Cabo San Lucas and Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling Sightseeing Cruise

When it comes to memorable adventures on the Baja Peninsula, a boat tour that combines stunning scenery, vibrant marine life, and lively camaraderie offers a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. The Cabo San Lucas and Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling Sightseeing Cruise by Cabo Blue Boats promises just that—a well-rounded experience that’s accessible, fun, and packed with authentic Baja flavor. We’ve gathered insights from travelers and reviews to give a comprehensive look at what makes this tour worth considering—and where it might fall short for some.

What we especially like about this cruise is its beautiful coastal views, especially the iconic Arch, and its inclusive approach—snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a hearty lunch come standard. Plus, the positive vibe that seems to infuse the crew and the boat’s atmosphere keeps things lively and engaging. On the flip side, a couple of reviews mention that the snorkeling can be crowded, which is worth keeping in mind if pristine underwater visibility is your priority.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed half-day outing with plenty of opportunities for photos, fun marine activities, and socializing. It’s perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a lively, hassle-free experience that balances sightseeing with some active fun.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: You’ll get close-up views of Cabo’s famous Arch and Lands End, perfect for memorable photos.
• Inclusive Activities: Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and floating mats are included, allowing for active underwater exploration.
• Gourmet Lunch & Open Bar: Savor freshly made sandwiches and snacks while enjoying unlimited drinks, both alcoholic and soft drinks.
• Short & Sweet: A 3.5-hour trip that packs in sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing, ideal for travelers on a tight schedule.
• Professional Crew: Attentive and friendly guides ensure you get the most out of your day, with multiple reviews praising their service.
• Crowded Snorkel Spots: Some guests noted that the snorkeling area can be busy, which might impact underwater visibility.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Itinerary

Meeting Point & Departure

The adventure begins at the Cabo Blue boat at the Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey in Cabo San Lucas. The check-in process starts about 20 minutes before departure—so arriving early is wise to avoid missing the boat. Many travelers find the location convenient, close to public transportation and easily accessible. The boat itself is a comfortable, well-maintained vessel with a single deck that offers shade, making it a nice spot to relax during the ride.

Stop 1: Los Cabos & Marina

The cruise kicks off with a gentle cruise from the main dock, giving guests a chance to settle in and enjoy the sail through the busy marina area. While this part isn’t the highlight, it sets the scene for the adventure ahead and gives you a chance to soak in the lively port atmosphere.

Stop 2: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

Next, the boat glides over to the famous Arch, an unmistakable natural rock formation carved by wind and water. This is the quintessential Cabo scene—an iconic photo op and a symbol of the region. The crew offers assistance with capturing perfect pictures, helping you preserve the memory. This stop usually lasts around 10 minutes, providing ample time to snap photos, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the raw beauty of Lands End.

Stop 3: Santa Maria Beach & Snorkeling

The highlight for many is the snorkeling stop at Santa Maria Beach. The crew takes you to a designated, safe area where underwater visibility is typically decent, and the marine life can surprise you with colorful fish and occasional sea turtles—many guests describe it as “a beautiful experience.” The inclusion of snorkeling masks, fins, tubes, and lifejackets makes it accessible even for beginners.

A common theme in reviews is that the snorkeling can be crowded or affected by weather conditions, with some mentioning that visibility may vary depending on the day’s tides and wind. One guest noted, “the snorkeling was so pretty,” despite some reservations about the clarity, which suggests that even with some crowding, the experience remains enjoyable.

For those wanting more active fun, paddleboards and kayaks are available, though they require “ideal ocean conditions.” The floating water mat adds a playful touch, especially for kids or anyone wanting to lounge above the water.

Lunch & Drinks on Board

After some active water time, you’ll enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared lunch—a choice of baguettes filled with turkey, cheese, and vegetables, complemented by appetizers like guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fresh fruit. Many reviews emphasize how tasty the food is—better than typical boat snacks—and appreciate the generous portions.

The open bar offers unlimited alcohol and soft drinks, a real highlight for travelers wanting to relax and socialize. The crew is praised for their attentive service, keeping drinks flowing and ensuring everyone feels well taken care of. Guests often mention the “top-tier tequila” and “cold beers,” making the trip lively and fun.

Return & End of Tour

After about 45 minutes of snorkeling and some leisure time, the boat heads back to the marina, concluding the journey around 4:30 pm. Many guests leave with plenty of photos, great memories, and new friends.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Baja Experience

This is not a highly curated, luxury-only tour; it’s designed for fun, camaraderie, and enjoying Cabo’s iconic sights. The crew’s friendly attitude and willingness to take photos or help with gear make you feel like a valued guest rather than just a ticket number.

The Combo of Scenery & Marine Fun

Seeing the famous Arch from the water offers a perspective you can’t get from land, and the snorkeling at Santa Maria Beach lets you get closer to the region’s marine life. The inclusion of paddleboards and floating mats adds variety for those who want more than just floating on a boat.

Value for Money

At around $80 per person, this tour includes so much—lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and activities—that many find it a good deal for a half-day adventure in Cabo. The reviews consistently praise the staff and the overall experience as “worth every penny.”

Authenticity & Accessibility

Travelers appreciate that the boat isn’t too large—generally accommodating around 40 guests—keeping the group manageable and lively. Plus, the age minimum of five years makes it family-friendly, and most travelers find the pace suitable for all ages.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While the experience is generally positive, some reviews point out that the snorkeling location can be crowded. If underwater visibility is a priority, be aware that weather conditions or high traffic might affect your experience. Also, the boat moors offshore, about 60 yards from the beach, so you won’t be able to walk directly onto the sand—a minor point but worth noting if a true beach landing is essential.

Plus, a reviewer mentioned having difficulty with the check-in process and the phone contact, so arriving early and ensuring communication could make your day smoother.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those looking for a relaxed, lively half-day adventure that combines sightseeing, water activities, good food, and drinks. Families with kids over five will find it suitable, as will couples and groups of friends. If you enjoy social environments, friendly guides, and the chance to snap some iconic photos, this is a solid choice.

It’s also well-suited for travelers who want a taste of Cabo’s beautiful coastline without committing to a full-day tour or more intensive activities. If you’re after pristine, uncrowded snorkeling, you might want to explore less busy options; but if you’re happy with lively waters and good vibes, this tour fits the bill.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour has an age minimum of 5 years, making it family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the water activities and the lively atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for gratuities, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a waterproof camera to capture the scenery. The tour provides snorkeling gear and paddleboards.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3.5 hours, from meeting time to return, making it perfect for travelers with limited time.

Does the tour include transportation?
You’ll meet at the Muelle Principal in Cabo San Lucas; the tour does not specify hotel pickup, so plan to arrive at the meeting point on time.

What is the food like?
The lunch options include freshly made baguettes with turkey, cheese, and vegetables, plus snacks like guacamole, salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit—tasty and filling.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Cabo Blue snorkeling and sightseeing cruise delivers a lively, scenic, and well-organized way to experience the best of Cabo’s coastline. With friendly guides, inclusive activities, and a good value for the price, it’s a great pick for travelers seeking fun and relaxation in equal measure.

The combination of iconic sights, marine activities, tasty food, and unlimited drinks creates a balanced experience that caters to most holidaymakers. Whether you’re celebrating, making memories with family, or just want a lively day on the water, this tour ticks many boxes.

If authentic, fun, and picturesque moments are what you’re after, then this cruise could be just the thing to add a memorable chapter to your Cabo trip. Just arrive early, enjoy the scenery, and get ready for a day of good vibes and great views.