Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat + Photos

This outing is interesting because it strings together two very different sides of Los Cabos, a glass-bottom cruise to the iconic rock formations, then snorkeling at Pelican Rock in a spot you reach only by boat.

I especially like that you get the guided marine part handled for you, with someone staying close and helping you spot sea life. I also like the built-in photo keepsake, since you receive underwater images on a CD after the trip.

The main drawback is that the day is not only snorkeling time. You also have tequila tasting, shopping, and a beach break, so your time in the water may feel shorter than you hoped if you booked this for nonstop swimming.

Quick Take: Pelican Rock Without Guesswork

• Glass-bottom sights first, so you start seeing Cabo’s coast before you even snorkel
• Pelican Rock snorkeling is guided, and the guide points out what you are looking at
• Photo CD is part of the package, with underwater shots from the water
• Lunch and snacks keep the day moving, no need to hunt for food during the stops
• Free time in Cabo San Lucas turns this into a full half-day outing, not a pure swim tour

A Glass-Bottom Boat to Land’s End, That Gets You Oriented Fast

The tour begins at Los Cabos Marina after hotel pickup, then you cruise on the Sea of Cortez in a glass-bottom style boat. For first-timers, this matters because you get oriented to the coast, the rock formations, and the big landmark area around Cabo San Lucas before you put on fins.

You also get a “real time” version of the views, since the boat ride brings you past the coastline features that most people come to see. On better sea days, the ride feels easy and scenic, and on rougher days, you at least get the viewpoint while the boat handles the route.

One practical note: don’t expect every square inch of the boat to look like a full aquarium window. One review mentioned the glass-bottom portion felt less than expected, so if that is your top priority, keep expectations realistic.

Stop 1 at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: The Famous Arch Plus Sea Lions

This is your big sightseeing moment, with a timed stop around El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. The vibe here is about iconic views plus wildlife. The route typically includes the arch area, rock formations, and a sea lion colony you can spot along the way.

Even if you have seen photos of the arch, the scale hits differently in person. The water clarity in this region helps too, so you get a mix of what is above water and what you might spot below.

How this stop feels depends on the day and tide, but the upside is that it is not just a quick drive-by. You spend enough time in the area to take photos, look for animals, and enjoy the coastline geometry.

Pelican Rock Snorkeling: The Boat-Only Natural Aquarium

Pelican Rock is the heart of the tour. You reach it by boat, and then you snorkel at a site that is only accessible this way, which is exactly why this stop is so popular.

The snorkeling portion is guided and timed at about 55 minutes. Your guide stays close and helps you spot different marine life, so it is not a “jump in and hope” situation.

If you are a nervous beginner, this matters. Some people noted that the guide actively made them feel comfortable in the water, so you are not left alone with the gear. Just keep in mind that conditions can change quickly, and the tour may adjust how you use the area based on what is in the water.

What You Can Expect to See Underwater (and Why the Guide Helps)

Pelican Rock is known for clear water and lots of marine characters. The guide typically points out a range of sea life, including tropical fish, sea stars, sea cucumbers, urchins, stingrays, seahorses, crabs, and other small creatures.

That list sounds like a catalog, but the practical benefit is that you have someone translating what you are seeing. Instead of scanning for random movement, you get guided “look here” moments that keep your swim time productive.

In real-world conditions, you might also run into situations like small jellyfish in the area. On one occasion, the snorkeling area was kept smaller to reduce irritation. That is one reason to go in with flexibility, because safety and comfort come first when nature throws a curveball.

Gear and Safety: Sanitized Equipment and a Close-By Snorkel Guide

Snorkeling equipment is included, and it is listed as sanitized, including visor, tube, fins, and a flotation vest. A big plus is that you do not need to pack or rent anything, and the setup is handled as part of the day’s flow.

Your guide is also a safety anchor. Multiple reviews praised guides for watching over everyone and staying on top of safe movement in the water. The most helpful guides are the ones who manage pacing, check bubbles and breathing, and stay within arm’s reach when conditions are active.

There was also one reported fall where someone landed in the water during the early part of the outing. That is not the norm based on the overall ratings, but it is a reminder that boarding and gear changes happen around moving surfaces, so take your time during any step from boat to water.

The Lunch and Snacks Part: Good Fuel, With One Fair Warning

After snorkeling, the tour feeds you. The food plan includes a boxed-style lunch with a deli-style baguette, plus fruit, chips, and bottled water, along with cookies noted in the day’s description. There are also snack items described as a granola bar and juice.

This is one of the reasons the tour feels like good value for a half-day. You do not lose time searching for meals between stops, and the timing matters because Pelican Rock snorkeling can work up an appetite quickly.

Here is the fair warning. One person said the early time slot resulted in different sandwich service than they expected, and they ended up feeling misled about the exact form of the meal. If you care a lot about what you eat, ask before you go what to expect for the specific departure time, especially if you booked the first slot.

The Photo CD: A Souvenir That Can Be Great, or a Bump

You receive digital photos packaged on a CD, described as a set featuring your underwater poses and moments. Several reviews specifically praised the photo work, including guides who captured shots underwater and on the boat, with some people calling out photographers like Braulio and guides like Shaggy.

But not every experience with the photo package landed perfectly. One review said the CD content felt incomplete or did not match what they expected, and another person noted they were still waiting for photos later.

