Los Cabos Snorkeling Tour to Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Cove
Description
Although separated by only a short stretch of coastline, Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay offer distinct marine environments shaped by different reef structures and coastal geography. Santa Maria's horseshoe-shaped cove provides natural protection from swell, while Chileno Bay supports extensive rocky reef habitats that attract a variety of marine life. Visiting both locations in a single experience provides a broader understanding of the underwater ecosystems that have made the Sea of Cortez one of the world's most celebrated marine environments and one of Baja California Sur's top destinations for snorkeling.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your snorkeling adventure at Santa Maria Bay, a protected horseshoe-shaped cove known for its calm conditions and clear water. Accompanied by your guide, explore the bay's underwater environment while learning about the reef habitat and marine ecosystems that make this area one of Los Cabos' most popular snorkeling locations.
Continue to Chileno Bay, a protected marine area known for its rocky reef formations and excellent snorkeling conditions. Explore a different underwater landscape while observing the marine environment of the Sea of Cortez and enjoying one of the region's most celebrated coastal settings.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
• Complimentary round-trip transportation is available from hotels in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Tourist Corridor • If your hotel is not listed, feel free to contact us so we can check transportation availability for your area • Guests arriving with their own vehicle may meet at Plaza Gali OXXO or directly at Santa Maria Beach, where the snorkeling experience begins from the beach • Hotels outside the main tourist area, including Hard Rock, Nobu, Rancho San Lucas, Diamante, or Four Seasons, are not included in complimentary transportation and will meet at Plaza Gali OXXO in Cabo San Lucas • Cruise guests will also meet at Plaza Gali OXXO, approximately 3–5 minutes walking from the marina exit. Detailed walking directions will be provided with your confirmation message • Cabo San Lucas cruise arrivals operate using tender boats, which may take additional time depending on port operations. We strongly recommend taking the earliest tender available or booking priority tender service whenever possible • Guests who miss transportation or arrive late must arrive directly at Santa Maria Beach before the activity start time at their own expense
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 6 years old
- Guests receive exact meeting or pick-up instructions within 24 hours after booking through the Viator operator chat. If not received, please contact us at least 24 hours before your tour
- Maximum waiting time after scheduled meeting or pick-up time is 5 minutes
- Cut-off times are based on local experience time
- No boats are used — the snorkeling experience begins directly from the beach
- Wetsuits available upon request during winter months in XL, LG, M, and SM
- Morning departures are usually recommended for better visibility and lighter winds
- Visibility and ocean conditions between Santa Maria and Chileno Bay may vary daily. Guides may occasionally recommend staying within one bay to maximize water visibility and overall experience. Partial refunds are not provided for location adjustments related to ocean conditions
- This experience requires favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to unsafe weather, ocean conditions, or operational restrictions, guests will be offered an alternative date or full refund
- No locker facilities are available, but belongings may usually remain inside the transportation vehicle during the activity
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious heart conditions
- Participants under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed
- Medical refund requests require an official same-day doctor’s certificate and prior notification before activity start time
Reviews(509)
It is the best snorkeling experience I have had. I tried several Hawaii, Cancun, Caribbean, Guam etc snorkelings before. This tour was the best. It was not crowded at all. Most of the visitors were at the shore. We were the only snorkelers who reached to rocks where corals were. Our guide, Marco Polo led us to right places where fish were. It was amazing! I saw amazing color school of fish swimming together in caves under the rocks. It’s like what I saw in YouTube. When I was done snorkeling, I stood on the shore and fish came down all around me and touched me! A person next to me was video taping the fish in the water and releasing a little bread crums in his swim suite. I also tried my left over granola bars wet in swim suite. Even before I release them, fish knew what was inside my pocket… they came to bump my pocket! full of them. If you have kids, visit here. Make sure to bring granola bars. Let your kids have memories of fish….. I experienced it at Hanauma bay at Hawaii 46 years ago
Thank you so much for your incredible review! We’re truly honored to hear that this was the best snorkeling experience you've had, especially after snorkeling in so many beautiful destinations around the world. That is an amazing compliment! We're delighted that Marco Polo was able to guide you to the healthiest reef areas, where you experienced the vibrant marine life that makes Santa María and Chileno Bays so special. Watching colorful schools of fish swim through the rocky reefs and underwater caves is always a magical experience, and we're so happy you got to enjoy it without the crowds. We also love that this adventure brought back memories from your visit to Hanauma Bay decades ago. Creating those unforgettable moments that stay with our guests for a lifetime is exactly why we do what we do. Thank you again for choosing High Tide Los Cabos and for sharing your experience. We hope to welcome you back on your next visit to Baja California Sur—perhaps for our Arch Glass Bottom Kayak & Snorkel Adventure or another unforgettable day exploring the Sea of Cortez with us! High Tide Los Cabos 🌊🐠🤿☀️
Mono is so amazing! We had the best time. We did a private snorkeling and the kayak and snorkeling went about 1.5 hrs and he took awesome photos! We saw so many different types of finish. Mono was very friendly and super fun to talk with. I would totally go again and again.
