Cabo snorkeling can be hit-or-miss, so I like tours that bundle real marine time with good food and drink. This one has you sailing out from Cabo San Lucas for Arch of Cabo San Lucas photo time, plus a stop near a sea lion colony. The possible drawback: the vibe can be more party-leaning than quiet and mellow, with music that some people say gets loud.

On the water, the structure matters. You get a 70” sailing catamaran with an internal shaded area, space to spread out on deck, and snorkeling gear included (plus crew help in the water). Still, you should know your timing: snorkeling can depend on the day and bay used, so go in with flexibility if marine life is your top priority.

Key takeaways before you go

• Arch of Cabo San Lucas + Playa del Amor: classic photo stops built into the sail
• Chileno Bay-style snorkeling: coral reef area with colorful fish nearby
• Taco buffet + guacamole: not just snacks—there’s a full spread after swimming
• Open bar included: tequila, rum, vodka, gin, and mixed drinks
• A catamaran designed for this tour: 4 full bathrooms, shade inside, two sun nets
• Bring your own towel: towels aren’t included, and you’ll want one after the water time

Cabo San Lucas start: where you’ll meet the crew and get moving

Most departures start in Cabo San Lucas Marina, but you’ll begin at the meeting point near the fun, tourist-heavy strip of the town: in front of Sr. Frogs store, between Cabo Dolphins and the craft market. Check in 30 minutes early, which gives you time to get oriented, grab a bathroom break if needed, and find your boarding group before the boat fills up.

If you selected pickup, transportation is in a white Sun Rider van. The driver will hold a sign with the logo, and you should be in your hotel lobby about 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. I like this setup because it cuts down on the usual Cabo scramble of finding the right dock—especially if you’re pairing the tour with dinner reservations or a later shuttle.

The sail route: Arch, Lover’s Beach, pelican rock, and sea lions

This is a “see-the-famous-stuff” sail, not just a straight shot to snorkeling. You leave the marina and head toward Los Cabos highlights, with the day built around a mix of iconic and wildlife-focused stops.

Here’s what that typically looks like:

• Los Cabos Arch: You’ll get the classic photo moment of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. This is the kind of view that’s almost always worth the trip by itself, even if you’re not the type who spends hours in the water.
• Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach): It’s one of those Cabo names that makes people smile, and the setting fits the postcard promise—rocky shapes, clear water, and a dramatic coastline feel.
• Piedra del Pelicano: A distinctive rock formation. It’s not the kind of thing you can fake with a quick stop on shore. From the water, it looks more solid and more “Cabo.”
• Sea lion colony: This is the wildlife piece. Expect an active scene—sea lions are just plain entertaining, and seeing them from the boat keeps the whole experience low-effort.

One practical note: this portion isn’t a silent, glide-through-the-day sail. Based on real experiences with this operator, the energy can be upbeat, and music may be part of the pacing. If you want to hear the ocean and keep conversations quiet, it’s smart to temper expectations.

Also, the sail is designed around getting you to snorkeling time with enough in-between scenery so the day doesn’t feel like a nonstop bus ride on water. You’ll see coastline and resort areas first, then you’ll transition into the larger open-water feel of the Sea of Cortez.

Chileno Bay (and possible bay changes): what snorkeling is actually like

Your snorkel stop is described as a blue flag bay with coral reefs and marine life. The practical goal is simple: a safe, guided water session where you can watch fish without needing advanced skills.

What you should expect in the water:

• Your crew gives safety instructions and gets you familiar with your snorkel setup before you go in.
• You’ll have snorkeling equipment included: fins, mask, tube, and a life jacket.
• Once you’re floating, you’ll likely see colorful fish around the reef and between rocks.
• It can also feel like a “fish corridors” setup, where you swim a bit toward the reef to observe marine life hiding around structures and caves.

How to make it better (and not just “try snorkeling”):

• Start slow. The best viewing happens when you’re calm and let the reef come to you.
• Swim toward structure, not just forward. If you stick near rocks and reef edges, you’ll spend more time watching and less time searching.
• If you get tired, pause. Breath control beats speed here.

A real consideration: on at least one departure, the snorkeling bay changed (from the expected Chileno area to another nearby bay), and that affected how people felt about fish and overall snorkeling. That doesn’t mean your day will be disappointing—just that snorkeling quality can vary by location and conditions. If snorkeling is your #1 goal, go in knowing the day’s plan can flex.

After the water: tacos, guacamole, and a bar that really is included

The best surprise in a snorkel tour is when the food feels like a proper meal, not a token snack. This one delivers a taco buffet that includes:

• Pork loin marinated in adobe sauce (pastor)
• Chicken fajitas
• Beef fajitas
• Veggie tacos (zucchini)
• Refried beans, white rice with vegetables
• Spicy salsa, Mexican salsa, guacamole
• Corn chips and tortillas
• Seasonal fresh sliced fruit

I like that the buffet includes both warm and fresh elements. After you’ve been in the sun, you’ll want something filling, but you’ll also appreciate fruit and lighter bites to balance the tequila and cocktails if you’re drinking.

