Pelican Rock turns Cabo into a real undersea show. You get glass-bottom sightseeing first, then a guided snorkel at an exclusive site, plus lunch and time in town. It’s a tight schedule that feels like three mini-plans in one.

What I like most is the guided snorkeling setup, with staff staying close in the water and helping you find the good spots. I also like the photo promise, since you’re getting digital images plus a souvenir snorkel tube.

One thing to think about: this tour is not just snorkeling. If you want maximum time in the water, you’ll want to notice the snorkeling window is limited, and some of the day is spent on other stops.

Key things to know before you go

• Glass-bottom boat views of El Arco and the rock formations, plus a sea lion colony
• Pelican Rock is boat-access only, so you get an on-water snorkeling site that doesn’t feel like a beach scramble
• Guides in the water point out marine life like stingrays and seahorses, while keeping you oriented
• Lunch and snacks are included, with a boxed meal after snorkeling
• Digital souvenir photos come to you on a CD, plus a take-home snorkel tube
• Group size stays small, up to 30 people, with hotel pickup from the main lobby

A half-day that mixes sea life, Land’s End views, and town time

This is built as a 5 hour loop that starts at Los Cabos Marina and ends back at your hotel. Along the way, you’re doing a classic Cabo combo: big landmark cruise, a real snorkeling session, and then a slice of Cabo San Lucas on land.

That mix matters because it changes who the tour is for. If you’re the kind of person who gets restless after one activity, you’ll probably like this. If you only want snorkeling time, you might find the pacing a bit busy.

The tour also helps you feel “guided,” not just transported. You’re picked up right from the main lobby of your hotel, then you’re handed snorkeling gear and shown what to look for in the water.

Cruising the Sea of Cortez: El Arco, sea lions, and rock formations

You’ll start by boarding a glass-bottom boat at Los Cabos Marina after hotel pickup. From there, the ride takes you out over the Sea of Cortez toward Land’s End, known for the Arch of Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding rock formations.

This portion is more than scenery. It’s your first “warm up” for the day, and it sets expectations for what you’re about to see at Pelican Rock. Even if your snorkeling is short, the cruise angle gives you a clear sense of the geography, from the arch area to the nearby colonies.

What I’d plan for during this segment:

• You’ll see sea lions and other birds around the harbor rocks.
• The narration helps you connect the shapes outside to the marine life you’ll meet later.
• Conditions can shift your experience. One common theme from real visits is that choppy water can change what you can comfortably do and how long each activity feels.

And yes, you might get lucky. One review noted whales on the ride, which is one of those Cabo moments that makes the glass-bottom cruise feel like more than a transfer.

Pelican Rock snorkeling: the guided part that matters

The heart of the tour is Pelican Rock, an exclusive snorkeling spot that’s reached by boat only. Once you arrive, you get a guided snorkeling session, with time set aside for you to get in and actually swim.

The “good to know” here is that Pelican Rock is time-boxed. The stop is about 55 minutes, so you’re not looking at an all-day reef drift. The upside is that the focus stays sharp: gear on, staff close by, and a push to see marine life in a reduced area.

What you can expect to see

A guide can make a big difference when you’re underwater. The marine checklist you may hear during your swim includes:

• Tropical fish
• Sea stars
• Sea cucumbers
• Urchins
• Stingrays
• Seahorses
• Crabs

And there’s often more than you can count in a single pass.

A couple of real-world guide details stand out from the experience descriptions. Names that come up include Lupe, Braulio, Jonathan, Aurelio, and Shaggy. Several guides are described as keeping safety front and center, especially for first time snorkelers or people who aren’t strong swimmers.

If you’re nervous in the water, that matters. I’d treat this as a comfort tour as much as a nature tour, since the staff focus on you getting confident enough to enjoy the site.

Gear and comfort

You get snorkeling equipment that’s described as sanitized: visor, snorkel tube, fins, and a floating vest. The kit is meant to remove friction from the day, so you’re not hunting rentals or bringing your own setup.

One practical tip: if you’re prone to getting cold in wind, bring a light layer for after you’re in the water. Cabo can feel breezy on the ride back, even when the sun is out.

El Arco to lunch: when the day turns from water to food

After snorkeling, you’ll switch gears fast. The tour includes a boxed lunch and snacks. The meal is deli-style, with a baguette sandwich, plus items like fresh fruit, chips, cookies, and bottled water.

The included snack list also mentions a granola bar and juice, so you’re not going from snorkeling to nothing. That’s a real value point. You’re less likely to end up paying extra for snacks while the group is walking around.

Timing is the other thing to watch. A few critiques focus on the idea that the day can feel longer than the active snorkeling portion, especially if you’re expecting a bigger chunk of time underwater. Even when snorkeling is good, you want your mental math to match the schedule: Pelican Rock is the main swim stop, and the rest supports it.

Cabo San Lucas stop: tequila tasting and shopping time

Once back on land, you get time for tequila tasting and shopping in Cabo San Lucas. Then the tour includes a side trip into the flea market area, with drop-off back at your hotel.

This is where the “combo” nature of the tour shows up. If you like picking up small souvenirs and you enjoy browsing while the day cools down, this land time can be a fun add-on. If you hate shopping stops, you might find this stretch less satisfying than the water portion.

Either way, it helps to go in with a plan:

• If you want a big meal, you’ll probably still be satisfied by the boxed lunch, then snack or graze later.
• If shopping is not your thing, think of this as a buffer. It keeps the day from feeling like a single two stop loop.

Photos and the CD: a nice memory, with a small risk to check

This tour includes digital photos of your underwater moments, delivered on a CD. You’ll also get a souvenir snorkel tube to take home.

This is one of the more praised elements in the experience notes, because it turns a brief moment in clear water into something you can share later. Names like Martin, Edson, Johnathon, and Bravlio show up in accounts praising the photography and the effort to get cool shots.

That said, there is a practical thing I’d flag. Some people weren’t happy with how the photo files worked out, including issues like the CD content not matching expectations. I can’t promise you’ll avoid that, but you can reduce the chance of disappointment by doing two simple things:

• Ask when the CD is provided and what format you’ll receive.
• If the organizer uses a specific photo transfer method, confirm you understand how you’ll access the files before you leave.

It’s not a reason to skip the tour, but it is something to be aware of since photos are a big part of the value.

Price and value for $125, plus the $1 government fee

At $125 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement snorkel. It’s priced like a guided half-day with transport, equipment, and included food.

Here’s what makes it feel like solid value:

• Hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle
• Glass-bottom boat time to see El Arco and sea lions
• Sanitized snorkeling gear
• A guided snorkeling session at Pelican Rock
• Boxed lunch plus snacks and bottled water
• Digital photos and a souvenir snorkel tube

Then there’s the small add-on: government fees are listed as $1 per person, not included in the base price. That’s minor, but it’s still a real “final price” detail.

If your priority is snorkeling intensity only, you might compare against tours that offer more time in the water. But if you want the arch cruise, the sea life, and Cabo San Lucas time in one package, this one can make sense.

Who should book this Pelican Rock glass boat tour

This tour fits best if you want:

• Guided snorkeling without having to manage gear or timing yourself
• A mix of highlights, not just one activity
• A day that’s easy to follow, with pickup and a clear sequence
• A chance to see Cabo’s rock and arch area from the water first

It’s also a decent choice for families or couples because group size is capped at 30 travelers, and the guides are described as making first timers feel safer in the water.

If you fall into these categories, I’d be cautious:

• You want the longest possible snorkeling time.
• Shopping stops are a deal breaker for you.
• You’re very sensitive to schedule changes due to sea conditions or you need guaranteed extended time outdoors.

Small issues to watch for before you commit

Most trips sound smooth, but a few patterns show up in the details you should take seriously.

Expect variability with time and sea conditions

Pelican Rock is time-limited, and some critiques mention that the snorkeling portion felt shorter than expected. Choppy water can also affect how quickly people get geared and into the water. If you’re planning around a specific activity moment, give yourself flexibility.

Boarding safety is not optional

One account describes a fall near the start, landing in the water face first after slipping while at the boat. That doesn’t mean the tour is unsafe, but it does mean you should take boarding seriously. Wear secure footwear, hold railings, and move slowly.

Double-check the included lunch expectations

There are complaints about what was served at certain times, including one mismatch where a baguette sandwich was not what someone received. The tour includes lunch, but if sandwiches are a big part of why you booked, I’d confirm what your departure time typically offers.

Photo delivery can be hit or miss

Since photos are included and sometimes central to satisfaction, it’s worth verifying how the CD is handled and how you’ll access the files.

Should you book Snorkel and Explore Pelican Rock by Glass Boat?

If you want a Cabo day that feels like you covered more than one highlight, I’d say yes. The combination of glass-bottom views, a guided swim at an exclusive spot, and included food is a strong package for the price point.

I would skip it or choose a different option if snorkeling time is your only priority, since Pelican Rock is designed as a focused session, not an all-day reef hang.

My final advice: book it if you’re happy with a guided half-day flow, and you like the idea of seeing El Arco from the water before you ever touch the snorkel. Bring patience for schedule timing, and treat the photo CD as a bonus that you should confirm in advance.

FAQ

How long is the Snorkel & Explore Pelican Rock tour?

The tour is listed as approximately 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the guide picks you up from the main lobby of your hotel. You should be ready about 10 minutes in advance.

What snorkeling equipment do I get?

You get sanitized snorkeling equipment including a visor, snorkel tube, fins, and a floating vest.

How long do I snorkel at Pelican Rock?

Pelican Rock is a stop of about 55 minutes, described as a guided snorkeling session.

What food is included?

You get a boxed lunch and snacks. The meal includes items such as a baguette sandwich, fresh fruit, chips, cookies, juice, and bottled water. Vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking.

Are there any extra fees besides the $125 price?

Yes. Government fees are listed as $1.00 per person, and gratuities for the crew are not included.

Do I receive photos from the tour?

Yes. You receive digital photos as a CD after the snorkeling portion. You also get a souvenir snorkel tube.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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