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Known as one of Mexico’s first-class beach destinations, Cabo San Lucas is best known for its luxury hotels, vibrant nightlife scene, and world-class fishing. But there’s another big draw for travelers visiting Cabo – I’m talking about some of the best snorkeling spots this side of Mexico.
I’ve been visiting Cabo ever since I was a kid, and I’ve never missed the chance to get out in the big blue whenever I can. After all, the waters around Cabo are home to a diverse array of tropical fish and marine wildlife – it reminds me a lot of snorkeling in Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
If you fancy taking the plunge and giving snorkeling a go while you’re here, there are a few important things to know about beforehand! That’s why Dan and I put together this guide which covers the top 12 tips for an amazing snorkeling experience in Cabo San Lucas.
So whether you’re a first-time snorkeler looking to try one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, or a seasoned pro that’s hunting for new experiences, this advice is designed for you. So grab your mask and fins and let’s dive in!
Don’t have time to read the full article? There are so many reasons to go snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas – wait until you see all the marine life! But for the best experience, we recommend booking a tour that takes you by boat to the best snorkel spots. This is the best snorkel tour in Cabo that you’re sure to love!
1. About snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas
Located right at the merging point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, I think Cabo is seriously underrated when it comes to all the incredible wildlife you can find here. Not only does Cabo have some of the best beaches in Mexico, but it’s also known as “the world’s aquarium!”
With over 350 days of sunshine per year, it’s honestly hard to pick a bad weather day even if you wanted to! Of course, Cabo has wet and dry seasons which affect water temperature and visibility underwater – we’ll cover what you should look out for a little later.
Then, we have the amazing sea creatures you can spot while snorkeling in Cabo, and honestly, it’s hard to know where to begin! Gliding through schools of tropical fish, watching sea turtles swim gracefully by, and keeping an eye out for manta rays and whales during their migration seasons are just a few of the fun snorkeling activities you can try while you’re here.
Many popular snorkel sites like Chileno Bay and the Sea of Cortez islands are also protected by Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, Mexico’s largest marine reserve. The hard work that local groups put in to protect the ecosystem is definitely felt throughout the snorkeling community. By snorkeling ethically, you can do your part too!
2. Why I love snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas
Mexico has sooo many fantastic snorkeling destinations, with each new place offering something unique! There are the gorgeous cenotes in Tulum which are tons of fun to explore and make for some seriously epic Instagram posts, the incredible Cozumel reefs that just pop with color, and the mysterious shipwrecks of Isla Mujeres, just to name a few.
So why do I love snorkeling here in Cabo? Well, the answer is pretty simple – Cabo has some of the most diverse marine life I’ve ever seen here in Mexico. But don’t just take my word for it, you can actually find 39% of all the marine mammal species in the world here in Cabo!
This means plenty of migratory animals make their way to Cabo every year too, so no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find new arrivals and surprises around every corner.
I also love that there’s a huge number of great snorkeling sites here in Cabo, with some of my favorites being Chileno Bay, Pelican Rock, and the famous El Arco (more on these later!). You can easily make a day of visiting all the different spots!
3. When is the best time to go snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas?
You can snorkel here in Cabo pretty much year-round, but it’s important to know the local seasons if you want to have the best possible experience! Not only do the types of animals you can see change depending on the season, but the water temperature also changes throughout the year.
The wet (summer) season runs from around July to October, with the dry (winter) season taking place from November to June. Water temperatures range from around 20 °C (68 °F) in the winter (dry) season up to around 27 °C (80 °F) in the summer (wet) season, so if you’re looking to snorkel when it’s warmest, I’d suggest traveling between April and October!
That said, one of the most important things to keep an eye on for snorkeling is underwater visibility. My favorite time to snorkel in Cabo is between October and November, as this is when visibility is at its highest, ranging from 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 meters), or even higher! It’s also not too cold in the water, so it’s still enjoyable to swim for long periods of time.
No matter what time of year you visit, I’d recommend going snorkeling in the morning if possible – this is when the weather tends to be the calmest, meaning higher visibility!
Related Read: Visiting at the beginning of November also means you’ll be here in time for the Day of the Dead in Mexico!
4. What can you see when snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo has a HUGE variety of marine life, some of which stick around all year, while others migrate in for a few months before leaving on their marathon journeys once again.
