural aquarium” by some — colorful fish, coral formations, and the chance to see sea life in their natural habitat. Yet, a few travelers, like Sarah, express disappointment, noting, “Snorkeling was disappointing, everyone was required to wear lifejackets,” and “saw about 15 fish & just 1 stop within a 3-hour trip.”

The snorkeling stop provides a refreshing break from the boat ride and a chance for novice swimmers or families to dip in the sea. It’s worth noting that wildlife sightings like sea lions or turtles are not guaranteed — they depend on nature’s whim.

After the water activities, everyone is invited back on deck to enjoy a delicious grilled lunch. The menu often includes tacos, which receive mixed reviews — some say “they were okay,” while others felt they could be better. The emphasis is on a simple, satisfying meal to refuel after the swim.

To wash down the food, an open bar is included, with beer, tequila, vodka, and sodas. Reviewers frequently mention the drinks as a highlight, especially Jalishq_T, who said, “Drinks were good, we had a lot!” This social aspect adds a festive vibe, making the cruise more about relaxed fun than serious adventure.

The boat then returns to the Marina, usually around 4 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to explore or head back to your hotel.

What Travelers Are Saying

The experience is quite mixed, as reflected in reviews. The majority praise the crew for attentive service and highlight the scenic boat ride as the trip’s best part. As one reviewer put it, “The boat ride was good,” and they valued the opportunity to see Cabo from the water.

However, some travelers express disappointment with certain aspects. Several note that the snorkeling was underwhelming or that the activity wasn’t as family-friendly as advertised. John_C said, “Trip was advertised as family friendly but was simply a booze cruise,” and Sarah_C shared, “Snorkeling was not good — little sea life and only one stop.”

Others encountered issues with logistics, such as long lines or missed departures if arriving late. Jack_D shared, “Our cruise ship was late tendering folks ashore and we missed this excursion,” highlighting the importance of timely arrival.

Food quality also varies. While some say lunch was “okay,” others felt it lacked flavor or variety. The tacos are generally seen as decent but not exceptional.

Despite these mixed reviews, many travelers enjoyed the lively atmosphere, good drinks, and friendly staff. Jalishq_T commented, “Had a good time! Drinks were good, we danced a lot.”

Practical Considerations

The tour’s pricing at $89 provides good value considering the inclusion of lunch and open bar. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to enjoy a few hours on the water, especially if you’re not seeking intense adventure or snorkeling in multiple spots.

The group size can be up to 200 people, which means it’s a lively scene but might feel crowded during peak times. Book your spot about 11 days in advance to secure your place, especially during busy seasons.

The meeting point at the Marina is convenient, near public transportation, making it easy to reach. Remember there’s a $5 dock fee payable on-site, so budget accordingly.

The tour is most suitable for travelers who are open to a social experience, enjoy scenic boat rides, and want a relaxed day with food and drinks included. If you’re a serious snorkeler or wildlife enthusiast, you might find this experience lacking, as the snorkeling is brief and somewhat limited.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise offers a fun, social, and scenic way to spend an afternoon in Cabo. It’s perfect if you want to see the coast’s highlights without too much hassle and enjoy a casual atmosphere with good food and drinks. The crew’s attentiveness and the boat’s comfortable setting make it a dependable choice for newcomers and families alike.

However, if your main goal is to snorkel extensively or see a variety of marine life, you might be disappointed. The snorkeling stop is brief and somewhat controlled, with some reviews indicating that encounters with sea lions or turtles are not guaranteed. It’s also worth noting that some travelers found the food just okay and the experience somewhat crowded.

Overall, the Cabo Escape Snorkel Fun Cruise provides a balanced, relaxed, and scenic ocean outing that delivers on its promises of views, food, and drinks — just don’t expect a wildlife safari or an exclusive, intimate experience.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for families with kids?
While some reviews mention children being on board, others suggest it’s more of a social, party-style cruise. If your kids are comfortable with boat rides and light snorkeling, it could work, but it’s not specifically marketed as a family-focused trip.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable half-day activity.

What is included in the price?
Your $89 ticket includes local taxes, a grilled lunch (usually tacos), and an open bar with beer, tequila, vodka, sodas, and bottled water.

Are there any extra fees?
Yes, there is a $5 fee per person for dock and protected area fees, payable at the marina.

What time does the tour start?
The cruise departs at 12:30 pm, so plan to arrive a bit early to check in and avoid missing the boat.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

Is transportation included?
Transportation is not included or offered as part of the tour. You need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Snorkeling gear is provided, but you might prefer to bring your own mask and fins if you have them.

To sum it up, the Cabo Escape Snorkel Fun Cruise is a solid choice for those wanting a scenic, social outing that combines a boat ride, brief snorkeling, and good food in Cabo. It suits travelers looking for a relaxed, lively atmosphere over serious adventure or wildlife viewing. While some might wish for a longer or more diverse snorkeling experience, most will find it a fun way to enjoy the coast and have a few drinks in good company.