Pelicans Rock turns the sea into a show. Off San Jose del Cabo, this glass-bottom boat trip pairs classic sightlines like Los Cabos Arch and Lands End with a small group snorkel stop at Pelicans Rock in the Sea of Cortes. You’ll cruise out first, guided the whole way, then gear up and swim where the water turns into a fish-filled classroom.

I like that the crew keeps things simple and well-run. Your snorkel experience is led by a professional snorkel guide, and you’re provided with snorkeling equipment so you’re not hunting gear before you get wet.

One thing to watch: the tour description promises lunch and tequila tasting, but there’s at least one instance where it caused confusion at the port. Before you go, confirm what’s included in your booking (and if you want photo souvenirs, plan that they may cost extra).

Key highlights at Pelicans Rock

• Glass-bottom views on the 45-minute boat ride, with landmarks like Los Cabos Arch and Lands End
• Sea lion colony sighting before you ever put your face in the water
• Pelicans Rock snorkeling in the Sea of Cortes with lots of colorful tropical fish
• Small group (max 13) for more attention while you snorkel
• Professional guide support, with clear instructions from the staff (including names like Jonathan, Shaggy, Captain Lupe, and Captain Edson)

Glass-bottom boat time is the warm-up your trip needs

This is one of those Cabo activities where the “pre-snorkel” part is genuinely worth your attention. You board a glass-bottom boat and head out with a clear route: you’ll pass Los Cabos Arch, you’ll spot a sea lion colony, and you’ll swing by Lands End. Even if you’re mainly there to snorkel, you’ll get a lot out of this first leg because you’re seeing the coastline’s big shapes while still on dry land.

The pace also makes sense for most people. The boat portion is set for about 45 minutes, so it’s long enough to enjoy the views but not so long that you start getting impatient. And since you’re traveling in a small group, the day doesn’t feel like a cattle call. You get enough time to settle in, listen, and ask questions before the water portion begins.

San Jose del Cabo pickup and the “show up and go” feeling

If you’re staying in San Jose del Cabo, this tour is designed to be low-stress. Pickup is offered from your hotel area, and the day moves to the Cabo San Lucas marina from there. That matters, because a snorkel day lives or dies by timing: if you’re scrambling for transportation or stuck waiting, the whole experience loses momentum.

One of the strongest themes from the feedback is how organized the staff is. People noted they sent itinerary and pickup details ahead of time, and that the van was on time. When the logistics work, you spend less energy worrying and more energy looking for fish.

The tour also uses a mobile ticket, and you should receive confirmation at booking time. That’s helpful if you like having your basics ready before you reach the dock.

Cruising past Los Cabos Arch, sea lions, and Lands End

The boat route is built around three things: familiar Cabo scenery, wildlife, and good “on-the-water” context before snorkeling.

Los Cabos Arch: your first big postcard view

Seeing Los Cabos Arch from the water gives you that classic arch shape with real scale. From shore, it’s easy to miss how dramatic it looks when you’re moving beside it. On this tour, you’re part of the view.

A sea lion colony: wildlife early, not as an afterthought

You’ll also pass a sea lion colony. This is a good setup for snorkelers because it keeps the day feeling like nature is happening right away. It also helps you start noticing how alive the Sea of Cortes can be, even before your gear is on.

Lands End: the coastline drama before the swim

Lands End is the “watch the rocks and cliffs” moment. It gives the day variety—wildlife and birdlife up top, then fish and underwater formations a bit later.

Net effect: you’re not just traveling to the snorkel spot. You’re getting a short sightseeing loop that sets expectations for what’s under the surface.

Pelicans Rock snorkeling in the Sea of Cortes

Now for the main event. After the boat portion, you’ll get into the water at Pelicans Rock and snorkel in the Sea of Cortes. The goal is simple: reliable marine life, clear guidance, and a time window that feels satisfying instead of rushed.

The snorkeling gear is included, and you’ll be accompanied by a professional snorkel guide. That guide role is more than “hold your hand.” Clear instructions help you stay comfortable, manage your breathing, and focus on what you’re seeing rather than on how to handle the equipment.

What you’ll likely see

You’re going to be swimming with lots of colorful tropical fish. Based on the feedback, expect to see multiple fish species and plenty of activity around the rock formations. One review also described seeing pelicans during the outing, which fits the Pelicans Rock name and adds to the wildlife feel of the day.

How long you’ll be in the water

The full tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.). You’ll have the 45-minute glass-bottom boat ride, and then there’s a snorkel segment that some reviews describe as around 30 to 45 minutes. That’s a practical length: enough time to enjoy the underwater sights without leaving you exhausted.

Who this fits best

This is best for snorkel lovers who want a guided experience and prefer a smaller group. There’s also a note about moderate physical fitness being recommended. If you can handle getting in and out calmly and you’re comfortable in open water, you’re in the right place.

Lunch, tequila tasting, and the small inclusion details

The tour highlights mention a delicious lunch and tequila tasting, and that’s part of why this feels like a “full day” rather than just a quick dip.

But here’s the practical caution: at least one review said lunch and tequila were advertised but weren’t included when the group reached the port. In the same response thread, the operator said corrections would be made. Translation for you: it’s worth checking your confirmation details and asking staff what’s currently included when you check in.

Also, photo expectations are worth setting now. One comment said photos were extra and that there weren’t under-water photos included. If you want underwater photo keepsakes, don’t assume they come bundled—ask up front what’s available and what costs extra.

Guides and captains: why clear instructions matter

This kind of tour depends heavily on the guide. Snorkeling isn’t hard, but it has a learning curve if you’ve never used the gear before or you’re unsure how to move while watching fish.

The feedback strongly praises how clear and concise the staff’s instructions were. Names that came up include guides like Jonathan and Shaggy, along with captains Lupe and Edson. People also described the guide team as fun and full of facts, which matters because the day is short—you want the explanation to land quickly and help you enjoy the water immediately.

A small-group size (maximum 13) makes this even better. It’s easier for the guide to notice who needs a quick adjustment and to keep the group together without constant repeating.

Price and value: is $109 fair for Pelicans Rock?

At $109 per person, you’re paying for a guided, structured package. Here’s what the price is effectively covering based on what’s included and what’s part of the experience:

• Hotel pickup from San Jose del Cabo (hassle reduction)
• Glass-bottom boat time (45 minutes) with scenic wildlife-route viewing
• Snorkeling equipment
• A professional guide during the snorkeling portion
• A day plan that’s compact enough to feel efficient, not dragged out

The value is strongest if you count the experience as a bundle: transportation + boat viewing + gear + guidance. If you were to piece those parts together yourself, it’s likely you’d spend similar time and often more money with extra hassle.

The one place value can wobble is inclusion clarity around lunch and tequila. If those are important to you, confirm they’re part of your exact booking so you’re not surprised at the port.

COVID-era precautions: what you can expect

The tour notes that additional safety measures and precautions were added after Covid-19. The specifics aren’t listed here, so you should expect some form of enhanced cleaning, health steps, or operational adjustments rather than a totally different experience. Practically, it also means you can assume the staff is paying attention to keeping things organized and controlled.

Should you book Pelicans Rock snorkeling with Cabo Day Trips?

I’d book this if you want a small-group, guided snorkeling outing that starts with real Cabo scenery on a glass-bottom boat. It’s a strong fit if you like wildlife moments (sea lion colony) and want a straightforward route to a known snorkeling area at Pelicans Rock.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very focused on lunch/tequila as a guaranteed part of the day or you want photo souvenirs included. In that case, do your homework: confirm what’s included in your confirmation and ask about photo options when you arrive.

If you like your Cabo days efficient, well organized, and heavy on time in the water (plus great views on the way), this is an easy yes.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Pelicans Rock snorkeling tour?

The tour is about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there a glass-bottom boat ride?

Yes. You’ll have a 45-minute glass-bottom boat ride.

Where does the tour start?

The experience takes place in the San Jose del Cabo area, with pickup offered from your hotel. The group then heads to the Cabo San Lucas marina.

What will I see before snorkeling?

On the boat route, you’ll pass Los Cabos Arch, a sea lion colony, and Lands End before reaching the Pelicans Rock snorkeling area.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 13 travelers.

What if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.