Alongside the sea turtles and schools of colorful fish, two regular locals that stick around all year are the curious dolphins and sea lions – did you know that there are 9 unique dolphin species here in Cabo? I’ve also had sea lions come right up to me in the water here, which is such an awesome memory, so keep your eyes peeled!
You’ll probably also see a few different species of reef sharks too, like whitetips, nurses, and leopards, but these are far more curious than they are harmful! Don’t forget to bring your camera along to grab some shots to show the folks back home.
One of my favorite events that takes place here in Cabo is the mobula ray migration, which happens between April and July, as well as from November to January. There are literally thousands of rays which turn up every year to feed, and watching these rays jump out of the water is such a cool sight!
There are also many different species of whale that migrate to Cabo in the winter season (December to April), including humpback whales, which are by far the most common whales I’ve seen here, as well as blue whales, the largest animal to ever live on the planet.
Last, but definitely not least, we have the gorgeous whale sharks, which aren’t actually a species of shark, but instead are the largest fish in the world! One of my all-time favorite snorkeling moments was swimming with whale sharks in Playa del Carmen, and you can try it for yourself here in Cabo on a tour like this full-day whale shark snorkeling experience.
5. What are the best snorkeling spots in/near Cabo San Lucas?
Chileno Bay/Chileno Beach
If there’s one spot you have to visit while snorkeling here in Cabo, it’s Chileno Bay! You can find the bay between Cabo and San Jose along the Golden Corridor, with all kinds of sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish calling the area home.
I’d also recommend checking out Playa Chileno (Chileno Beach), which is one of the best spots for snorkeling straight from shore. The bay stretches out around half a mile from the beach, but you can see lots of amazing marine life super close to the shore!
This 3-hour snorkeling experience tours the best snorkeling spots in Chileno Bay, while inviting you to stretch out on the comfy loungers. When I think of relaxation, it really doesn’t get better than this! This tour also includes lunch as well as drinks, and you can even try out kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Santa Maria Cove
You’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to great beaches and bays to snorkel, and if Chileno Bay wasn’t enough, Santa Maria Cove is another fantastic choice! The water here is crystal-clear, especially towards the end of the dry season/the beginning of the wet season, so no wonder it’s so popular with swimmers and snorkelers.
The beach does get busy though, so I’d recommend getting there early if you’re planning to do some swimming straight from shore. If you don’t fancy an early start, then going as part of a guided tour like this 3-hour small-group snorkeling experience can be a great alternative.
Not only do you get to visit Chileno Bay AND Santa Maria Cove, but the guides on this tour do such a great job at pointing out the local wildlife (with tons of awesome facts!), that you’ll feel like an expert yourself in no time. I also love that this tour comes with air-conditioned transport straight from Cabo hotels, making the whole experience so easy! You can check availability and book online here.
Pelican Rock
Pelican Rock is a pretty popular snorkeling and swimming spot that’s not far at all from Cabo, although it is only reachable by boat. As you might have guessed, it’s named after the pelicans that you can often see perched up high on the rock, and I have to wonder what they think of all of us snorkeling in the bay below!
It’s a great spot if you’re looking to go snorkeling but are on a bit of a time crunch, as many shorter tours often stop here. This 2-hour and 30-minute snorkeling tour is exactly that, but still packs in many of the top snorkeling locations in Cabo, like El Arco, Land’s End, and Pelican Rock!
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
One of Cabo San Lucas’ most iconic landmarks is El Arco, and it’s one you don’t want to miss out on while you’re here. The granite archway towers around 100 feet (30 m) above the waves below and also makes for a pretty interesting snorkeling spot if weather conditions are good. If you’re lucky and arrive at low tide, you might even be able to stand in the archway, so fingers crossed!
As part of this 3-hour paddleboard and snorkel experience, you’ll get to visit El Arco up close and learn all about its interesting history, all without needing a boat. It just goes to show how calm the currents can be here in Cabo, so even if you’ve never tried stand-up paddleboarding before, this can be such good fun!
6. Is snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas safe?
Absolutely – snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas is very safe as long as you take proper precautions! Many top snorkel spots are located in protected marine parks like Cabo Pulmo, with minimal currents and good visibility too.
When snorkeling straight from a beach, be sure to stay within designated areas and avoid venturing out too far alone. I’d recommend also keeping an eye out for the flag system, which will let you know about the water conditions and whether it is safe to swim!
