Cabo San Lucas: Snorkel, Lunch and Sail Experience

If you’re heading to Baja California Sur and looking for a balanced mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and relaxation, the Cabo San Lucas: Snorkel, Lunch and Sail Experience offers just that. For $130 per person, this 3.5-hour tour takes you out on a spacious sailboat to explore some of Cabo’s most iconic sights—think The Arch, Lover’s Beach, and a playful sea lion colony—while also offering time for snorkeling, tasty local food, and a lively bar scene.

What we love about this experience is how it pairs stunning views with delicious food, making it a well-rounded outing. The boat is a comfortable, eco-friendly vessel with plenty of space to relax, sunbathe, or take in the scenery. Plus, the opportunity to see marine life such as dolphins and rays from the vessel itself is a real highlight.

On the flip side, one consideration is that the tour seems to shift from a mellow sailing trip to a more upbeat, party vibe, especially with lively music and some crew pressure around tipping. So, if you’re seeking a quiet, tranquil snorkeling experience, this might not be your ideal choice. But if you enjoy a friendly, festive atmosphere with good company, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a lively day on the water with plenty of opportunity to see Cabo’s famous landmarks, enjoy great food and drinks, and meet others in a fun setting. Families, groups of friends, or even solo travelers looking to mingle will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Including the iconic Arch, Lover’s Beach, and marine wildlife
• Delicious local food: Mexican tacos buffet with fresh fruit and guacamole
• Open bar: Featuring tequila, rum, vodka, and cocktails to keep the mood lively
• Comfortable vessel: Spacious sailboat with shaded areas, nets for sunbathing, and full bathrooms
• Snorkeling: In bay areas with coral reefs, with equipment provided
• Lively atmosphere: Expect music, socializing, and a party vibe, which some reviews find more energetic than relaxing

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Itinerary

The tour begins at the Cabo San Lucas Marina, with pickup options possibly including San José del Cabo or directly from your hotel. The boat, a 70-foot sailing catamaran that can carry up to 50 passengers, is designed with comfort and safety in mind—including four bathrooms, shaded internal areas, and spacious decks. Its eco-friendly design emphasizes safety, and it’s clear that Sun Rider Tours invests in quality and security.

Once aboard, the journey kicks off with a scenic sail toward The Arch, Cabo’s most photographed natural wonder. Before reaching that iconic rock formation, you’ll visit Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), Piedra del Pelicano, and observe the always-active sea lion colony—perfect for snapping some memorable photos or just soaking in the views.

Scenic and Wildlife Highlights

As you cruise the bay, you’ll pass resorts nestled between desert dunes and the open Sea of Cortez, providing a captivating contrast of landscapes. From the boat, dolphins and rays often make appearances, and passengers enjoy keeping an eye out for marine mammals. One review mentions seeing whales, which is an added bonus during certain seasons.

Snorkeling Experience

Once at the designated coral bay, the crew will give safety instructions and demonstrate how to use snorkel gear—fins, masks, tubes, and life jackets included. The reef area boasts living coral reefs and diverse marine life. Travelers can expect to see colorful fish swimming freely, exploring caves, and gliding over rocks where marine creatures hide.

The reviews note that the crew is attentive, helping those new to snorkeling and making sure everyone feels comfortable. One traveler described their snorkeling as “lots of fish” and even saw whales during their trip, highlighting that wildlife sightings can be quite rewarding.

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Food and Drinks

After snorkeling, guests can rinse off with freshwater showers and then settle onto the deck to enjoy a tacos buffet—featuring pork pastor, chicken and beef fajitas, veggie options, and sides like rice, beans, and fresh fruit. The food gets high praise for being tasty and freshly prepared, a real highlight for many.

The included open bar is another big perk. Expect a range of drinks from beer and tequila to cocktails like margaritas and piña coladas. Several reviewers mention the plentiful, well-made drinks, adding to the festive vibe. Be aware that some crew members may encourage tipping, which travelers found a bit assertive but understandable given the service quality.

Atmosphere and Vibe

The atmosphere is lively and social, especially with music playing on the boat and plenty of space to sunbathe or relax. For those seeking a tranquil cruise, this might feel a bit boisterous, as one reviewer pointed out. But if you enjoy a fun, party-like environment with a friendly crowd, you’ll find this trip very engaging.

Duration and Practicalities

At 3.5 hours, the tour strikes a good balance, allowing ample time for sightseeing, snorkeling, and eating without feeling rushed. Pickup is included, with transportation in a white Sun Rider van, and check-in occurs 30 minutes before departure.

The tour operates in both English and Spanish, accommodating a wide range of travelers. Be sure to bring essentials like swimwear, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and sunglasses. Remember that a small dock fee of $2 USD applies and must be paid in cash.

What to Expect: The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– You’ll get to see Cabo’s most famous landmarks in a single trip—perfect for first-timers.
– The snorkeling spots are vibrant, and the reef has a good variety of marine life.
– The food and drinks are plentiful and flavorful, making the experience feel like a festive outing.
– The boat is spacious, well-equipped, and designed with eco-conscious features, providing a comfortable ride.

Cons:
– The party atmosphere might not appeal if you’re looking for peaceful sailing or quiet snorkeling.
– The destination change from Chileno Bay to Santa Maria Bay** might disappoint visitors expecting the originally advertised spots.
– Some review comments about crew’s tipping demands could feel pushy, slightly detracting from the relaxed vibe.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy socializing, lively atmospheres, and a taste of Cabo’s vibrant scene. Families or groups who want a fun, all-in-one excursion—combining sightseeing, snorkeling, and delicious food—will find it particularly appealing. It’s less suited for those seeking a quiet, contemplative experience or a more subdued sailing trip.

Final Thoughts

The Cabo San Lucas: Snorkel, Lunch and Sail Experience offers a lively, memorable way to explore the bay’s most spectacular sights. The balance of beautiful scenery, delicious Mexican cuisine, and animated social environment makes it a popular choice, especially for those wanting to combine sightseeing with fun.

While it might not satisfy everyone’s desire for tranquility, it delivers excellent value for its price—giving you plenty of time on the water, a good meal, drinks, and the chance to see marine wildlife up close. If you’re looking for a lively, well-organized day out that captures some of Cabo’s most iconic features, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Transportation is available at an extra cost but is not included in the tour price. Pickup is in a white Sun Rider van, with pickup details provided when booking.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, including sailing, snorkeling, and eating. Be sure to check the specific start times and arrive 30 minutes early.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and any personal items you might need for comfort during the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, fins, masks, tubes, and life jackets are included, and the crew provides safety instructions.

Can I see marine animals?
Yes, dolphins, rays, and sometimes whales are spotted, especially during certain seasons. The reef is lively with colorful fish and marine creatures.

What is the food like?
The buffet features tacos with pork pastor, chicken, beef, and veggie options, plus rice, beans, and fresh fruit. It’s generally considered tasty and satisfying.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, the open bar includes beer, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Be prepared for a lively, party-like atmosphere.

Who is this tour suitable for?
It’s best for travelers looking for an energetic, fun-filled day with scenic views, good food, and lively company. Not ideal if you prefer quiet sailing or snorkeling.

You can check availability for your dates here: