Cabo Blue Snorkeling Cruise, Open Bar and Lunch in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo Blue turns Cabo into a waterfront highlight reel. You get Land’s End views from the water, then snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay with gear and time to explore. I especially like how the trip is packed but not rushed, and how the crew keeps the mood fun without turning it into a full-on club boat. The main thing to consider: this is a social, music-forward cruise, not a quiet sail.

You’re paying $79.80 for a 3.5-hour outing that includes lunch and unlimited drinks, so it’s a good way to buy one ticket and stop thinking. The whale chances are best from mid-December to mid-April, and the crew often adjusts plans if whales show up. One practical drawback: the Marina del Rey check-in area is big, and you’ll want a clear pin so you don’t waste time hunting.

Key Points Before You Go

• Top Cabo stops, fast: Pelican Rock, Lovers Beach, and El Arco (the arch) all from the water
• Snorkel at Santa Maria Bay: equipment included, typically around 45 minutes in the water
• Open bar plus lunch: full meal and unlimited drinks reduce the usual Cabo “extra costs”
• Whales are a real possibility: mid-December to mid-April, with extra viewing time when spotted
• Paddleboards and floating mat included when conditions allow: ideal ocean conditions required
• Not a shore-swim tour: you cannot swim to beach areas from the boat

Why This Cabo Cruise Works on a Tight Schedule

This is one of those tours that respects your vacation clock. With a total time of about 3 hours 30 minutes and a 1:00 pm departure, you can do it without sacrificing dinner plans or a second activity later.

From the start, the idea is simple: see Cabo San Lucas’ most famous shoreline sights from the water, then spend your “main activity time” snorkeling in a well-known bay. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable with being in open water for a short stretch between stops.

Price and What You Really Get at Cabo Blue

At $79.80 per person, the value is the bundle. You’re not just buying a boat ride. You get snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel tube, fins, and a lifejacket), plus a fresh lunch and an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

That list matters because it cuts out the usual costs that creep in on water tours. Many snorkel trips sell the “float and swim” part but leave you paying separately for food, drinks, or basic gear. Here, the core items are included, and there’s a rinse-off hose onboard too, which is a small detail that saves you from the sticky salt-skin feeling after.

There are a couple of add-ons to plan for: a port tax of $1.00 USD or 20 pesos per person, cash only. And you should bring cash for gratuity.

Finding the Boat: Marina del Rey Check-In Reality

The meeting point is Cabo Blue Boat at Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, Cabo San Lucas (23450). Boats depart at 1:00 pm, but boarding starts only after you check in at 12:40 pm.

Here’s the heads-up from real-world experience: the marina is huge, and it can be confusing if a taxi drops you on the wrong side. I recommend you get a pin drop the day before and confirm it matches the side where Cabo Blue checks in. If you’re arriving by ride-share or cab, show the driver the exact pin rather than using vague directions.

Stop 1: Pelican Rock for Quick Cabo Orientation

Pelican Rock is your first “yes, I get it now” moment. It’s one of the landmarks that helps you orient yourself fast to Cabo’s geography, especially once you’re moving along the Sea of Cortez side.

This part of the cruise is more about views than swimming. You’ll have time to take photos and get a feel for the rock formations before you head toward the bigger, more iconic picture stops.

Stop 2: Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor) for the Land’s End Photo Moment

Lovers Beach, also known as Playa del Amor, sits in the Land’s End area. It’s famous because one side faces the Pacific Ocean while the other side faces the Sea of Cortez. From the boat, that contrast is the point.

You’ll want your phone ready here. Many of the best shots come from timing the angle as the boat moves. This is also the kind of stop where your camera roll can fill up fast, because the coastline changes as you circle the point.

A practical tip: wear sun protection that you’ll actually keep on. The boat ride is short, but the sun exposure can still feel intense.

Stop 3: El Arco (the Cabo Arch) Gets Its Own Time Slot

El Arco, the arch of Cabo San Lucas, is the star rock formation at the southern tip. The crew will stop and give you time for photos, and they’re willing to help with taking them, including with group shots.

If you care about capturing the arch the right way, this stop is your best chance. The arch looks different depending on your angle, and from a moving viewpoint you can miss the clean composition. Here, you’re given that brief pause so you can actually frame the shot.

Stop 4: Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling Without the Stress

Santa Maria Bay is one of the top snorkeling spots in Los Cabos, and the cruise anchors there so you can gear up. Once you’re in the water, the goal is simple: see tropical fish and enjoy a relaxed swim time.

Snorkeling gear is included, and you also get a lifejacket. The crew assists with setup, and the experience is designed so most people can participate.

Two important rules set expectations: you cannot swim to shore or beach areas from the tour. Plan on snorkeling close to the anchored spot and staying within the boundaries the crew sets. That keeps things safer and helps the crew manage the timing for everyone.

How long is snorkeling? Based on what people describe, it tends to land around 45 minutes, sometimes closer to 50 depending on the day and conditions. Don’t plan on a long swim session like you might on a full-day scuba trip.

Paddleboards and Floating Mats: Fun, But Only If the Water Wants It

Paddleboards and a floating water mat are included in your ticket, but there’s a catch: they’re ideal only when ocean conditions are right. That’s normal for paddle activity on the water, and it’s why the crew is careful about when they offer them.

