Cabo San Lucas: Snorkel, Lunch and Sail Experience

If you’re headed to Baja California Sur and considering a day on the water, the Cabo San Lucas: Snorkel, Lunch and Sail Experience promises a lively, well-rounded outing. Offered by Sun Rider Tours, this 3.5-hour adventure combines scenic sailing, vibrant marine life, tasty food, and plenty of drinks — a package designed for those looking to enjoy Cabo’s iconic coast in comfort and style.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances spectacular scenery with fun and relaxation. You’ll get to see the famous Arch, Lover’s Beach, and even a sea lion colony, all from the deck of a spacious sailboat. The delicious taco buffet and open bar add a touch of festivity, making it a popular choice for groups or travelers seeking a lively atmosphere. However, it’s worth noting that this trip leans more toward a party vibe rather than a quiet, laid-back snorkeling trip. If your idea of a perfect day involves peaceful underwater exploration, this might not be your ideal fit.

That said, this experience suits travelers who enjoy social environments, love good food and drinks, and want a scenic cruise combined with snorkeling. It’s also great for those wanting to tick off iconic Cabo sights in a single outing, with the added perk of seeing marine life from the boat. Now, let’s dive into the details that will help you decide whether this adventure matches your expectations.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Views of the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and sea lion colonies.
• Vibrant onboard atmosphere: Lively music, open bar, and a fun crowd.
• Great for social travelers: Spacious boat with a friendly crew and entertainment.
• Snorkeling highlights: Reefs with colorful fish and coral, with instructions provided.
• Delicious food: Mexican tacos buffet, guacamole, fresh fruit, and drinks.
• Flexible options: Includes pickup, with the option to choose different departure points.
• Mixed reviews: Some visitors loved the lively vibe; others found snorkeling less authentic.
• Good value: For $130, you get a guided tour, food, drinks, and scenic cruising.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

The Cabo Snorkel, Lunch and Sail Experience kicks off at the Cabo San Lucas Marina, where you’ll meet your crew and board a well-maintained 70-foot sailing catamaran. With capacity for about 50 passengers, the boat offers plenty of room to relax, sunbathe on nets, or enjoy the shaded areas. The vessel is designed with green technology, which means it’s built with environmentally friendly features and safety in mind. The crew is noted for their attentiveness and safety focus, which is reassuring whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time boatgoer.

Itinerary Breakdown

First stop: The Arch and Lover’s Beach.
Sailing past the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, you’ll have the chance for a fantastic photo against a backdrop that’s instantly recognizable. From the deck, the views of Lover’s Beach are spectacular, with golden sands and rugged cliffs. The boat then cruises past a lively sea lion colony, which kids and animal lovers especially enjoy. The crew often points out these sights with enthusiasm, adding context about their significance.

Second stop: Playa del Amor and Piedra del Pelicano.
This part of the tour includes visiting Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), a stretch of sand accessible only by boat or water. While in the area, you’ll appreciate the natural beauty of the coastline, which is framed by desert dunes and rocky outcroppings. The Piedra del Pelicano (Pelican Rock) is another highlight, a popular spot for snorkeling and photo opportunities.

Third stop: Snorkeling at a reef-filled bay.
Once anchored at a blue-flag designated bay with vibrant coral reefs, your crew will guide you through safety instructions and show you how to use the snorkeling gear. Expect to see colorful fish, rays, and possibly other marine creatures attracted to the reef. The reef environment is lively, and the inclusion of fins, masks, tubes, and life jackets means even beginners can enjoy the underwater scene comfortably. However, some reviews note that the marine life experience may be somewhat guided — with bread and tortillas used to attract fish — so don’t expect untouched, wild encounters.

Post-snorkel relaxation: Food, drinks, and sunbathing.
After swimming, you can rinse off with a freshwater shower and settle into the deck for sunbathing or simply relaxing. The onboard buffet features Mexican tacos—with options like pork marinated in special adobe sauce, chicken fajitas, beef, and veggie options—plus guacamole, chips, and fresh seasonal fruit. The food is generally well-reviewed, particularly for a tour meal, and provides a satisfying break in the afternoon.

