Snorkeling at Pelicans Rock

Pelican Rock gives you two Cabo experiences in one: a scenic boat ride past the famous Arch and a swim among colorful fish in the Sea of Cortez. The small group, capped at 13 people, matters here because a snorkel guide can keep a closer eye on you in the water.

I like the 45-minute glass-bottom boat ride, which lets you enjoy the coast even before you put on a mask. I also like the practical hotel pickup from San Jose del Cabo and the steady praise for guides such as Jonathan, Shaggy, Captain Lupe, and Captain Edson. The main concern is that lunch and tequila tasting are described in the tour highlights but are not clearly listed among the included items, so confirm those details before booking.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Pelican Rock is the main event: Expect about 30 to 45 minutes in the water, with colorful tropical fish and a guide nearby.
• The route includes Cabo’s signature sights: The boat passes the Arch, Lands End, Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach, and a sea lion colony.
• Groups stay small: The maximum group size is 13, a useful advantage for first-time snorkelers and anyone who wants personal help.
• Hotel pickup is offered: The ride from San Jose del Cabo includes information from the guide on the way to the Cabo San Lucas marina.
• Food details need checking: Lunch and tequila tasting appear in the tour description, but snorkeling equipment and the 45-minute boat ride are the items clearly listed as included.
• Plan for active time: You need a moderate level of physical fitness, and the activity depends on good weather.

From San Jose del Cabo to the Cabo San Lucas Marina

The day begins with pickup at your San Jose del Cabo hotel. The drive to the Cabo San Lucas marina is part of the experience, since the guide shares information along the way rather than leaving you to sit quietly in a van.

The exact pickup time depends on your hotel and date, so watch for the message sent before the tour. One useful detail from the tour operation is that an itinerary and pickup time are sent by email the day before. That gives you a chance to plan breakfast, arrange your hotel schedule, and avoid the common vacation problem of wondering when the van will arrive.

The ride also explains why this outing takes about two and a half hours even though the boat ride and snorkel time are shorter. You are crossing between two Cabo resort areas, then spending time at the marina, on the boat, and in the water.

This is a good setup if you are staying in San Jose del Cabo but want to see the rock formations around Cabo San Lucas. It is less appealing if you dislike organized transport or want a full-day outing with several long stops. This is a focused half-day activity, not a broad tour of the entire region.

A Glass-Bottom Boat Along Cabo’s Famous Coast

At the marina, you board a glass-bottom boat for a 45-minute coastal ride. The clear viewing panel gives you something to watch below the boat, while the open views let you take in the cliffs and rock formations above the water.

The route passes the Los Cabos Arch, the landmark that appears on nearly every Cabo postcard. You also see Lands End, the southern tip where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet, along with Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach. The names are playful, but the rock formations are the real attraction.

The boat also passes a sea lion colony. You may see the animals gathered on the rocks or in the water, and the boat route gives you a chance to watch them without making the snorkel stop responsible for every part of the wildlife experience.

I like this part because it makes the tour worthwhile even before you start swimming. If the water feels chilly, you are not stuck with only a short snorkel session as your main memory. You still get a moving view of Cabo’s coast and its famous landmarks.

The boat is described as small, which usually makes it easier to hear the guide and move around for a view. Still, a small boat has less room than a large sightseeing vessel. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider that the ride takes place on open water, and bring any personal remedy you normally use. The supplied information does not promise a particular type of seating or a smooth-water guarantee.

Swimming at Pelican Rock

The boat stops at Pelican Rock, where you receive snorkeling equipment and enter the Sea of Cortez. The snorkel portion lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, giving you enough time to look around rather than simply splash in and climb back aboard.

The water here is described as clear and full of colorful tropical fish. The appeal is not one rare animal or a single dramatic sight. It is the simple pleasure of floating above fish in a well-known Cabo marine area, with the rock and open water forming the setting around you.

You are accompanied by a professional snorkel guide during the swim. That is important for anyone who has not snorkeled recently, feels uncertain in open water, or wants help identifying what is moving below. The small group size should also make it easier to stay connected with the guide than on a crowded boat with dozens of people.

Past guide teams have included Jonathan with Captain Lupe, and Shaggy with Captain Edson. Names and assignments can change, so do not book expecting one particular person. The useful point is that the experience depends heavily on the boat crew and snorkel guide. Their job is to explain the equipment, give clear instructions, and help you make the most of the time at Pelican Rock.

The tour requires moderate physical fitness. That wording is worth taking seriously. You need to manage the boat boarding process, wear snorkeling gear, and swim in open water for a sustained period. The provided information does not state that the activity is suitable for non-swimmers or that flotation support is available, so ask the operator directly if that affects your decision.

What the Small Group Changes

A maximum of 13 people is one of the strongest features of this excursion. In practical terms, it can mean less time waiting for equipment, a better chance of hearing safety instructions, and more opportunity to ask the guide for help.

Small groups also help during the boat ride. You may have a clearer view of the Arch and sea lions without a large crowd pressing toward one side of the vessel. That does not guarantee a private tour, but it is a much more personal scale than a high-capacity sightseeing boat.

The reviews praise the crew’s clear instructions, humor, and fun facts. That combination matters. Snorkeling tours can feel awkward when the safety briefing is rushed or overly formal. A guide who explains things plainly and keeps the mood light can make the first few minutes in the water much easier.

The tradeoff is that a 13-person maximum still means you are sharing the outing. If you want to choose your own pace, stay in one quiet cove, or leave the water whenever you wish, a private charter would offer more control. That option is not part of this experience.

Lunch and Tequila Tasting: Confirm Before You Pay

The tour information promotes a delicious lunch and tequila tasting, and one positive account praised both the food and tequila. However, the clearly listed inclusions are snorkeling equipment and the 45-minute glass-bottom boat ride.

Another account specifically found that lunch and tequila tasting were not included at the port, despite appearing in the promotional details. That is not a minor distinction when comparing a $109 tour with other Cabo outings. Before booking, ask Cabo Day Trips exactly what the current price covers, where the meal takes place, and whether tequila tasting is included or optional.

You should also ask about drinks, photos, and underwater photography. One account noted that photos cost extra and that underwater photos were not provided. Do not assume a photographer will capture your swim, and do not budget for a photo package unless the operator confirms it.

The price can be a fair deal if the $109 includes hotel transport, the boat ride, equipment, guide service, and the advertised food and tasting. If lunch and tequila are separate charges, compare the total cost with other small-group snorkel tours before deciding. The boat route and group limit add value, but the food question needs a clear answer.

Equipment, Instructions, and Comfort

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask, snorkel, or fins unless you prefer personal gear. The crew gives instructions before you enter the water, and the guide stays with the group during the snorkel.

Because the tour takes place in the sea rather than a protected pool, conditions can affect the experience. Water clarity, wind, and waves may change what you see and how comfortable the swim feels. The operator states that the activity requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Bring practical basics that are not listed as provided: a swimsuit, sun protection, a towel, and any personal medication you need. I would also keep valuables to a minimum, since the supplied information does not describe storage on the boat or in the vehicle.

The tour’s health guidance calls for moderate fitness, but it does not provide detailed information about accessibility, flotation devices, or support for people with limited swimming ability. If you have a medical condition, mobility concern, or anxiety about open-water swimming, contact the provider before reserving a place.

How the Tour Uses Its Two and a Half Hours

The activity lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. That estimate includes hotel pickup, the drive to Cabo San Lucas, marina time, the 45-minute boat ride, and the snorkel stop.

You should not read the duration as two and a half hours on the water. The actual boat and swim time is shorter, while transport takes a meaningful part of the schedule. That makes the tour convenient for a morning or afternoon but less suited to someone seeking a long ocean outing.

The route is efficiently arranged. You travel to the marina once, see the coast from the boat, stop at Pelican Rock, and return. There is no wasted land transfer between separate activities.

I would pair this tour with a relaxed part of your day rather than a tightly timed dinner reservation. Pickup times and road conditions can vary, and the tour already crosses from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas. The supplied details do not promise an exact return time.

Who Will Enjoy This Cabo Snorkel Tour

This outing fits you best if you want a short, organized introduction to Cabo’s water activities. First-time snorkelers should appreciate the provided gear, clear instructions, and guide support. People who want photos of the Arch and sea lions as well as fish below the surface will get more variety than from a beach-only snorkel.

It also suits couples, families with active older children, and small groups of friends who prefer a limited number of people on the boat. The maximum of 13 is especially useful if you find large group excursions tiring.

I would think twice if you want guaranteed underwater photography, a long swim, a private boat, or a fully transparent meal package. The snorkeling is the core experience. Lunch, tequila, and photos require confirmation so you know what you are actually buying.

The public rating is 4.4 from 11 reviews, with repeated praise for the crew, organization, instructions, humor, fish sightings, and boat views. That is a positive signal, but it is still a small sample. Your experience will depend partly on the weather and sea conditions on the day you go.

Booking, Cancellation, and Final Advice

The price is $109 per person, and the tour is often reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking lead time of 47 days. That suggests you should reserve early if your Cabo dates are fixed, especially if the 13-person limit matters to you.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Weather-related cancellations are handled differently: you can receive a full refund or move to another date.

I would book this tour if you want a manageable half-day outing that combines Cabo’s best-known rock formations, a sea lion viewing opportunity, and a guided snorkel at Pelican Rock. Before paying, confirm the lunch and tequila details in writing, and ask about photo costs if those matter to you.

If those extras are included at the current price, the tour offers solid value for its small group, hotel pickup, boat route, and guided water time. If they are not included, decide based on the boat sightseeing and snorkeling alone. Those are the dependable parts of the experience.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling takes place at Pelican Rock in the Sea of Cortez, off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including pickup, transportation, the boat ride, and snorkeling.

How long is the glass-bottom boat ride?

The glass-bottom boat ride lasts 45 minutes.

What sights are included during the boat ride?

The route includes views of the Los Cabos Arch, Lands End, Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach, and a sea lion colony.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the experience.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 13 travelers.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels in San Jose del Cabo.

Is lunch and tequila tasting included?

The tour description highlights lunch and tequila tasting, but the clearly listed inclusions are snorkeling equipment and the 45-minute glass-bottom boat ride. Confirm the current food and tasting arrangements with Cabo Day Trips before booking.

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 the start time are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.