Whales, snorkeling, and Land’s End in one afternoon. This Cabo Blue cruise is built for big views with easy onboard fun, with open bar and lunch included so you’re not scrambling for food. The main drawback: the snorkeling stop is short, and it’s a lively music-and-drinks vibe that may not match everyone’s idea of a quiet sailing day.

You’ll cruise past Pelican Rock, snap photos at Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor), and get time at Cabo’s iconic arch, El Arco. Then you’ll anchor at Santa Maria Bay for snorkeling gear time, with paddleboards and a floating water mat available when ocean conditions cooperate—plus a key rule: you’re not permitted to swim to shore/beach areas.

This is a great pick if you’re time-pressed and want a packed highlights loop without a full-day excursion. It also caps at a maximum of 40 travelers, and the tour runs in English, starting with check-in at the marina and a 1:00 pm departure.

Cabo Blue in 60 seconds: what makes this cruise work

• Land’s End landmarks from the water: Pelican Rock, Playa del Amor, and El Arco all get real photo time.
• Santa Maria Bay snorkeling with included gear: masks, tubes, fins, and lifejackets are part of the ticket.
• Food and drinks included: lunch plus an open bar keep the energy steady through the ride.
• Whales can be a major part of the day: whale watching runs mid-December to mid-April, with stops to watch when they’re around.
• Small-ish group feel: up to 40 people, not a cattle-car situation.
• Onboard fun, not just sightseeing: Bluetooth sound system, music, and crew-led moments help fill the gaps between stops.

What you really pay for: value at $79.80

At $79.80 per person for about 3.5 hours, the “value” here isn’t just the boat ride. You’re also getting snorkeling gear, lunch, and unlimited drinks as part of the package, which changes the math in a big way if you’d otherwise pay separately for a boat tour plus food plus rentals.

It’s also not a long slog. You’re getting Cabo’s signature sights—Land’s End and El Arco—plus a real snorkeling stop in the same half-day. For couples, families, and solo travelers who want momentum, that’s the point.

Two practical notes keep expectations straight. First, the cruise does require good weather to run. Second, the snorkeling portion isn’t an all-afternoon swim session, so if your top goal is maximum time in the water, you’ll want to plan your day accordingly.

Getting on board at Marina del Rey: the one logistics thing to nail

The meeting point is Cabo Blue Boat at Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The boat departs at 1:00 pm, but you must check in by 12:40 pm to begin boarding.

Marina areas can feel enormous, and it can be easy to lose time hunting for the right line. Give yourself buffer time and treat 12:40 pm like it’s a hard stop. You’ll also find it listed as near public transportation, and there’s parking around the corner from check-in (they can share a Google map if you request it).

If you’re trying to coordinate with a taxi or rideshare, say you’re going to the marina check-in for Cabo Blue and double-check you arrive on the correct side. That’s the kind of issue that can happen even when everyone is trying to help.

Pelican Rock: the quick photo stop with big payoff

Pelican Rock is your first stop, and it’s basically a “look and snap” moment. From here, you get rock formations and coastline views out in the Sea of Cortez—exactly the kind of scenery that makes you feel like you’re already winning the afternoon before snorkeling even starts.

This stop is short, but it sets the tone. You’ll be oriented to what you’re seeing, and you’ll start noticing the scale of Cabo’s dramatic geology. If you like photos, this is the moment where your camera rolls will start to fill up.

A small consideration: because it’s a fast stop, bring your essentials ready before you reach the rail—phone in a pocket or hands-free lanyard—so you’re not fumbling with straps mid-shot.

Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor) and El Arco: where Cabo’s postcards come from

Next up is Lovers Beach, also called Playa del Amor, at Land’s End. This beach is famous for one simple reason: it sits between two different oceans. One side faces the Pacific Ocean, and the other side borders the Sea of Cortez. From the boat, the contrast is obvious, and that makes it a great stop for photos.

Then you’ll head to the arch—El Arco—the standout rock formation at Cabo’s southern tip. The crew gives time for photos, and they’re also able to help you capture your moments, so you’re not stuck taking every picture one-handed.

What I like about this pairing is that it doesn’t feel like a checklist. You see the coastline, then the dramatic beach setting, then the iconic arch silhouette. Even if you’ve seen pictures before, it lands differently from the water.

The one drawback to flag: some people wish they had a bit more time at the arch. That’s not unusual on a short cruise, but it matters if you’re the type who loves lingering for one perfect shot.

Santa Maria Bay snorkeling: what your water time looks like

Santa Maria Bay is one of the top snorkeling spots in Los Cabos, and this is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to hands-on ocean time. Once the boat anchors, the crew helps set you up with snorkeling gear—masks, tubes, fins, and lifejackets—so you’re not figuring it out on your own.