And yes, the drinks are part of the package. The national bar includes:

• Beer
• Tequila, rum, vodka, gin
• Whiskey
• Margaritas
• Pina coladas
• Bloody Mary’s
• Water, soda, and juices

This is a big value driver. At Cabo, drink prices can add up fast once you’re on the water, and here it’s baked into the ticket. Just keep it practical: with 3.5 hours total and sun exposure, pace yourself so you still enjoy the later ride back.

The catamaran details that matter: space, shade, bathrooms, and sun nets

This tour runs on a 70” sailing catamaran with capacity for 50 passengers. That size is a sweet spot: big enough for comfort, small enough that the vibe still feels like a single trip, not a floating mall.

Key onboard perks:

• Four full bathrooms (this matters more than people think, especially after snorkeling)
• An internal shaded area for breaks from sun and music
• Tables on the upper deck for eating
• Two sunbathing nets for lounging and drying off

The boat is described as designed and built specifically for this kind of tour, including green technology and the security measures you’d want for a day at sea. Even if you ignore the environmental angle, the “built for this” part usually translates into fewer awkward compromises—like limited storage, no comfortable drying space, or cramped seating.

One more comfort note: if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions. The tour info specifically flags this and recommends consulting a medical professional about medication if needed. On water in Cabo, even experienced sailors can feel it.

How the timing and flow works (the 3.5-hour experience)

The tour is listed as about 3.5 hours (and sold as 4 hours total). The day is basically three phases:

1. Sail out + photo and wildlife stops
2. Snorkel session in a reef bay
3. Food and drinks on the return, with deck time

It’s a good format if you want a Cabo highlight without losing a whole day. You’ll finish with enough energy to grab dinner later, and you won’t feel stuck in one long stretch of waiting like some shore excursions.

One small but useful planning thought: the tour mentions two possible drop-off locations—Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. If you’re scheduling anything right after, keep some buffer time. Travel between towns can eat up your margin fast.

Price value: what $115 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $115 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to snorkel in Cabo—but it also isn’t just “gear rental and a quick swim.” You’re paying for the full package:

• a guided snorkel setup (with life jacket included)
• post-swim taco buffet plus guacamole and fruit
• an open bar including multiple spirits and mixed drinks
• time on a catamaran with real onboard comfort

What’s not included:

• Transportation (pickup is optional, extra cost)
• Towels
• Dock fee: $5 USD per person, cash only

I’d treat the dock fee and towel as part of your budgeting so there are no last-minute surprises. If you’re already planning to spend money on drinks and a meal anyway, this tour often looks more like a bundled ocean day than a pure snorkeling outing.

Who should book—and who should choose a calmer option

This tour makes sense for people who want a complete afternoon at sea:

• You like sightseeing plus snorkeling, not just one or the other.
• You want a guaranteed meal afterward.
• You’re fine with a social atmosphere and included drinks.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re chasing a quiet, low-noise snorkeling experience. Some experiences describe it as more party-boat than mellow sailing, including louder music later in the trip.
• You’re extremely sensitive to group handling. Some departures may involve tighter grouping and life jacket use during the swim period (life jackets are included, but how the group is managed can affect how it feels).

If whales are on your “wish list,” know that a few people report whale sightings during the trip. That’s not promised in the basic tour plan, but it’s a nice bonus possibility.

Should you book Sun Rider’s Snorkel, Lunch and Sail?

I’d book it if your priority is an all-in-one Cabo outing: Arch and sea lions by boat, reef snorkeling with gear included, and a real taco lunch plus an open bar. At this price, the best value is the bundle—food, drinks, and guided water time—done in a comfortable catamaran setup with lots of onboard space.

I’d think twice if your #1 goal is a quiet, contemplative snorkeling session where the day never changes. Because snorkeling location and the on-boat vibe can vary, you’ll enjoy it most if you’re flexible and you come for the full Cabo “ocean day” package rather than a pristine, silent marine documentary.

If you do book, bring a towel, pack biodegradable sunscreen, and keep some cash on hand for the dock fee and any tipping you choose to do. That way your only job is to enjoy the ride.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet in front of Sr. Frogs store, between Cabo Dolphins and the craft market. Check in is required 30 minutes before your booked start time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. You’ll get fins, a mask, a snorkel tube, and a life jacket.

What food is included?

A taco buffet is included with pastor pork, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, veggie tacos (zucchini), refried beans, white rice with vegetables, spicy salsa, Mexican salsa, guacamole, corn chips, tortillas, and seasonal fresh sliced fruit.

What drinks are included in the bar?

A national bar is included: beer, tequila, rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, plus margaritas, pina coladas, and Bloody Mary’s, along with water, soda, and juices.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring one for after snorkeling.

Is transportation included?

Transportation is optional and available at extra cost. If you choose pickup, it’s in a white Sun Rider van and the driver will have a logo sign.

Is there an extra dock fee?

Yes. There is a $5 USD per person dock fee, and it’s cash only.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live tour guide is listed as available in English and Spanish.