Private Paddleboard and snorkel at the arch

If you’re planning a trip to Los Cabos and want an active, close-up experience of its famous rock formations and marine life, this private paddleboard and snorkel tour might be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally tried it, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of a well-organized, memorable adventure. It combines the thrill of balancing on a paddleboard with the tranquility of snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, all led by friendly, knowledgeable guides.

What really catches the eye are the beautiful scenery—paddle right up to the iconic Arch, a symbol of Los Cabos—and the chance to snorkel at Pelican Rock, famous for its sea lion colonies and lively fish. Plus, the private nature of this tour means you won’t be stuck in a crowded group, giving you a more relaxed and tailored experience.

One possible consideration is the weather. Wind and waves can sometimes complicate the activity, especially in the mornings when conditions are usually calmer. The tour provider is transparent about this, offering to reschedule or refund if the weather doesn’t cooperate. This makes it clear that safety comes first—something you’ll appreciate if you’re sensitive to such issues.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a mix of adventure and sightseeing, those eager to explore Cabo’s marine environment, and anyone comfortable with moderate physical activity. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a personalized, authentic outing.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Equipment & Transfers: Snorkel gear, bottled water, and air-conditioned transport are provided, making the outing seamless.
• Expert Guides & Safety: Guides are praised for their helpfulness, knowledge, and professionalism, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Iconic Scenery & Wildlife: Paddle close to the Arch, watch sea lions sunbathe, and snorkel among vibrant fish, all with stunning views of Cabo’s coastline.
• Flexible & Private: As a private tour, you can choose your start time and opt to skip parts or reschedule if weather conditions aren’t ideal.
• Good Value for a Full Experience: At $130 per person, the combination of paddleboarding, snorkeling, transportation, and personalized guides offers strong value.
• Weather-Dependent: The activity relies on good weather; wind or storms may cause cancellations or modifications, but safety is prioritized.

Exploring the Experience in Detail

Getting There & Transport

The tour starts at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 853 in Cabo San Lucas, with convenient pickup offered from your hotel or accommodation—this is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the area or want to skip the hassle of logistics. The round-trip, air-conditioned transfer ensures you stay comfortable, whether you’re arriving from a resort or downtown.

This is a private tour, so your group will be the only ones on the vehicle. This allows for a personalized schedule and a more intimate experience, perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking exclusivity.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, blending paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sightseeing. We loved the way guides lead you through each step, balancing instruction with free time.

First, you’ll be picked up and driven to the activity site, where you’ll get a quick safety briefing and paddleboarding instruction if you’re a beginner—guides are praised for their helpfulness and patience, even with first-timers. You won’t need prior experience; the guides aim to make everyone comfortable, regardless of skill level.

Paddleboarding to the Arch is the highlight, with most reviews mentioning how the journey is surprisingly easy. The calm waters and gentle current, especially in the mornings, make this a manageable and enjoyable activity. You’ll have about 20 minutes at the Arch itself to take photos and marvel at the dramatic rock formation. Many reviews mention the stunning views as a major draw—standing on the board with the Arch looming overhead is a unique perspective most visitors don’t get.

Next, the group beaches the boards at Pelican Rock, a popular snorkel spot known for its vibrant marine life and playful sea lions. Here, snorkel gear is provided, and you’ll spend around 40 minutes exploring underwater. Reviewers consistently highlight the abundance of fish and the chance to get close to playful sea lions, making it a memorable marine encounter.

Weather permitting, some tours also include a view of Playa del Amor (Lovers Beach) and Divorce Beach, with scenic photo opportunities. These iconic spots give that extra special touch to your Cabo experience, especially when the weather is clear.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Friendly

Multiple reviews rave about the guides’ professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge. Javi, Hugo, Marco, Luis, and Paco are frequently mentioned by name, with guests appreciating their helpful instructions, safety focus, and enthusiasm. One reviewer sums it up: “Javi and Pedro were amazing hosts! They were super helpful and knowledgeable.” It’s clear that the guides genuinely love sharing Cabo’s beauty and are committed to making your adventure both safe and fun.

Equipment & Comfort

All necessary snorkel equipment is included, removing the hassle of renting gear elsewhere. Bottled water is provided to stay hydrated, especially important under the Mexican sun. The transport is air-conditioned and offered as an optional, complimentary service, so if you prefer to meet at the starting point, that’s perfectly fine.

Weather Considerations

The tour provider emphasizes that weather can influence the activities. Wind can sometimes make paddling challenging or prevent access to the Arch. They are upfront that if conditions prevent reaching the Arch, more time will be allocated to snorkeling or the activity will be rescheduled or refunded. This transparency is reassuring—your safety is the priority.

Most reviews note that mornings tend to be calmer, making it the best time for paddling and sightseeing. If you’re flexible, booking early in your trip might give you the best chance for perfect weather conditions.

The Value & Cost

At $130 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience combining exercise, wildlife, and scenic views. The inclusion of personalized guides, transportation, snorkel gear, and bottled water means there’s little extra to buy. Compared to larger group tours or boat trips, the private setting adds a level of comfort and exclusivity.

Guests feel the price is justified by the quality of the guides, the convenience of pickup, and the chance to get up close to Cabo’s famous landmarks. Several reviewers mentioned how the activity suits both beginners and experienced paddlers, emphasizing its accessibility.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is perfect for travelers who enjoy active outdoor adventures but also want the comfort of a guided, well-organized experience. It suits those interested in snorkeling, scenic photography, or just seeing Cabo’s natural beauty without the crowds. It’s excellent for families with children over six, couples seeking a romantic yet fun outing, or small groups wanting a private, flexible schedule.

However, those sensitive to wind or waves should note that weather can influence the experience. If you prefer a more relaxed, less physical activity, or are looking for a traditional boat tour, this might not be the right fit.

The Sum Up

This private paddleboard and snorkel tour offers a wonderful blend of physical activity, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery. Led by guides who are both knowledgeable and friendly, it provides a personalized experience that feels both authentic and fun. The opportunity to paddle up to the iconic Arch and snorkel with sea lions and tropical fish makes it a highlight for many visitors to Cabo.

Given its flexible schedule, inclusive amenities, and emphasis on safety, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to do something more engaging than typical sightseeing. For those eager to combine adventure with a taste of Cabo’s marine world, this tour delivers a memorable day out.

While weather can sometimes be a factor, the tour’s transparent policies and professional guides help ensure that your experience remains positive. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and want a personalized, scenic adventure, this is an experience worth considering.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start your adventure stress-free.

What equipment is provided? All snorkel gear is included, so you don’t need to bring your own. Bottled water is also provided to stay refreshed.

Can I choose my start time? Yes, since it’s a private tour, you can select your preferred pickup time within the available window for maximum flexibility.

What should I wear? Wear swimwear and bring sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Light clothing and water shoes are also recommended.

What if the weather is bad? The tour provider will either reschedule or issue a full refund if weather conditions, like high winds or storms, prevent safe participation.

Is this suitable for children? Yes, participants must be at least 6 years old, and the activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

This private paddleboard and snorkel adventure at the Arch combines the best of Cabo’s natural beauty with friendly guides, making it a memorable way to experience this iconic destination. Whether you’re paddling past sea lions or floating above schools of tropical fish, it’s a day that offers both physical activity and plenty of photo-worthy moments.