Snorkel with the Pirates: A Half-Day Adventure from Cabo Marina
Starting at $89 per Adult | 3.5 Hours | All ages welcome!
The boat slips away from the marina with a lazy sigh, wakes fanning the polished hull and a breeze that smells of salt and citrus. On deck, a family clusters around a map printed with skulls and Xs while gulls bicker over a stray tortilla chip. The captain steers toward the zodiac silhouette that has defined Cabo for a century: El Arco, the granite arch at Land's End that dares photographers and pirates alike to find a better postcard. This is less an excursion and more a compact, well-crafted promise — three and a half hours of shoreline spectacle, shallow-reef snorkeling at Chileno Bay, a picnic-style lunch, open bar, and a theatrical tease of the pirate show that lights up the evening tours.
Trail Wisdom
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Bring and apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and prevent skin damage on the water.
Prepare for Seasickness
If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication or natural remedies at least 30 minutes before departure.
Secure Your Phone
Use a waterproof case or dry bag and a floating wrist strap for cameras and phones; waves and splashes are common.
Know Your Swimming Limits
Snorkeling is optional; inform crew if you prefer to stay on board or need a life jacket for confidence.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Paddle into small sea caves near Land's End when conditions allow
- •Snorkel toward the shallow rocky fingers of Chileno Bay for small reef fish and clearer water
Wildlife
Sergeant Major fish, Occasional sea turtles
Conservation Note
Chileno Bay benefits from local protection efforts; guests are asked not to touch coral, to use reef-safe sunscreen, and to avoid anchoring on reefs.
El Arco at Land's End is a granite formation sculpted by wave and wind erosion and has been a maritime landmark for centuries.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Calmer seas, Migrating whales nearshore
Challenges: Variable winds, Cooler mornings
Spring brings mild temperatures and increasing water clarity; morning departures are usually the calmest.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Best visibility for snorkeling
Challenges: Higher humidity, Occasional afternoon winds
Summer yields the warmest water and excellent snorkeling, though midday sun can be intense.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds, Warm sea temperatures
Challenges: Hurricane season window (watch forecasts), Variable sea conditions
Early fall keeps warm water but check weather updates; operators may adjust routes if swells increase.
winter
Best for: Wildlife viewing from the boat, Cooler, crisp air
Challenges: Occasional choppier seas, More crowded holiday windows
Winter brings clearer air and the chance of spotting marine mammals offshore, but conditions can be bumpier.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef-Safe SunscreenEssential
Protects skin and the reef; apply before boarding.
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare on the water and helps you spot underwater activity from the boat.
Quick-Dry Towel/Cover-UpEssential
Dries fast after the snorkel and adds warmth on the deck breeze.
Seasickness Remedies (patch or pills)
Useful for those prone to motion sickness on short boat rides.
Common Questions
Is snorkel gear provided?
Yes — masks, fins, and life jackets are provided; you can also bring your own fitted mask for comfort.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No; snorkeling is optional and life jackets are available. Basic swimming ability helps, but you can stay on board if preferred.
Are children allowed?
Yes. Children under a certain age ride free (check current policy) and crew supervise family-friendly zones; infants typically stay on board.
What is included with the tour?
The tour includes lunch, open bar for guests 18+, snorkel equipment, paddleboards, and a brief pirate-show intro on return.
What should I wear?
Wear swimwear, a rash guard or lightweight cover-up, and non-marking water shoes or sandals with straps for boarding.
Where do we check in and when?
Check-in is at the Cabo San Lucas marina; the operator lists a midday check-in with a departure time typically around noon—confirm your booking details on the operator page.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen, because coral needs protection; Swimwear and a quick-dry towel, for ease on and off the boat; Waterproof phone case or camera, to capture arch and reef photos; Light cover-up or windbreaker, for the cooler return breeze
Did You Know
El Arco, aka Land's End, is a natural granite arch at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula formed by long-term erosion and has become the iconic symbol of Cabo San Lucas.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning or midday departures for calmer seas; Bring cash for souvenirs and tips; Rent a locker at the marina if you have valuables; Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect local coral reefs
Local Flavor
After the cruise, head to the marina promenade for fresh ceviche, shrimp tacos, and a cold beer at a waterfront palapa. For a more local feel, stroll into Old Town (Cabo) for taco stands and artisanal markets, or seek a craft beer at a nearby Baja microbrewery.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) — about 40–45 minutes drive; Meeting point: Cabo San Lucas marina; Cell service: reliable near shore, limited offshore; Permits: none — tour operator handles park access and equipment.
Sustainability Note
Chileno Bay is part of a sensitive reef area; please use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching marine life, and dispose of waste properly to protect these coastal ecosystems.
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