For complete peace of mind, joining a snorkeling tour can be a great option too! With a local guide who knows all the best snorkeling spots, you’ll also usually be provided with the equipment you need, plus you’ll also have a boat to return to if you’re taking a tour out at sea.
Related Read: Cabo San Lucas is a very popular tourist destination, and generally considered quite safe to visit. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any bad apples – here are our top safety tips when visiting Mexico.
7. Can beginners snorkel in Cabo San Lucas?
Yup, Cabo San Lucas is a fantastic destination for beginner snorkelers to learn the basics in a safe setting. And it’s definitely hard to beat when it comes to just how much marine life you can see here!
If you’ve never tried snorkeling before, then it might take you a couple of tries to get used to breathing through the snorkel, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll have no problems. Honestly, the calm and clear waters here make it so easy to get comfortable!
Going as part of an organized tour like this 3-hour snorkeling experience can be a great alternative to trying it on your own at the beach, as you’ll be transported to the best snorkeling spots and can get a few pointers from your guides along the way.
8. What are the best snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas?
Half-Day Snorkeling Tour in Cabo San Lucas
Hitting some of the best snorkeling spots around Cabo, this half-day snorkeling experience has received some pretty stellar reviews, with over 300 5-star ratings! With stops at El Arco and Santa Maria Beach, you’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with the local marine life, and even go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding if you’d like.
I love that this experience also includes a tasty lunch as well as unlimited access to the open bar, so you can really relax and have fun while you’re onboard! Tickets for this tour cost $74 USD per person, which I think is also a pretty good deal considering everything that’s included. Just don’t forget to bring 20 MXN ($1 USD) cash with you to pay the port tax on the day.
You can check out available dates and book your spot on this tour online here.
Snorkeling or Swimming with Sharks in Cabo San Lucas
Fancy taking things up a notch? How about swimming alongside sharks here in Cabo? As part of this 5-hour shark safari tour, you’ll be on the hunt for some incredible species of shark, including blue sharks, silky sharks, mako, and smooth hammerheads!
Of course, these sharks are not known to be aggressive in the water, and the guides do a fantastic job of teaching you all about them as you go. By the end of the day, there’s no doubt that you’ll come away with a whole new perspective on these often misunderstood animals, although I might need a little more courage before I give it a try!
You can grab tickets for this tour for $214 USD per person, which includes all the equipment you’ll need, plenty of bottled water and snacks, as well as underwater video and photos.
Private Snorkeling Adventure in Cabo San Lucas
There’s something super special and memorable about going on your very own private tour, it feels like you’re off on an adventure with your friends and family by your side! If you’re traveling as a group, then this 3-hour private snorkeling experience can help you get away from the crowds and visit hidden spots that many swimmers don’t see here in Cabo.
Of course, the best part about a private tour is that you get personalized attention from your guide at all times, and on this tour you’ll be able to ask all the questions you like about the spots you visit, the animals you see, and more!
It costs $400 USD to hire out the boat for this experience, with a maximum of 6 people per voyage. So if you manage to fill up the boat, that only works out at around $67 USD per person. With all the snorkel gear you need included in the price, as well as snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks, this can be pretty great value!
Cabo San Lucas Pirate Snorkel Tour
Ahoy me hearties! How do you fancy walking the plank and snorkeling for underwater treasure? And by treasure, I mean getting to see all the amazing species living down below the waves! This half-day pirate snorkel tour is tons of fun for the whole family, and you’ll even get to see famous spots like El Arco, Land’s End, Lover’s Beach, and Medano Beach.
With lunch included as well as soft and alcoholic drinks from the open bar, it’s enough to make any pirate green with envy! Tickets for this experience cost $109 USD per person, and there is an extra $5 USD dock fee that must be paid in cash on the day. You can check available dates and reserve your spot online here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
9. Is a trip to San Jose worth it for the snorkeling?
It’s honestly hard to recommend visiting anywhere else when you’ve got a snorkeling scene that’s THIS good, but I still think it’s nice to consider visiting some nearby spots while you’re here, especially if you’re planning on renting a car in Mexico. And that’s where the city of San Jose comes in!
Located about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Cabo, San Jose is a city that’s much more laid-back in comparison to Cabo, but there are still plenty of fun things to do while you’re here.
We’ve made the 35-minute-long drive a couple of times now, and while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going to San Jose just for the snorkeling, there are, I think pairing this with other activities like visiting tasty restaurants (Latino 8 and Cuervo’s House are great picks), or simply strolling around the main square (something I love to do!).
I will say though that San Jose does make it a bit easier to snorkel at fantastic spots further along the eastern coastline from Cabo. For example, this small-group snorkel adventure visits Zacatitos Beach, as well as Palmilla, with the entire tour taking around 3 hours. Plus, it helps with getting away from the Cabo crowds, especially in high season!
10. Is snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas suitable for children?
Absolutely! Snorkeling in Cabo can be a fun and rewarding experience for kids, provided they are confident swimmers and properly supervised. There are plenty of beginner-friendly spots like Chileno Bay which have calm, shallow waters perfect for kids to spot all kinds of colorful fish and marine life!
Cabo’s easygoing currents also make it super easy for kids to practice breathing and navigating with a mask and snorkel. I’d also recommend going as part of a guided tour like this pirate ship snorkel and lunch cruise, which, as you might have guessed, is full of fun pirate-themed activities, lunch, and plenty of snorkeling!
11. Scuba diving vs snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas
Scuba diving and snorkeling each offer a unique way to experience Cabo’s incredible marine life up close, so choosing a favorite is a little tough. Dan and I are both scuba certified, and after having just returned from scuba diving in Cancun, it’s a little hard to be impartial, but we’ll give it a go!
Honestly though, we’ve done plenty of both and can definitely see the pros and cons of each. So let’s dig a little deeper into what each activity has to offer.
Probably the biggest plus for me about snorkeling is that it’s super accessible for all ages and skill levels. You can snorkel right from shore at many beaches and coves around Cabo, without any official training or experience, and the marine life here is so incredible that you’ll likely see something straight away.
On the flip side, the biggest downside to snorkeling is that you’re limited to just seeing everything from the surface, whereas scuba diving allows you to fully explore the depths and discover things you wouldn’t see otherwise! I remember swimming through all kinds of interesting caves the last time I went scuba diving in Cabo – so no wonder it’s popular with scuba divers from around the world.
However, to be able to explore for yourself does require that you get certified, and then there’s handling all the extra gear to think about!
If you’re looking to take snorkeling to the next level, and have never tried scuba diving before, then I’d recommend trying out a session designed for beginners like this 4-hour discover scuba diving experience. Not only will you have an expert guide teaching you everything you need to know at a pace you’re comfortable with, but you don’t need any prior experience in scuba diving either.
Of course, if you’re a little more serious about getting your PADI diving certification, then Cabo is such an awesome place to do it. This 3-day PADI open water course takes you from zero to hero as you learn all the skills you need to be comfortable and confident out in the water. By the end of it, you’ll be certified to scuba dive up to 18 meters (60 feet) anywhere around the world!
12. Is snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas worth it?
You bet! Snorkeling in Cabo is absolutely worth it, and as soon as you dip below the surface, you’ll know exactly why.
From gliding gently over colorful reefs teeming with tropical fish, to swimming alongside sea turtles and rays, it really is like entering a whole new world down there! There’s no need to be a pro, as swimmers of all levels of fitness can enjoy snorkeling from the beaches or as part of a tour.
Cabo has to be one of my all-time favorite spots to snorkel, and I’m sure it’ll be one of yours as soon as you give it a go!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Cabo San Lucas
When it comes to all the exciting things to do in Cabo San Lucas snorkeling really is just the tip of the iceberg! From trying out Baja’s delicious craft beers to going on a magical tour to see whales, there are so many epic adventures waiting for you above and below the sea here in Cabo.
- Relax on a sunset cruise – Need a relaxing way to wrap up an epic day in Cabo? We highly recommend trying out this sunset cruise on a trimaran boat! For just $60 USD a person, you’ll sail past Cabo’s top sights while enjoying an open bar and snacks galore. There’s no better place to cheers the day’s adventures than on deck with a cocktail in hand as the sun dips down over the horizon. It’s easily among the top cruises in Cabo!
- Eat authentic Mexican food – If you’re craving some tasty Mexican food, you’re in the right place! This 3-hour walking culinary tour is one of the best ways to try the city’s tastiest local eats. With an expert guide, you’ll discover hidden foodie gems and sample everything from traditional tacos to quesadillas. It’s a delicious way to experience authentic Cabo flavors!
