Snorkel Privately in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo’s best feature is often seen from the water, and this private trip gives you a close look without joining a crowded excursion boat. Roger and his crew cruise past the Arch and Lover’s Beach, explain the coast’s rock formations, and then take you to a place to swim and snorkel. The guide gets in the water with you, pointing out fish, rays, turtles, puffer fish, and other sea life.

I like the clean, comfortable boat and the extra-long ladder, which makes climbing back aboard easier after snorkeling. I also like the personal pace: Roger can adjust the outing for first-time snorkelers, children, or confident swimmers. The main drawback is time. The ride to the snorkel area can take about 30 minutes, and a three-hour trip may include only two snorkel stops.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for your group: The advertised rate is $420 for up to three people, with no unrelated passengers sharing your outing.
• A guide who snorkels with you: Roger is often in the water, helping you spot marine life and keeping an eye on comfort and ability.
• Cabo sights come before the fish: Expect views of the Arch, Lover’s Beach, and other coastal rock formations along the way.
• Well-kept equipment and boat: Snorkel gear, bottled water, and soft drinks are included.
• Useful family touches: The extended ladder, patient instruction, and calm approach can help children and new swimmers.
• Allow for boat time: One snorkel area may be roughly 30 minutes from the marina, so this is part sightseeing cruise and part water activity.

A private view of Cabo from Playa El Médano

You meet at The Office on the Beach on Playa El Médano at 9:00 a.m. Look for the circle of standing surfboards near the corner by the swimming-with-dolphins attraction, at Dock 1. The meeting area can be a little tricky to spot, so save the directions and allow extra time to get there.

The trip begins with a look at Cabo from the water. This matters because the famous rock formations make more sense from a boat than from shore. Roger explains the types of rock and how the coastline is shaped, turning what could be a simple photo stop into a short lesson about the setting around Cabo San Lucas.

The boat also passes the Arch and Lover’s Beach. These are popular sights, so you should not expect solitude around every photo stop. The benefit of a private boat is that you do not have to compete with a large group for a place to sit or a clear view. The crew makes an effort to position the boat for photographs, though other boats may still be nearby.

The boat itself receives strong praise for being clean and comfortable. One particularly useful feature is the front sun deck, which gives you a pleasant place to sit while underway. Bring sun protection, since the morning includes time outside on the water and lunch is not provided.

The ride to the snorkel site

The boat ride is part of the experience, but it is also the chief tradeoff. One account puts the journey to the snorkel area at about 30 minutes. On a three-hour outing, that is a meaningful share of your time.

I would book this for the full mix of Cabo scenery, wildlife watching, and snorkeling, not for a long session in the water. The route may include extra stops for photos or marine life. Whales, dolphins, rays, turtles, and even orcas have been seen on some trips, but wildlife is never guaranteed.

The timing can be especially rewarding from late winter into spring if large marine animals happen to be in the area. Specific outings in January and February included whales, dolphins, and whale song heard underwater. Another trip saw orcas hunting a large whale. Those encounters are remarkable, but they are chance sightings, not a promised part of the schedule.

The crew may also stop for unusual wildlife activity. Rays have been seen leaping from the water, and the guides have taken time to watch them. These moments add value because you are not simply rushing from the marina to a marked swimming area.

What snorkeling is really like

Once you reach the swimming area, Roger’s role becomes especially useful. He gets into the water with you, looks carefully for small animals, and points out things you could easily miss while wearing a mask. Fish, stingrays, turtles, puffer fish, and white-tip sharks have all been encountered on different outings.

The guides can also help first-time snorkelers settle in. Families have used the trip with children as young as five, and one family brought a two-year-old aboard. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not give a formal minimum age or swimming requirement. If you are bringing a very young child or anyone uneasy in open water, ask the operator about your group before booking.

The boat has a ladder with an extra extension. That is a small but important detail. After swimming, getting back into a boat can be harder than getting out of it, especially for children, older adults, or anyone tired from kicking against current. A longer ladder should make the return easier, though you still need enough mobility to climb aboard.

Snorkel conditions vary. Some outings have found a quiet site with plenty of fish and no other boats. Another account described a smaller area with less variety and only two snorkel locations. You should set expectations accordingly: this is a guided coastal outing, not a full-day trip to several large reefs.

Mask fit deserves attention. One person could not snorkel comfortably because the available masks did not fit well. I would contact Roger before departure if anyone in your group has a narrow, wide, or otherwise hard-to-fit face. The equipment is generally described as clean and in very good condition, but a mask that seals poorly can ruin the water portion of the trip.

Roger’s in-water guidance and photos

The private format changes the feel of the snorkeling. On a large boat, a guide may point in a direction and hope you see the animal. Here, Roger can stay close to your group and show you what he notices.

