Cabo San Lucas Pirate Snorkel Tour

Explore the vibrant underwater world of Cabo San Lucas with the Pirate Snorkel Tour, a lively and all-inclusive adventure priced at $109 per person. This 3-hour 30-minute tour offers a chance to sail along the coastline on a colorful pirate ship, snorkel in “The Aquarium of the World” — a nickname given by Jacques Cousteau to the Sea of Cortez — and admire famous landmarks like El Arco and Lover’s Beach. With round-trip transportation, a full crew, and all necessary snorkeling gear, this tour is designed for those seeking a fun, hassle-free day on the water. While most reviews highlight its memorable scenery, food, and drinks, some mention the physical challenges of snorkeling in currents, so it suits active travelers who enjoy water activities.

This tour’s combination of scenic sailing, snorkeling, and onboard entertainment makes it a lively experience. It benefits from a generous all-inclusive setup, with food, drinks, and equipment provided. The pickup service adds convenience, and the tour’s popularity is reflected in its booking window — booked on average 24 days in advance. The overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on nine reviews speaks to its appeal, although a few guests note issues like limited gear and water conditions. If you’re after an energetic day on the water with a pirate twist, this adventure offers plenty of highlights.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience: Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and transportation included for $109.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, perfect for a half-day adventure.
• Iconic stops: Includes a photo stop at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and sailing past Land’s End and Lover’s Beach.
• Snorkeling in “The Aquarium of the World”: Explore waters home to over 800 species of marine life.
• Family-friendly and active: Suitable for most travelers, but snorkeling in currents can be exhausting.
• Popular booking window: Usually booked 24 days in advance.

Sailing on the Pirate Ship through Cabo Bay

The tour starts with a pirate ship that cruises through Cabo San Lucas Bay, offering striking views of the coastline and iconic rock formations. Guests enjoy seeing Medano Beach, the Marina, and the famous Arch during the ride. The pirate ship adds a playful vibe, with crew members providing interesting commentary and safety information, making the experience both fun and informative.

Viewing the Famous El Arco and Other Landmarks

One of the key highlights is the stop at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the dramatic natural arch at the tip of the peninsula. This photo opportunity lasts about 10 minutes and offers stunning views of this iconic landmark. The boat also passes Lovers Beach, Neptune’s finger, and other striking rock formations, giving a comprehensive view of the area’s geological beauty from the water.

Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez at Playa el Chileno

After the sightseeing cruise, the tour makes a stop at Playa el Chileno, a renowned snorkeling spot. Here, reefs teeming with marine life await exploration — with over 800 species calling the waters home. The reef environment provides ideal conditions for snorkeling, although some reviews mention that currents and water conditions can make snorkeling physically demanding, especially in rougher waters. Guests are equipped with snorkeling gear and can enjoy exploring at their own pace.

Food and Drinks on Board

The tour includes a full open bar with mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Margaritas, plus a lunch buffet featuring beef and chicken burritos, pasta salad, sausages, and chips with salsas and guacamole. Bottled water, sodas, and juices are also available, keeping everyone well-hydrated throughout the trip. Guests appreciate the quality of the food, with some reviews mentioning it surpasses other lunch cruises in the area.

The Crew and Onboard Entertainment

The crew on this pirate ship is praised for being friendly and engaging, offering helpful safety instructions and keeping the atmosphere lively. Entertainment continues throughout the trip, enhancing the overall fun vibe. Most reviews highlight the crew’s attentiveness and the plentiful drinks and food as key strengths.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs at 12:00 pm, with pickup offered from designated locations. The group size can be up to 70 travelers, making for a lively yet manageable atmosphere. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though those with physical limitations should consider the water conditions, as some snorkeling spots can be challenging due to currents. The dock fee at El Arco is $5 per person, payable on-site.

Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

Reservations are typically made 24 days in advance. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, providing flexibility if plans change. In cases of poor weather, cancellations are possible, and participants are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike more sedate boat rides, this pirate-themed adventure emphasizes a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment onboard. The sailing past Land’s End and snorkeling in “The Aquarium of the World” add unique elements to the experience. Its all-inclusive setup means no extra costs for food and gear, and the photo stop at El Arco makes for memorable photos.

Limitations and Considerations

While the experience is generally highly rated, some guests mention limited snorkeling gear, like the absence of fins, and challenging water conditions that made snorkeling tiring. A few reviews point out service inconsistencies, but these are relatively rare compared to the overall positive feedback. The $5 dock fee is an additional expense to keep in mind.

Cabo San Lucas Pirate Snorkel Tour (A Lively Underwater Adventure)

The Cabo San Lucas Pirate Snorkel Tour offers a lively, all-inclusive way to enjoy the coastline, marine life, and iconic landmarks over 3 hours 30 minutes. It appeals especially to those who enjoy sailing on a colorful pirate ship and snorkeling in waters rich with marine life. The food, drinks, and equipment are all provided, making it a convenient choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free experience.

The tour’s highlights include sailing past Land’s End, photo stops at El Arco, and a snorkeling stop in the Sea of Cortez, home to thousands of fish and marine species. The onboard entertainment and friendly crew contribute to a fun, engaging atmosphere, while the all-inclusive menu satisfies appetites after snorkeling.

While some reviews mention challenging water conditions and limited gear, most participants find the experience worthwhile and enjoy the stunning scenery and delicious food. With a flexible cancellation policy and popularity among travelers, it remains a well-regarded choice for a lively day on the water in Cabo San Lucas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Cabo San Lucas Pirate Snorkel Tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, food, alcoholic beverages (mimosas, Bloody Marys, margaritas), snorkeling equipment, and crew services.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Is snorkeling suitable for all skill levels?
Most people can participate, but some reviews note that currents and water conditions can make snorkeling tiring, especially for those not comfortable in rough water.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
You will sail past El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Lover’s Beach, and Medano Beach, with a photo stop at El Arco.

Are drinks and food available onboard?
Yes, the tour offers an open bar with mimosas, Bloody Marys, and margaritas, along with a lunch buffet featuring beef and chicken burritos, pasta salad, sausages, and chips with salsas and guacamole.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and poor weather may result in cancellation with options for rebooking or a full refund.