Cabo Blue Snorkeling Cruise, Open Bar and Lunch in Cabo San Lucas

Whales, whales, and more whales. Cabo Blue packs Land’s End, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a lively boat ride into a useful three-and-a-half-hour outing. I like the friendly crew and the fact that lunch, snorkeling gear, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included. I also like that the boat pauses at Cabo’s famous rock formations instead of rushing straight to the swim stop.

The main thing to understand is the mood. This is a fun, music-filled cruise rather than a quiet sailing trip, and the music can be loud. Snorkeling time is roughly 45 to 50 minutes, which is enough for a pleasant swim but may feel short if you want a serious underwater session.

Cabo Blue at a glance

• Whale watching can be a major bonus: From mid-December through mid-April, you may see humpback whales, with several departures reporting breaching, fin slapping, and pods near the boat.
• Land’s End comes first: Pelican Rock, Lovers Beach, and El Arco provide classic Cabo photographs before the boat anchors.
• Santa Maria Bay is the swimming stop: Snorkels, masks, fins, lifejackets, paddleboards, and a floating mat are included.
• Lunch is more than a snack: Fresh baguettes, guacamole, salsa, tuna salad, chips, fruit, turkey, cheese, and vegetables are served.
• The boat has a social atmosphere: Bluetooth music and an open bar make this lively, though not ideal for anyone seeking silence.
• The timing suits a short visit: The 1 pm departure returns around 4:30 pm, leaving room for dinner or another evening plan.

A short Cabo cruise with a lot packed in

At $79.80 per person, Cabo Blue sits in a sensible middle range for a half-day boat outing. You are not paying separately for the open bar, lunch, equipment, or use of the water toys, so the price is easy to understand. The value is strongest if you plan to drink, eat onboard, and make use of the snorkeling gear.

I would not choose this cruise only for top-tier snorkeling. The underwater time is limited, and one outing had cloudy water, although fish were still visible near the boat. I would choose it for the full combination: Cabo scenery, a comfortable trimaran, a swim, food, drinks, music, and a chance to spot whales during the right season.

The boat holds up to 40 people, though some departures have felt smaller. That matters. A group of about 25 can feel social without becoming a floating crowd, while a full departure will naturally feel livelier. The crew keeps drinks moving, helps with photos, and pays attention to swimmers, which makes the cruise easy for families and mixed-age groups.

Meeting the boat at Cabo’s busy marina

The boat departs at 1 pm, and you need to check in at 12:40 pm for boarding. The meeting point is Cabo Blue Boat at Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, in Cabo San Lucas. The marina is large, so give yourself time to find the correct dock.

This is one place where a little planning helps. A taxi can leave you at the wrong side of the port, and the marina has enough piers and entrances to cause confusion. Ask for the Cabo Blue check-in point rather than simply asking for the marina. Parking is around the corner, and the company can provide a Google Maps location upon request.

You receive confirmation when booking, and the activity is offered in English. Public transportation is nearby. The minimum age is five, and most people can take part, although you should be comfortable around a boat and in the water if you plan to snorkel.

Bring cash for the $1 port tax, charged as $1 or 20 pesos per person. Gratuity is not included, so cash for the crew is also sensible if you value the attentive service.

Pelican Rock and the first view of Cabo

Pelican Rock is the opening stop. Here, the boat slows or pauses so you can take photographs and look across the Sea of Cortez. The rock formations around Cabo are at their best from the water, where you see their shapes without buildings or beach crowds filling the frame.

This stop is not a long walking visit. You stay aboard, take pictures, and enjoy the view. That is a good fit for a short cruise because you begin seeing Cabo’s main sights almost immediately.

Keep your phone ready, but also keep hold of it. The front of the boat can get splashed, especially when the water is lively. If you want a dry ride, sit farther back. If you enjoy the spray and do not mind getting wet, the forward seats provide more action.

Lovers Beach at Land’s End

Next comes Lovers Beach, or Playa del Amor, at Land’s End. The unusual feature is its position between two bodies of water. One side faces the Pacific Ocean, while the other faces the Sea of Cortez.

From the boat, this is primarily a photo stop and a chance to take in the coast. You do not simply pull up and wander ashore as part of the tour. At Santa Maria Bay, swimming to the beach is specifically not permitted, so this cruise is best understood as a water-based sightseeing and snorkeling trip, not a beach-hopping excursion.

The contrast between the calm-looking Sea of Cortez and the Pacific side gives this stretch of coast its character. It also helps explain why the boat route is worthwhile even for someone who is not eager to snorkel.

El Arco, Cabo’s essential photograph

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, known locally as El Arco or Land’s End, is the signature sight on the route. Cabo Blue stops here and gives you time for photographs. Crew members can help take pictures, a small service that makes a difference when everyone wants a group shot.

One practical caution: the amount of time at the Arch may not satisfy every photographer. One family wished for a longer stop, so you should treat it as a well-timed photo opportunity rather than a long scenic pause.

Still, seeing El Arco from a boat is the right angle. You get the full rock formation, the surrounding sea, and the steep southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in one view. This is one of the strongest reasons to book the cruise if you have limited time in Cabo.

Santa Maria Bay and the water portion

Santa Maria Bay is the main activity stop and one of Los Cabos’ leading snorkeling areas. Once the boat anchors, the crew helps you with masks, tubes, fins, and lifejackets. You can spend around 45 to 50 minutes in the water, depending on the day’s schedule and conditions.

The fish are the star here. Several outings found plenty of fish near the boat, and some had clear enough water to feel like an aquarium. Conditions can vary, though. One departure had cloudy water, so you should expect a pleasant snorkeling stop rather than a guarantee of perfect visibility.

The snorkeling setup is relaxed. You are not required to follow a tight line or remain in one small group. You can explore at your own pace within the designated area, while the crew remains available to help. That works well for a family with mixed swimming abilities, particularly since lifejackets are included and the crew has been praised for helping less confident swimmers feel safe.

Two paddleboards and a floating water mat are also available, provided the ocean conditions are suitable. These extras give non-snorkelers something to do and help keep children entertained. They are not guaranteed for every departure because weather and sea conditions come first.

Swimming to shore or onto the beach is not allowed. If your ideal day includes walking Santa Maria Beach, this is the wrong tour. If you want to swim, snorkel, float, and return to a boat with lunch waiting, it fits well.

Lunch, open bar, and the social side of the boat

Cabo Blue serves lunch after the snorkeling stop. The main food includes freshly prepared baguettes with turkey, cheese, and vegetables. Appetizers include guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit.

This is not a restaurant meal, but it is more substantial than the usual small boat snack. The food is prepared while you snorkel, then served when you return, which keeps the afternoon moving. Several departures received praise for the fresh food, and the spread works for a range of appetites.

The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Water and other refreshments are offered throughout the cruise, and drinks begin flowing soon after boarding. That is a real part of the price value, especially for an afternoon in the sun.

The atmosphere is upbeat. A Bluetooth sound system provides current music, and the playlist is an important part of the experience. Some people will call it a party boat, while others describe it as fun without becoming too wild. Both impressions can be true depending on the group and the day.

If you want quiet narration, meditation, or a soft sunset sail, choose another outing. If you like music, cold drinks, crew members who keep the energy up, and a social boat ride, Cabo Blue delivers.

Whale watching from December through April

The whale sightings may be the cruise’s most memorable surprise. Cabo Blue operates in waters where humpback whales can appear from mid-December to mid-April, and the captain may pause to let you watch them.

Sightings are never guaranteed, but the seasonal timing is useful. Departures in late November and early December have also reported whales and sea lions, while January trips have included multiple pods, breaches, and fin slaps. Some outings saw at least ten breaches, and others watched whales both before reaching the snorkeling bay and on the return to port.

The captain’s choices matter here. The route is not only a fixed list of stops. When whales appear, the crew may adjust the pace or pause so you can watch and take photographs. That flexibility adds real value during whale season.

Bring a camera, but keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife moves on its own schedule. You may see only distant spouts, or you may get a series of breaches close enough for photographs. The possibility is excellent, but it should be treated as a bonus rather than the sole reason to pay for the tour.

Crew service and the people who shape the day

The crew receives the strongest praise across the experience. Names singled out include Ismael, Lalo, Ricardo, Brian, and Captain Kiko Mariscal. Ricardo and the wider crew have been described as attentive, friendly, and quick to help.

That service shows up in practical ways. Crew members assist with equipment, offer drinks and water, help take photos, point out landmarks, and keep an eye on people in the water. One departure included a passenger who felt unwell, and the crew provided extra care.

Captain Kiko Mariscal has been praised for professionalism and for making people feel safe. Other crews, including Ismael, Lalo, Ricardo, and Brian, have received similar praise for service and whale watching. Crew quality can vary by departure, but the consistent focus on attentive service is an encouraging sign.

The boat itself has been described as clean and comfortable. It is a trimaran, though you should not picture a quiet, traditional sailing experience. The cruise is powered and organized around sightseeing, swimming, music, food, and drinks.

What to bring for comfort

Cabo’s sun can be intense, especially during an afternoon departure. Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, and a UV shirt. A cover-up is useful after snorkeling, and a waterproof pouch can protect your phone during the photo stops.

You should also bring cash for the port tax and gratuity. The $1 port charge is cash only. Bring a towel if you prefer having your own, although the supplied information does not confirm that towels are provided.

Sit toward the front only if you are happy getting splashed. Choose a more sheltered seat if you want to stay dry. Keep your camera handy for Pelican Rock, Lovers Beach, El Arco, turtles, sea lions, and whales, all of which have appeared on different outings.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking any boat excursion. The supplied information does not specify whether motion-sickness medication is provided, so bring anything you normally use.

Who gets the best value from this cruise

I would recommend Cabo Blue to you if you want several Cabo experiences in one manageable outing. It suits families with children aged five and up, couples who want scenery and drinks, and friend groups looking for music and an easy afternoon on the water.

It also works well for a short Cabo stay. You leave at 1 pm, visit the main rock formations, spend time snorkeling, eat lunch, and return to the marina around 4:30 pm. That leaves your evening open.

I would be more cautious if your priority is a long, quiet snorkeling session. The water may be cloudy, the snorkeling window is limited, and the music can be loud. I would also choose another option if you want to swim ashore or spend a long time at El Arco.

The high rating of 4.8 from 686 ratings and the 96 percent recommendation rate fit the pattern of the experience: excellent crew service, good food, flowing drinks, memorable scenery, and a lively mood. The weaker points are clear too: marina directions can be confusing, the Arch stop may feel brief, and the cruise can be more party-oriented than the word snorkeling suggests.

Should you book Cabo Blue?

Book it if you want a well-rounded afternoon rather than a specialist snorkeling trip. The strongest combination is the route through Land’s End, attentive service, included lunch and drinks, and the chance of whales during the winter season.

At $79.80, the tour offers solid value when you use the included food, bar, equipment, and water toys. I would book it at least a few weeks ahead, since it averages about 27 days of advance booking.

Cabo Blue offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. For most people who enjoy an upbeat boat ride and want a little of everything, this is an easy Cabo choice. Just arrive early, bring sun protection, and expect music with your snorkeling.

FAQ

Where does the Cabo Blue snorkeling cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Cabo Blue Boat at Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What time should I arrive?

The boat departs at 1 pm, and you must check in at 12:40 pm to begin boarding.

How long is the Cabo Blue cruise?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes and ends back at the meeting point.

What sights are included on the route?

The route includes Pelican Rock, Lovers Beach, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and Santa Maria Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes freshly prepared turkey, cheese, and vegetable baguettes, along with guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are included through the open bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, tubes, fins, and lifejackets are included.

Can I use a paddleboard or floating mat?

Two paddleboards and a floating water mat are available when ocean conditions are suitable.

Can I swim to Santa Maria Beach?

No. Swimming to the shore or beach area is not permitted during this activity.

Are whales guaranteed?

No. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but whales may be seen from mid-December through mid-April. Different departures have also reported whale sightings in late November and early December.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is five years old.

Is the port tax included?

No. You must pay a $1 US dollar or 20 peso port tax per person in cash.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the cruise, you will be offered another date or a full refund.