REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Sailing Snorkel Adventure
Book on Viator →Operated by Cabo Day Trips · Bookable on Viator
Sailing in Cabo can be a highlight, fast. With Tomas and Bruno guiding the day, I like the small-group feel and the fact that snorkel gear and stand-up paddleboards are included. My main caution: if wind is light the sails may not fully go up, and rougher conditions can trigger motion sickness since the boat can tilt a lot in breeze.
You’re on the water for about 4 hours, then the rest of your day is yours. That mix of guided time plus free afternoon is a practical way to enjoy Cabo without feeling rushed.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you go
- Cabo pickup to the marina: how the morning starts
- Small 10-person sailing: what you actually do on the boat
- Passing El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: classic views without the hassle
- Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortes: gear, lesson, and what you’ll look for
- Stand-up paddleboard time after snorkeling: balance + wind
- Lunch and open bar aboard: the value you feel right away
- Price, port fees, and the extras that change your total
- Weather realities: when the sails do and don’t go up
- Who should book this sailing snorkeling adventure
- Should you book this Sailing Snorkel Adventure?
- FAQ
- How long is the sailing and snorkeling adventure?
- What time does the tour start in Cabo San Lucas?
- What is included in the price?
- Are there any extra fees?
- How many people are on the tour?
- Where does the tour meet and end?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Quick hits before you go

- Small group (max 10 people) keeps the experience personal and laid-back
- Snorkel gear + Surf Up stand-up paddle equipment included means no last-minute rental stress
- El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is part of the route for classic photo views from the boat
- Hands-on sailing lesson gets you doing more than just sitting there
- Open bar and lunch aboard makes the boat time feel like a real outing
- Wind and motion are part of the deal so plan for it
Cabo pickup to the marina: how the morning starts

This outing is set up for an easy start. You get picked up from your hotel area for a smooth transfer to the marina, then the group boards at the Marina, Cabo San Lucas. Start time is 10:00 am, so it’s a nice mid-morning plan that doesn’t eat your whole day.
Along the way, there’s a short ride with panoramic views before you reach the boats at the marina. Once you’re aboard, you’ll get a welcome drink and a quick orientation, which helps you settle in before the water time starts.
One detail that matters for planning: transportation isn’t listed as fully included in the base price. The tour notes a $10 per person transportation cost plus a separate $5 per person port fee. In practice, you should treat pickup as likely, but double-check what you’ll pay that day so you aren’t surprised.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
Small 10-person sailing: what you actually do on the boat
The biggest value here is the size. With a max of 10 travelers, you’re not lost in a crowd. You get real interaction with the crew, and the guide team can check in on how everyone is doing while you’re learning.
A big part of your first stretch is a sailing lesson. You’ll get hands-on time rather than only watching someone else work the boat. That matters in a place like Cabo, where wind can change quickly. When you know what you’re seeing, the whole experience feels more natural, not like a scripted ride.
The crew names that stand out from past outings are Tomas and Bruno. People specifically praised how Tomas kept things fun and moving, including making sure drinks were flowing. That kind of attention is usually what turns a boat trip into a story you’ll remember.
Passing El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: classic views without the hassle

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is the one listed stop, and it’s a good one. You’ll see it as part of the time on the water early in the experience. Even if you’ve seen photos before, seeing El Arco from the sea changes the scale and angles fast.
The practical benefit: you get a different viewpoint than the standard land-based photo spots. From the boat, you can capture wide shots and then closer views as the water and your position shift.
Photo tip that’s worth following: stay alert to wind while shooting. When it’s breezy, holding a camera steady can be harder than you expect. If you’re using your phone, keep a firm grip and consider a quick strap or wrist hold.
Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortes: gear, lesson, and what you’ll look for

Once the sailing segment is underway, you’ll get snorkel gear and head into the Sea of Cortes. You’ll be exploring ocean life, with the experience calling out things like colorful tropical fish and coral. The water here is known for being a great match for snorkeling, and the tour is built around that.
What I like about how this is structured is that snorkeling is not the only activity. It’s one chapter in a longer time on the water—so when you’re done, you’re not stuck waiting around. You’ll also get put on your gear before heading out, so you’re not spending time hunting down equipment.
One consideration: snorkeling during windy conditions can feel more active than calm-water reef snorkeling. If the sea is rough, you may need to focus more on keeping your balance and breathing steadily. That’s not a deal-breaker, just something to remember.
Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider that the same wind and boat motion that make sailing exciting can make snorkeling more challenging. One review mentioned friends getting sea sick, which is exactly the kind of thing you want to take seriously before you go.
Stand-up paddleboard time after snorkeling: balance + wind

After snorkeling, you switch gears to stand-up paddleboards, marketed as Surf Up paddle Boards. This is a fun add-on because it gives you more control over where you go in the water. If snorkeling feels like floating, paddleboarding feels more like exploring—slowly, at your own pace.
This part is also where wind becomes obvious. If the wind is up, the board can feel like it has its own opinion about direction. A past comment warned that the boat tips noticeably when it’s windy, so you should assume the day can feel bouncy in general.
To make paddleboarding easier:
- Don’t rush the first minute. Get stable, then look around.
- If you’re not a confident paddler, keep your strokes small and controlled.
- Keep your center of gravity steady. Most wobbles are solved by relaxing your legs a little.
If you fall or get splashed, that’s normal for many people. The bigger issue is how you feel about water and motion. If you’re worried, bring a calm mindset and treat it like a lesson, not a test.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Cabo San Lucas
Lunch and open bar aboard: the value you feel right away

You’re not just paying for scenery. You get lunch and alcoholic beverages on board, which turns this into a full outing instead of a quick half-day stop.
The open bar is part of the vibe. Tomas was singled out for good energy and keeping drinks going. That doesn’t mean everyone needs to drink, but it does mean the crew is attentive to comfort, hydration, and the overall tone.
What’s smart about doing lunch and drinks on the boat is timing. You’re already out there. So instead of getting hungry mid-day and hunting for food on land, you have a built-in meal. It also helps you stay in “vacation mode” while the afternoon is still ahead of you.
If you want the best of both worlds, aim to enjoy the sail and snorkeling first, then treat lunch as the moment to slow down. It’s also a good time to hydrate if you’re sensitive to sun.
Price, port fees, and the extras that change your total

The base price is $149 per person. On paper, that sounds straightforward until you add the listed extras:
- Port fee: $5 per person (not included)
- Transportation: $10 per person (not included)
So your likely total comes out to $164 per person, before any taxes or local adjustments that aren’t spelled out here. Still, for an outing that includes equipment (snorkel + SUP), a guided sailing component, lunch, and an open bar, it’s not a bad value for a 4-hour half-day style plan.
Where you should pay attention is timing and what you assume about pickup. The overall description mentions pickup and drop-off for convenience, but the fee schedule says transportation costs extra. That means the “easy pickup” may come with a separate charge, not that it’s fully covered in the base rate.
I’d treat this as a plan that is easy once you’re confirmed, and slightly risky if you show up assuming transfers are totally free.
Weather realities: when the sails do and don’t go up

This trip is weather-dependent. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund, which is reassuring.
In actual sailing conditions, wind controls whether you get a true sail-forward experience. One review noted that sails were never let out because there wasn’t enough wind, and the boat motored much of the time. That doesn’t spoil the trip automatically—people still reported the day as wonderful—but it does mean your “sailing fantasy” might turn into “motor with a scenic route and snorkeling” depending on conditions.
Another review described a true sailing feel, with the boat tipping to each side in wind. That’s exciting if you like motion, but it also explains the sea-sickness risk for some people.
My practical advice: if you’re sensitive to motion, plan to be extra careful with sea sickness prevention. If you’re fine with bouncy rides, this can feel more real and more fun, not less.
Who should book this sailing snorkeling adventure
This is a strong fit if you want a small-group day that mixes three things: sailing time, snorkel time, and paddleboard time, plus lunch and an open bar. It’s also a good choice if you like structure but still want free time after—your day doesn’t end when the tour ends.
You’ll probably enjoy it most if:
- You’re comfortable with water activities and have at least moderate physical fitness
- You like guided instruction (the sailing lesson matters here)
- You’re okay with wind and boat motion as part of the experience
- You want a classic Cabo sightline with El Arco included
If you’re the type who needs super calm water and hates any rocking at all, you should think carefully. Wind and tipping are not rare here, and the trip can feel rougher than a glassy harbor cruise.
Should you book this Sailing Snorkel Adventure?
Yes, you should book it if you want a well-paced half day on the water with included gear, a small crew, and a true all-in-one setup (snorkel + paddleboard + lunch + drinks). The small group limit and the guide attention—especially Tomas—are exactly the kind of details that make this feel like a real outing instead of a rushed checklist.
I’d pause only if you’re very motion-sensitive or you’re expecting consistent, sail-only sailing. This trip can shift with wind. The good news is that you’ll still be on the water with snorkeling and paddleboarding even when conditions change.
If you’re deciding today, book with the mindset of flexible conditions: you’re going for the combination of sea life, El Arco views, and hands-on sailing time—not a guarantee of perfect calm.
FAQ
How long is the sailing and snorkeling adventure?
It lasts about 4 hours.
What time does the tour start in Cabo San Lucas?
The start time is 10:00 am.
What is included in the price?
The package includes use of snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, lunch, and Surf Up stand-up paddle equipment.
Are there any extra fees?
Yes. There is a $5 per person port fee and a $10 per person transportation charge listed as not included.
How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers.
Where does the tour meet and end?
It starts at the Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and ends back at the meeting point.
What happens if weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.