- Try camel riding – For a one-of-a-kind Cabo adventure, saddle up and ride a camel along the coast! This unique beach safari takes you to an oceanfront ranch where you’ll meet your new camel friend. I was really surprised by just how relaxing it was, it’s a whole new perspective from up there! Your guide will dish on all the sights as you make some seriously cool Cabo memories.
- Go whale watching – If you haven’t had any luck seeing humpback whales on your dives so far, I highly recommend trying this 2.5-hour whale watching cruise. With groups limited to 10 and guides who are marine biology pros, you’ll get epic up-close views of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
- Drink some craft beer – If you’ve read a few of our blogs, you’ll know that we’re nuts about craft beer! So, if you’re a crafty like us, then make sure to stop by Baja Brewing Company on the rooftop terrace of Corazón Cabo Resort and Spa. With tons of great-tasting beers, this spot also has one of THE BEST sunset views, so I’d highly recommend giving them a call to reserve your spot in advance.
Where to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo has lodging options galore! From hostels to swanky resorts, and everything in between, there are tons of great picks when it comes to where to rest your head for the night. Whether you’re watching your pesos, or splurging for that special celebración, here are some of my favorite places to stay in Cabo!
Mayan Monkey Hostel Los Cabos – $
Located in downtown Cabo, Mayan Monkey Hostel keeps you in the action and party atmosphere Cabo is famous for while being easy on the wallet. It’s only five minutes from the beach or there’s an outdoor swimming pool to cool off in. There’s entertainment and activities like DJs in the evenings or ping-pong tables, and it’s a fun place to meet new people.
If you’re okay with sharing a room, you can stay here for SUPER cheap. You can find a bed in a dorm-style room with 6 to 12 beds for around $20-30 USD a night, or there are private rooms in the $100 USD range. You can grab your spot on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Playa Grande Resort – $$
Located on a private beach in Cabo and close to the marina, you’ll love the feel of Playa Grande Resort. There’s a spa, three outdoor pools, and beautiful Mexican décor and tiled floors. You’ll also have a kitchen or kitchenette and a balcony. This resort has the option to be all-inclusive if you want meals taken care of, or you can enjoy all the local food in the area.
Rooms here are around $200-300 USD a night for just the room and $400-500 USD a night for the all-inclusive package. Check prices and book Playa Grande Resort online here.
Cabo Vista Hotel (Adults Only) – $$
If you’re planning to rent a car while in Cabo, then Cabo Vista Hotel is a great mid-range option. It’s a little out of the way, but still within walking distance of the city center and the beach. My favorite part of this place is that every room is a mini-suite, so you have lots of space and your own kitchen! You’ll also get free breakfast daily and complimentary towels and umbrellas for the beach.
The nightly rate here is around $100-200 USD a night. You can book online on Booking.com.
Grand Velas Los Cabos Luxury All Inclusive – $$$
Looking to go all-out on accommodation? One of the most luxurious resorts in Cabo San Lucas is Grand Velas, which even has its own private beach. This all-inclusive property also features three infinity pools, a spa, and every room has a view of the sea. There are also five restaurants on-site including Mexican, Italian, and French cuisine, so you’ll never get tired of the selection!
This is an upscale property, so rooms start at around $1,500 USD per night. You can check availability online here.
Breathless Cabo San Lucas – Adults Only – $$$
Location is a huge plus with Breathless Cabo San Lucas as it’s located right in front of El Medano Beach. You can walk out the doors of the hotel and be on the beach in under a minute! This is an all-inclusive property, so all your meals and snacks are included, along with 24-hour room service. There are also fun theme parties here!
It’s an average of $500 USD per night, but can be a bit more or less depending on when you book. You can easily check prices and book on Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for Reading!
There’s nothing quite like slipping on your mask and snorkel and heading out into the big blue, and here in Cabo San Lucas, there’s adventure around every coral-covered corner! Honestly, I’d even say Cabo rivals snorkeling in Playa del Carmen and other household snorkeling favorites.
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful – do let us know what your travel plans are in the comments! I’ve also included a few more of our Mexico blogs that I think you’ll find interesting – so feel free to check this out if you’ve got a few more minutes to spare.
15 Things to KNOW Before Swimming with Whale Sharks in Playa del Carmen