San Jose del Cabo is a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts. With its rugged coastlines, iconic landmarks like the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and vibrant local life, it offers a wealth of opportunities to capture stunning images. One of our favorites is the Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat + Photos, which combines underwater photography with scenic boat rides — perfect for those who love both marine life and dramatic rock formations. The clarity of the Sea of Cortez makes it a photographer’s dream, especially when paired with a guided tour that ensures you don’t miss the best angles.
While many visitors focus on the picturesque landmarks, San Jose del Cabo’s quiet beaches and colorful streets also make for beautiful portraits and candid shots. Whether you’re after underwater creatures or sweeping coastal views, there’s a tour here to elevate your photography skills and give you lasting memories.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of top photography experiences in San Jose del Cabo:
– A snorkeling and boat tour that captures the Land’s End scenery and underwater life (Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat + Photos)
– A professional photo session focused on golden hour lighting and iconic sites (Los Cabos Video Journey or Photography Session)
– An adventure surfing trip with 4×4 transport and opportunities for action shots (Exclusive Experienced Surfing Adventure with 4×4 & Photography)
– A personalized video or photo journey with a professional filmmaker to create cinematic keepsakes (Photography Session or Journey Video)
Now, let’s explore these options in detail, so you can decide which best fits your style and interests.
1. Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat + Photos
At number 1 on our list, this five-hour guided snorkeling tour combines scenic boat rides with underwater photography. The tour begins with a glass-bottom boat trip to see Land’s End, including the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, giving you plenty of stunning panoramic shots. The boat then heads to Pelican Rock, a renowned snorkeling spot accessible only by water, where you can immerse yourself among colorful fish and vibrant coral. A key feature is the CD of underwater photos and a souvenir snorkel tube, allowing you to capture your marine adventure with ease.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of scenic boat rides and underwater photography. The guides are experienced, ensuring you get the best shots of the marine life. The included beachside lunch and hotel pickup make this a convenient, all-in-one experience. Many reviews praise the clarity of the water and the abundance of fish, with one visitor noting, “Snorkeling was a very good experience. The tour guides were awesome. Lot of fish were seen during snorkeling.”
Bottom line: Perfect for families or snorkelers wanting high-quality underwater photos combined with scenic coastal views at a reasonable price. The tour’s relaxed pace makes it ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
2. Los Cabos Video Journey or Photography Session
At number 2, this professional photo or video session offers a personalized experience aimed at capturing the beauty of San Jose del Cabo during golden hour. For around $400 per person, you’ll work with a professional photographer who helps you pose, find the best light, and explore iconic sites such as the Hotel Beach and Estero de San Jose.
This experience is more than just snapping pictures; it’s about learning how to compose and shoot creatively. The guide shares tips on angles and lighting, so you walk away with stunning portraits and memorable shots. The relaxed atmosphere makes it suitable for friends, couples, or families wanting high-quality images. It’s especially valued at sunset when the light is at its most flattering.
While it’s pricier than some tours, many clients appreciate the tailored approach, describing it as “a fun and relaxed photo session with expert guidance.” The focus on capturing professional-quality images makes it ideal for those wanting to upgrade their personal portfolio or holiday photos.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want to learn photography techniques while exploring San Jose del Cabo’s best scenic spots, creating keepsakes to cherish.
$400 per person
3. Exclusive Experienced Surfing Adventure with 4×4 & Photography
Number 3 offers a six-hour surfing expedition with transportation in a rugged 4×4 Toyota Tacoma. This experience is tailored for those who want to combine surfing with capturing action shots. The tour takes you to prime surf breaks, where experts help you find the right waves, making it suitable for experienced surfers and adventurous photographers alike.
While this tour is currently unreviewed, its main appeal lies in the combination of off-road exploration and surfing photography. The 4×4 transport allows access to less crowded beaches, providing unique angles for action shots or scenic backdrops. It’s perfect for those wanting an active day with plenty of opportunities to shoot dynamic images of surf and landscape.
Note that this tour is quite different from the others, focusing on adventure and action photography rather than landscapes or underwater scenes. If you’re into surfing, outdoor exploration, and capturing movement, this is a solid option.
Bottom line: Suited for experienced surfers and photographers who enjoy adventure, with the bonus of off-the-beaten-path beach access.
$180.00 per person
4. Photography Session or Journey Video
Rounding out our list, this one-hour professional filmmaking or photography experience is ideal for those seeking cinematic-quality keepsakes. Led by a professional filmmaker, you’ll explore San Jose del Cabo’s coast and iconic sites, capturing images or footage that can be turned into a personalized video. This experience is perfect for creating memorable family vacations, professional portfolios, or social media content.
Since it’s short and highly personalized, this tour is flexible and tailored to your interests. Whether you want sweeping coastal shots or intimate portraits, your guide helps you craft beautiful images or a short film that truly captures your experience. While reviews haven’t been posted, the concept appeals to anyone wanting a creative, high-quality record of their trip.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who value professional guidance in creating cinematic or photographic mementos, especially if you’re short on time but want a high-impact keepsake.
$400.00 per person
How to Choose
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For underwater and scenic boat photography, the snorkel tour offers great value with included photos and lunch. If you prefer creating high-quality portraits or learning new techniques, the professional photo session (Los Cabos Video Journey or Photography Session) is ideal. Adventure seekers who love action shots and off-road exploration might prefer the surfing trip (Exclusive Experienced Surfing Adventure). For those tight on time but wanting a cinematic souvenir, the one-hour Photography or Video Session is a perfect quick option.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and get the best times for photography, such as sunrise or sunset. Think about what kind of images you want — underwater, portraits, action, or cinematic — and pick the experience that aligns best with your goals.
In summary, San Jose del Cabo offers a diverse set of photography experiences to suit every type of traveler. Whether you’re snorkeling among colorful fish, perfecting your golden hour portraits, capturing surfing action, or creating a cinematic memory, there’s something here to help you frame your trip beautifully. Consider your interests and pace, and don’t hesitate to book early — these experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially in prime season.