Snorkel Privately in Cabo San Lucas

The best Cabo memories may happen underwater. This three-hour private boat trip combines coastline sightseeing, snorkeling, and close guidance from Roger, often joined by Otto or Jimmy. I like the small private setting, which lets you set the pace instead of sharing a crowded boat, and I like that Roger gets in the water to point out fish, turtles, rays, and other marine life. The included gear, bottled water, and soda also keep the outing simple.

The main consideration is travel time on the water. One snorkeling area can take about 30 minutes to reach, leaving less time in the water than the headline duration may suggest. The price is $420 per group of up to three, so it makes the most sense for a couple, small family, or friends who value privacy and personal attention.

Key things to know before booking

• Roger guides from the water: He does not simply drop you at a reef and wait. He swims with the group, spots marine life, and can record underwater photos and video.
• The Arch is part of the sightseeing: The route follows Cabo’s coast and can include views of the Arch, Lover’s Beach, rock formations, and marine life near the surface.
• The boat is made for a private outing: The boat has been praised for being clean, comfortable, and roomy, with a useful front sun deck and a ladder with an extra extension.
• Wildlife sightings can be a major bonus: Whales, dolphins, rays, turtles, sharks, puffer fish, and large schools of fish have all been seen, though no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.
• Snorkeling may involve only one or two sites: The trip offers different swimming areas, but the time spent reaching the main snorkeling location can be significant.
• The meeting point needs careful attention: Start at The Office on the Beach near Dock 1, by the circle of standing surfboards and the swimming-with-dolphins location.

Setting out from Playa El Médano at 9 a.m.

Your morning begins at The Office on the Beach, Playa El Médano S/N, near Dock 1. Look for a circle of surfboards standing near the swimming-with-dolphins attraction at the corner. That landmark matters because the meeting area can be tricky to locate, especially if you arrive by taxi or are walking through the marina area.

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details still identify the beach office as the start point. I would confirm the exact pickup arrangement before departure and allow extra time to find Dock 1. Roger has been praised for sending clear directions before the trip, including a Spanish message that could be shown to a taxi driver.

Once aboard, you are not rushed straight to the snorkeling site. The boat follows the coastline, and Roger explains the rock formations, the types of rock, and the major sights along the shore. This gives the trip more substance than a simple ride out to a swimming spot.

The coastline around Cabo San Lucas is a big part of the appeal. You may get views of the Arch and Lover’s Beach, along with the steep rock formations that make this part of the Baja coast so recognizable. A private boat also makes it easier to pause for photographs without competing with a large group for the best view.

Seeing the Arch and Lover’s Beach from the water

The Arch is the classic Cabo photo stop, but your viewpoint from a smaller private boat can feel more useful than a quick pass on a large cruise. Roger and his crew have been praised for taking time to position the boat for photographs and for showing the family around the Arch before snorkeling.

Lover’s Beach is another likely sightseeing stop. From the water, you can take in the contrast between the calmer beach side and the rougher Pacific-facing coast. The exact order of stops can change with conditions and the group’s interests, so think of these sights as part of a flexible coastal tour rather than a fixed series of timed visits.

This is also where the private format earns its keep. If your group wants more photographs, a slower ride, or a closer look at a rock formation, you can ask. You are not trying to keep up with a boatload of strangers.

The crew may also point out wildlife before you ever enter the water. Past outings have included dolphins, whales, jumping rays, and other animals seen from the boat. Winter whale sightings have been especially memorable, with reports of humpback whales, whale song heard underwater, and even orcas. Those encounters are seasonal and unpredictable, so book this for the snorkeling and scenery first, then treat whales as a wonderful extra.

Reaching the snorkeling area after the boat ride

The main snorkeling area may be about 30 minutes from the port. That is useful to know when planning your expectations. A three-hour outing can include a fair amount of cruising, especially if the captain makes wildlife or sightseeing stops along the coast.

The benefit is that you get a proper look at Cabo from the water. The drawback is simple: you may spend less time swimming than you would on a tour that begins beside a reef. One direct account described about two snorkeling sites and a small area with a limited variety of fish. That does not make the stop poor, but it is a fair warning for experienced snorkelers seeking a broad reef system.

Conditions can shape the experience. The crew looks for suitable places to swim and snorkel, and Roger may offer different areas based on water conditions and the ability of the group. This is particularly helpful for families or people who are new to snorkeling.

The trip includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soda. You do not need to pack your own mask, snorkel, or fins, although mask fit is worth checking before leaving the dock. One person had trouble finding a mask that fit comfortably, so if you have an unusual face shape or are particular about your equipment, bring your own mask if you have one.

What snorkeling with Roger is like

The strongest part of this outing is the personal guiding in the water. Roger has been praised for spotting animals that are easy to miss, including rays, turtles, sharks, puffer fish, and smaller fish among the rocks. He does not simply point from the boat. He swims with the group and helps you notice what is below the surface.

That matters if you are a beginner. A first snorkeling experience can be frustrating when you cannot identify what you are seeing or when you feel unsure about where to swim. Roger has helped children and first-time snorkelers become comfortable, while also keeping an eye on the group’s comfort and swimming ability.

Families with children have found this format especially useful. Past groups have included young children, including a two-year-old and children aged five, seven, nine, and eleven. The crew has also adjusted music and the pace to suit families. Still, you should judge your own group’s swimming ability carefully. The tour is on open water, and the supplied information does not promise a specific age minimum or a particular flotation setup.

The ladder is a practical feature that deserves attention. It has an extra extension, making it easier to climb back aboard after swimming. That can be a real comfort for children, older adults, or anyone who finds a standard boat ladder awkward.

The marine life can vary from one outing to another. You might see brightly colored fish, rays, a sea turtle, a puffer fish, or white-tip sharks. A past group even touched a puffer fish, but you should never assume that wildlife will appear or that touching an animal will be appropriate. The right goal is careful observation, not collecting a guaranteed animal encounter.

Free photos and video add real value

Roger and his crew often take GoPro footage and underwater photos during the snorkeling. The files have been transferred to phones before the group leaves the boat, and some outings have included drone footage of whales or the boat from above.

This is more than a small extra. When you are swimming, it is hard to take good pictures of yourself, and handing over a camera can distract you from the experience. Having the guide record the group lets you pay attention to the fish and still return home with useful memories.

The supplied information does not formally list photo or drone service among the included features, so I would confirm what is available on your departure date. Past groups received footage without a separate photo charge, but you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of the advertised package.

The personal filming also fits the private format. Roger can stay near your group, record the children, and focus on the animals your family is excited to see. That is harder to arrange on a large shared boat.

Boat comfort, crew style, and safety

The boat has received strong praise for cleanliness and comfort. Specific details include a spacious layout, a front sun deck, a clean appearance, and well-maintained snorkeling equipment. For three hours on the water, those basics matter. A cramped, untidy boat can sour an otherwise good day quickly.

Roger’s guiding style also seems to be a major strength. He explains Cabo’s coastline and geology without turning the trip into a lecture, then switches to hands-on help when the group enters the water. Otto, Roger’s son, has joined some trips, while Jimmy has helped with entertaining and explaining the area.

The father-and-son team has been especially appreciated by families. Their friendly approach can make the trip feel personal rather than commercial. Children may respond well to that warmth, while adults still get useful information about the coast and sea life.

The crew has also handled a jellyfish sting quickly during one outing. That is encouraging, but it is not a promise that every possible problem can be prevented. You should still listen carefully to instructions, tell the crew if you are uncomfortable, and avoid entering the water if conditions do not feel right.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a full refund when canceling yourself, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start time.

Is $420 a good value?

At $420 for a private group of up to three, the arithmetic is straightforward. For three people, it works out to $140 per person. For two people, it becomes $210 each, and a solo booking would pay the full group rate.

That is more than a shared snorkeling excursion, but the comparison is not quite equal. You are paying for a private boat, a dedicated captain and guide, flexible attention, included equipment, drinks, and the chance to stop for coastal sights and wildlife. You also avoid the crowding and fixed pace of a large excursion.

The value is strongest if you care about privacy or have mixed swimming abilities. A family with children can ask Roger to slow down, help beginners, and spend more time at a comfortable spot. A couple can use the boat for photographs and a quieter ride. A group of three splits the cost more efficiently than a pair.

The value is weaker if your only goal is a long session in the water. The boat ride to the snorkeling area can take about 30 minutes, and one account found the snorkeling zone fairly small. You are buying a coastal sightseeing experience with snorkeling, not a full day at a large coral reef.

Lunch is not included. Since the activity ends back at the meeting point after about three hours, plan to eat afterward near Playa El Médano or ask the crew for a local lunch suggestion. That keeps the morning simple and leaves the afternoon open.

Who should book this Cabo snorkeling trip?

I would look closely at this tour if you fit one of these groups:

• A couple wanting a private boat instead of a shared excursion
• A small family with children or first-time snorkelers
• A group that values photos and video during the swim
• Anyone who wants to combine Cabo’s Arch and coastal rock formations with snorkeling
• People who prefer personal guidance over a large-group briefing
• Visitors hoping for a chance to see whales, dolphins, rays, or turtles from the boat

I would think twice if you want a long, technically demanding snorkeling session or a large reef with many separate areas to explore. The supplied information points to a small number of snorkeling stops and a meaningful amount of cruising.

The tour is conducted in English. Most people can participate, but the details do not give a full accessibility policy or specific equipment for every mobility need. Ask directly about your group’s requirements before booking.

Final verdict: book it for the private attention

I would book this experience for the personal service, clean boat, helpful crew, and strong chance of seeing Cabo’s coast from a better angle. Roger’s habit of entering the water with the group is the key difference. He can help a nervous child, point out a hidden turtle, or show you a fish you would have swum past.

Book it with realistic expectations. The snorkeling area may be modest, the ride may take about half an hour each way, and marine life cannot be scheduled. But if you want a relaxed private morning that blends the Arch, Lover’s Beach, rock formations, wildlife, and guided snorkeling, $420 can be a fair price for up to three people.

FAQ

How long is the private Cabo snorkeling tour?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at The Office on the Beach, Playa El Médano S/N, El Médano Ejidal, El Médano, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

How do I find the meeting point?

Look for the circle of standing surfboards near the swimming-with-dolphins attraction at the corner by Dock 1.

Does the tour provide pickup?

Pickup is offered. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement before departure because the listed meeting point is The Office on the Beach.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

How many people are included in the $420 price?

The listed price is $420 per group of up to three people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and soda are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.