Best Snorkeling in Cabo: A Guide to the Top Spots

Underwater Wonders: A Guide to the Best Snorkeling in Cabo

The waters of Los Cabos are a protected marine sanctuary, teeming with an incredible diversity of sea life. Jacques Cousteau famously called the Sea of Cortez "the world’s aquarium." Snorkeling is one of the best and easiest ways to experience this underwater magic. Here’s our guide to the best spots.

What Makes a Good Snorkeling Spot?

• Calm, Protected Waters: You need a bay or cove that is sheltered from the open ocean swells.
• Clear Visibility: Clean, clear water allows you to see the fish and coral.
• Rocky Bottom: Fish love to hang out around rocky structures and reefs.

Top 3 Snorkeling Spots Accessible from Shore

1. Chileno Bay

This is our top pick for snorkeling from the shore. Chileno Bay is a large, protected cove with calm, clear water and a designated roped-off swimming area. You can see a wide variety of colorful fish just a few feet from the beach, making it perfect for beginners and families.

• How to get there: It’s a public beach located in the tourist corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. You can drive and park, or take a taxi/Uber.
• Tip: The beach has been recently upgraded with clean restrooms and showers.

2. Santa Maria Bay

Located just next to Chileno, Santa Maria Bay is another stunning, horseshoe-shaped cove that offers excellent snorkeling. The water is incredibly clear, and the rocky outcrops on either side of the bay are home to abundant sea life.

• How to get there: There is a public access parking lot, but it is smaller than Chileno’s. Many snorkeling boat tours also make a stop here.
• Tip: This bay is a bit more secluded and can be less crowded than Chileno.

3. Playa Palmilla

While primarily known as a safe swimming beach, the rocky point on the far end of Palmilla Beach can offer some decent snorkeling when the water is calm. It’s a great option if you are staying in San Jose and don’t want to drive far.

Best Snorkeling Spot Accessible by Boat

Pelican Rock & Lover's Beach

Located near the famous Arch at Land’s End, this area is only accessible by water taxi or a guided tour. The rocks and reef around Pelican Rock are a magnet for tropical fish. You can often see large schools of sergeant majors, angelfish, and pufferfish.

• How to do it: Hire a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas marina and ask them to drop you off at Lover’s Beach and pick you up in a few hours. You’ll need to bring your own snorkel gear. Or, book an all-inclusive snorkeling tour that provides gear, food, and drinks.

FAQ: Snorkeling in Cabo

When is the best time to snorkel?
The best visibility and warmest water are in the summer and fall (June - November). However, you can snorkel year-round. The water can be a bit chilly in the winter, so a wetsuit top can be helpful.

Should I bring my own gear?
If you have a mask and snorkel that you know fits you well, it’s always a good idea to bring it. However, you can easily rent gear at many of the beaches or as part of a tour.

Exploring the vibrant underwater world is an unforgettable part of any Baja vacation. As Your Trusted Friends in Baja, we can help you book the perfect snorkeling tour or give you directions to the best local spots.