The ocean runs the schedule here. This 4-hour Open Ocean Safari with Apex Ocean Divers mixes classic Cabo stops like El Arco with open-water time in the Pacific and Sea of Cortez, and you get snorkeling gear plus photos and videos included. I like the small max-10 group and the guides’ focus on calm, respectful animal encounters; one thing to plan for is that sightings aren’t guaranteed and conditions can shorten time in the water.

You’ll meet at Dock C at Marina del Rey Blvd (9:00am) and head toward productive waters where you might see Mobula rays and sea lions, plus dolphins, sharks, and sometimes whales. It’s a moderate-effort outing, so bring patience as the day’s weather decides what you get to see.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Small max-10 group: easier movement on the boat and more time actually spent in the water
• Open-water hunt in the Pacific + Sea of Cortez: not just one spot, and the plan adjusts to wildlife
• Iconic Cabo stops: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and Pelican Rock help you get that classic view of Cabo
• Snorkeling equipment + snacks and water included: you’re set for the water time and the in-between
• Photography support: photos and videos are part of the deal, and some guides use extra photo tools for memorable underwater shots

Why this Cabo ocean safari feels different than a quick boat ride

Cabo is famous for big views and big names. This tour aims for something more specific: an ocean-focused safari, with time spent looking for wildlife and then snorkeling when conditions allow. The pitch is simple—up-close encounters—while the operating style is what makes it feel worth your time.

I like that the day’s framing is about animal safety and diver safety, not just chasing rare sightings at any cost. That mindset matters in a place where boats are common and attention can stress marine life. When your guide keeps things calm and uses the animal’s space, you’re far more likely to have longer, better encounters.

And with the Sea of Cortez in the mix, you’re not just “out on a boat.” You’re in waters known for productive marine life—so the chance of seeing rays, sea lions, dolphins, sharks, and other surprises stays real. One of the strongest themes from the experience is variety. Even on days when whales are present, the best moments often include what’s happening right around you: animals moving through the water, surfacing at convenient moments, and letting you get a look without chaos.

Your day at sea: 9:00am start, about 4 hours, and a tight group

This outing runs roughly four hours, starting at 9:00am, and it finishes back where you met. The meeting point is Dock C, Marina del Rey Blvd, Paseo de la Marina, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. It’s offered in English, with a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at booking.

The “small group” limit (maximum 10 travelers) is more than a brag line. Smaller boats mean you’re less likely to feel like one more number getting herded around. It also helps your guide shift plans faster—like moving to where the wildlife activity is higher, rather than following a strict checklist even when the ocean isn’t cooperating.

Another practical note: the tour calls for a moderate physical fitness level. That usually means you should feel comfortable boarding, moving on a boat, and getting in and out of the water safely. If you prefer zero stairs, zero bending, and zero time on uneven surfaces, you may want to choose a more “stationary” style tour.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: the Cabo icon, plus a good launch point for the day

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is the famous arch formation you’ve probably seen in photos. On this safari, it’s stop number one, which makes sense. Early in the day, the light can be better for pictures, and everyone gets oriented fast—where you’re headed and how the coastline shapes the route.

What you should expect at this stop is mostly about positioning and that classic “this is Cabo” moment. Even if you’re focused on whales and rays, I think this landmark stop helps the whole trip feel like more than just hunting wildlife. You get a recognizable, easy-to-frame view, then you move on to the more variable part of the day: open ocean searching.

A potential drawback? Since the ocean runs the show, timing can shift. If the crew has to adjust due to water conditions or wildlife behavior, the rest of the day can compress or expand. If you’re the type who needs a perfectly timed schedule, plan some flexibility before and after this tour.

Pelican Rock: a classic Cabo landmark tied to wildlife atmosphere

Pelican Rock is stop number two, and it’s often associated with big marine-and-bird energy. Even if your main goal is whales, this stop can be a useful “read the day” moment. The crew uses landmark waters as a staging area—then makes a call about where to spend the next chunk of time.

In practice, this kind of stop tends to help in two ways:

1. You get more chances to spot activity right away, before you move into deeper open water.
2. Your guide can choose the next location based on what they’re seeing in real time.

One thing I like here is that the itinerary isn’t pretending it’s a guaranteed species parade. The tour explicitly frames it as nature, with surprises. Pelican Rock fits that reality: you’re in the right area, looking around, and the next move depends on what the ocean is doing.

Sea of Cortez open-water time: rays, dolphins, sharks, and possible whales

Stop number three is where the safari feel really kicks in—Sea of Cortez open-water time. This is where you’re most likely to get the “wow” moments: underwater Mobula rays, sea lions, dolphins, sharks, and more. And for whale watchers, the most meaningful thing is that whale sightings show up in the stories connected to this experience.

Some guests specifically mentioned humpback whales and grey whales, including dramatic surfacing moments. That’s not something you should count on every day, but it does tell you the area can deliver real whale watching, not just “maybe someday.”

A key point for your expectations: wildlife encounters aren’t scripted. On a good day, you might get multiple sightings and lots of time in the water. On a tougher day, you might have shorter windows—especially if animals move farther offshore or if conditions make it unsafe to stay. That’s why I advise building the tour into a flexible part of your schedule.

Snorkeling on coral reefs: why the end stop matters

The tour doesn’t end with just boat spotting. Snorkeling is part of the experience, with snorkeling equipment included. The day ends with snorkeling at coral reefs, and at least one guest described it as colorful with tons of exotic fish.

This matters for two reasons:

• It turns the trip into a mix of surface viewing and underwater time, so you’re not waiting the whole day for one moment.
• Reef snorkeling gives you a more “constant” experience compared to whales, which show up and disappear.

Practical tip: snorkeling equipment is included, but a wetsuit isn’t listed as included in the provided details. One review noted paying about $15 USD for a wetsuit. If you’re sensitive to cooler water or you plan to stay in the water longer than expected, it’s smart to ask ahead whether wetsuits are available and what the cost looks like on your day.

Also, the time you spend in the water can vary. One guest reported very limited time (around a few minutes total) when the search for rays didn’t pan out. That doesn’t mean it’ll happen to you, but it does reinforce the best strategy: go for the experience, not a strict checklist.

Guides and the ethics factor: how this tour earns its high marks

The most praised parts of this tour are repeatedly tied to the guides—how they search, how they talk about marine life, and how they treat the animals with respect. The experience description is clear about integrity and safety for both animals and divers. In the real-world stories, that shows up as calm handling, thoughtful positioning, and a strong effort to find wildlife.

I also noticed something practical: multiple guide names came up in different ways. Nick and Rafa were mentioned as an awesome team, with time in the water to snorkel and time to see whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Alex was praised for being positive and patient while trying hard to find marine life. Kyla was singled out for taking plenty of pictures at El Arco so you could get the Cabo signature shots at your pace.

That combination—wildlife focus plus photography support—can make the whole day feel smoother. And it’s not just about being friendly. It’s about communication: knowing what you’re looking for, when to look, and how to act in the water. When you understand the basics, your odds improve because you’re not guessing.

Price check: what $215 includes, and what you should verify

At $215 per person for about four hours, this is not a budget impulse buy. You’re paying for a small-group ocean safari setup plus the included gear and food. Here’s what you can count on from the provided details:

• snorkeling equipment
• snacks and bottled water
• photos and videos of the experience
• a guide
• mobile ticket and confirmation at booking

In other words, you’re not just buying boat time. You’re buying guided ocean searching and an underwater component, plus documentation of the day.

Where the value question gets interesting is the potential for small extras. Two items popped up in the provided feedback:

• A guest paid around $15 USD for a wetsuit (not advertised in the provided details).
• A guest mentioned 10 free photos, with additional photos costing extra if you wanted more.

Those may not be identical for every day or every traveler, but they’re enough that I’d treat them as “ask before you arrive” items. If you want to avoid surprises, message the operator or confirm during check-in how wetsuits are handled and what the photo package includes beyond the initial set.

Who should book this Cabo whale watching and ocean safari

This tour fits best if you want a real ocean experience with structure, but you also accept that wildlife timing is unpredictable. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness, and it’s designed for a small max group, which helps with both safety and attention.

You may be a great match if:

• you’re okay with some waiting while the crew searches for wildlife activity
• you enjoy snorkeling and want gear provided
• you want Cabo landmarks like El Arco, but your main goal is marine life
• you’d like a guide who emphasizes respect and calm interactions with animals

It’s also in English, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, which can reduce stress if you’re not driving.

If you know you’ll be upset by a day that doesn’t deliver your exact species wish list, this tour might still work—but only if you’re flexible on outcomes. One guest was thrilled by many humpback and grey whales, while another left disappointed when the day produced mostly whales and not much else, plus limited time in the water.

Should you book it? My honest take

I’d book this Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching if your priorities are:

• small group energy (max 10)
• ethics and animal-safe behavior
• a chance at rays, dolphins, and whales (when conditions line up)
• snorkeling at the end, with gear and reef time

I would hesitate or double-check before booking if:

• you can’t handle schedule changes due to weather or ocean conditions
• you’re hoping for a guaranteed long time in the water (it can vary by day)
• you want a clear, upfront answer on wetsuits and how many photos are included in your exact package

If you treat it like a guided ocean adventure rather than a species guarantee, this is the kind of tour that tends to land very well.

FAQ

Where does the Open Ocean Safari meet and what time does it start?

You meet at Dock C, Marina del Rey Blvd, Paseo de la Marina, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The start time is 9:00am.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is approximately 4 hours.

What’s the group size?

The experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What animals might I see on this safari?

The experience mentions possible underwater Mobula rays, sea lions, dolphins, sharks, and more. Whale sightings are also included in the whale watching theme, and some guests specifically mentioned humpback and grey whales.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks and bottled water are included.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. Photos & videos of the experience are included. One review also mentioned 10 free photos, with additional photos requiring extra payment, so it’s worth asking what’s included for your package.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes. It’s a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking.

What if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any physical requirement?

The tour states travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.