Los Cabos Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat with Photos Included

The best part of this Cabo outing is the small, fast boat. Baja Vikings Ecoventures takes up to 15 people on a 28-foot Apex, letting you reach the Sea of Cortez quickly and search for calmer, less crowded snorkel sites. Along the way, guides such as Mario, Fernando, Luen, and Ivan add local stories and point out marine life.

I like the personal help in the water, especially for first-time snorkelers or anyone who is not a strong swimmer. I also like that photos and videos are included, along with water, juice, and snacks. The main caution is the sea itself: rough conditions can make the ride uncomfortable, and one report described poor mask fit and an unpleasant experience with the boat operator. That serious complaint deserves attention, even though the overall rating is 4.9 from 46 reviews.

Key points at a glance

• 28-foot Apex speedboat: A compact boat built for quick movement around Cabo’s coast, with a step, platform, and ladder for easier water entry.
• Small groups up to 15 people: The size allows guides to offer more personal assistance than a large party boat.
• Cabo’s famous sights: The route can include the Arch, Lands End, Lovers Beach, and the sea lion colony.
• Sea life beyond the reef: Depending on conditions and season, you might see turtles, rays, sharks, whales, sea lions, colorful fish, or even orcas.
• Photos and videos included: You receive professional-style images as part of the outing, though delivery may take time.
• Three hours for $89: A fair price if you value a small boat, guide support, equipment, and included media.

A small boat makes Cabo feel more open

This is not a long party-boat cruise with a crowd packed shoulder to shoulder. The boat carries no more than 15 people, and that changes the feel of the outing. You get a better chance to speak with your guide, ask questions, and receive help when you need it.

The custom 28-foot Apex is made for coastal travel. Its smaller size helps it move around Cabo’s landmarks and reach snorkeling areas without the slow pace of a large vessel. It also has a custom platform and ladder, which matter more than they may sound. Getting out of the water can be awkward when you are tired, cold, or wearing fins. A proper step and ladder make the process less stressful.

The tradeoff is that a smaller speedboat can feel the movement of the sea more clearly. A family outing in August took place after a storm, and the water was rough enough to make the ride difficult for one child. The crew still reached the snorkeling site, but the ride back caused seasickness. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a calm-weather day if possible and consider sitting where the movement feels least noticeable.

Setting out from Marina Cabo San Lucas

The meeting point is Baja Vikings Ecoventures at Boulevard Marina, Edificio Plaza API, Modulo B-20, Marina de Cabo San Lucas. The activity starts and ends here, so you do not need to arrange separate transportation between the boat and your hotel.

The meeting area can be harder to identify than the central marina address suggests. One family had trouble finding the assigned boat, but guide Peter located them and helped them get to the dock. I would arrive early, keep your phone available, and allow extra time to find Modulo B-20 rather than arriving at the last minute.

Once aboard, the certified guide reviews the outing and helps with the gear. The supplied snorkeling equipment is included, as are drinking water in reusable cups, juice boxes, snacks, and all photos and videos. Sunscreen and towels are not supplied, so bring reef-safe sunscreen if you use it and carry your own towel.

The boat also provides a useful introduction to Cabo’s marine setting. The Sea of Cortez is famous for its wide range of sea life, with more than 900 fish species and more than 5,000 types of marine invertebrates. You do not need to know the names of fish before you arrive. A good guide can turn a patch of water into a living field guide by pointing out what you are seeing and explaining how the local ecosystem works.

The Arch, Lands End, and Lovers Beach

The sightseeing begins before you put on a mask. Cabo’s famous Arch rises at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, and the route can also include Lands End, Lovers Beach, and the sea lion colony.

These stops give the speedboat ride a clear purpose. You are not simply being taken to a random reef. You get a look at the landmarks that define Cabo’s southern tip, then continue toward a place suited for snorkeling.

The sea lion colony adds a wildlife element even if you do not enter the water there. The guides can explain what you are seeing and help connect the busy marina area with the larger marine ecosystem. From the boat, the rock formations and beaches provide some of the most recognizable views in Los Cabos.

Exact viewing time and route can change with weather, water conditions, and wildlife activity. The Arch is a natural landmark, not a timed attraction with a fixed schedule. Think of this portion as a scenic coastal cruise mixed into an active snorkeling trip.

Finding a quieter snorkeling site

The company’s small-group approach is most useful once the boat reaches the snorkeling area. Guides aim for sites that are safe and less crowded, and several outings reached spots where the group had plenty of room in the water.

That space makes a real difference. You can watch fish without constantly bumping into other swimmers, and your guide has a better chance of keeping track of the group. It also helps beginners who need a moment to get comfortable with the mask, snorkel, and fins.

The boat’s platform and ladder are useful here. You can enter the water without climbing over a high side, and a guide can assist you if you need a hand. The guides are certified and are there to help with both entry and exit, not just point toward the reef and leave you to manage alone.

