A snorkeller swims over a bright turquoise reef in clear shallow water.

Experiences · Los Cabos · Cabo San Lucas

Snorkeling in two bays by catamaran from Cabo San Lucas.

Four hours on a Leopard catamaran: past the Arch and Pelican Rock, then two snorkel stops, usually both sides of Chileno Bay, with lunch, an open bar and paddleboards. Book it privately, or join a shared cruise.

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4 hoursDuration

Cabo San LucasMarina departures

Ages 5 +Families welcome

Two stopsUsually Chileno Bay

May – NovClearest water

The bays

Two stops, two kinds of water.

This private snorkeling tour from Cabo San Lucas sails past Land’s End, Pelican Rock and the Arch to two snorkel stops, chosen each day by the crew. Usually both are at Chileno Bay: shallow, sheltered tide pools at the east end, good for children and first-timers, then rocky reefs in the middle and west of the bay, where there are more fish.

Look out for parrotfish, king angelfish, Moorish idols, pufferfish, moray eels and eagle rays, as well as sea turtles and sea lions. Masks, fins, life jackets and paddleboards are on board, and lunch is served between the two stops.

At the east end of Chileno Bay, shallow tide pools give children and first-timers calm water to start in.

A guest stands on the bow of a catamaran with a tall rock behind. — The bow is the best place to be on the run out.

Choose your cruise

Two ways to snorkel the bays.

The two-bay cruise privately for your party, or shared. Both use Leopard catamarans from the Cabo San Lucas marina and are run by Cabo Adventures, booked through us.

An aerial view of a power catamaran with guests on deck and in the water.

Our pick · Families

Private · catamaran

Private two-bay snorkel

4 hours Your party only Ages 5 +

Double-deck Leopard catamaran for your party
Two snorkel stops chosen for the day
Appetizers, lunch and an open bar
Snorkel gear and paddleboards

Private transport from most hotels is included; from a villa, our concierge arranges your transfer to the marina.

Reserve Ask us

Operated by Cabo Adventures

A freediver with bright yellow fins swims down through deep blue water.

Shared · catamaran

Luxury snorkeling in two bays

4 hours Shared Ages 5 +

Leopard powercat, 47 or 51 ft
Two snorkel stops, usually Chileno Bay
Fruit, yogurt and granola, then lunch
Open bar, snorkel gear and paddleboards

Check in 45 minutes before departure.

Reserve Ask us

Operated by Cabo Adventures

Our concierge confirms availability and books it for you.

The private cruise is for your party alone; our concierge confirms the right boat for your numbers.

The film

Two bays in a day

Out of Cabo San Lucas past Land’s End to the two bays, and into the water with the fish. Filmed by Cabo Adventures, who run both cruises on this page.

Film · Cabo Adventures

Private two-bay snorkel

Two bays, in order.

Board at the marina

Cabo San Lucas

ii.

Land’s End

The Arch and Pelican Rock

iii.

First bay

Calm, shallow water to start

iv.

Lunch on board

Between the two stops

Second bay

Rocky reefs and more fish

The order of the day as the operator runs it; exact times are confirmed when you book.

The gallery

See it for yourself.

When to go

Through the year.

Jan ·

Feb ·

Mar ·

Apr ·

May Best water

Jun Best water

Jul Best water

Aug Best water

Sep Best water

Oct Best water

Nov Best water

Dec ·

Clearest, warmest water, May to November

Good to know

Before you go.

Who can join

From age 5, and no snorkeling experience is needed. Not suitable during pregnancy or for limited mobility.

Gear

Masks, fins, life jackets and paddleboards are provided; snorkel vests help anyone less confident in the water.

In the water

Biodegradable sunscreen only, and look without touching.

On the day

A dock fee is paid at check-in, and shoes stay off on deck. For the shared cruise, villa guests meet at the Cabo Adventures office in the marina.

Our take

“For families I suggest the private cruise: the first stop’s shallow pools suit children, and the second suits the keen snorkelers.”

Founder, Villa Experience

Afterwards, an afternoon at the villa and a meal by a private chef (at additional cost), arranged by our concierge.

Questions

Before you ask.

Is snorkeling good in Cabo San Lucas?

Yes. The water is about 70–85°F through the year, the bays are sheltered, and visibility is good, with sea turtles, rays and tropical fish common.

Which bays do we visit?

Usually the east and west sides of Chileno Bay. Depending on conditions, the crew may choose Santa María Bay or Gavilancito reef, and on the private cruise Palmilla Beach or Balconcito Beach near Pelican Rock.

What will we see?

You may see parrotfish, king angelfish, Moorish idols, surgeonfish, pufferfish, moray eels and spotted eagle rays, with sea turtles and sea lions. From the deck, frigatebirds, pelicans and herons.

When is the water best for snorkeling?

May to November, when the water is warmest (about 76–84°F) and visibility is best. Mornings are calmest.

Do we need snorkeling experience?

No. The guides give a briefing, help in the water, and provide masks, fins and life jackets.

Villa Experience Concierge