The Arch looks better from sea level. This Cabo San Lucas cruise blends landmark sightseeing with a swim stop in the Sea of Cortes. You’ll roll past the famous Cabo points like Lover’s and Divorce Beach, then head back for drinks, music, and food.

I especially like the combo of open bar plus lunch included, so you’re not hunting for meals or rationing cash mid-trip. I also like that there’s a guide for the water time, with gear provided and an emphasis on safer anchoring at the snorkeling spot.

One drawback: this is more fun than hardcore snorkeling. If you’re chasing long, crystal-clear reef time, you may feel the snorkeling session is short or visibility is hit-or-miss depending on conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• You get the big Cabo sights from the water: Arch of Cabo, Lover’s and Divorce Beach, plus beach cruising.
• The snorkeling stop is guided and gear-included, with the boat anchoring in a protected area.
• Open bar runs while you cruise: beers, mixed drinks, and sodas.
• Lunch is included on the way back, with a simple, crowd-pleasing menu.
• Expect a high-energy vibe with music and crew-led fun on the return trip.
• Snorkel time can vary based on water conditions, so go with realistic expectations.

Where this Cabo boat tour starts (and what that means for your timing)

Your day begins at La Terminal de CaboMarina in Cabo San Lucas, right at the end of the marina area in front of the Breathless Hotel (El Medano). The tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes and starts at 12:00 pm, then returns to the same meeting spot.

That timing matters because you’ll hit the sunniest part of the day at sea—great for photos, less great if you burn easily. With a maximum group size of 40 travelers, you’re not stuck in a giant floating crowd, but you should still plan to shuffle into the boarding area efficiently when you arrive.

Also, since this is a mobile-ticket activity offered in English, you can usually show up with your ticket and go. I’d still keep your confirmation handy and arrive a little early so you’re not trying to sprint from parking or a bus stop to the far end of the marina.

The cruise path: Divorce Beach to Lover’s Beach to the Arch

From the water, Cabo’s coastline is half the show. Early on, the boat covers the “Cabo poster” areas around Land’s End—so you’re not just looking at one landmark, you’re getting a whole string of them.

You’ll pass Divorce Beach, one of those spots that locals and tourists can’t resist taking photos of, and then continue toward the area around Playa de los Amantes (Lover’s Beach). These aren’t long stops where you get out and explore on foot. Instead, it’s more like scenic cruising plus photo moments from the boat, which is ideal if you’d rather stay seated and enjoy the views than manage another transfer.

Then comes the headline: the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Seeing the Arch from the sea changes it. From shore, it can look like a single object; from the water, you feel the scale of the coastline and the way the waves shape the rock. If you care about photography, this is where you’ll want your phone ready and your angle figured out.

The Arch and Land’s End views: how to get the best photos

The Arch is the kind of landmark where small moves make a big difference. If you’re on the boat, I’d aim for a spot with a clear line of sight to the rock formation and keep an eye on where the captain slows or adjusts the boat’s position for viewing.

The practical move: take a few quick wide shots, then switch to tighter framing once you see how the boat’s perspective lines up. Water reflections and sun glare can mess with phone cameras, so sunglasses and a quick wipe of your lens help more than you’d think.

You’ll also get plenty of chances to shoot along the way because the tour keeps you moving through the Cabo coastline while the crew adds commentary, music, and a lively atmosphere. That energy is part of why this tour works for first-timers—you don’t feel like you’re waiting around for the next moment.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: what “protected” snorkeling really feels like

Your swim stop lines up with Pelican Rock. The tour description is clear that the crew takes you to a safe, protected snorkeling area, provides snorkeling gear, and uses an experienced guide to help you get the most out of your time in the water.

Here’s the honest part: multiple details point to this being not a deep, all-day reef experience. It’s a guided ocean swim with a fun vibe—so you’ll want to think of snorkeling as a highlight within a party-cruise day, not the main event that you optimize like a dedicated snorkeling tour.

What you should expect once you’re in the water:

• A shorter window than you’d get on a snorkeling-only trip
• Conditions that can affect visibility (choppy water can reduce how much you see)
• A guide who keeps you in the right area and helps manage the experience

If your goal is serious underwater time—long sessions, maximum visibility, and more emphasis on the reef experience—then it’s smart to consider a snorkeling-focused alternative. But if you want “Cabo sights + a real time in the ocean + drinks and lunch after,” Pelican Rock fits well.

Open bar and lunch included: where the real value shows up

A $125 price tag sounds like a splurge until you break down what’s covered here. You’re paying for a boat cruise that stacks multiple attractions, plus snorkeling gear and a guide, plus an open bar while you’re out at sea, plus lunch on the ride back.

The open bar includes beers, mixed drinks, and sodas. That matters because drinks aren’t an add-on—it’s part of the pacing of the trip. You’ll feel it most during the cruise back to the marina, when the crew’s music and games keep the energy up.

Lunch is included, and it’s the simple, hearty style that works for a group on a boat. Some people were happy with the food; others felt the menu was more basic than they expected (think burgers, hot dogs, and chicken, with fewer sides). Either way, you should plan for “boat lunch,” not a gourmet meal. The upside is you don’t have to leave the tour to eat.

For many first-timers, this is the best value piece: you can spend the full day in Cabo’s water scenery without budgeting every hour around food and drinks.

The Sea of Cortes experience: scenery that feels different than shore views

The Sea of Cortez isn’t just a pretty backdrop. It’s the reason the tour can combine coastline sights with a real ocean swim. From the boat, you also get a better sense of how the coastline funnels sea views into Land’s End.

The tour experience is described as covering more than just the Arch. You’ll cruise by areas tied to sea-life viewing too, and the included highlights mention stops like a sea lion colony along the way.

Also, the vibe on board matters here. When the water is moving and the crew keeps the music going, the Sea of Cortez feels like a “day out,” not a scheduled photo stop. If you want calm, quiet sightseeing, you might find the energy a little loud. If you want laughter, music, and a few “wow” moments, the pacing works.

Crew energy and the party-cruise rhythm (with a real safety note)

Most of the strongest feedback points to the crew keeping the experience moving with great energy. People highlight that drinks stay flowing, and the crew often checks in so you don’t feel like you’re waiting around.

Some named praise (like Amanda) shows up in feedback, which is a good sign that the staff doesn’t feel anonymous. The crew also runs fun on the return—think music, games, and general on-board entertainment rather than long explanations and silent viewing.

Now the safety note. Because this mixes snorkeling and an open-bar atmosphere, it’s worth paying attention to how the crew handles the water time and gear. A few negative stories include issues around communication and how staff responded in unexpected moments. Most trips likely run smoothly, but if safety is your biggest priority, watch what the guide does during the setup, follow instructions closely, and don’t let the party mood override basic caution.

What to pack for a 12:00 pm Cabo boat tour

This tour runs midday, so sun protection is your best friend. Bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat (there may be limited shade on board)
• Water-friendly footwear if you prefer it when boarding or stepping near the water
• Your phone and a quick-dry cloth for lens smudges
• A light cover-up for when you’re back on deck after snorkeling

You’ll likely want the phone ready for photos at the Arch and beach viewpoints, because the boat does pause for picture opportunities. The tour also notes that you can bring your phone for unlimited photo chances, which is good because you won’t have to “ration” the best shots.

Optional photos and the extra costs that can sneak up

A quick budget reality check: government fees are not included, listed as $5.00 per person. Professional photos are also available for an additional fee if you want them.

I don’t mind optional upsells if the base trip feels complete—and here it does. The open bar, lunch, boat sightseeing, and guided snorkeling give you enough to feel you got your money’s worth even if you skip the paid photo package. Still, if you hate being pressured, just decide in advance what you’re willing to buy and stick to it.

Who this tour suits best (and when to choose a different snorkeling option)

This Cabo San Lucas boat tour is a strong match if you want:

• A fun, lively day on the water
• The Arch + key beaches in one shot
• Guided snorkeling with gear, but you’re okay if it’s not the longest or clearest session
• Open bar and lunch included, so you can relax and enjoy the ride

It’s also great for groups of mixed ages because the cruise portion is comfortable and the snorkel is guided rather than “figure it out yourself.”

You may want a different tour if:

• Your main goal is serious snorkeling time and maximum underwater clarity
• You prefer a calmer, quiet sightseeing experience
• You’re expecting lots of time in the water and detailed reef viewing

This trip is for people who want Cabo’s highlights with a party attitude—and snorkeling as a bonus.

Final verdict: should you book this Cabo San Lucas boat tour?

I’d book it if you want the practical win: Arch views, beach cruising, a guided swim, plus drinks and lunch—all in one afternoon without having to stitch together multiple plans. At $125, the value lands hardest when you consider how much this replaces (boat time + food + drinks + guided snorkeling gear).

I wouldn’t book it if you’re coming to Cabo for one thing: long, quiet snorkeling in the most clear water possible. This one is tuned more toward fun than strict underwater focus, and conditions can cut down how much you see.

If you’re in the middle—wanting a great Cabo day and totally fine with snorkeling being “a cool ocean moment”—this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 12:00 pm.

How long is the boat tour?

It runs about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes open bar drinks (beers, mixed drinks, sodas), lunch, snorkeling gear, a swim/snorkel experience with a guide, and the boat cruise with sightseeing stops.

What is not included?

Professional photos are available for an additional fee, and there is a government fee of $5.00 per person.

Is the snorkeling guided?

Yes. An experienced guide takes you to a safe snorkeling area and provides the snorkeling gear.

Where does the tour meet?

It starts at La Terminal de CaboMarina de Cabo San Lucas Puerto 0 Frente a Breathless Hotel El Medano, El Medano Ejidal, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Does the tour use a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 40 travelers.

Does weather affect the tour?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellation within 24 hours is not refunded.