REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Open Bar, and Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Best Cabo Tours, LLC · Bookable on Viator
Cabo’s party boat hits the good stuff fast. You get Cabo’s Arch and the famous beaches from the water, then cruise the Sea of Cortez with music, photos, and an open bar running all trip.
I also love that the crew handles the practical bits: snorkel gear, a guide who knows where to anchor, and lunch ready on the way back. One consideration: this is more fun-focused than long, serious snorkeling, so time in the water can be short and conditions may affect what you see.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Plan Around
- Cabo Arch Views, Beach Stops, and Why This Tour Works
- Price and Value: Is $125 a Good Deal for This Mix?
- The Real Logistics: Where You Meet and How Boarding Feels
- Your Cruise Route: Divorce Beach to Playa el Chileno
- Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: Fun Swim, Not a Long Reef Session
- Open Bar, Lunch, Music, and the Party-Boat Energy
- Open bar
- Lunch
- Music, games, and crew energy
- Cabin comfort note
- Best Times to Book and Who This Tour Fits
- Should You Book This Cabo San Lucas Boat + Snorkeling Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Cabo San Lucas boat tour with snorkeling?
- What’s included in the price?
- What does the open bar include?
- Where does the tour start and what time does it begin?
- Is professional photo service included?
- Is this tour family-friendly?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key Things I’d Plan Around

- A classic Cabo route from Land’s End: Divorce Beach, the Arch, and Playa de los Amantes, all built into the cruise
- Guided snorkeling with gear included at Pelican Rock, in a safer, protected area
- Open bar plus lunch on the return cruise (beers, mixed drinks, sodas, and a filling onboard meal)
- High-energy atmosphere with music, games, and a crew that keeps the vibe moving
- Short wait at a clear meeting time (start at 12:00 pm, tour about 3.5 hours) and a 40-person cap
Cabo Arch Views, Beach Stops, and Why This Tour Works

If you want the postcard Cabo moments without trying to stitch together your own day, this tour does it for you. You’ll start in the marina, ride out toward Land’s End, and spend most of your time cruising and sightseeing—with the Arch at the center of it.
This is one of those tours where the route matters. You’re not just looking at the coastline from far away on land—you’re seeing it close enough to notice the way the cliffs, water color, and rock shapes change as the boat moves. That’s why the photo stops feel worth it, especially if you’re visiting for the first time and want those “I’m really here” shots.
And yes, the atmosphere is part of the deal. The boat runs with music and games, and the crew keeps things rolling so you’re not sitting around wondering what’s next. If that kind of energy fits your Cabo style, you’ll have a great time.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas.
Price and Value: Is $125 a Good Deal for This Mix?
At $125 per person, you’re paying for a bundle: boat sightseeing, a guided snorkeling stop, lunch, and an open bar. That can feel like a lot—until you compare it to piecing the day together yourself (transportation plus a separate snorkel trip plus food and drinks).
Here’s the value breakdown that matters:
- Boat time + sightseeing stops: Arch and multiple beaches from the Sea of Cortez side
- Snorkeling gear and a guide included
- Open bar (beers, mixed drinks, sodas) while you cruise
- Lunch included, so you don’t have to hunt for a meal afterward
- Small-group reality: up to 40 people, which is noticeably more comfortable than the huge party fleets
One extra thing to budget: there’s a $5 government fee per person that isn’t included in the $125. Also, professional photos are available only if you request them for an additional fee.
If your goal is to get the best of Cabo in one afternoon—views, one swim, and good food—this pricing structure makes sense.
The Real Logistics: Where You Meet and How Boarding Feels

Meeting point is at La Terminal de CaboMarina de Cabo San Lucas, in front of the Breathless Hotel (El Medano area). The start time is 12:00 pm, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.
A practical tip: board at the very end of the marina. If you arrive early, give yourself a few minutes to walk the full length so you don’t stress. Once you’re there, it’s pretty straightforward: you’ll have a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking time.
Language is English, and the tour generally works for most people who can handle a boat outing. There’s also a note that you’ll want decent weather, since the experience depends on it.
Your Cruise Route: Divorce Beach to Playa el Chileno

The itinerary is built like a moving “greatest hits” reel.
Stop 1: Divorce Beach
This is one of those Baja icons that’s instantly recognizable in photos and even better in person. From the water, you see why it’s such a talking point: the coastline creates a dramatic setting, and the boat viewpoint makes the scale feel real.
Stop 2: Arch of Cabo San Lucas (Land’s End)
This is the headline. The Arch looks different depending on angle and distance, and you get a front-row view from the water instead of the typical “stand and hope” land perspective.
Stop 3: Playa de los Amantes
Also known as Lovers Beach, it’s part of why this route became famous. Expect scenic cruising plus another prime photo moment.
Stop 4: Playa el Chileno
This stop helps break up the ride with more coastline scenery and another chance to look around and take pictures. It’s a good stretch between the big landmarks and the snorkeling portion.
Stop 5: Pelican Rock
This is where the snorkeling happens. The boat positions you for the water time, and the guide handles the safety side—so you’re not guessing where to go.
Along the way, you may also see the Sea of Cortes scenery and wildlife areas the cruise is known for, including mention of a sea lion colony as part of what the boat tour covers.
Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: Fun Swim, Not a Long Reef Session

Let’s set expectations clearly. This tour includes snorkeling, but it’s not marketed as a long, technical reef expedition. It’s more like a guided ocean swim with a sightseeing framework around it.
Here’s what you can count on:
- A guide shows you where it’s safest to anchor and snorkel
- You get snorkel gear
- The boat takes you to a protected area where the snorkeling is appropriate
What you can’t fully guarantee:
- Long time in the water. Some people found it to be brief.
- Perfect visibility. Water clarity can vary.
- The kind of snorkeling you’d get on a dedicated, longer Pelican Rock outing.
In plain terms: you’ll come away feeling like you did a snorkeling stop in Cabo’s waters, saw fish, and enjoyed the ocean time—but if your main goal is maximum underwater time and a serious snorkeling session, you may want a dedicated snorkeling tour focused specifically on Pelican Rock.
Also note the conditions matter. If the water is choppy, it can reduce how comfortable and how satisfying the snorkeling feels.
Open Bar, Lunch, Music, and the Party-Boat Energy

This is a big part of why people book it, and it’s worth talking about directly.
Open bar
You’re drinking during the cruise: beers, mixed drinks, and sodas. A common theme from the experience is that the crew stays on top of keeping drinks moving—so you’re not hunting for a bartender all afternoon.
Lunch
Lunch is included and generally described as tasty and filling. From what’s been served on board, expect a fairly simple onboard-style meal—think burgers, hot dogs, and chicken—not a fancy sit-down menu with lots of side dishes.
Music, games, and crew energy
This is where the tour can feel like a mini celebration. You’ll get music throughout, plus fun and games on the cruise back. People who like an upbeat vibe tend to love it; people who want a quiet nature cruise may find it too energetic.
You may also hear names from the crew in the onboard stories—one person highlighted Amanda and praised her energy and attention. Even if the specific crew member differs, the key thing is the crew’s role: they keep things active and check in frequently.
Cabin comfort note
One possible downside that shows up in the experiences: shade and cooling can be limited on board (depending on where you sit or where the sun hits). If you’re sensitive to heat, bring sunscreen and plan to spend more time outside the shaded areas while you’re cruising.
Best Times to Book and Who This Tour Fits

This is usually booked about 19 days in advance on average, which tells you it’s not the kind of thing you want to wait on last minute—especially during busy periods.
This tour fits best if you:
- Want big Cabo landmarks (Arch, Lovers, Divorce Beach) without planning a full day
- Like an upbeat party atmosphere with music and crew-led fun
- Want one guided snorkeling stop with gear provided, without turning it into a half-day logistics project
- Prefer lunch and drinks being handled for you
It’s less ideal if you:
- Want a long underwater session focused purely on snorkeling detail
- Prefer quiet sightseeing with minimal music and games
- Are expecting guaranteed crystal-clear water
Should You Book This Cabo San Lucas Boat + Snorkeling Tour?

I’d book it if your dream Cabo afternoon looks like this: hop on a boat, take in the Arch and the famous beaches, enjoy an open bar, eat lunch on board, then do one guided snorkeling stop at Pelican Rock.
I would pause and consider a different snorkel-focused option if snorkeling is your top priority, because this experience is built more around fun + sightseeing than maximizing time underwater.
If you’re still deciding, use this rule of thumb:
If you want the easiest way to hit Cabo highlights in one go, this one makes sense. If you’re chasing serious snorkeling time above all else, choose a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.
FAQ
How long is the Cabo San Lucas boat tour with snorkeling?
It runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.
What’s included in the price?
You get the boat tour, snorkeling with gear, an open bar (beers, mixed drinks, sodas), and lunch. A $5 government fee per person is not included.
What does the open bar include?
The open bar includes beers, mixed drinks, and sodas.
Where does the tour start and what time does it begin?
It starts at La Terminal de CaboMarina de Cabo San Lucas, in front of Breathless Hotel El Medano, with a start time of 12:00 pm. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Is professional photo service included?
No. Professional photos are available upon request for an additional fee.
Is this tour family-friendly?
The tour is described as suitable for most travelers and has worked for families in past trips, but the atmosphere is often described as high-energy.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.












