5 Best Snorkeling Tours in Cabo (That Aren’t Party Boats)
Snorkeling in Cabo is one of the most fun things you can do!
You’ll spy schools of yellow porkfish, trumpetfish, colorful parrotfish – perhaps Mobula rays and playful sea lions too. In winter, we’ve also seen humpback whales and dolphins from the boat or beach.
But not all tours are created equal.
Many big boats squeeze in 40+ people and crank up the music – not exactly ideal if you’re after laid-back time on the water (without the booze-cruise vibe).
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas that aren’t party boats. We’ve personally gone with all these operators ourselves and can vouch they’re all excellent. And don’t worry – some still include cocktails. And they’re all super fun!
These smaller group trips are perfect for couples, friends and families. Some are true sailing adventures, others whisk you to the best beaches to snorkel from shore, and one even adds kayaking to the mix.
So grab your mask and fins, and let’s go!
Our #1 pick
Oh, it’s hard to pick just one tour! But if we must, this is it.
It’s a really intimate size (often 10 guests or less) – meaning great service. It goes around Land’s End, which you must see! It’s reasonably priced and great value. And the cherry on top? You get to actually sail!
Land’s End snorkeling and sailing
Intimate sailing-and-snorkeling tour (with premium drinks and lunch)
➡️ Close runner-up? This luxury sailing and snorkeling trip (to Santa Maria or Chileno)
This guide is just about Cabo San Lucas snorkeling tours – in and around Los Cabos proper – with most trips leaving from the Cabo San Lucas Marina.
(There’s also amazing snorkeling on day trips to Cabo Pulmo and La Paz, where you can snorkel with whale sharks and even wild dolphins! But they’re longer all-day trips, covered in our other guides.)
Our 5 favorite snorkeling tours in Cabo (not party boats)
Prices are in USD
1) Land’s End snorkeling and sailing
One of the very best snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas is this sailing and snorkeling outing with Cabo Sailing. We’ve joined them a couple of times now – and can honestly say they deliver a classy memorable experience!
You head out on either a 38-foot sailing yacht (maximum 12 guests) or a 42-foot sailing vessel (maximum 14 guests).
Cruise past Lover’s Beach, pause for those must-have photos by the iconic rock Arch, then anchor at Land’s End to snorkel the fish-filled waters around Pelican Rock.
After you’ve had your fill of snorkeling, the sails are hoisted and your yacht glides around Land’s End and along the Cabo San Lucas coastline.
Kick back with a glass of chilled white wine, vodka cocktail or a freshly-shaken margarita as you soak up the scenery and feel the sea breeze in your hair – a perfect finale to your saltwater adventure!
Rave reviews (here’s just one!)
Fun and relaxing way to see Cabo from the water
Super fun excursion! Snorkeling near Lands End was a lot of fun – saw a TON of fish around Pelican Rock despite it being a somewhat overcast day. The sailing part was also a lot of fun! Saw sharks, rays, dolphins and a sea turtle, not to mention the nice views of the Cabo harbor and Lovers Beach/the Pacific side of Cabo.
The crew was awesome and [we] enjoyed having only 8 to 10 other guests on the boat with us – made it more relaxing!
Martha
What’s included and cost
- Snorkeling gear and towels (even wetsuits in winter!)
- Light lunch – Chips and salsa, baguette sandwiches, fresh Mexican fruit and dessert
- Unlimited premium open bar – Wine, cocktails, margaritas, beer and soft drinks
- Cost = $105 p.p.
2) Beach snorkeling from Santa Maria and Chileno (no boat)
Maybe boats don’t agree with you? Or you’d like to see some of Cabo’s coastline from land? Or you want to spend more time snorkeling?
That’s one reason we love this beach snorkeling tour. You don’t go by boat. Instead, you’re driven to the beaches.
First stop? Santa Maria Cove, a calm bay with a lovely beach that’s one of our favorite places to snorkel in Cabo. Then it’s on to Chileno Bay, home to wispy sea fans, rays, sea turtles – and sometimes sleeping white-tip sharks too!
Your guide swims with you, pointing out what to see. And when you’re done underwater, he sets up umbrellas on the beach to relax.
Rave reviews! (here’s just one!)
Nice morning getaway
Easy beach snorkeling. Plenty of fish and clear water. No messing with boats. Pick up from hotel and everything is taken care of for a beach day. Umbrella, chairs and liquids. Ask for Hugo. Good English and very helpful, even swims with you and shows exactly where to go.
Richard
What’s included and cost
- Roundtrip transportation
- Snorkeling gear (and wetsuit if you’d like)
- Snacks and refreshments (but not alcoholic beverages)
- Life jacket
- Cost = $95 p.p. for this Los Cabos snorkeling tour
3) Luxury sailing and snorkeling (Santa Maria or Chileno)
We joined Cabo Adventures, one of the leading tour operators in Cabo, for this luxury sailing and snorkeling trip – and it was a blast! (There’s also a similar option by power catamaran, not a sailboat.)
Depending on the conditions, you head to either Santa Maria Bay or Chileno Bay.
We were welcomed with mimosas as we motored out to the Arch for photos, then cruised to Chileno Bay – spotting whales along the way. Once anchored, we snorkeled, tried paddleboarding and dug into lunch (with more cocktails, of course).
On the sail back, the crew hoisted the sails and we even fed seagulls from our hands as they swooped down mid-air. A great way to end a totally fun day!
Rave reviews! (here’s just one!)
Highlight of my vacation in Los Cabos
Brilliant day! The staff were professional, polite and friendly! The yacht was impeccably clean and in great condition. A great day on a beautiful vessel, with delicious food, great scenery and staff that felt like family.
Bianca
What’s included and cost
- Roundtrip transportation
- Welcome mimosas and appetizers – Grilled shrimp, chips, guacamole and salsa
- Snorkeling gear
- Seafood lunch – Chicken Caesar salad, pasta salad, baguette slices, cheese, seasonal fruit and chocolate truffles
- Unlimited open bar – Specialty cocktails, beer, water and soft drinks
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Cost = $149 p.p.
4) Kayaking to Santa Maria and Chileno (with snorkeling)
Up for a double splash of fun?
Then you’ll love this kayaking-and-snorkeling adventure to Santa Maria and Chileno bays!
It starts at the secluded beach of Las Viudas. Gear up and get kayaking tips. Then paddle to Santa Maria Beach, continuing on past craggy granite cliffs to Chileno Bay, where you haul out.
The kayaking isn’t tough – and you don’t paddle for long. But it gives you a whole new perspective of Cabo.
When we went, it felt like it was just us and the sun-kissed turquoise sea, with the occasional seabird swirling and squawking overhead. (Okay, there were our Cabo Outfitters’ guides and the others on our tour, though we usually couldn’t hear them… But you get the point, right?)
At both beaches, your guides break out snorkel gear, shade umbrellas and snacks (blankets too if you want!) so you can relax, swim and discover the colorful marine life.
Rave reviews! (here’s just one!)
My girlfriend and I had a great time!
The water was super clear and we saw lots of fish. Our guide Casey picked us up right in front of our hotel and the whole experience was smooth and relaxed. It was my girlfriend’s first time kayaking and snorkeling ever; Casey and Carlos were both very encouraging and helpful. We also got some great photos! We recommend this to anyone coming to Cabo!
Winston
What’s included and cost
- Roundtrip transportation
- Sit-on-top double kayaks (plus lifejackets and a dry bag)
- Snorkeling gear
- Snacks and drinks (but not alcoholic beverages)
- Cost = $94 p.p.
5) Beach-hopper snorkeling adventure by Zodiac
Want to really crank up the excitement on your snorkeling in Los Cabos? Hop aboard an inflatable Zodiac and zoom along the Cabo San Lucas coastline to snorkeling beaches!
On this exciting beach-hopper snorkeling adventure, you snorkel at Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay, spending about 30 minutes at each. Then it’s on to Land’s End, where you swing by El Arco, say hola to the sea lions and soak up some sunshine at Lover’s Beach.
A light lunch rounds things off before heading back.
This tour is run by Cabo Expeditions, a long-time adventure company known for its pro guides, eco-friendly ethos and laser focus on safety. They want you to get closer to nature while having fun!
Rave reviews! (here’s just one!)
Awesomeness in action
Where do you begin when a tour exceeds your expectations? Romel and Reuben were our guides and we saw whales, snorkeled (with a new snorkeler and Romel was by her side the whole time) and saw more whales. We talked about it for the rest of the day and we know that this excursion is the highlight of our time in Cabo. THANK YOU!
Lisa
What’s included and cost
- Snorkeling gear and vest
- Light lunch
- Sodas and water (but not alcoholic beverages)
- Cost = $110 p.p. (Minimum sign-up of 2 or 4 people needed, depending on the date)
That’s a wrap for Cabo’s best snorkeling tours!
From sailing yachts to zippy Zodiacs, these snorkeling tours give you the fun without the party-boat chaos. Pick your style – and get ready to meet Cabo’s colorful underwater world!
Have more fun in Cabo!
Our favorite resources for planning a trip to Cabo
Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!) Expedia is also worth checking for discounted hotel rates in Cabo.
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.
Need more help?
- See our Start here page. It lists everything we’ve written on Cabo.
- Also check our ultimate Cabo travel guide and our article on Planning your Cabo vacation: What you should know.
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