Drinks and entertainment:
Your inclusive open bar offers beer, tequila, rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, and signature cocktails like margaritas and piña coladas. Multiple reviews emphasize the quality and plentifulness of drinks, noting that the crew keeps the drinks flowing and the atmosphere lively. Music usually plays throughout, creating a party vibe that appeals to travelers looking for fun.

Boat Facilities and Comfort

The vessel boasts four bathrooms and tables on the upper deck, making it comfortable for guests to relax and socialize. The nets for sunbathing are a popular feature, allowing guests to soak up the sun with panoramic views. The boat’s design incorporates green technology, which is a plus for eco-conscious travelers, and its capacity ensures you won’t feel crowded.

The Experience’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Positive aspects:
Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable, friendly crew who are attentive to safety and guest needs. The views of the coast and marine life are stunning, and the delicious food and plentiful drinks are a big hit. Several travelers mention that the crew goes above and beyond, making the trip feel special, especially when whales or dolphins appear.

Potential drawbacks:
Some guests note that the tour can veer toward being a party boat, with loud music and a lively, sometimes boisterous atmosphere. The change of snorkeling location from Chileno Bay to Santa Maria Bay was disappointing for some, as it limited the variety of underwater sights. A few mention that the fish attracted by bread or tortillas may not provide the most authentic snorkeling experience, and the tipping demands from crew members can feel a bit aggressive.

Who it’s best for:
If you’re someone who enjoys social settings, good music, and lively ambiance, this tour hits the mark. Families and groups looking for a fun-filled day with great food and drinks will find it very satisfying. Conversely, travelers seeking a serene, in-depth snorkeling experience or a quiet sail might prefer elsewhere.

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Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• Pickup is included, and you’ll meet your driver with a Sun Rider sign at your hotel lobby.
• Remember to bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and hat or sunglasses for sun protection.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions before boarding.
• Check-in is 30 minutes before the scheduled start time, so plan to arrive early.
• There is a $2 USD dock fee payable in cash, so bring some small bills.
• Towels and transportation are not included, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Cabo San Lucas snorkel, lunch, and sail experience is best suited for those seeking a lively, scenic trip packed with entertainment, good food, and marine encounters. Families, groups of friends, or couples looking to enjoy Cabo’s coastal highlights with a social, festive atmosphere will find this tour a great fit. It offers excellent value for its price, given the combination of scenic cruising, snorkeling, buffet, and drinks.

However, if your priority is a quiet, contemplative snorkeling outing or a peaceful sailing adventure, you might want to explore other options. The party vibe and guided nature of the snorkeling mean it’s more about having fun than seeking untouched marine wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Transportation is available at an extra cost. If included, you’ll be picked up from your hotel lobby in a white Sun Rider van.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including sightseeing, snorkeling, lunch, and relaxing time.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Towels and transportation are not included.

Are there restroom facilities onboard?
Yes, the boat has 4 full bathrooms for guest convenience.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can join, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with water activities and boat trips.

What if I don’t want to snorkel?
You can still enjoy the cruise, scenic views, food, and drinks from the deck. Snorkeling is optional.

Are the drinks really unlimited?
The open bar includes beer, tequila, rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, and cocktails, and reviews mention drinks are plentiful and well-mixed.

What’s the tipping policy?
Some reviews mention the crew is aggressive about tips, so be prepared to tip if you feel they provided good service.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, scenic, and tasty taste of Cabo’s coast — perfect for travelers wanting a bit of everything: beautiful vistas, aquatic fun, great food, and a party atmosphere. It delivers good value and memorable moments, especially if you enjoy socializing and lively environments. However, if you prefer a quiet, more subdued snorkeling experience, consider other options.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to enjoy Cabo’s famous waters, this trip will leave you with plenty of stories to tell — and plenty of photos of the distinctive Arch and marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby