Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat + Photos

Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat + Photos: A Balanced Look at a Memorable Los Cabos Adventure

If you’re heading to San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas, this guided snorkeling tour offers a great way to explore the iconic Land’s End, including the famous Arch, and get up close with the vibrant marine life at Pelican Rock—all from a comfortable glass-bottom boat. Priced at $125 per person and lasting around five hours, this tour packs in sightseeing, snorkeling, and some relaxing beach time, plus a few thoughtful extras like underwater photos and a beachside lunch.

What we love about this tour is how it combines scenic boat rides with accessible snorkeling spots that are difficult to reach on foot. The guided narration and photo CD add a personal touch that makes the experience more memorable. We also appreciate the hotel pickup—making logistics much easier—plus the snorkel gear provided, so you don’t have to fuss about packing your own.

That said, one consideration to keep in mind is snorkeling time—reviews suggest it can be a bit variable—and the water conditions or jellyfish presence might affect your experience. The trip is best suited for travelers who enjoy easy access to marine environments, are comfortable on boats, and want a balanced mix of sightseeing and snorkeling.

This tour is ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone seeking a relaxed, well-organized day that balances stunning scenery with marine adventure. If you like the idea of seeing the famous Arch and Land’s End from the water, combined with a friendly guide and good food, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here.

Key Points

• Excellent value for money with scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and photos included
• Guided tours ensure you see the best spots and get interesting narration
• Comfortable glass-bottom boat allows great views without getting wet
• Snorkeling at Pelican Rock offers a natural aquarium with diverse marine life
• Beachside lunch and underwater photos add lasting souvenirs
• Hotel pickup simplifies logistics, making the trip smooth

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

The Scenic Ride to Land’s End

Starting from the Los Cabos Marina, you’ll board a comfortable glass-bottom boat. This vessel offers excellent views of the famous Arch and surrounding rock formations without the need to swim or dive. Expect a scenic cruise past colonies of sea lions and pelicans, with your guide providing informative commentary on the area’s geology and wildlife.

Many reviews mention how beautiful the scenery is and how the boat’s cleanliness and comfort enhance the experience. One guest noted, “The boat was comfortable and not crowded,” providing a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.

Up Close with the Arch and Sea Life

The boat tour takes you around Land’s End, one of Mexico’s most recognizable landmarks. You’ll enjoy the spectacular rock formations and seascapes, with opportunities for photos. While admission to the Arch is not included, the boat ride itself provides a close-up perspective that’s hard to beat.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock

Arriving at Pelican Rock, you’ll experience the highlight for many—guided snorkeling at a site accessible only by boat. Reviews rave about the vibrant marine life—including tropical fish, sea stars, sea cucumbers, stingrays, and even seahorses.

One reviewer described it as a “natural aquarium,” emphasizing how clear water and abundant sea life made their experience special. Guides like Braulio, praised for being attentive and helpful, ensure even nervous snorkelers feel safe.

The Beachside Lunch and City Stop

After snorkeling, you’ll get a delicious deli-style lunch on the beach—featuring a baguette sandwich, fresh fruit, chips, cookies, and bottled water. Many reviews highlight how thoughtfully scheduled this break is, giving you a moment to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Following the ocean adventure, there’s a short shopping trip into the Cabo San Lucas flea market—an opportunity to pick up souvenirs or local crafts before heading back to your hotel.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Many reviewers express high satisfaction with the tour. Gretchen, who called it a “fun excursion,” appreciated the well-organized trip and friendly guides. She stated, “Snorkeling was good, boat was clean, and the lunch was great.”

Another guest, Melissa, praised guide Lupe for taking “great pictures of my son underwater,” and appreciated the extra whale sightings during the boat ride. The photos are often cited as a valuable souvenir—a CD of underwater images to remind you of your trip.

However, not all reviews are perfect. Some travelers mention disappointing moments, like a fall during the boat (“concerning, but the guide was helpful”) or short snorkeling times due to weather or water conditions. One guest was disappointed to find only one blurry photo on the CD, highlighting the importance of managing expectations regarding photo quality.

A notable concern from a reviewer was about food—they received a salad instead of the advertised sandwich, which points to the importance of clarity in what the lunch includes, especially for those with specific expectations.

The Practical Side: What This Tour Means for You

Transportation and Group Size

The hotel pickup makes this tour especially convenient, removing the hassle of finding your way to the marina. The tour operates with a maximum of 30 travelers, so it maintains a small-group feel, ensuring plenty of personal attention from guides.

Timing and Duration

With departures around 9 am, 11 am, or 1 pm, you can choose a time that best fits your plans. The five-hour duration provides enough time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed. Many reviews say the snorkeling segment is around 55 minutes, but this can vary depending on weather and sea conditions.

Cost and Value

At $125 per person, this tour offers a fair price considering the included extras: snorkel gear, underwater photos, lunch, and hotel pickup. When compared to the cost of separate activities—like a boat ride and snorkeling—it’s a solid deal, especially for first-timers or those wanting a hassle-free experience.

Suitability

This tour is perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, and those who prefer guided tours with informative narration. It’s also suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as it involves some boat logistics and snorkeling, but no strenuous activity.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

In our view, this Pelican Rock snorkeling tour by glass-bottom boat offers a well-rounded experience that combines stunning scenery, friendly guides, and valued extras like photos and lunch. The scenic boat ride gives an up-close look at Land’s End—something you won’t get from land—and the marine life at Pelican Rock is truly impressive.

If you’re looking for a relaxed day with easy access to nature and iconic sights, this tour excels. The small group size and attention to detail make it a good choice for families or solo travelers seeking a safe, enjoyable adventure. The included photos and beachside lunch add to the value, giving you keepsakes from your time in Los Cabos.

However, if you’re seeking longer snorkeling sessions or more adventure-driven activities, you might find this tour somewhat limited. Water conditions can vary, so if you’re sensitive to jellyfish or choppy waters, it’s worth noting that these factors could impact your enjoyment.

All in all, this tour offers good value, authentic scenery, and professional guides—a reliable way to tick off some major sights and marine encounters during your stay.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately five hours, including hotel pickup, boat ride, snorkeling, lunch, and shopping.

What is included in the tour price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkel gear, a CD of underwater photos, a souvenir snorkel tube, lunch (deli baguette, fruit, chips, cookies, water), and the boat tour itself.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible, and guides stay with you for safety and assistance. The reef at Pelican Rock is a popular site for novice snorkelers.

What should I bring or wear?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and hat for sun protection. The snorkel gear is provided and sanitized. Wearing water shoes can be helpful in rocky areas.

Can I see whales during this tour?
While some guests have reported whale sightings, these are not guaranteed. The focus is on snorkeling and the Land’s End scenery.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

In sum, this tour offers an engaging, well-organized way to explore the highlights of Los Cabos from the water, with plenty of opportunities for fun, relaxation, and memorable photos. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it’s likely to leave you with great stories—and some stunning underwater images.