Views and fish share the same 4 hours. From Cabo San Lucas Marina, this 70-foot sailing catamaran tour mixes marine stops, an Arch photo moment, and snorkeling in coral bays with food and drinks onboard.

I especially like the mix of “big postcard” sights (the Arch, Playa del Amor, and a sea lion colony) plus real-time nature watching from the water, like dolphins and rays. The taco buffet lunch and open bar also make the trip feel like good value instead of a hit-and-run swim.

One consideration: this can feel more like a social party cruise than a quiet sail. Music and the vibe can run loud, and the snorkeling bay can vary depending on conditions and the captain’s call.

Key highlights to decide fast

• Arch of Los Cabos photo stop with the classic Cabo framing
• Playa del Amor + Piedra del Pelicano as part of the scenic pass-through
• Sea lions in their own colony area for close-up wildlife viewing
• 3.5 hours on the water with snorkeling gear and a full taco buffet
• Open bar variety: tequila, rum, vodka, gin, plus mixed drinks
• Comfort features on a 50-passenger catamaran (nets, shade, and roomy decks)

Cabo from the water: why this tour is worth your time

This tour is built around a simple idea: you don’t need to choose between scenery and snorkeling. You get the “from-the-front-row” views of Cabo’s most famous natural landmarks, then you swim in the Sea of Cortez at a coral bay where you can see colorful fish near the reef.

The boat is a 70-inch sailing catamaran (not a tiny skiff). It holds up to 50 passengers and has four full bathrooms, an internal shaded area to cool down, and upper-deck tables so you’re not just pressed shoulder-to-shoulder. Even if you don’t snorkel much, you can still enjoy the ride, the views, and the wildlife viewing from the catamaran.

If you’re budgeting your day in Cabo, the value pitch is strong: snorkeling equipment, lunch, and an open bar are included. Your only unavoidable “extra” that you’ll need cash for is the dock fee. The tour also has a safety briefing and life jacket use, which matters in this kind of water activity.

Sailing past the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and the sea lion colony

The day starts at Cabo San Lucas Marina, then you head toward the area around the Arch of Los Cabos. Before you reach the Arch viewpoint, the route typically includes a scenic sequence: Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), Piedra del Pelicano, and the active sea lion colony.

Here’s what makes this part more than just “transit”:

• You’re cruising where the geography does the work. Desert tones and cliff shapes frame the water, then the open Sea of Cortez pulls the eye outward.
• Wildlife viewing isn’t limited to the snorkel stop. You may spot dolphins and other marine life from the boat as you sail.
• The Arch photo moment is a real priority. This is the iconic stop that most people come for, and it’s built into the timing.

You’ll also pass through the bay views where resorts appear between desert dunes. It’s a quick contrast lesson: dramatic coastal shapes on one side, then that big open-water feeling on the other.

Tip: plan your photos early. Once you hit the Arch area, you’ll be ready. Then you can switch to “relax and watch” mode for the rest of the cruise.

Chileno Bay-style snorkeling: coral habitat and what to expect

Your snorkel time happens at a blue-flag bay known for reef life. The tour describes it as a coral reef area where you’ll get instructions and safety measures from the crew and guides before you head in.

What I like about how this is set up is that it’s not just “put on a mask and go.” You get a brief familiarization, then you can swim along rocky areas and watch fish between and around coral structures, including the kind of spots where sea life shelters near caves and crevices.

What you should keep realistic expectations about:

• Snorkeling quality can depend on the exact bay used that day. The standard plan centers on a well-known stop (often Chileno Bay), but the captain may adjust to another nearby bay such as Santa Maria Bay, which can change what you see.
• You’ll likely see fish, but the density and variety can vary. Also, fish behavior can be influenced by what’s tossed in the water during the crew’s activity, so don’t treat it as a guarantee of untouched, wild-only conditions.

You’ll get snorkeling gear included: fins, mask, tube, and a life jacket. The tour also notes you should bring biodegradable sunscreen, since reef-friendly choices matter on snorkeling trips.

Motion sickness note: if you’re prone to it, take precautions before you board. Once you’re out, you’ll be moving on the water and timing your meal and drinks can help a lot.

Lunch and open bar on board: tacos, fruit, and mixed drinks

This is one of the easiest parts to love because it’s built into the flow of the day. After snorkeling, the crew receives you with drinks, then you can grab food at the buffet.

The lunch menu is a real “keep you satisfied” setup:

• Taco buffet with multiple options, including pork loin marinated in adobe sauce (pastor), chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, and a veggie taco option (zucchini)
• Refried beans and white rice with vegetables
• Spicy salsa and Mexican salsa, plus guacamole
• Corn chips and tortillas
• Seasonal fresh sliced fruit

On the drinks side, you’re in a national-bar style open setup with beer, tequila, rum, vodka, gin, and mixed drinks like margaritas, pina coladas, and Bloody Mary’s. Water, soda, and juices are also included.

Two practical notes so you enjoy this without regret:

1. Eat before you go back for seconds—snorkeling is tiring, and the sun can hit hard.
2. If you’re planning to snorkel again or want clear coordination in the water, sip rather than slam. This kind of half-day activity is more fun when you feel steady.

The SailRider catamaran experience: comfort, shade, and safety focus

This boat is purpose-built for the tour, not a random rental. That design shows up in the details: internal shaded area, upper-deck tables, two nets on deck for sunbathing, and a general layout that gives you options besides standing in one spot.

Safety is taken seriously. You should expect a safety briefing and help when it’s time to snorkel and get into the water. Life jackets are typically required during the activity, and the crew and guides are available if you need assistance.

One personal favorite feature for comfort: the freshwater shower after snorkeling. It’s a small thing, but it makes it easier to go from saltwater to actually feeling human again.

Also, the crew includes people who are clearly focused on getting guests taken care of. In one case, a crew member named Pedro was singled out for being attentive and fun while still prioritizing guest needs. That kind of mixed approach—care plus good energy—is usually what makes the difference between a stressful trip and an easy one.

Price and what to budget: $115 plus a small dock fee

The listed price is $115 per person for a roughly 3.5-hour water-and-snorkel experience. For Cabo, what makes that feel reasonable is that it bundles:

• Snorkeling gear (fins, mask, tube, life jacket)
• Taco buffet lunch with multiple protein options and sides
• Open bar drinks
• Guided instruction and a safety briefing
• A catamaran ride with scenic wildlife stops

Two small costs to plan for:

• Transportation is optional and costs extra if you add pickup.
• There’s a dock fee of $5 USD per person, cash only.

Towels aren’t included either, so bring one if you don’t want to dry off with minimal options.

If you’re comparing tours, don’t just look at the ticket price. Ask what’s inside it. Here, a lot of the day’s value is packed into the included food and drinks plus the snorkel gear.

Who should book (and who should skip) this Cabo sail

This tour is a good match if:

• You want the Arch of Los Cabos views plus snorkeling in one half-day.
• You enjoy a social environment where you’ll be eating and drinking onboard.
• You like having multiple ways to see marine life—both from the boat and in the water.

It may be the wrong fit if:

• You want a quiet, mellow sail with minimal noise. This can run loud with music, and the vibe can shift toward a party feel.
• You’re set on a specific snorkeling location with predictable conditions. The captain can change the destination, so your snorkeling outcome may vary.
• You prefer a hands-off approach. Some trips can feel more structured, with guests managed as a group rather than drifting freely.

Family note: it can work well for families because the catamaran is spacious and the crew tends to be attentive. Just remember it’s still an activity involving water, sun, and time-based meal/drink flow.

Should you book Sun Rider’s Snorkel, Lunch and Sail?

I’d book it if you want Cabo’s highlights in one easy package: Arch views, sea lions, snorkeling gear, taco lunch, and an open bar, all on a comfortable 50-passenger catamaran.

I’d skip it if you’re chasing a tranquil, low-noise snorkeling day where the boat never feels like a party. Also skip if you need guaranteed snorkeling conditions at one exact bay. Flexibility matters here.

If you do book: bring your towel, use biodegradable sunscreen, and be honest with yourself about motion sickness. Then you’ll get the best version of the day—views, food, wildlife, and a lot of time on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas Snorkel, Lunch and Sail tour?

It runs about 3.5 hours on the water (listed as 4 hours – 1 day depending on the departure time).

What snorkeling equipment is included?

You get snorkeling gear including fins, a mask, a tube, and a life jacket.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a taco buffet lunch with items like pastor tacos, chicken and beef fajitas, veggie tacos, refried beans, rice, salsas, guacamole, chips, tortillas, and fresh fruit.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. The included bar features beer plus tequila, rum, vodka, and gin, along with cocktails such as margaritas, pina coladas, and Bloody Mary’s, plus water, soda, and juices.

Is the dock fee included in the price?

No. There’s a $5 USD per person dock fee that is cash only.

Do they offer pickup?

Pickup is optional. Transportation is available in a white Sun Rider van, and the driver will have a Sun Rider logo. You should be ready in the hotel lobby about 5 minutes before pickup.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen.