Snorkel Chileno Bay & Santa Maria Cove — Los Cabos Guided Snorkeling Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability is required; participants should be comfortable in calm open water for short periods.
Overview
Discover the calm coves of Chileno Bay and Santa María with a local guide who knows where the fish congregate and when the water is at its calmest. This three-hour, beach-start snorkeling tour in Los Cabos pairs easy entries with rich reef sightings—ideal for families and first-time snorkelers.
Snorkel Chileno Bay & Santa Maria Cove — Los Cabos Guided Snorkeling Tour
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The guide waits outside the OXXO at Plaza Gali as the harbor breathes in and out—ferries cut the water while a breeze threads through the palm trunks. Within an hour the van has slid east along the corridor, the limestone cliffs lowering to beaches where the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez argue over color. At Playa Santa María and Playa El Chileno the ocean calms; its surface seems to invite you in, and below it, fish busy themselves among coral gardens.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for calmer seas
Morning departures usually offer lighter winds and clearer water—opt for the 9 a.m. slot when available.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect the coral and your skin—apply biodegradable sunscreen before entering the water and reapply onshore.
Secure your mask fit
A well-fitted mask prevents leaks and fog; test it on shore and tighten straps rather than over-snorkeling.
Stay with the guide
Follow the guide’s route to see the densest marine life and avoid sensitive reef areas flagged for protection.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Southern stingrays
History
These coves have long served fishermen and travelers; the Sea of Cortez has been a vital marine highway since pre-colonial times and later for Spanish trade routes.
Conservation
The reefs are sensitive—locals and operators emphasize no-touch rules and the use of reef-safe sunscreen to reduce coral stress.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cabo San Lucas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and snorkel
A well-fitting mask and snorkel improve comfort and let you stay longer observing fish.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the coral; apply before arrival and use lip balm with SPF.
summer specific
Water shoes
Protects feet on rocky beach entries and when walking in shallow reef areas.
Light wetsuit or rashguard
Keeps you warmer in cooler months and protects from sun and abrasion.
winter specific