This is one of the more action-packed ways to snorkel in Cabo. You get a speedboat wildlife safari in the Sea of Cortez, then gear up for open-water snorkeling when the crew finds marine life. I especially like the focus on pelagic species and the included photos and videos that help you relive the best moments. One thing to consider: open-ocean sightings can be harder to see close up than shore snorkeling, and photo delivery can vary by day and how it’s handled.

The day runs with a local guide team, and I’ve heard great things about guide D for keeping people comfortable and confident in the water. It also runs with a small max group of 10, which usually means less waiting around and more time watching the ocean. The trade-off is that this is designed for more advanced snorkelers, so if you want calm, reef-only conditions, you may find this style more intense than expected.

Key highlights

• Small-group safari (max 10) for a more personal feel on the boat
• Speedboat route past the Arch, Lands’ End, Lovers Beach, and Sea Lion Colony
• Open-ocean wildlife search for pelagic animals like dolphins, rays, turtles, and more
• Snorkeling gear included, plus snacks, water, and juice
• Photos and videos included, so you can keep the footage without extra work

Cabo’s Sea of Cortez setting: why this safari feels different

Cabo San Lucas sits where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. That mix matters, because the waters here can pull in migratory marine animals through different seasons. On this tour, the goal isn’t a slow, reef-only stroll. It’s an open-ocean pelagic safari, meaning you’re hunting for wildlife out in the water column and at the wider edges where big animals travel.

This is also why the time on the boat is a real part of the experience. You’re not just getting transported to a single spot. You’re learning about the local ecosystem as you travel along famous Cabo landmarks, then you go further out in search of animals that don’t always hang around close to shore.

The 8:00 a.m. speedboat morning: Arch, Lands’ End, Lovers Beach, and Sea Lion Colony

The day starts at 8:00 am at Baja Vikings Ecoventures in the Marina area (Baja Vikings Ecoventures, Boulevard Marina, Edificio Plaza API Modulo B-20, Marina, Cabo San Lucas). Expect a quick build-up to the main hunt: you’ll ride out while the guides point out key landmarks and share context about what makes this area special.

Here’s what that means for you in practice:

• The Arch of Cabo San Lucas becomes a visual anchor early on, so you know where you are even before you’re looking for wildlife.
• Lands’ End and Lovers Beach help you understand why this coastline gets so much marine attention. In this part of Cabo, the “where” is part of the “what you might see.”
• The Sea Lion Colony is a clear sign that you’re in a marine hotspot, even if your best open-ocean encounter happens later.

This is also where the pace sets the tone. It’s described as a high-intensity speedboat experience, so you’ll want to feel okay with wind, spray, and boat movement. If you’re easily thrown off by speed on the water, this part may be the most challenging, even before you ever put your snorkel on.

Pelagic wildlife safari time: what you’re likely to spot out in the open

Once the boat starts moving beyond the immediate coastline, the experience becomes more like a search-and-watch expedition. Pelagic means open-ocean animals, and in Cabo the list can include dolphins, turtles, rays (including mobula rays), whales, orcas, sharks, and more, depending on what’s showing up that day.

A useful way to think about it: you’re not guaranteed a specific animal on a specific schedule. This tour is designed to go where the wildlife is, and sightings can shift with weather and sea conditions. That flexibility is part of the value—when the hunt clicks, you’re in the right place at the right time.

One consideration I keep in mind with open-ocean wildlife: animals that are far from the boat can be hard to judge by eye. That doesn’t mean the day is a failure; it means your best viewing might still depend on the day’s visibility and how the crew tracks movement. If your priority is close-up snorkeling only, you might feel less satisfied on the days when the action is farther out.

Snorkeling in open ocean: gear up, get in safely, and mind the conditions

This safari is built for snorkelers who are comfortable with open-water conditions. The plan is to give you a chance to get your snorkel gear on and get in the water to encounter the marine life the crew finds. The mission is straightforward: get in safely and treat the animals and surroundings with respect.

What’s included helps you get ready without extra spending:

• Snorkeling equipment is provided
• Snacks and drinkable water are provided in reusable cups
• Juice boxes are included

What’s not included matters too:

• Sunscreen isn’t provided
• Towels aren’t provided

So bring what you need to protect your skin and stay comfortable after you’re back on the boat. This tour also runs in the morning, but Cabo sun is still Cabo sun.

In the water, the goal is close, calm attention rather than chasing. If you’re the type who wants to hover and watch a ray, dolphin, or turtle while the crew manages spacing and safety, this style tends to land well.

Photos, videos, and what you should confirm beforehand

One of the standout items is that photos and videos are included. That’s a big deal because ocean wildlife moments are brief, and having visuals reduces the pressure to get the perfect shot yourself.

Based on the way this experience is described, the filming approach can mean you’ll spend less time trying to hold a camera and more time enjoying the sightlines. I do recommend you ask on the morning of your trip how the photos and videos will be delivered to you (for example, via message link, email, or pickup process). The tour includes them, but delivery steps can vary by operator workflow.

If you care about having usable footage, also bring your phone charging habits into the plan. Even if the tour provides video capture, you’ll likely want your own quick snapshots for context.

Price and logistics: is $145 worth it for a 4-hour safari?

At $145 per person for about 4 hours, this sits in the mid-to-higher range for Cabo snorkeling. Here’s why it can still feel like good value when it goes well:

• You’re paying for a speedboat search across a longer route than shore-only trips
• Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not adding rental costs
• You get snacks, water, and juice
• Photos and videos are included, which can easily add up if you had to buy extras

The main reason some people feel disappointed is expectation mismatch. If you’re picturing reef snorkeling with constant close fish action, an open-ocean pelagic search can feel slower when wildlife isn’t close by. In other words, the tour isn’t trying to guarantee a tight, underwater show. It’s trying to maximize your odds of finding animals in their traveling spaces.

Group size helps value too. With a maximum of 10 people, you’re less likely to feel like you’re one of a crowd competing for attention. You also tend to get quicker resets between boat time and water time.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different style)

This is designed for more advanced snorkelers, and the general guidance is a moderate physical fitness level. That means you should feel confident with:

• being in open water
• handling snorkel gear while conditions can change
• keeping your composure during a fast-moving boat day

It can be a great pick if you want a wildlife-focused morning and you’re okay with the day being partly about watching and positioning. It’s also a solid choice for families when everyone is comfortable in the ocean, including older teens and adults who can snorkel without needing a long, shore-based lesson.

If you’re new to snorkeling or you want a relaxed reef experience where visibility and fish are consistently close, you may feel frustrated by the open-ocean nature of pelagic searching. The trip may still be enjoyable, but it’s not built around reef comfort.

One more practical note: the tour ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to rebuild your day afterward. That’s helpful in Cabo, where logistics can be the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

Quick booking checklist: how to make your day go right

If you want the best shot at a satisfying experience, do these simple things before you meet the boat:

• Pack sunscreen since it isn’t included
• Bring your own towel for after snorkeling
• Wear what you can comfortably snorkel in, and plan for wind and spray on the boat
• Take the wildlife search seriously: bring patience, because open ocean sightings can be unpredictable
• If you’re photo-focused, ask how the included photos and videos are sent or collected

Also, keep an eye on the weather and sea conditions. This is an experience that needs good conditions, and it can be rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable.

Should you book this Cabo open-ocean wildlife safari?

Book it if you’re excited by the idea of snorkeling where pelagic animals travel and you want a speedboat day with a wildlife-first plan. The small group size, included gear, snacks, and the fact that photos and videos are part of the deal make it a compelling option when your priorities are ocean time and wildlife encounters.

Consider passing or pairing it with a more reef-focused snorkeling option if your main goal is guaranteed close-up underwater viewing in calmer water. Open-ocean sightings can be amazing, but they can also be more distant depending on the day. If your expectations match that reality, this safari is a strong choice in Cabo.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Baja Vikings Ecoventures, Boulevard Marina, Edificio Plaza API Modulo B-20, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 4 hours.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $145.00 per person.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s included in the tour?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, snacks, drinkable water in reusable cups, juice boxes, and photos and videos.

What is not included?

Sunscreen and towels are not included.

How many people are in a group?

The maximum number of travelers is 10.

Is the tour appropriate if I’m not super fit?

The tour asks for a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.