Top Los Cabos Snorkeling

There are lots of options for Cabo snorkeling tours. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best experiences available right now: 

• Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel, and Lunch Cruise
• Los Cabos Sea Adventure, Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddle
• Lands End Luxury Sail and Snorkel Cruise in Cabo San Lucas
• La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos
• Kayak Expedition to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Lovers Beach, and Snorkel

There are lots of popular snorkeling spots in Los Cabos, including the two coral reefs: Cabo Pulmo and Chileno Reef. Cabo Pulmo is the only living reef in the Sea of Cortez, while Chileno Reef is conveniently located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Other favorites are Santa Maria Cove for the clear waters and Pelican Rock and Land’s End for famed scenic views. Choose your destination based on what you most want to experience.

Yes, snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo is definitely worth it, as it’s the only living reef in the Sea of Cortez. That means you’ll be able to see things you can’t see elsewhere, including diverse marine life and coral. Plus, opting for snorkeling tours in Cabo Pulmo mean you’ll head further into deep waters, away from the crowded beaches for a more peaceful, calmer experience.

On Cabo snorkeling tours, you can see parrot fish, sea turtles, dolphins, angelfish, and mobula rays. Some tours even visit the natural habitats of whale sharks. However, keep in mind that there’s no way to guarantee which animals you’ll see on a particular day.

Cabo snorkeling tours start at US$50 per person for tours including a boat ride and snorkel gear. Expect to pay more for upgrades such as glass-bottom boats or luxury yachts, or for tours that include food, drinks, or hotel pickup and drop-off. Private, all-inclusive snorkeling tours or charters can cost more than US$1,000 per group.

Los Cabos snorkeling tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Snorkeling Tour at Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas
• Land’s End & Snorkel Tour in a Glass Bottom Boat (VisitA Cabo)
• Snorkeling on a hidden beach (Hike)
• Guided by Divemaster, Cabo San Lucas short Snorkeling Tour MANTA
• Kayak or Paddle Board & Snorkel to the Arch with Photos included

It depends. All Los Cabos snorkeling tours include the required gear (mask, snorkel, and sometimes fins), as well as the guide and boat captain (if applicable). However, some will come with lunch and drinks, a wetsuit for colder waters, an additional boat ride, or even round-trip transportation to and from your departure point. Private and luxury options might take place aboard a catamaran or yacht, for a high-end experience. Check the listings before booking.

You can book snorkeling tours in Los Cabos year-round, as long as it isn’t stormy. Spring and fall are great times of year for snorkeling, as the seasons are less busy and you won’t have to deal with as many other people in the water. The water is warmest in the summer, while winter offers the chance to spot whales and turtles.

Yes, snorkeling is a great activity for beginners because it’s relatively easy to pick up and often takes place in calm and shallow waters, rather than the open ocean. Though knowing how to swim is a definite plus, you can also snorkel even if you’re unable to swim, as most operators will provide flotation devices as well as life vests. Look for options that take place from the shore and are marked as beginner-friendly.

Most Los Cabos snorkeling tours last 2–4 hours, though some can take all day if they build in a longer cruise or private yacht/catamaran experience. Whale shark trips to La Paz (in season) also tend to run longer than a standard snorkel excursion. If you’re on a tight timeline for cruise ship departures, choose a briefer snorkeling experience.

Some Los Cabos snorkeling tours include round-trip transportation, but it’s not a standard option. Most tours will expect you to meet them at a central departure point, such as a dock, marina, or beach. If you want to benefit from the ease of round-trip transportation, look for a tour that includes transfers.

Yes, absolutely. If you have your own mask and snorkel, you can definitely snorkel in Los Cabos without a tour—however, you can only snorkel from the beach, at places such as Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Cove. You’ll also not benefit from the expert insight of a guide, which can be a big disadvantage if you’re especially interested in marine life. You also won’t be able to snorkel in places including Pelican Rock or Land’s End.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Los Cabos aside from snorkeling. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Sunset Cruises
• Jet Ski Rentals
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours
• Catamaran Cruises
• Dinner Cruises