Snorkel with whale sharks includes equipment & transportation

If you’re dreaming of sharing water with the world’s largest fish—the whale shark—this tour promises a chance to do just that in the stunning waters near Cabo San Lucas. Offered by Cabo Excursions, this full-day snorkeling trip packs in sights of whale sharks, devil rays, and scenic views of the Sea of Cortez, all wrapped up with meals and convenient hotel pickup. While it has its share of fans, it’s also wise to know about the rougher edges before booking.

What we genuinely like about this tour is the small group size, which can make the experience more personal and manageable—and potentially safer in open water. Plus, the inclusion of breakfast and lunch means you won’t be scrambling for snacks or worrying about packing food. However, one important consideration is the inconsistency reported in reviews—some travelers have found the organization less than flawless, which can impact your overall experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who are adventurous, flexible, and eager to see the ocean’s giants. If you’re excited about the chance to snorkel with whale sharks, enjoy being part of a small group, and value a full-day outing with meals included, this tour probably fits the bill. Just keep in mind that the experience can vary, and some reviews suggest that honesty about the condition and size of the whale sharks might not always match expectations.

Key Points

• Small-group snorkeling offers a more intimate experience with nature.
• Meals included eliminate the hassle of packing food or finding eateries on the day.
• The itinerary includes scenic stops like the Cabo Arch and views of La Paz.
• Customer reviews highlight both stunning scenery and organizational hiccups.
• Price point of $299 makes it a mid-range option for a full-day adventure.
• Weather dependency and the need for flexibility are important factors to consider.

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Introduction to the Tour

This 10-hour adventure by Cabo Excursions begins early, with a pickup from your hotel in the Cabo San Lucas area at around 6:00 am. The goal? To find whale sharks—those gentle, filter-feeding giants that can grow as large as buses—and devil rays, in the beautiful waters of the Sea of Cortez. It’s a packed day that combines wildlife encounters, scenic views, and onboard comfort, making it appealing for travelers eager for a mix of adventure and relaxation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Cabo San Lucas Beach and The Arch

Your first stop isn’t far from your hotel—just a quick 5-minute ride to the iconic Cabo Arch and surrounding bay. This famous rock formation is a highlight for many visitors, offering spectacular photo opportunities. The tour includes an admission ticket to this scenic spot, giving you a chance to snap some pictures of one of Cabo’s most recognizable landmarks.

Stop 2: La Paz and Whale Shark Search

After a brief sightseeing moment, the boat heads towards La Paz, a hub of marine life and calm waters. Here, the real focus begins: searching for whale sharks. The tour’s 6-hour segment around La Paz is where your snorkeling adventures happen, with the potential to see whale sharks and devil rays.

As one reviewer put it, “It’s a great experience in a beautiful place with one of nature’s wonderful creations,” but keep in mind that some travelers have found the whale sharks to be juveniles, not the full-sized giants they might have hoped for. One guest mentioned, “There were no full-size whale sharks, only juveniles.” So, while the chance to snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures is real, there’s no guarantee of encountering the largest whales.

Snorkeling and Wildlife Encounters

The core of the tour is the snorkeling with whale sharks and devil rays. The boat drops you into the water, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim among these gentle creatures and other marine life. The reviews suggest that the experience can be rigorous—you’re encouraged to swim actively and jump off the boat repeatedly—as one reviewer succinctly put it, “Swim like crazy.” For many, this adds an adrenaline rush to the day, but it might be physically demanding for some.

Other Highlights and Scenic Views

The tour also cruises past the Cabo Arch and the famous coastline, giving you stunning views of the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. Plus, there’s a chance to see La Paz’s waterfront, providing a taste of local scenery that many find charming and relaxing.

Meals and Comfort

A significant plus is the included breakfast and lunch. Expect simple but satisfying fare—likely a breakfast to fuel your early start, and a hearty lunch to keep you energized through the day. This is especially helpful considering the long hours on the water and the active nature of the trip.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is by boat and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which adds convenience. The group size is capped at 12 travelers, fostering a more personal atmosphere, but this small size can also mean limited flexibility if weather or other factors cause delays or cancellations.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The experience gets a mixed score of 3.5, based on 12 reviews. Some travelers praise the beautiful scenery and the thrill of seeing marine giants, but others voice frustrations about poor organization and false promises.

Darren_V, for instance, was disappointed, noting, “We discovered there were no full-size whale sharks, only juveniles,” and expressing frustration over the pickup times changing unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Don_G called the experience “unorganized” and described the crew as “rude”, though he acknowledged the stunning environment and the authenticity of seeing a whale shark in its natural habitat.

Gretchen’s review highlights a serious issue: a canceled reservation and no-show, which underscores the importance of confirming bookings and understanding cancellation policies. The free cancellation policy offers some peace of mind, but the reliability of the service can still be a concern.

Practical Details: What to Keep in Mind

• Pricing: At $299 per person, this tour is a middle-tier option—fair considering the full day, meals, transportation, and wildlife encounters. However, the value hinges on the quality of the experience and the size of the whale sharks seen.
• Duration: At approximately 10 hours, expect an early start and a long day. Make sure you’re ready for a full day of activity.
• Weather Dependence: The tour relies heavily on good weather conditions. Poor weather could lead to cancellations, which will either be rescheduled or refunded.
• Group Size: Limited to 12 travelers, which is beneficial for a more personalized experience but also means spots fill up around 30 days in advance.
• Booking Ahead: Recommended—most travelers book a month in advance. Be aware of potential schedule changes or cancellations.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who love marine wildlife and are comfortable with physical activity. It’s suited for those willing to endure a potentially rigorous swim, and who appreciate scenic boat rides and good food. If your main goal is to see full-sized whale sharks, it’s worth noting the reviews suggest most may be juveniles—not a deal-breaker, but good to keep expectations in check.

It’s also a good pick for those who want a small-group vibe and enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and lunch. However, if you’re looking for a perfectly organized, guaranteed encounter, you might want to consider the reviews’ warnings.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re chasing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see whale sharks and devil rays in their natural habitat, this tour offers a genuine opportunity, especially considering the stunning scenery and included meals. The small-group setting enhances the personal feel, and the scenic stops add extra value. However, it’s important to go with realistic expectations—some travelers have been disappointed by the size of the whale sharks or organizational issues.

This trip is best suited for adventurous, flexible visitors eager for marine encounters and scenic vistas, and who don’t mind the possibility of a bumpy ride in terms of organization. It offers a solid adventure for those who appreciate the natural world and want to combine wildlife sightings with sightseeing in the beautiful waters of Baja California.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
The tour starts at 6:00 am, so you’ll want to be prepared for an early pickup around that time. Confirm your pickup time when booking to avoid surprises.

What does the tour include?
It includes transportation, breakfast and lunch, a snorkel with whale sharks and devil rays, and admission tickets for scenic stops like the Cabo Arch.

Can I expect to see full-sized whale sharks?
Not necessarily. Some reviews mention only juveniles are present, so while you do get the chance to snorkel with whale sharks, their size may not meet expectations.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 12 travelers, which helps create a more intimate experience but also means booking well in advance is recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring your swim gear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a towel. Since meals are included, you don’t need to worry about packing snacks.

What about weather cancellations?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternate date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Most travelers can participate, but snorkel experience and comfort in open water help. Check with the provider directly if traveling with children or non-swimmers.

This snorkeling adventure offers a window into the remarkable marine life of Baja’s Sea of Cortez. With the right expectations and a sense of adventure, you’re likely to come away with memorable stories and perhaps even a glimpse of one of the ocean’s most gentle giants.