If the sea is cooperative, this is one of the best ways to add variety without extra cost. Even if you’re not cruising around like a pro, just floating and paddling slowly can make the time feel longer and more playful.

If conditions aren’t great, don’t panic. You’re still getting the main snorkeling session plus the sightseeing stops. The paddle equipment is an added bonus, not the backbone.

Whales and Seals: When the Sea Turns Into a Show

This cruise has a whale-watching window from mid-December to mid-April. And when whales are around, the crew doesn’t treat whale sightings as a quick glance. They often adjust the schedule to give you real viewing time before and after the snorkeling stop.

People describe humpback whales showing up close enough for meaningful photos and video. Some days include multiple pods, with behavior like breaching and fin slapping. The exact sightings depend on nature, but the pattern is clear: the crew tries hard to make the whale part happen when it’s possible.

Names that came up in praise include Captain Kiko Mariscal and crew members like Ismael, Lallo, Ricardo, and Brian. More than the names, what I’d take from that is the staffing style: attentive, upbeat, and focused on keeping everyone safe while scanning the water.

There’s also mention of seals and sea lions at times. Those extras are not guaranteed, but they do show that the crew is watching more than one species.

Lunch and the Open Bar: Simple Food That Feels Included

Food on a boat can be hit-or-miss. Here, the lunch is clearly designed to keep you satisfied after the water time. You’ll get freshly prepared baguettes with turkey, cheese, and vegetables, plus appetizers like guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit.

It’s not gourmet, but it’s filling and it matches the activity level. What I like is the timing: lunch comes when you’re done snorkeling, so you’re not eating cold sandwiches halfway through gear time.

The open bar is unlimited, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. People also mention drinks kept flowing and music playing throughout, so the vibe stays upbeat.

The Vibe: Music, Party Energy, and Why It Might Be Perfect

This is where I’ll be straight with you. Based on guest feedback, the boat can feel like a bigger “party vibe” compared with a quiet snorkeling-only charter. Music can be loud and current, and the overall energy is social.

If you want quiet conversation and a low-key sail, this may not be your best match. If you’re traveling with friends or family and want fun plus wildlife plus sun, it can land exactly right.

One recurring theme: the crew stays attentive. People mention frequent drink offers, quick help with equipment, and real effort to keep the day moving smoothly. Even when snorkeling conditions weren’t perfect, the atmosphere stayed positive.

What to Bring for Comfort (Not Just for Safety)

You’re out in the sun with a short trip, so you don’t have long to recover if you forget basics. Bring reef-friendly sunscreen if you have it, plus a UV shirt and hat if you’re prone to burning. One reviewer described brutal sun, and that matches what I’d expect in Cabo in warm months.

Also bring a dry bag or water-resistant phone case if you want to film whales and fish. The crew will assist with photos, but you’ll still want your own control over your camera timing.

And if you sit in the front, know you may get splashed. That’s not a problem, but it’s nice to plan around so you don’t wear something you hate getting saltwater on.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

Cabo Blue is a strong fit for:

• Families with kids age 5 and up
• Couples or friend groups who want whales and snorkeling without planning multiple activities
• Time-pressed visitors who want iconic Cabo views and included food and drinks

It may be less ideal for:

• Anyone who wants a quiet, nature-quiet cruise with minimal noise
• People who expect a sailing-heavy experience rather than a sightseeing boat with snorkeling as the main focus
• Swimmers who want to enter from the beach, since swimming to shore or beach areas isn’t permitted

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes your tours structured but flexible, this works. The sightseeing gives you landmarks. The snorkeling gives you fish time. The whale watching gives you the wow factor.

Should You Book Cabo Blue Snorkeling Cruise?

If you want a one-ticket Cabo afternoon that covers iconic rock scenery, real snorkeling, whales when available, and included lunch and drinks, I think this is a solid choice.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• Your schedule is tight and you can only spare a few hours
• You’re traveling with a group and want something everyone can enjoy
• Whale season aligns with your dates (mid-December to mid-April)

Book it with your eyes open about the vibe. This is not a silent contemplative sail. It’s a lively, music-and-drinks kind of day on the water, with crew members focused on making wildlife time happen and on keeping you comfortable between activities.

FAQ

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs at 1:00 pm. You must check in by 12:40 pm to begin boarding.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Cabo Blue Boat, Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the ticket besides snorkeling gear?

The ticket includes snorkeling gear, lunch, and an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. It also includes paddleboards and a floating water mat when ocean conditions are ideal, plus a rinse-off hose and a Bluetooth sound system.

What lunch and snacks are provided?

Lunch includes freshly prepared baguettes with turkey, cheese, and vegetables. Appetizers include guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit.

Can I swim to shore or beach areas from the boat?

No. Swimming to shore or beach areas is not permitted.

How long is snorkeling?

Snorkeling time is typically around 45 minutes, with some days described as closer to 50 minutes.

When is whale watching most likely on this cruise?

Whales are spotted from mid-December to mid-April.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Two paddleboards and a floating water mat are included, but they’re best used under ideal ocean conditions.

Are there extra fees on top of the price?

Yes. There is a port tax fee of $1.00 USD or 20 pesos per person, cash only. Gratuity is not included, and you should bring cash.