Cabo from the water feels like a movie. I love this tour for the up-close sightseeing as you cruise past Cabo’s famous rock formations, with photo stops you actually get time to enjoy.

I also love the snorkeling setup: gear is included, the crew helps first-timers, and you get a real shot at seeing the fish life around Santa Maria Bay. One consideration: when the water is choppy or visibility is cloudy, snorkeling can feel more hit-or-miss than guaranteed.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Catamaran-style comfort with shade and seating on board, plus a group cap of up to 40
• Photo stops from the water around iconic Cabo landmarks like the Arch and Pelican Rock
• Santa Maria Bay snorkeling time with gear provided and basic instruction for beginners
• Lunch and snacks after you’re done in the water, including guacamole, salsa, and chips
• Open bar included (beer, margaritas, soft drinks), with refills emphasized by the crew

Cabo Snorkeling on a Catamaran: Why This 3-Hour Trip Works

This is the kind of excursion you pick when you want a full “sea day” without losing half your afternoon. The timing is tight but not rushed: you start in the early afternoon, cruise out to the scenic coastline first, then snorkel at Santa Maria Bay, and finally return to the marina with food and drinks waiting.

What makes it especially appealing is the mix of views and water time. Even if snorkeling isn’t perfect, you still get the Cabo coastline experience from the catamaran. And if you’re new to snorkeling, you’re not thrown in blind—there’s crew guidance plus included gear.

The other big reason this tour tends to score well is the vibe. Onboard stays lively, with staff who keep things moving and refilling drinks. Multiple groups mention specific crew members like Hector, Johnny, and Juan for hosting in a fun, attentive way.

The Cruise Out of Cabo: Arch, Pelican Rock, and Picture-Ready Stops

You’ll meet at the Cabo San Lucas Marina area on Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas Sn, El Medano Ejidal, and the tour departs at 1:00 pm. From there, you’re on a catamaran for an afternoon of sea and sun, leaving the town behind pretty quickly.

The sightseeing portion is built around classic Cabo landmarks. You’ll cruise toward the Arch for classic rock photos, then continue on toward Pelican Rock. The tour also passes Lover’s Beach, which is one of those spots where it’s more fun to watch people swim from above and beside the water than to try to recreate a postcard.

If wildlife is your thing, keep an eye on the rocky outcroppings for sea lions. The description includes sea lions barking, swimming, and basking, and that’s the kind of unexpected roadside show you can’t get from shore.

Practical angle: this leg of the day is also when you get your first taste of how windy or bumpy the ride might be. Some guests mention the ride can be choppy depending on conditions, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to plan for that.

Stop 1: Playa de los Amantes for 10 Minutes of Beach Viewing

This is a short stop, about 10 minutes, and it’s not meant to be an all-day beach hang. It’s more about giving you a look at the shoreline from the water and snapping a few photos without turning the tour into a long detour.

For many people, that quick beach viewing works. You get the sense of place—Cabo’s coastline—without losing time you’ll want later for snorkeling and lunch.

If you were hoping for a full beach break, know this is not that type of stop. The real action later is Santa Maria Bay.

Stop 2: Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling (Gear, Coaching, and Real Underwater Time)

This is the heart of the tour. Once you arrive in Santa Maria Bay, you step into the water with snorkeling gear provided. The crew can help with safety basics and technique, which matters a lot if you’ve never snorkeled before.

What you can realistically expect underwater

Conditions will change day to day, but you can count on seeing tropical fish. The plan is to snorkel over coral reefs where fish gather along the Mexican coast. Multiple groups mention fish sightings, and at least one group also mentions sea-life surprises like a sea urchin and sea turtles in the general area.

Here’s the balanced truth: this isn’t sold as a coral-giant, reef-maze fantasy tour. Several guests note that coral scenery can be limited and that the main win is fish life. If your dream is crystal-clear visibility plus dramatic coral, you’ll still enjoy the experience, but it’s not a guaranteed “wow” underwater scene every trip.

How long is snorkeling?

You get about 45 minutes at Santa Maria Beach for the activity. That’s a healthy chunk of time for first-timers. Long enough to get comfortable, see some fish, and resurface without feeling like you’re rushing.

Water conditions are the wild card

Some reviews mention choppy water and cloudy visibility. When that happens, you may see fewer fish or feel more effort while staying oriented. This is why the crew’s help for beginners is valuable: even if visibility isn’t perfect, you’ll be more comfortable and safer.

Lunch, Snacks, and Drinks: What Happens After You Get Back Aboard

After snorkeling, you return to the boat for food and drinks. The day’s snack-and-lunch setup is designed to keep you fueled without turning the afternoon into a full meal service.

The included lunch and snacks

You’ll eat a light lunch that includes items like fresh guacamole, salsa, and chips. Some groups also describe lunch options like tuna sandwiches, plus chips, salsa, and guacamole.

This is where expectations matter. Several guests say the lunch is good but limited, and a few specifically mention the lunch being more basic than they hoped. If you’re a big eater, consider having a light snack before the tour starts so you’re not relying on the included meal to fully satisfy you.

The open bar timing

The open bar is included, and you’ll typically see drinks like beer and margaritas, plus soft drinks. Many guests say drinks are constantly available and refilled quickly, and some mention things like mai tais and shot refills depending on the crew.

Timing is the other point to know. The tour description places the open bar and lunch after snorkeling, and some guests feel that meant the drinking window is shorter than they expected if they were hoping to snack or drink while still in the water.

Still, if you’re snorkeling for the main event, this post-snorkel setup feels logical: eat, dry off, and enjoy the ride back.

Your Onboard Comfort Check: Crowds, Shade, and Small Details That Matter

This tour caps at 40 travelers, so it isn’t meant to be a sardine experience. And multiple guests report that some departures feel even smaller than that, with one review specifically calling out a group of around 15 people, which can make the boat feel roomy.

Here’s what you’ll want to plan for:

• Shade is available, which makes the sun portion more bearable.
• The bathroom is small (so if you’re traveling with a group that likes to line up, try not to treat it like a full restroom stop).
• The ride can be choppy, so keep your balance and sit where you’re most comfortable if you get motion.
• Bring a towel if you want to dry off faster after snorkeling. That’s simple, practical advice that comes up more than once.

Dress code is smart casual. In practice, you’ll likely wear swimwear under something light. You don’t want heavy, bulky clothes for the water portion.

Also note: the tour requires strong physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable getting in and out of the water and handling some boat movement.

Price and Value at $69: What You Get for the Money

At $69 per person, you’re paying for a very specific mix:

• a catamaran ride with live commentary,
• guided snorkeling gear and help,
• about 45 minutes in the water,
• plus lunch, snacks, and an open bar.

If you compare this to the cost of snorkeling gear rentals plus separate food, the package adds up. The best value tends to show when you actually use all parts of what’s included: you snorkel, you eat the provided lunch and snacks, and you enjoy the included drinks while cruising back.

Two things affect perceived value:

1. Snorkeling conditions. If visibility is great, you’ll feel like the day was built for you. If conditions are rough, you might wish for more coral scenery or longer time, and the trip becomes more of a sightseeing-and-party boat day.
2. Lunch expectations. Most descriptions call the food light, and the more basic tuna-sandwich version can be a letdown if you were expecting a bigger sit-down meal. Plan for it being a snack-lunch rather than a full lunch.

On balance, it’s good value for a short, fun sea day where you want both scenery and water time.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Prefer Another Option)

This tour fits you best if you want:

• a 3-hour Cabo escape that includes both sightseeing and snorkeling,
• help for beginner snorkelers,
• an afternoon with drinks and a relaxed pace after you’re done in the water,
• a group size that usually feels manageable.

It can work for couples, friends, and many families. One review even mentions a wide age range, from very young children up through older adults, which suggests the boat day can be flexible if everyone is comfortable with water entry and boat movement.

But you might want to think twice if:

• you’re chasing dramatic coral architecture as a top priority,
• you’re very sensitive to choppy conditions,
• you strongly dislike basic meals and need a fuller lunch.

Should You Book Santa Maria Bay Snorkeling on La Princesa?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, good-value afternoon that balances views, fish time, and included food and drinks. The sightseeing side gives you something even if snorkeling isn’t perfect, and the crew support helps you feel confident in the water.

I would not book it expecting guaranteed, crystal-clear reef beauty. The sea conditions and visibility can change, and the lunch is intentionally light. If you go in with the right expectations, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

If you’re considering it for a cruise day, pay attention to timing. Multiple people note that departures won’t wait if you’re late, so build in buffer time getting to the marina.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the snorkeling catamaran tour start?

It starts at 1:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas Sn, El Medano Ejidal, Marina, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included.

Will beginners get help snorkeling?

Yes. The crew provides instruction for beginning snorkelers, along with basic safety and technique.

How long do we spend at Santa Maria Beach for snorkeling?

You get about 45 minutes at Santa Maria Beach for the snorkeling activity.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have lunch and snacks and an open bar with drinks such as beer and margaritas, plus soft drinks.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included.

Are there age rules for alcohol and children?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

You should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What’s the cancellation and refund policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. If it’s canceled within 24 hours, the amount paid isn’t refunded. The experience also depends on good weather, and if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.