Snorkel Cruise in Los Cabos

Cabo’s Pez Gato snorkel cruise is as much a boat party with ocean views as it is a snorkeling outing. You cruise past Pelican Rock, Lover’s Beach, and the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, then spend roughly 45 to 60 minutes in the water at Santa Maria Bay before lunch, drinks, music, and the ride home.

I like the mix of easy sightseeing and active time. You can swim with fish, look for whales in season, or simply stretch out on the catamaran with a beer or virgin drink. I also like the value: the $123 price includes lunch, an open bar, snorkeling gear, and possible hotel transportation.

The main thing to consider is the mood. The return ride can become loud and dance-heavy, with plenty of alcohol. That is fun for a celebratory group, but less appealing if you want a quiet sail or a long, serious snorkeling session.

Quick takeaways for the Cabo snorkel cruise

• Whale watching can be a major bonus: From roughly December through April, the crew may stop to watch migrating whales.
• Santa Maria Bay is the main water stop: Expect about 45 to 60 minutes for snorkeling, with fish, sea urchins, and sometimes a puffer fish.
• The boat carries up to 45 people: Groups of about 30 have felt comfortable on the spacious catamaran, though the atmosphere can get lively.
• Lunch is simple but filling: Fresh baguettes or sandwiches come with assorted cold cuts, cheese, toppings, chips, fruit, cookies, and snacks.
• Reserve transportation early: Hotel pickup and drop-off must be arranged at least 48 hours before departure.
• Bring practical gear: Pack a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes that can get wet.

A four-hour cruise with two different personalities

The Pez Gato trip begins at the Cabo San Lucas marina and lasts about four hours. The first part feels like a sightseeing cruise. You get open views of the Sea of Cortez, Cabo’s famous rock formations, and the coast around the marina.

The second part is more social. After snorkeling, the crew serves lunch and keeps drinks moving while the catamaran heads back toward town. Music often becomes a larger part of the experience on the return ride, and dancing is common.

That split is important when choosing this tour. You are not booking a quiet sailboat charter or a dedicated marine-life excursion. You are booking a broad, easygoing day on the water that combines scenery, swimming, food, drinks, and entertainment.

The boat can hold a maximum of 45 people. Groups of roughly 30 have described the catamaran as roomy, with enough seating for everyone. Still, the experience may feel busy when people are snorkeling, ordering drinks, moving around the deck, and dancing.

Boarding at the Cabo San Lucas marina

The meeting point is at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 7D, in the marina area near the center of Cabo San Lucas. You should arrive 20 minutes before departure for boarding.

The check-in area can be a little unclear. It is near the marina, just past Señor Frogs, in a small open-air mall area. Give yourself time to find the correct office and dock instead of cutting it close.

If you arrange hotel transportation, confirm it directly after booking. Pickup requests must be made at least 48 hours before departure. You should be in your hotel lobby five minutes before the scheduled pickup, and the driver will wait no longer than five minutes.

This detail matters if you are staying outside central Cabo or planning the trip around a cruise ship. The tour operator does not refund missed departures caused by a late or non-arriving cruise ship. If you are coming from a cruise vessel, check the time difference between ship time and Cabo time before leaving the ship.

Transportation is included when reserved and confirmed in advance, but parking for your own vehicle is not included. The tour returns to the same marina meeting point.

Pelican Rock and the first views of Cabo

Pelican Rock is one of the first notable sights on the route. It gives you an early look at Cabo’s clear water, rocky shoreline, and marine setting before the main snorkeling stop.

This part is primarily sightseeing rather than a guaranteed water activity. You may see people swimming around the rocks, seabirds, and the sea lions that gather near Cabo’s famous rock formations. The crew may point out wildlife as the boat moves along, but sightings are not guaranteed.

I like this opening because it gives you time to settle into the boat. You can find a seat, order a drink, and watch the coast before getting wet. It also keeps the tour from feeling like a rushed transfer straight to the snorkeling site.

Lover’s Beach and the Arch of Cabo San Lucas

The route passes Playa de los Amantes, better known as Lover’s Beach, and El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the landmark rock arch at the tip of the Baja peninsula.

These are the picture-taking moments of the trip. The Arch is best appreciated from the water, where you can see the rock formations from a wider angle. Keep your phone or camera ready, but protect it from spray and wet hands once the snorkeling begins.

The boat also passes the sea lion colony. You may see sea lions resting on the rocks or swimming nearby. The same stretch of coast can include whale watching in season, so the crew may slow down or make time for sightings during the cruise.

Whale watching is not the main advertised activity, and it cannot be promised. Still, it has become one of the strongest surprises of this trip during the migration season. January departures have produced several whale sightings, sometimes with crew explanations about migration. If seeing whales is your priority, book a dedicated whale-watching trip instead. If you want snorkeling and would welcome whales as an extra, this cruise offers good potential.

Santa Maria Bay and the snorkeling stop

Santa Maria Bay is the main reason to bring a swimsuit. The water is turquoise, and the bay offers a sheltered setting for swimming and snorkeling.

Expect roughly 45 to 60 minutes in the water. That is enough time to see fish without turning the outing into a full-day snorkeling expedition. The crew provides equipment, and the gear has generally been described as being in good condition.

The crew may enter the water with you and help locate fish. Some guests have seen sea urchins and a puffer fish, while others have enjoyed schools of smaller tropical fish swimming close by. The crew may also attract fish near the boat, which can create a busy patch of marine life soon after you get in.

Visibility can change. One outing may offer clear views and plenty of fish, while another may have limited underwater visibility. Water conditions, weather, and the number of boats in the bay all affect what you see. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a pleasant snorkeling stop, not a specialized reef expedition.

The deck becomes wet after everyone climbs back aboard. Shoes that can get wet are useful, and a towel is essential. You will also want sunscreen and sunglasses, though you should keep both secure when moving around the boat.

If you prefer not to snorkel, you can stay aboard and relax in the sun. The tour works for mixed groups because one person can swim while another enjoys the views, snacks, and open bar.

Lunch, drinks, and the ride back

Lunch is served during the return journey. The main food is a buffet of fresh baguettes or deli-style sandwiches with cold cuts, cheeses, and condiments. Options have included ham, turkey, vegetable fillings, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and other toppings.

Chips, fresh fruit, cookies, and small snacks round out the meal. This is not a gourmet lunch, but it is practical food after swimming. The sandwiches are made fresh, and the portions are generous enough that some people have taken more than one.

The open bar includes unlimited drinks, along with bottled water. Beer, margaritas, tequila-based drinks, and nonalcoholic beverages are available. The crew has also prepared virgin drinks for people who do not want alcohol.

The bar is a major part of the value, but it also shapes the mood. The return trip can feature loud music, dancing, tequila shots, and a party atmosphere. Hosts such as Brandon have been praised for serving drinks, hosting games or music, and keeping the group involved. Crew members including Captain Alex, Christian, Alejandro, Alexis, and Chuy have also received praise for friendly service.

That energy is a plus for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette groups, families with older children, and friends who want a festive afternoon. It is less ideal for anyone hoping to read quietly on deck. The crew should keep the atmosphere welcoming for the full group, but the mood may lean young and rowdy later in the ride.

What the $123 price really includes

At $123 per person, this cruise is not the cheapest way to reach a beach in Cabo. Its value comes from combining several separate costs into one half-day outing.

Your price includes:

• About four hours aboard the catamaran
• Snorkeling equipment
• Santa Maria Bay snorkeling
• Coastal sightseeing
• Lunch
• Unlimited open-bar drinks
• Taxes, fees, and handling charges
• Hotel transportation when reserved and confirmed in advance

A taxi or independent ride to the marina costs extra, as does parking if you drive. Photos are also sold separately. A photo package has been offered for about $35, and the onboard photographer may capture family pictures, snorkeling shots, or whale sightings.

I consider the price fair if you plan to eat, drink, snorkel, and spend the afternoon on the water. It is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike group entertainment, or mainly want an extended snorkeling session. In that case, compare the tour with a smaller snorkeling charter before booking.

Who will enjoy the Pez Gato most

This outing suits you if you want several experiences in one package. You can see Cabo’s major rock landmarks, snorkel, watch for whales, eat lunch, and enjoy a social boat ride without arranging each part separately.

It is particularly good for:

• Families with children who want an easy activity
• Friends celebrating a special occasion
• Couples who enjoy music and a lively group setting
• People who want whale watching as a possible extra
• First-time visitors who want to see Cabo from the water
• Mixed groups with both swimmers and non-swimmers

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18. You should have a moderate level of physical fitness, since boarding, walking around a wet deck, getting in and out of the water, and snorkeling all require some movement.

I would choose a different outing if you want a private boat, a quiet luxury cruise, or a long period in the water. I would also avoid this tour if loud music and drinking are likely to spoil your day.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Reserve hotel transportation at least 48 hours ahead, then contact the operator to confirm the pickup. Do not assume that selecting transportation automatically settles every detail.

Arrive at the dock 20 minutes early. The check-in area may not be obvious, so allow time to locate the office and boat. If you are traveling from a cruise ship, verify Cabo’s local time.

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A swimsuit
• Shoes that can get wet
• A waterproof phone pouch, if you plan to take pictures near the water

Do not expect the underwater visibility to be perfect every time. Think of the snorkeling as one part of a larger day, not the sole purpose of the cruise.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Pez Gato snorkel cruise?

Book it if you want a social Cabo day on the water with snorkeling, lunch, unlimited drinks, landmark views, and a chance to see whales. The crew service is a real strength, and the boat seems to handle family groups and celebratory groups well.

Skip it if you want solitude, premium food, private guiding, or more than an hour of snorkeling. The party mood on the return can be loud, and underwater visibility is not guaranteed.

For most visitors, the $123 price is reasonable because it covers the boat, meal, drinks, equipment, and several Cabo highlights in about four hours. Just board with the right expectations: this is a friendly, lively catamaran outing with snorkeling, not a quiet marine research trip.

FAQ

How long is the Pez Gato snorkel cruise?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and ends back at the marina meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 7D, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the dock 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for many hotels, but transportation must be reserved at least 48 hours before departure and confirmed with the operator.

What happens if my hotel is not listed for pickup?

Contact the operator after booking to ask for pickup information. They will provide details if service is available for your hotel.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet-style meal with fresh baguettes or sandwiches, assorted cold cuts, cheese, condiments, chips, fruit, cookies, and snacks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks from the open bar are included. Bottled water and nonalcoholic drinks are available, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

How long do we snorkel?

The snorkeling stop generally lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, though the exact time can vary.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunglasses. Sunscreen and shoes that can get wet are also useful because the deck becomes wet after people return from the water.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund.