Cabo Blue Snorkeling Cruise, Open Bar and Lunch in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo Blue turns a short afternoon cruise into a full Cabo sampler: El Arco, Lovers Beach, snorkeling, lunch, an open bar, and possible humpback whales all fit into about three and a half hours. The boat carries up to 40 people, so you get a social outing without the scale of a huge excursion vessel.

I like the generous mix of included extras, especially the fresh baguette lunch with guacamole, salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit. I also like the attentive crew, who help with photos and keep an eye on swimmers. The tradeoff is clear: this is a lively music-and-drinks cruise, not a quiet sailing trip, and the Arch photo stop may feel short if sightseeing is your main goal.

Key Points

• Whale watching can be a major bonus: From mid-December through mid-April, the crew may stop for humpback whales, sometimes more than once during the cruise.
• Santa Maria Bay offers about 45 to 50 minutes in the water: You can snorkel, use a floating mat, or try a paddleboard when conditions allow.
• Lunch is more than a basic snack: Fresh turkey, cheese, and vegetable baguettes come with guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit.
• The boat has a party-friendly mood: Current music and flowing drinks create fun energy, but the volume may not suit anyone seeking a peaceful sail.
• The marina can take patience: Check in at 12:40 p.m. for the 1 p.m. departure, and allow extra time to find Cabo Blue Boat at the main marina.
• The price covers most of the day’s essentials: At $79.80 per person, snorkeling gear, food, drinks, and water equipment are included, but bring cash for the $1 port fee and tip.

A Cabo Afternoon Built Around El Arco

The best reason to book this cruise is the efficient route. In one outing, you see the rock formations at Land’s End, stop near Pelican Rock, pass Lovers Beach, photograph El Arco, and spend time in the water at Santa Maria Bay.

That matters in Cabo San Lucas, where the signature sights are spread along the coast and are often easier to appreciate from a boat than from shore. You get a moving view of the Sea of Cortez, with the Baja Peninsula dropping away into dramatic rock formations at the southern tip.

The mood is not formal. Music plays, drinks are available from boarding onward, and the crew keeps the tone friendly and social. I would describe it as a relaxed party boat with a real snorkeling stop, rather than a sailing lesson or a quiet nature cruise.

The boat is a trimaran, and its size gives the ride a comfortable feel. It can carry a maximum of 40 people, although some departures may feel smaller. That middle ground works well for families, couples, and groups of friends who want some space but also enjoy a communal atmosphere.

Finding the Marina Before the 1 p.m. Departure

Cabo Blue leaves from Cabo Blue Boat at Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, in Cabo San Lucas. The boat departs at 1 p.m., but you need to check in by 12:40 p.m. so boarding can begin on time.

The marina is large, and this is one place where you should not cut things close. A taxi or ride may leave you at the wrong side of the port, and the check-in point can be harder to locate than expected. Ask for the exact map pin in advance if you need it. Parking is around the corner from check-in, and the company can provide a Google Map on request.

You pay a $1 port tax, or 20 pesos, in cash. Gratuity is also not included, so carry cash if you want to tip the crew. Mobile tickets are accepted, and confirmation arrives at booking.

The tour ends back at the marina, which makes the timing easy to manage if you have evening plans. Still, allow some flexibility after the stated three hours and 30 minutes in case the return is affected by sea conditions or wildlife stops.

Pelican Rock and the First Look at Land’s End

Pelican Rock is an early chance to take photographs and settle into the ride. The rock formations here show why Cabo is best seen from the water. You are not simply passing a generic coastline. The Sea of Cortez creates a distinctive setting of isolated rocks, clear open water, and steep coastal shapes.

The stop is mainly about views and photographs, not getting onto the rock. Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure around the boat. The crew can help take pictures, which is useful when you want a group photo without handing your phone to another person on board.

From here, the cruise continues toward Land’s End. Cabo’s famous Arch is not just a photo prop. It marks the southern end of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet around a cluster of sculpted rock formations.

Lovers Beach and the Two-Ocean View

Lovers Beach, known locally as Playa del Amor, sits at Land’s End. One side faces the Sea of Cortez, while the other faces the Pacific Ocean. That unusual position gives the stop its appeal, even if you never set foot on the sand.

The boat provides a good angle for photographs of the beach and surrounding rocks. You should think of this as a scenic boat stop, not a beach visit. The cruise does not include time to walk ashore here, and the snorkeling stop later has a specific rule against swimming to the beach.

This distinction is useful when comparing Cabo excursions. If your dream is to spend an hour on Lovers Beach, choose a water taxi or beach visit instead. Cabo Blue is better for seeing several major sights in one continuous trip.

El Arco, Cabo’s Essential Photo Stop

El Arco is the visual centerpiece of the cruise. The crew stops to give you time for photos and may help capture pictures of your group with the Arch behind you.

The exact amount of time can vary with the pace of the outing and sea conditions. I would bring a camera, but I would not expect a long, quiet stop dedicated only to the Arch. The tour also has to reach Santa Maria Bay, provide time for snorkeling, serve lunch, and return to the marina within a limited afternoon window.

That balance is the main consideration for sightseers. One stop may feel shorter than you want, especially if you are focused on getting the perfect Arch photograph. On the other hand, the cruise gives you far more than a quick Arch transfer. You are seeing the coast, riding past Land’s End, and spending a meaningful part of the afternoon in the water.

Santa Maria Bay Is the Main Water Stop

Santa Maria Bay is the practical heart of the excursion. It is one of the top snorkeling areas in Los Cabos, and Cabo Blue anchors here so the crew can distribute masks, tubes, fins, and lifejackets.

You can expect roughly 45 to 50 minutes in the water. That is enough time to snorkel at an unhurried pace, especially for families or anyone who does not snorkel often. Several outings have produced clear sightings of many fish, while other conditions have been cloudier. Water visibility is never fully guaranteed.

The snorkeling is done near the boat, and you are not allowed to swim to shore. That rule keeps the group close to the vessel and makes it easier for the crew to watch swimmers. If you are a hesitant swimmer, the included lifejacket and crew support can make the activity feel manageable, though you should still be comfortable entering the sea.

Two paddleboards are available when ocean conditions are suitable. A floating water mat is also included, but both options depend on safe, calm conditions. They are useful for children or anyone who wants time on the water without spending the entire stop with a mask and fins.

The boat also has a rinse-off hose, so you can wash away salt water before lunch. Bring reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, and a sun shirt. The afternoon sun can be intense, and one pair of sunglasses or a hat lost to the water is an avoidable souvenir.

Fresh Baguettes, Mexican Snacks, and Open Drinks

Lunch is served after the water activities. The main item is a freshly prepared baguette with turkey, cheese, and vegetables. You also get guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit.

This is a simple boat lunch, not a restaurant meal, but it is more substantial than the small packaged snack often found on short cruises. The timing is smart: you finish snorkeling, rinse off, and then eat while enjoying the ride and views.

The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Water and soft drinks are available, and alcoholic beverages flow during the cruise. The exact selection is not specified, so you should not book this expecting a particular premium brand or cocktail menu.

I like that the food and drinks are included in the $79.80 price. If you paid separately for a sightseeing boat, snorkel gear, lunch, and drinks, the total would quickly rise. The value is strongest when you plan to use both the snorkeling and open bar. If you only want to photograph the Arch and avoid the water, a shorter sightseeing option may be a better fit.

Whales Can Change the Whole Afternoon

Whale watching is seasonal. The main window is from mid-December through mid-April, when humpback whales pass through the waters around Cabo. Sightings are never promised, but the captain may pause when whales appear along the route.

Several departures have included breaches, fin slaps, multiple pods, and whales seen both before and after snorkeling. Sea lions and turtles have also been spotted on some outings. These encounters can become the most memorable part of the day, but nature sets the schedule.

If whale watching is your top priority, book a dedicated whale tour during the season. Cabo Blue works better if you want snorkeling and Cabo scenery first, with whales as a valuable bonus. Outside the main season, you should not count on seeing them.

Crew Service and the Boat’s Social Mood

The crew receives strong praise for attentive service. Names associated with recent trips include Captain Kiko Mariscal, Ismael, Lalo, Ricardo, and Brian. Crew assignments can change, but Cabo Blue’s service style is consistent in the details: drinks offered throughout the cruise, help with equipment, photo assistance, and attention to swimmers.

The crew also keeps the boat organized without forcing everyone into each activity. You can snorkel, try a paddleboard when conditions permit, use the floating mat, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

Music is part of the experience. The Bluetooth sound system plays current, upbeat selections, and the mood can feel like a party boat, though not necessarily a wild one. Some people will love the energy. If loud music bothers you, or if you want a quiet sail with narration, this is worth considering before you book.

The boat is clean and comfortable, but do not expect a traditional sailing experience. The focus is on a motorized sightseeing and snorkeling cruise with music, food, and drinks.

Who Gets the Most Value From the $79.80 Price

I think the price is fair for the package. You get a 3.5-hour boat trip, several Cabo landmarks, snorkeling gear, about 45 to 50 minutes in Santa Maria Bay, lunch, unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and possible wildlife viewing.

It is especially useful for families with children aged five and up, couples who want a mix of scenery and activity, and friends looking for a sociable afternoon. Most people can participate, and the included lifejackets help make the water stop accessible to a range of comfort levels.

You get less value if you dislike group outings, loud music, or open-bar settings. You also may want a different tour if you need a long snorkeling session, a quiet naturalist guide, or guaranteed beach time.

The strong rating of 4.8 from 686 reviews and a 96 percent recommendation rate point to a reliable experience, but the recurring caveats matter. The Arch stop may feel brief, the snorkeling can be affected by visibility, and the marina requires careful navigation.

Booking, Weather, and Practical Details

The tour is offered in English and accepts mobile tickets. The minimum age is five, and the maximum group size is 40 people.

Good weather is required. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-friendly sunscreen, sun protection, and cash for the port tax and tip. Keep your phone protected from spray, especially if you sit near the front of the boat. The front can be a fun place for views, but it may also get splashed.

Should You Book Cabo Blue?

Book this cruise if you want the most variety from a single Cabo afternoon. The route covers Land’s End, Lovers Beach, Pelican Rock, and El Arco, then adds a real snorkeling stop, food, drinks, music, and the possibility of humpback whales.

I would choose it for a first Cabo visit, a family group with mixed interests, or friends who want activity without spending a full day at sea. I would skip it only if your priority is a quiet sail, a long snorkeling session, or substantial time on a beach.

For most people, the package delivers good value. Arrive early, find the marina carefully, protect yourself from the sun, and treat whale sightings as a bonus rather than a promise. Do that, and Cabo Blue gives you a lively, well-packed look at the coast.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo Blue snorkeling cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs at 1 p.m. You must check in at 12:40 p.m. to begin boarding.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at Cabo Blue Boat, Muelle Principal, Marina del Rey, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

What food is included?

Lunch includes freshly prepared turkey, cheese, and vegetable baguettes, along with guacamole, Mexican salsa, tuna salad, chips, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages is included in the ticket price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The cruise provides masks, tubes, fins, and lifejackets. A rinse-off hose is also available.

Can I use a paddleboard or floating mat?

Two paddleboards and a floating water mat are included, but they are available only when ocean conditions are suitable.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted or refunded. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.