Cabo San Lucas is famous for its stunning coastline, iconic landmarks like El Arco, and crystal-clear waters that beckon boat lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. In just three hours, you can experience a slice of Cabo’s vibrant marine life, breathtaking scenery, and laid-back luxury. Whether you prefer a private vessel just for your group or want to share the experience with others, Cabo’s tour options deliver memorable moments. We especially like the Cabo San Lucas Three Hour Private Boat Snorkeling Tour for its exclusivity and personalized service—perfect for families, couples, or adventure-seekers who want flexibility and a touch of luxury.
If the idea of ending the day watching a sunset from the water appeals to you, the Private Sunset Cruise offers a serene, intimate experience with stunning views of Lover’s Beach and Land’s End, all while enjoying homemade margaritas. For those who want to combine active fun with sightseeing, the 3-hour Snorkeling and Catamaran in Cabo San Lucas provides a great mix of underwater exploration and scenic cruising. Whatever your style, these tours demonstrate how much you can experience in just three hours on Cabo’s beautiful waters.
1. Cabo San Lucas Three Hour Private Boat Snorkeling Tour

At number 1, this private boat snorkeling tour offers a completely tailored experience. For about $1,200 per group, up to 12 people, you get nearly four hours of cruising, with the first 50 minutes dedicated to passing by Cabo’s most famous landmarks like El Arco, Lover’s Beach, and a sea lion colony. The boat is yours, so you can choose your pace and activities—snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay, paddleboarding, swimming, or relaxing on the deck.
What makes this tour stand out is its all-inclusive nature, with water sports gear, a delicious lunch, and an open bar included. The crew’s professionalism and friendly attitude earn rave reviews, with guests mentioning attentive service and fun, knowledgeable guides. The highlight for many is the VIP feel—no crowds, just your group enjoying the sun, sea, and stunning scenery. The private setting makes it especially good for special occasions like birthdays or honeymoons.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a flexible, private experience with top-tier service and water sports included. It’s a bit of a splurge but offers unmatched exclusivity and customization.
2. Private Sunset Cruise- 3 Hour

Number 2 on our list is the Private Sunset Cruise, which provides a peaceful, romantic way to end your Cabo day. Priced at $599 for up to 10 people, this 3-hour voyage begins at around 3:30 pm and takes you past the iconic landmarks like El Arco and Lover’s Beach, as the sun dips below the horizon.
The boat is a luxury yacht, and the experience emphasizes comfort and ambiance. You’ll enjoy homemade margaritas, cold beers, and soft music—perfect for mingling or relaxing with family. The crew is praised for their friendly service, with reviews mentioning how attentive they are, even serving dinner during the cruise. The sunset adds a magical glow, making this tour well suited for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting a tranquil, intimate experience on the water.
Bottom Line: If a romantic, relaxed atmosphere with spectacular sunset views appeals to you, this private cruise offers great value and a memorable, personalized outing.
3. 3-hour Snorkeling and Catamaran in Cabo San Lucas

For around $79 per person, the Snorkeling and Catamaran tour combines the best of scenic cruising and underwater exploration. This shared ride is perfect for those who want to see Cabo’s highlights without the private price tag—about $79 each, making it accessible for families or groups on a budget.
The tour covers the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Chileno Bay, and the Sea Lions Colony, with stops for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The itinerary includes snacks and drinks, so you stay refreshed while enjoying the sea. Guests rave about the crew’s friendliness and the ability to see whales in season, as well as the chance to snorkel in vibrant reefs.
While it’s a shared experience, the tour offers a relaxed vibe and plenty of time to take photos, swim, or just soak up the scenery. The main advantage here is the combination of engaging water activities and sightseeing, all in half a day.
Bottom Line: This is ideal for travelers wanting a budget-friendly, active experience that includes snorkeling and scenic views with all equipment provided.
4. 3-Hour Stand up Paddle and Snorkel at Los Cabos

At number 4, this stand-up paddle and snorkeling tour is a fun, active choice for a small group—just $100 per person. It’s perfect if you want to learn a new skill and combine it with underwater wildlife spotting. You’ll learn to paddleboard, then snorkel at the famous Arch, which offers fantastic photo opportunities.
While it’s a newer offering, the reviews reflect enthusiasm for the dual activities—paddleboarding in calm waters and snorkeling among colorful fish. The tour provides photos of your paddleboarding experience, giving you a souvenir of your day. It’s especially good for those eager to stay active and enjoy Cabo’s marine environment without the boat crowd.
Because it’s just three hours, it’s a quick but energetic option. The small group size ensures personalized instruction and attention, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a combination of learning a new water sport and snorkeling, this tour offers good value and memorable photos for a moderate price.
5. Private 3-Hour Snorkeling Tour with Arch Tour and Beach Time