Still, the standard of instruction may not feel identical on every departure. One negative account described badly fitting equipment and little help learning how to snorkel. That is sharply different from the many positive reports about attentive crew members, but it is a sensible reason to check your mask seal before leaving the boat. If the fit is poor, tell the guide immediately and ask for another mask.

What you might see beneath the surface

The fish are the main attraction, and the Sea of Cortez can deliver a lively mix of small reef species. Reports from different trips include colorful fish, starfish, rays, turtles, and a baby shark.

You may also see larger animals on the way to or from the snorkel site. Humpback whales appeared during several outings, including one outside the usual whale season. Sea lions and stingrays were also seen close to the boat. One especially unusual sighting involved a family of orcas, though that should be treated as a lucky event rather than something promised by the tour.

This is important when setting expectations. The company can take you to good habitat and provide a guide who knows what to watch for, but wildlife remains wild. A whale sighting is possible, not guaranteed. The same applies to sharks, turtles, rays, and orcas.

The guide’s role adds value even when the biggest animals stay away. Mario was praised for pointing out different fish, starfish, and sharks while also explaining Cabo’s history and marine life. Fernando and Mario were also singled out for helping guests notice turtles and a baby shark. These details turn the trip from a quick swim into a better introduction to the Sea of Cortez.

Why the included photos matter

All photos and videos are included in the price. That is a useful benefit on a snorkeling trip, since carrying your own phone into the water can be risky and distracting.

The included images also let you focus on swimming and watching the reef. You do not have to choose between holding a camera and keeping both hands available. Several outings produced professional-looking photos, and families valued having a record of the sea life and the group.

There is one practical wrinkle: photo delivery may not be immediate. One guest was still waiting for the images after the trip, while another found the files too large to upload. Ask the crew how and when the files will be sent before you leave the dock. If you are booking this partly for the photos, confirm that your contact information is correct.

Is $89 a fair price?

At $89 per person, this sits in a reasonable range for a three-hour marine outing in Cabo, especially when you count the snorkeling equipment, snacks, drinks, guide service, and photos and videos.

The value is strongest if you want more than a basic boat transfer. You are paying for a certified guide, a small group, a speedboat, scenic stops, help in the water, and media to take home. A larger tour might offer a lower headline price, but it may not provide the same level of personal assistance or the same chance to reach a quieter site.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is to swim for a short time and you already have your own equipment and camera. It is also worth remembering that the cost does not include sunscreen, towels, or crew tips.

The tour is generally booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 31 days. That suggests you should reserve early if your Cabo dates are fixed, particularly if you want a certain departure time or are visiting during a busy period.

Who will get the most from this outing?

I would recommend this tour to families, couples, and small groups who want a focused morning or afternoon on the water. It works especially well for first-time snorkelers because the guides can help you get in and out of the water and provide personal assistance.

It is also a good choice for people who care about wildlife and photographs. The chance to see whales, turtles, rays, sea lions, or other animals adds excitement, while the included images save you from arranging a separate photographer.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The supplied information does not promise that every departure will suit every mobility need, so contact the operator before booking if you require specific assistance beyond the platform and ladder.

Strong swimmers may appreciate the quieter sites and marine information, but this is not only for experienced snorkelers. The crew has helped people who had never snorkeled before. At the same time, you should be comfortable entering the sea and should speak up if you need more instruction or a different mask.

Booking, weather, and practical details

You receive confirmation at booking, and the tour returns to the same Marina Cabo San Lucas meeting point. The activity is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded. The cut-off follows local Cabo time.

The trip needs suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can take another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number is not reached, you can also choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a phone with the booking details. Arrive early enough to locate Modulo B-20. If you are prone to seasickness, the rough-water account is a reminder to plan carefully, especially after storms.

Should you book the Baja Vikings snorkeling tour?

I would book it if you want a small-group Cabo boat trip with real guide support, famous coastal sights, and a good chance to see marine life. The strongest reasons are the compact group, the helpful crew members named in the feedback, the easy water-entry platform, and the included photos and videos.

I would pause if you need a guaranteed calm ride, a highly structured snorkeling lesson, or immediate photo delivery. Confirm the gear fit and ask the crew to explain the snorkel clearly before entering the water.

For $89, this is a good-value choice for families and first-time snorkelers who want a more personal outing than a large boat can provide. Keep your expectations realistic about weather and wildlife, and you get a lively three hours around the Sea of Cortez with plenty of room for a memorable surprise.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Baja Vikings Ecoventures, Boulevard Marina, Edificio Plaza API, Modulo B-20, Marina de Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What landmarks may I see?

The route can include The Arch, Lands End, Lovers Beach, and the sea lion colony.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the experience.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. The tour includes snacks, drinking water served in reusable cups, and juice boxes.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. All photos and videos taken as part of the experience are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.