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Snorkel Pelican Rock: Cabo San Lucas Arch Boat Tour & Marine Adventure - Cabo San Lucas

Snorkel Pelican Rock: Cabo San Lucas Arch Boat Tour & Marine Adventure

Cabo San Lucaseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable in water and able to tread or float for short periods.

Overview

Board a two-hour boat from Cabo’s marina to swim around Pelican Rock, cruise past El Arco and the sea lion colony, and snorkel in clear Baja waters. This compact tour blends geology, wildlife viewing, and accessible snorkeling for families and first-timers.

Snorkel Pelican Rock: Cabo San Lucas Arch Boat Tour & Marine Adventure

eco-tour
other
wildlife

The marina still smells of diesel and citrus when the captain calls for boarding—fishermen’s chatter, gulls carving the morning sky, and the hull’s hollow clink as you step aboard. Within minutes the city’s marina slips astern and the deep blue of the Sea of Cortez opens, punctuated by granite spires that rise like punctuation marks. Pelican Rock appears as a vertical island of stone, a roost for birds and a nursery for reef fish; the boat eases alongside, and the water dares you to jump in.

Adventure Photos

Snorkel Pelican Rock: Cabo San Lucas Arch Boat Tour & Marine Adventure photo 1

Adventure Tips

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Apply reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and avoid oily residue on equipment.

Bring a waterproof pouch

Keep your phone, ID, and cash in a sealed dry bag—waves can splash unpredictably while you’re taking photos on deck.

Arrive early for gear fitting

Arrive 20–30 minutes early to get fitted for masks and fins and to receive the safety briefing without rushing.

Take motion-sickness prevention

If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication or use acupressure bands before departure; the open ocean swell can be noticeable.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • California sea lions
  • Parrotfish and other reef fish

History

Cabo San Lucas began as a small fishing village; its signature arches and granite outcrops are the result of millions of years of marine erosion and tectonic uplift.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching or standing on reefs, and follow guides’ instructions to minimize disturbance to marine life.

Adventure Hotspots in Cabo San Lucas

Recommended Gear

Mask & snorkel (if you prefer your own)

Familiar equipment can increase comfort and visibility while snorkeling.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin from intense sun while preventing harm to marine life.

summer specific

Water shoes or reef sandals

Essential

Protects feet when boarding from rocky beaches and slippery ladders.

summer specific

Light windbreaker or rashguard

Useful for cooler mornings, wind on the boat, or sun protection in the water.

winter specific

Frequently Asked Questions