He has a strong eye for marine life. He has located rays, turtles, puffer fish, sharks, and fish that snorkelers might otherwise pass. He also uses an underwater GoPro on many outings and has shared the resulting videos with guests shortly after returning to the boat.

That photo service is a real value. You can keep your attention on the water instead of trying to manage a camera while swimming. It also gives families a record of children trying snorkeling for the first time. Some outings have included drone footage as well, handled by Otto, though you should confirm what is available on your specific booking rather than treating it as a guaranteed feature.

The guides do not seem to make the photos feel like a sales trap. The supplied details describe videos being transferred without an extra photo charge. Still, ask at booking if underwater or drone footage is important to you, since the trip’s formal inclusions list only snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soft drinks.

The crew and the private pace

Roger is the main guide named for this experience. His son Otto has joined some outings, and Jimmy has also worked as part of the crew. Together, they provide a mix of boat handling, local explanation, and in-water help.

The private setup is best for families, couples, or a small group that wants control over the pace. You can spend more time taking photographs, slow down for a nervous swimmer, or give confident snorkelers a little more attention without holding up a boatload of strangers.

Roger has also adjusted the tone for different groups. Kid-friendly music has been used for families, while couples and adult groups have enjoyed a more relaxed ride. The guides explain the coastline without filling every quiet moment with commentary, which suits people who want both information and time to watch the water.

The advertised capacity is up to three people at $420 per group. That works out to $140 per person if three people share the boat. For two people, the per-person cost is higher, but the private setting can still make sense if avoiding a crowded boat is a priority.

There is an important capacity detail to clarify. Several trip accounts describe families of four, five, six, or even eight people, yet the stated price is for a group of up to three. Do not assume the same rate or boat arrangement applies to a larger party. Contact Roger before paying if your group exceeds three, and get the total price and capacity in writing.

What is included, and what you need to bring

The trip includes use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soda or pop. You do not need to pack fins, mask, or snorkel unless you prefer using your own.

Lunch is not included. Since the outing lasts about three hours and starts at 9:00 a.m., eat beforehand or plan a meal after returning. The crew has recommended lunch places to some groups, but the meal itself is outside the tour.

I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cover-up. Those items are not listed as inclusions, so plan as if you need to provide them yourself. Keep valuables to a minimum, especially if you expect to spend time in the water.

The meeting point is also the end point. Pickup is offered, but the listed start location remains The Office on the Beach at Playa El Médano. Confirm pickup details in advance if you are staying away from the beach area.

Who will get the most from this Cabo trip

This outing fits you best if you want a private boat, personal help in the water, and a mix of sightseeing and snorkeling. It is especially appealing for families with children, first-time snorkelers, couples wanting a quieter boat, and anyone who dislikes large group excursions.

It also suits wildlife watchers. Whales, dolphins, rays, turtles, sharks, and orcas have appeared on different trips. The guide’s ability to stop and point out animals adds something beyond a simple ride to a swimming site.

I would think twice if your only goal is maximizing snorkel time. The ride to the site can take about half an hour, and conditions at the chosen area may produce a limited fish selection. A dedicated full-day reef trip might be a better match for serious snorkelers, but no such alternative is described here, so compare actual schedules before choosing.

The trip is also not ideal for anyone who cannot climb a boat ladder or who needs guaranteed mask sizing. The extended ladder helps, and most people can participate, but the operator should know about mobility or equipment concerns before departure.

Price, booking timing, and weather rules

At $420 for up to three people, the private rate is not the cheapest way to get onto the water. It becomes more reasonable when three people share it, especially since you receive a private boat, gear, drinks, and a guide who can focus on your group.

The real value is control. You are not waiting for a large group to finish snorkeling, fighting for the best photo position, or following a fixed pace that does not suit your family. If those things matter to you, the extra cost can be worthwhile.

This trip is commonly booked about 28 days ahead, so I would reserve early if your Cabo dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives at booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book this private snorkel trip?

I would book it for a small group that values a clean boat, direct help in the water, and a relaxed route past Cabo’s main coastal sights. Roger’s patient guidance, the extended ladder, and the included gear make it a good choice for families and newer snorkelers.

I would ask three questions before finalizing: Can the mask size accommodate everyone, what capacity and price apply if you have more than three people, and will underwater or drone footage be available on your date? If the answers work for your group, this is a strong private alternative to a crowded Cabo boat tour.

FAQ

How long is the private snorkeling tour?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at The Office on the Beach, Playa El Médano S/N, El Médano Ejidal, Cabo San Lucas. Look for the circle of standing surfboards near the swimming-with-dolphins attraction at Dock 1.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people does the advertised price cover?

The stated price is $420 per group for up to three people. If your group is larger, confirm the available capacity and price with the operator before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and soda or pop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.