My practical advice is simple: when you get the CD, take a moment to confirm it has your images and that the files open. If you are leaving Cabo soon, keep a backup plan for photo access, like sharing screenshots to your phone if the CD content is delayed.

El Arco to Cabo San Lucas: Tequila Tasting and Shopping That Changes the Vibe

After snorkeling, you get time in Cabo San Lucas. This part is where the day becomes less about the sea and more about the town.

You get tequila tasting, plus shopping time. There is also mention of a stop into a flea market area, which is the kind of place where you can browse quickly but you will want to keep an eye on what you want before you get pulled into the rhythm of selling.

This is also where the tour’s “combo” nature becomes clear. If you booked mainly for the underwater portion, the land time can feel like filler. If you want a broader Los Cabos experience in a single half-day, it is a nice bonus, especially since the ride between areas is part of the fun.

Timing Reality: Why 5 Hours Might Not Mean 5 Hours of Snorkeling

The schedule is built around multiple timed stops, so the snorkeling window is fixed at about 55 minutes at Pelican Rock. That is still a solid chunk of water time for most people, but it is not a long, hour-after-hour swim session.

Sea conditions play a role too. One review mentioned clear water but choppy conditions, and the captain made use of the route around the harbor. Another mentioned mini jellyfish that led to a reduced area, which can change what you see during your session.

If you are choosing between departure times, consider this: some people booked earlier slots because afternoon winds can pick up. Even if the wind is not the only variable, starting earlier can help the overall day feel calmer.

Also, the day is described as about 5 hours, but a reschedule or timing shifts can happen. If you have another plan the same evening, keep a buffer.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This is a strong fit if you want a single package that includes boat sightseeing, guided snorkeling at Pelican Rock, lunch, and time in Cabo San Lucas. It also works well for families, and multiple reviews highlighted positive experiences for first-time snorkelers and kids.

It is also a good choice when you value equipment and guidance. With included snorkeling gear and a guide helping you spot marine life, you are not doing guesswork.

If you are the type who wants a long snorkeling session with minimal shopping, the combo format might feel like it takes attention away from the water. And if you are very strict about the glass-bottom visibility, remember one review raised a concern about how glass-like the boat felt.

Price and Value: Is $125 a Smart Spend for Pelican Rock?

At $125 per person, the value comes from the mix of what you do and what is included. For that price, you are getting hotel pickup, boat time around major landmarks, snorkeling equipment, guided snorkeling time at Pelican Rock, a boxed lunch with snacks and water, and a photo CD.

That bundle reduces decision fatigue. You do not have to organize transport, gear rentals, or a separate photo purchase. You also avoid losing time to separate ticket lines for snorkeling and sightseeing, since the day is built around those stops.

You will still want to budget for government fees of $1 per person, and gratuities are not included. Gratuities are described as not mandatory, but appreciated for service.

The best way to think about the price is this: you are paying for a coordinated half-day, not a stand-alone snorkel-only package. If your priorities are the arch sights plus a guided snorkeling session plus town time, it is a fair deal.

Names You Might Hear On the Water, and What That Usually Signals

The operator can use multi-lingual guides. Names that come up include Shaggy, Jonathan, Lupe, Martin, Edson, and captains or assistants like Aurelio and Bravlio (spelling as written in different comments).

When you hear these names attached to a positive day, it usually means two things: the guides focus on safety and comfort, and they handle the photo moments you will want later. Even if you never meet the exact person behind the name, the consistency of good guide behavior is a pattern worth leaning into.

Should You Book This Snorkel and Explore Pelican Rock Tour?

Book it if you want a guided snorkeling highlight at Pelican Rock paired with classic Cabo sightseeing around El Arco, plus a lunch-and-photos package and a short Cabo San Lucas stop. It is a well-rounded half-day that makes planning easy.

Consider a different option if you want many hours of uninterrupted snorkeling, or if shopping and tequila tasting will feel like wasted time for you. Also, if glass-bottom visibility is critical to your expectations, do a quick reality check and aim for “enjoy the boat ride” rather than expecting a full-floor aquarium view.

If you fit into the first group, you are likely to have a memorable day: clear-water snorkeling with a guide, sea life spotting, and an arch-area cruise that anchors the whole trip.

FAQ

How long is the Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock tour?

It runs about 5 hours (approx.), with multiple stops along the way.

What time slots are available for this experience?

The listed departure times are 9am, 11am, and 1pm.

Where do you get picked up?

Pickup is offered from the main lobby of your hotel. You should be ready 10 minutes before pickup time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes sanitized snorkeling equipment: visor, tube, fins, and a flotation vest.

How much time do you spend snorkeling at Pelican Rock?

Pelican Rock snorkeling is scheduled for about 55 minutes.

What food and snacks are included?

You get a boxed lunch and snacks, including a baguette, fruit, chips, cookies, and bottled water, plus additional snack items like granola bar and juice.

Are photos included, and what format do you get?

Yes. Digital photos are included, and you receive them on a CD.

What extra costs should I expect?

Government fees are not included, listed as $1.00 per person. Gratuities for the crew are not included but are not mandatory.

Is there a vegetarian option, and can children participate?

A vegetarian option is available if you request it during booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is poor or if I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.