Number 5 on our list is a flexible, private boat tour for $100 per person. It’s ideal if you want to see El Arco, Punta Ballena, and the Sea Lion Colony, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling. The itinerary can be customized, so you decide whether to spend more time at the arches or relax at Santa Maria or Chileno Bay.
Guests love the personalized touch, with reviews citing attentive guides and the ability to choose your stops. Snorkeling gear is included, and you can swim with tropical fish, sea lions, or explore caves like Pirate’s Cave. The private nature of this tour makes it great for intimate groups or special occasions where you want flexibility.
While the review mentions some variability in timing, the overall experience is praised for its tailored approach and underwater highlights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a flexible, private experience with the freedom to customize destinations and activities.
6. Experience in 30 foot yacht 3 hours

This private 30-foot yacht experience is a true luxury option, offering an intimate, exclusive outing for up to six people at around $536. It’s perfect for small groups who want a highly personalized cruise. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of El Arco, swim in clear waters, and relax on floating mats.
The vessel’s size allows for a cozy atmosphere, with the crew providing tailored service. It’s an ideal choice for a romantic escape or a family celebration, with all the comforts of a private yacht. Guests can snorkel, swim, or simply lounge while taking in the scenery.
Since there are no reviews yet, we note this tour’s focus on exclusivity and comfort. The price reflects its upscale nature, but it’s a fantastic option if you want privacy and a bespoke experience.
Bottom Line: If you want to indulge in a private yacht adventure with all the bells and whistles, this is a luxurious, intimate way to explore Cabo’s waters.
7. Private 3 Hour Boat Rental in Cabo San Lucas
Number 7 features a private boat rental for about $391, suitable for groups up to 8. It’s perfect if you prefer to design your own route—sailing the Sea of Cortez or Pacific, visiting beaches, or just cruising along the coast.
The boat comes equipped with snorkeling gear, cushions, an icebox, and snacks, which adds to its value. The flexibility allows you to customize your trip—spend more time at Santa Maria, or explore less-toured spots. Reviews are limited, but the focus on customization makes it appealing for those who want control over their itinerary.
This option suits travelers who appreciate autonomy and who enjoy a private experience without the formality of a tour guide.
Bottom Line: A good pick if you want to create your own adventure and enjoy Cabo’s waters at your own pace.
8. Private 3 Hour Snorkeling Tour with Arch Tour and Beach Time
Number 8 offers a private boat tour for $90 per person. It covers all the major sights: Divorce Beach, Lover’s Beach, the Arch, and Land’s End. You’ll snorkel in Cabo’s best spots, with equipment included, and visit the Sea Lions Colony.
This tour is well-suited for families or small groups wanting an all-in-one experience with the flexibility to swim and snorkel as long as you like. It’s praised for its comprehensive itinerary and friendly crew, with reviewers appreciating the ability to see marine wildlife and explore caves. The small group size offers a more personal experience compared to larger cruises.
If you want a full sightseeing and underwater adventure, this tour balances the highlights with snorkeling opportunities nicely.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want to see all the key sights and snorkel in Cabo’s prime locations in just three hours.
9. Private Yacht Cruise 3 Hours ALL INCLUSIVE
Number 9 is a fully private, customizable yacht experience for about $200 per group. It’s all about flexibility—cruise past The Arch, Lover’s Beach, and the Sea Lion Colony, then choose your water activities at prime spots like Santa Maria or Chileno Bay. Snorkeling gear is included at no charge, and you can swim, paddleboard, or just relax.
This tour is perfect for groups wanting a tailored experience with all the essentials covered, including drinks and snacks. The reviews note the ease of customization and the chance to explore less crowded beaches. It’s a straightforward, private option with the advantage of complete control.
Bottom Line: Good for those who want a private, flexible day on the water with lots of options and no fixed itinerary.
10. Private Yacht for 3 Hours (8 guests max)
Lastly, this private yacht is designed for small groups of up to eight, with a focus on sightseeing and water activities. Starting with landmarks like The Arch, Lovers Beach, and Neptune’s Finger, you then go to Santa Maria or Chileno Bay for swimming or paddling.
The yacht provides plenty of space for relaxing, with snorkel gear available at no charge. You can customize your route, and the crew offers expert commentary about Cabo’s scenery. It’s a premium option for intimate groups seeking privacy and flexibility.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups or families wanting a personalized, all-in-one yacht adventure in Cabo.
How to Choose the Right 3-Hour Tour
When selecting your perfect Cabo tour, consider your budget, your interests, and how much activity you want. For a private, luxury experience, the Cabo Blue private boat or 30-foot yacht are top choices. If you prefer a flexible, customizable boat, the private boat rental offers the most independence.
For those on a budget or wanting a shared experience, the catamaran snorkeling tour and the snorkeling and beach tours provide great value with lively atmospheres. If catching a sunset is your goal, the private sunset cruise provides a peaceful, scenic backdrop.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and boat size. Remember, many tours include water sports gear and snacks—factor that into the overall value.
Cabo San Lucas’s waters offer a wide array of ways to enjoy a quick escape. Whether you want a private, all-inclusive yacht, an active snorkeling adventure, or a romantic sunset cruise, there’s a 3-hour tour tailored to your style. With so many options, your biggest challenge will be deciding which to book first—so start planning now and get ready for a memorable sea experience.