Plan on roughly 45 minutes of snorkeling time in the water. If conditions are good and the group is moving smoothly, it tends to feel just right. If you’re a stronger swimmer, you may still want more minutes, but it’s not rushed.

A key rule you should know up front: you’re not permitted to swim to shore or beach areas. You’ll be out in the water near where the boat anchors, focusing on snorkeling, fish, and the near-surface action.

Also note the add-ons. Paddleboards and a floating water mat are included, but they’re only available when ocean conditions are ideal. If the water is choppy, don’t be surprised if these extras are limited or not used.

The lunch and open bar combo: why it matters on a boat day

Food and drinks sound like a nice bonus, until you’re out on the water for hours under sun. Then they become the whole experience.

Lunch is fresh and includes freshly prepared baguettes with turkey, cheese, and vegetables. You’ll also get appetizers like guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit. That’s a better spread than what you often get on short cruises, especially because it’s meant for people who are actually getting wet and hungry afterward.

On top of that, you’ll have an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The theme on board is frequent drink offers, so you’re not waiting in line or rationing hydration.

There’s also a Bluetooth sound system, so the music is part of the atmosphere. It’s fun, and it keeps energy up during the ride between landmark stops. Just know this can feel like a more upbeat, modern vibe than a quiet sailing experience.

Whale watching chances: when the cruise actually changes shape

Whales are a real highlight on this itinerary, especially in season. The official whale-watching window runs from mid-December to mid-April. When whales are around, the crew builds in time to spot them from the boat—sometimes both before and after the snorkeling stop.

What’s especially appealing is that they don’t treat whale sightings as a quick glance. They’ll stop and allow time, and you can get close enough at times to see major whale activity like breaches and fin slapping. People have also reported sea lions on departures outside peak whale season, including late November, which suggests nature sometimes shows up early.

You should still go with the right mindset: whales aren’t guaranteed. But if they’re in the area, this cruise is set up to make the most of it rather than forcing you to keep moving.

Onboard vibe: attentive crew, photo help, and a comfortable boat

The crew approach is consistently described as friendly and attentive, and that matters on a snorkeling day. You’ll see it in the way they set up gear, watch for comfort and safety, and help with photo moments during stops at Pelican Rock, Playa del Amor, and El Arco.

Some trips also highlight specific captain and crew names like Captain Kiko Mariscal and crew members such as Ismael, Lalo, Ricardo, and Brian. While you can’t count on any exact roster, it’s a good sign that the company leans into service and not just the mechanical act of taking you to the spots.

One more practical touch: there’s a rinse-off hose on board. After snorkeling, that small reset helps you stay comfortable for lunch and the ride back.

What to pack (so you enjoy the whole day)

Sun is the big deal in Cabo, and you’ll likely feel it even if the boat ride includes shade breaks. I’d pack like you’re going to be outside the entire time:

• Reef-friendly sunscreen
• UV shirt and hat
• Sunglasses with a strap or secure fit
• Dry bag for your phone and passport

Even if you’re wearing snorkeling gear, you’re still exposed during the landmark stops. And because open bar is part of the fun, staying hydrated matters—especially if you tend to get sunburned quickly.

Also, sit-smart. If you choose seating near the front, you may get splashed. That’s not a problem if you’re ready for it, but it’s easier to enjoy when you’re not surprised.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should look elsewhere)

This is a strong match for:

• Families who want snorkeling plus a simple, shorter schedule
• Time-pressed couples who want Land’s End and Santa Maria Bay without a long day
• Snorkelers who prefer a guided setup with a clear, limited time commitment
• People who want drinks and music while still getting real sightseeing

It may not be ideal if you want:

• A quiet, pure-sailing, no-music kind of experience
• A long snorkel session focused entirely on swimming for hours
• A shore-to-shore beach day (since swimming to shore/beach areas isn’t permitted)

Should you book Cabo Blue snorkeling with open bar and lunch?

Yes—if you want a half-day that mixes Cabo’s most famous coastline views with a proper snorkeling stop, and you value having lunch and drinks taken care of.

Book it if your ideal afternoon includes photos at Pelican Rock, Playa del Amor, and El Arco, plus the possibility of whales during mid-December to mid-April. It’s also a good value for the money because snorkeling gear and a full meal are included, not added later.

Skip it if your top priority is maximum time underwater or a quiet, laid-back vibe without music and frequent drink service. In that case, you’ll likely feel that the snorkeling time is just “enough” rather than long.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo Blue snorkeling cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the boat depart, and when should I check in?

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

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, including masks, tubes, fins, and lifejackets.

Can I use the paddleboards or floating water mat?

Yes, paddleboards and a floating water mat are included in your ticket purchase, but they’re described as ideal ocean conditions items, so availability can depend on conditions.

Is it allowed to swim to shore or the beach area?

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

Are there extra costs besides the ticket price?

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

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.