Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat + Photos

If you’re planning a trip to Los Cabos, a tour combining stunning scenery, marine life, and a bit of local flavor sounds appealing. This Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat tour offered by Esperanza’s Tours is a well-reviewed, highly recommended way to see some of the most iconic sights in the area, all while getting a taste of the underwater world. With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 160 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience both enjoyable and worth the price.

What we love about this tour? First, the spectacular views of Land’s End and the Arch of Cabo San Lucas from a glass-bottom boat make for a memorable starting point. Second, the guided snorkeling at Pelican Rock, accessible only by boat, offers a unique glimpse of the vibrant marine life. On the flip side, potential participants should consider that the tour, while well-organized, may sometimes fall short of expectations regarding the time spent snorkeling or the quality of included meals, according to a few reviews. Still, it generally appeals most to those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and local culture, especially if they value convenience and a good value for money.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery and landmarks like the Arch of Cabo San Lucas and Land’s End
• Guided snorkeling with digital underwater photos included
• Comfortable glass-bottom boat ride suitable for all ages
• Beachside lunch with snacks included, perfect for a relaxed break
• Hotel pickup and drop-off make the day seamless
• Small group size (up to 30 travelers) for a more personalized experience

Setting the Scene: What This Tour Offers

This tour is designed to give you a snapshot of the spectacular coast of Los Cabos in about five hours. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll head to the marina where the adventure begins aboard a glass-bottom boat. This isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a chance to see Cabo’s most famous natural landmarks from the water and get close to the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Expect to pass by colonies of sea lions and pelicans, which add lively wildlife to the scenery.

The boat itself is described as comfortable and clean, with a glass bottom that allows for viewing the sea floor even without snorkeling. This is especially helpful for travelers who prefer sightseeing from above or for those with kids who might not want to snorkel immediately. The scenic route around Land’s End offers some of the most iconic photo ops—something many reviews highlight as a real highlight.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: The Heart of the Tour

The core of this tour is the guided snorkeling session at Pelican Rock, accessible only by boat. This site is regarded as a natural underwater aquarium, where guides point out colorful tropical fish, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and more. Several reviewers have raved about how much marine life they saw, with some mentioning specific sightings like sea horses, octopuses, and eels.

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and ability to make everyone feel safe, which is important for mixed-ability groups. One reviewer noted, “Braulio was so great at doing his job we didn’t bring up the issue while aboard,” highlighting good crew professionalism. You’ll also receive a souvenir snorkel tube and a CD of underwater photos, so you can relive the experience after returning home.

A notable point—some reviews mention the limited snorkeling time (roughly 55 minutes), which might feel short if you’re eager to really explore underwater. However, it’s balanced by the guided nature of the tour, ensuring you see the best spots without feeling rushed.

The Lunch and Beachside Relaxation

After snorkeling, the tour provides a deli-style baguette lunch along with fresh fruit, chips, cookies, and bottled water—certainly enough to refuel after your aquatic adventure. Many reviews express satisfaction with the food, describing it as “great,” especially considering it’s included in the price. One reviewer even said, “The baguette sandwich lunch was great,” emphasizing how this simple meal stood out.

Following the meal, there’s some free time to relax on the beach and enjoy the views. The tour concludes with a quick visit to the Cabo San Lucas flea market for those interested in local crafts and souvenirs, adding a touch of cultural browsing to the day.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

• Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
  The iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the starting point. Here, you’ll enjoy a 55-minute boat ride with beautiful views of limestone formations, sea lions, and the vibrant coastline. While the boat ride isn’t a deep dive into history, the scenery makes it worthwhile. Many reviews mention how spectacular the views are and how close they get to the rock formations.

• Stop 2: Pelican Rock
  Next, you approach Pelican Rock, a prime snorkeling site. Expect about 55 minutes of guided snorkeling, where you’ll see a variety of marine life. Some reviews note this is the highlight, with clear waters and abundant fish. However, a few travelers found the snorkeling area somewhat small or specific to certain conditions, like jellyfish or choppy waters.

• Stop 3: Cabo San Lucas
  After the water activities, the tour drops you in downtown Cabo for about 55 minutes. This offers a chance for shopping, exploring, or enjoying local sights, making the tour more than just the marine adventure. Some reviewers appreciated the extra time to stroll around and experience the town.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $125 per person, this tour provides a good package. Included are snorkel gear (with sanitized equipment), digital underwater photos, hotel pickup and drop-off, a snackbar-style lunch, and beach leisure time. The photos are a big hit, with many reviewers mentioning they loved the opportunity to get underwater shots, and some even mention the helpful guides who took great pictures.

Additional costs include a $1 government fee per person, and gratuities are not included but always appreciated if you feel the guides did a good job. Keep in mind, the meals are simple but satisfying, and the snorkel gear is well-maintained, ensuring safety and comfort.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

Many reviews are glowing, praising the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and good value. One reviewer said, “Fun excursion, from start to finish Martin took care of us,” highlighting the personal touch. Another appreciated that the boat wasn’t crowded, making for a more relaxed experience.

However, some reviews mention disappointments—for example, one traveler was unhappy about the short snorkeling time and a misleading description about the food. Another had an initial fall which made them cautious about safety, but they still enjoyed the snorkeling.

Overall, most reviews point to a well-organized, friendly experience with scenic highlights and marine encounters that are worth the price.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour is designed for convenience with hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics one less thing to worry about. Departure times are flexible—morning, late morning, or early afternoon—so you can choose what fits your schedule best. The tour limits group size to 30, helping keep things personal and manageable.

The duration is approximately five hours, including travel, water activities, lunch, and sightseeing. It’s suitable for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level—you’ll need to be comfortable swimming or snorkeling, but the guides are supportive.

Final Verdict: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Pelican Rock snorkeling and Land’s End cruise is ideal for visitors wanting a combination of scenic boat rides, engaging marine life, and cultural touches in a single half-day. It’s a great choice for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a well-rounded, enjoyable experience with plenty of photo opportunities. If you appreciate friendly guides, organized logistics, and authentic natural beauty, you’ll find this tour offers excellent value for the money.

However, if you’re someone eager to spend more time snorkeling or prefer luxurious meals, you might find the experience somewhat limited. Still, the spectacular scenery, marine encounters, and convenient logistics make this a solid choice for most visitors to Los Cabos.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to start and end your day without extra hassle.

What time should I book?
You can choose from 9 am, 11 am, or 1 pm departures, depending on your schedule. Confirm your preferred time directly with the tour provider.

How long is the snorkeling session?
Expect about 55 minutes of guided snorkeling at Pelican Rock, which is enough to see a variety of marine life, though some may wish for more time.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a beachside lunch with a baguette sandwich, fresh fruit, chips, cookies, and bottled water is included in the price.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkel gear (visor, tube, fins, life jacket) is provided and sanitized for your safety and comfort.

Can children participate?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness. Check with the operator for age restrictions.

What about photos?
You’ll receive a CD of underwater photos, capturing some of your best moments beneath the waves.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is gratuity expected?
Gratuities are not included but are always appreciated if the guides provide excellent service.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced experience blending spectacular landscapes, marine life, and local culture into a manageable half-day adventure. It’s especially well-suited for those who love photo opportunities, enjoy light physical activity, and appreciate organized, friendly service. While it may not satisfy the most hardcore snorkelers seeking extended time underwater, it delivers great value and plenty of memorable moments at an accessible price point.