Snorkel Santa María & Chileno Bays: Small-Group Zodiac Adventure in Los Cabos
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate; participants should be comfortable swimming short distances and able to climb in and out of a small boat.
Overview
Board a Zodiac at Marina de Cabo San Lucas and head to Santa María and Chileno Bays for two 30-minute snorkeling swims in the Sea of Cortez. Small groups, guided snorkeling, a light beach lunch, and a post-snorkel visit to Land’s End make this a compact, high-value marine day trip.
Snorkel Santa María & Chileno Bays: Small-Group Zodiac Adventure in Los Cabos
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The marina wakes like a contained ocean—boats breathing diesel, guides checking masks, and the late-morning sun sliding gold over the water. A Zodiac cuts loose from the dock and the shore blurs into a coastline of sheer rock, hidden coves and beaches that dare you to jump in. For three-and-a-half hours, the Sea of Cortez becomes the main character: clear enough to read the movement of schools of fish, loud with the nasal chat of sea lions, and broad enough to make the arch at Land’s End feel like the gateway to another world.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early to check in
Plan to be at La Terminal de Cabo at least 30 minutes before departure to complete check-in and pay the dock fee if required.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable sunscreen before boarding to protect reefs and reduce reapplication while in the water.
Wear water shoes
Rocky beaches and boat ladders are easier on feet with protective footwear—helps during quick entries and exits.
Float, don’t fight
If currents pick up, conserve energy by staying relaxed and following your guide’s instructions to avoid fatigue.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- California sea lions
- tropical reef fish (angelfish, parrotfish)
History
These bays lie along the Sea of Cortez, a biologically rich gulf documented by early naturalists like Jacques Cousteau; local landscapes reflect tectonic separation of the Baja Peninsula.
Conservation
Operators encourage reef-safe practices—avoid touching coral and use biodegradable sunscreen; limits on tour sizes help reduce localized pressure on popular snorkel sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cabo San Lucas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the marine environment in strong sun and on reflective water.
summer specific
Water shoes
Protects feet on rocky beaches and during boardings and exits from the Zodiac.
summer specific
Quick-dry change of clothes
Comfortable to wear after snorkeling and on the return van ride.
Waterproof phone case or small camera
Allows for splash-proof photos from the boat and shoreline without risking your device.
summer specific