REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Open Bar, and Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Best Cabo Tours, LLC · Bookable on Viator
Cabo, but make it a boat party. This 3.5-hour Cabo San Lucas cruise hits the Land’s End Arch and the Sea of Cortez while rolling into a protected snorkeling area, all with an energetic crew (Amanda is specifically called out in reviews). You get the fun part handled for you: gear, lunch, music, and photo stops built into the route.
Two things I like a lot are the nonstop service vibe—drinks show up fast—and the fact that you’re not on a stressful “what do we eat?” quest. The tour also packs in major Cabo scenery, like Lover’s & Divorce Beach and the Arch viewpoints, without you needing to drive anywhere yourself.
One drawback to consider: this is more about good times than a deep, long snorkeling session. Water chop and visibility can shrink your time in the water, so if you want a serious underwater focus, plan differently (or choose a snorkeling-first option).
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- The vibe on this Cabo boat: open bar + music, not a quiet nature cruise
- Getting to the action: where you meet and what that means for timing
- The route around Land’s End: Arch views and the Lover’s/Divorce beach icons
- Stop 1: Divorce Beach
- Stop 2: Arch of Cabo San Lucas
- Stop 3: Playa de los Amantes
- The Sea of Cortez scenic cruise: Playa el Chileno and the “wow” stretches
- Stop 4: Playa el Chileno
- The snorkeling experience: Pelican Rock style swim (gear provided, time varies)
- Stop 5: Pelican Rock
- Lunch and open bar: the onboard combo that makes the whole thing feel easy
- Open bar details
- Lunch
- Crew, photos, and the little moments that make it memorable
- Price and value: is $125 per person a good deal?
- Who should book this Cabo Arch and snorkel party—and who should skip it
- Should you book this tour?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Cabo San Lucas boat tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- What’s included with the open bar?
- Is lunch included?
- Where is the meeting point?
- Are there any extra fees?
Key highlights to know before you go

- Open bar on the cruise with beers, mixed drinks, and sodas while you’re out on the water
- Iconic Cabo stops including the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and Divorce Beach
- Snorkel gear + a guide who steers you toward a safer, protected swim area
- Lunch included so you’re fueled for the whole ride back to the marina
- A party-style crew with music, games, and high-energy service
- A limited group size (up to 40), which keeps the experience from feeling chaotic
The vibe on this Cabo boat: open bar + music, not a quiet nature cruise

This tour is built for people who want their Cabo day to feel social. Expect loud-ish music, staff-led fun (think games and a steady attention to keeping you happy), and that “everyone’s in it together” cruising mood. Reviews repeatedly point to crew energy—fast drink refills and an upbeat atmosphere that makes the time fly.
If you’re the type who wants to talk softly, spot whales in silence, and treat the ocean like a library… you might feel like this is a mismatch. But if you want the classic Cabo mix of views, snorkeling as part of the fun, and a decent amount of laughing, you’ll probably have a great time.
A nice detail: the tour is offered in English, and the duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a real excursion but short enough to still enjoy your evening in town.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
Getting to the action: where you meet and what that means for timing

The meeting point is at La Terminal de CaboMarina de Cabo San Lucas, Puerto 0 Frente a Breathless Hotel (El Medano). It’s at the water, and one practical tip that matters: boarding is at the very end of the marina. That sounds minor, but in practice it can cost you time if you arrive late or assume it’s closer.
I’d plan to show up with some buffer so you can check in, get oriented, and settle before the boat leaves. Also, bring your phone—the route includes multiple photo moments, and you’ll want quick access for unlimited-style snapshots.
The route around Land’s End: Arch views and the Lover’s/Divorce beach icons

You start with classic Cabo scenery: Land’s End and the famous rock formations right where the ocean meets dramatic desert coastline.
Stop 1: Divorce Beach
Divorce Beach lives up to the name in the way Cabo likes to do things: bold, photogenic, and easy to picture. Expect good views from the boat and a chance to take photos that look like postcard Cabo without needing a hike.
What to watch for: the water and light can change the look fast. If the sun hits the right angle, you’ll get clearer, more dramatic reflections.
Stop 2: Arch of Cabo San Lucas
This is the star stop for most people, and the tour makes it central. Seeing the Arch up close from the water is the kind of view that’s hard to fully capture from land—boat perspective helps.
In reviews, people also mention planned photo spots where the boat stops for pictures. So if you’re traveling with someone who always wants one more shot, this part can keep everyone happy.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas
Stop 3: Playa de los Amantes
Lover’s Beach is the “pretty counterpart” to Divorce Beach. From the boat, you’ll get a scenic pass where the coastline and rock shapes line up nicely for photos.
Drawback to keep in mind: you’re cruising by, so you’re mostly sightseeing from the water. If you’re hoping for long beach time right here, manage expectations.
The Sea of Cortez scenic cruise: Playa el Chileno and the “wow” stretches

Between the Arch area and the snorkeling stop, the tour works in a scenic stretch of the Sea of Cortez—the part that makes this excursion feel like more than just a quick drive-by.
Stop 4: Playa el Chileno
Playa el Chileno is part of the route’s visual payoff. This stop is about views and ocean perspective, not a long, on-land hang.
When conditions are good, the cruise feels smoother and the sea looks more clear from above. When it’s choppy, it can still be gorgeous, just less comfortable for lingering.
The snorkeling experience: Pelican Rock style swim (gear provided, time varies)

Stop 5: Pelican Rock
This is where snorkeling expectations need a reality check. The tour does include an awesome swim & snorkel experience and supplies gear. You’ll also have a guide who helps point you to a safer, protected area to anchor down and snorkel.
But the tone of the experience matters. One review described it as more of an ocean swim with fish feeding, and others mention snorkeling time can be short—around 20 minutes in at least one case—and visibility can be limited on certain days. That lines up with the idea that this tour is fun-first rather than snorkeling-first.
What you can do to improve your odds:
- If the water is choppy, be ready for a slower, more cautious swim.
- Go in expecting “see fish, enjoy the water” more than a long, crystal-clear reef session.
- Pack for sun: even if you’re not snorkeling the whole time, you’re on a boat in strong light.
Also, a couple reviews mention that snorkeling clarity isn’t always perfect. If clear-water snorkeling is your top priority, consider a tour that is specifically built around snorkeling depth and time.
Lunch and open bar: the onboard combo that makes the whole thing feel easy

This is one of the biggest value drivers. You get an open bar and lunch during the cruise, which means you can stop thinking about meals once you’re checked in.
Open bar details
Drinks include beers, mixed drinks, and sodas. Reviews highlight that staff tend to be attentive and keep cups topped up—so you’re not stuck waiting for service.
Lunch
Lunch is included and described as yummy in reviews. The exact menu can vary, and at least one review complained about it being mainly burgers, hot dogs, and chicken without extra sides like salads or pasta. So: think “included, satisfying lunch,” not “fine dining.”
A practical note: because this is a party-style boat, you’ll likely eat and drink while the boat is moving. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to prepare for that ahead of time.
Crew, photos, and the little moments that make it memorable

A lot of the praise lands on the same theme: the crew acts like hosts. People mention feeling taken care of—especially around drinks—and having fun with games during the ride back.
You’ll also get photo stops. There are professional photos available upon request for an additional fee, but even if you skip that, you’ll still get plenty of chances to shoot your own photos with your phone.
A fun detail from reviews: at least one person points out that the boat pauses for photo moments, so you’re not just waving at the scenery while moving at speed.
And yes, sometimes you might get lucky with wildlife. One review mentions a whale sighting (a mother and calf). It’s not guaranteed based on the core tour description, so treat it as an extra bonus when it happens.
Price and value: is $125 per person a good deal?

At $125 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for a package that’s hard to replicate on your own without extra planning. Here’s what you’re buying:
- A guided boat route to Cabo’s top visual hits (Arch and beaches)
- An included lunch
- Snorkel gear and a guide for the protected swim area
- An open bar (drinks matter a lot in Cabo)
- A crew that drives the energy, music, and onboard fun
If you were to add these things separately—boat rental, guide time, food, and drinks—the all-in cost starts to make sense. If you only want quiet sightseeing or only care about snorkeling for hours underwater, you may find other options fit better. But if you want a one-shot Cabo outing with minimal logistics, this price tends to line up with the overall experience.
Who should book this Cabo Arch and snorkel party—and who should skip it
This tour fits best if you want:
- A fun boat day with drinks, music, and snacks handled for you
- Iconic Cabo scenery from the water: Arch, Lover’s & Divorce Beach
- A snorkel stop that’s part of the experience, not the entire mission
It’s less ideal if you:
- Want a long, serious reef-style snorkeling session at peak clarity
- Prefer calm, low-key sightseeing
- Are very sensitive to short time in the water or choppy conditions
The best approach is matching expectations. If you’re okay with snorkeling being “swim and see fish” and you’re there for the Cabo sights plus good vibes, you’ll likely love it.
Should you book this tour?
I’d book it if your goal is a classic Cabo combo: Arch views, a protected swim stop near Pelican Rock, included lunch, and an open bar with a lively crew. The value is strongest for people who don’t want to coordinate meals or transport and who are happy with snorkeling that’s packaged into a social cruise.
I’d think twice if your top priority is serious snorkeling time and you’re picky about water clarity and long sessions. In that case, look for an option that’s explicitly snorkeling-focused at Pelican Rock or similar spots.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Cabo San Lucas boat tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.
What time does the tour start?
The start time listed is 12:00 pm.
What’s included with the open bar?
The open bar includes beers, mixed drinks, and sodas.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch is included.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at La Terminal de CaboMarina de Cabo San Lucas, Puerto 0, in front of Breathless Hotel (El Medano). The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Are there any extra fees?
There is a government fee of $5.00 per person not included in the tour price.




