Hi there, Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a memorable private kayak and snorkeling adventure with José Luis López ("Mono"). Mono has a true passion for sharing the beauty of Los Cabos, and we're so happy he made your experience both fun and unforgettable. From paddling through the spectacular rock formations at Land’s End to snorkeling among the incredible marine life of the Sea of Cortez, it’s wonderful to know you were able to see so many different species of fish. We’re also glad you enjoyed the complimentary photos he captured—there’s nothing better than taking home great memories from an incredible day on the water! Thank you for your kind recommendation and for choosing High Tide Los Cabos. We truly appreciate your support and would love to welcome you back for another adventure, perhaps exploring the crystal-clear waters of our Two Bays Kayak & Snorkel tour at Santa María and Chileno Bays. High Tide Los Cabos 🌊🚣♂️🐠📸☀️
Mono was the best guide ever! He gave us an awesome experience seeing so many fish and marine species. We snorkeled for about 30 minutes and the rest was kayaking around the beautiful rock formations. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a guided snorkeling experience!
Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such an incredible experience on our Cabo Kayak & Snorkel Adventure. José Luis López ("Mono") will be thrilled to hear your kind words! His passion for the ocean and enthusiasm for sharing the incredible marine life of the Sea of Cortez make every tour special. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed snorkeling among so many fish and marine species, as well as kayaking around the spectacular rock formations at Land’s End. Those breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters are what make this adventure one of our guests' favorites. Thank you for recommending us to other travelers looking for a guided snorkeling experience. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to High Tide Los Cabos for another unforgettable adventure—perhaps our Two Bays Kayak & Snorkel tour, where you can explore the beautiful marine parks of Santa María and Chileno Bays. High Tide Los Cabos 🌊🚣♂️🐠☀️
We got to snorkel two different bays with a small group. Our guide, Marco, was great - he answered questions about the fish and kept a good watch us making sure we stayed safe. Would recommend!
Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed snorkeling at both Santa María Cove and Chileno Bay with our small group tour. Marco Polo will be thrilled to hear your kind words. He loves sharing his knowledge of the incredible marine life in the Sea of Cortez while making sure every guest feels safe, comfortable, and has the opportunity to fully enjoy the underwater world. We’re happy you appreciated the smaller group size, which allows for a more personal experience and plenty of time to ask questions and explore at a relaxed pace. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing High Tide Los Cabos. We hope to welcome you back to Baja California Sur for another unforgettable snorkeling adventure soon! High Tide Los Cabos 🐠🌊☀️
Our snorkeling experience with Emilio was incredible. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about everything in the Los Cabos area. Would definitely recommend.
Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an incredible snorkeling experience with Emilio. Emilio will be thrilled to hear your kind words. He’s passionate about sharing the beauty of the Sea of Cortez and loves introducing guests to the amazing marine life, local history, and natural wonders that make Los Cabos so special. We’re happy his friendly personality and knowledge helped make your adventure even more enjoyable. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing High Tide Los Cabos. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to Santa María Cove and Chileno Bay for another unforgettable snorkeling adventure! High Tide Los Cabos 🐠🌊☀️
Emilio was amazing, great information and guidance!
Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing snorkeling experience with Emilio. Emilio will be very happy to hear your kind words. He loves sharing the incredible marine life and natural beauty of Santa María Cove and Chileno Bay, and making sure every guest feels comfortable, safe, and confident in the water. We’re glad his guidance and local knowledge helped make your adventure even more memorable. Thank you for choosing High Tide Los Cabos. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to the Sea of Cortez for another unforgettable snorkeling adventure soon! High Tide Los Cabos 🐠🌊☀️
Very good! Lots of fish and our tour guid Emilio was wonderful!
Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great day snorkeling with us. There’s nothing better than exploring the crystal-clear waters of Santa María Cove and Chileno Bay surrounded by colorful tropical fish, and we’re so happy you enjoyed the experience. Emilio will be delighted to hear your kind words. His friendly personality and passion for sharing the beauty of the Sea of Cortez help make every tour both fun and memorable. Thank you for choosing High Tide Los Cabos and for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable snorkeling adventure the next time you're in Baja California Sur! High Tide Los Cabos 🐠🌊☀️
Picked us up promptly from hotel. During drive shared some info about Chilleno Bay. Attentive to our individual comfort levels, so we felt safe. Took us to a less crowded snorkel area and Marco Polo was a fantastic guide. He let us decide what we wanted to do, after about 45 minutes we decided to hang back and chill on the beach. Really nice guide and what a relaxing snorkel. Saw lots of beautiful fish, very close!
Hi Samantha, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed such a relaxing snorkeling experience with Marco Polo. We’re glad you appreciated the hotel pickup, the local insights about Chileno Bay, and Marco’s personalized approach. Every guest has a different comfort level in the water, so we always aim to adapt the experience to your pace while keeping safety our top priority. Sometimes the perfect day is simply snorkeling among colorful fish and then relaxing on a quiet beach! Marco Polo will be thrilled to hear your kind words. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with him. Thank you for choosing High Tide Los Cabos. We hope to welcome you back to Baja California Sur for another unforgettable adventure in the Sea of Cortez! High Tide Los Cabos 🐠🌊☀️
Helped this 60 year old snorkel for the 1st time. Positive experience and worked hard to keep everyone safe.
Hi there, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear your first snorkeling adventure was such a positive one. It’s especially rewarding to know we could help make your first time in the water enjoyable and comfortable. Our guides take great pride in adapting to every guest’s experience level and making safety the top priority, so everyone can relax and enjoy the incredible marine life of the Sea of Cortez. We’re honored you chose High Tide Los Cabos for your first snorkeling experience and hope it’s just the beginning of many more underwater adventures. We’d love to welcome you back to Los Cabos for another day exploring Santa María, Chileno Bay, or even Cabo Pulmo! High Tide Los Cabos 🐠🌊☀️
Maury was a fantastic guide and so helpful. I swam into a patch of jellies and he had a quick response. Lots of beautiful fish too!
Hi there, Thank you so much for your review! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great snorkeling experience with Maury Sanchez. Maury will be very happy to hear your kind words. One of the most important parts of any snorkeling adventure is having a guide who is attentive and ready to respond when needed, and we’re glad he was there to help quickly and keep the experience enjoyable. We’re also happy to hear you were able to enjoy the incredible marine life at Santa María and Chileno Bay. The colorful fish and crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez are what make snorkeling in Los Cabos such a memorable experience. Thank you for choosing High Tide Los Cabos and for trusting us with your adventure. We hope to welcome you back to Baja California Sur for another day exploring the amazing underwater world of Los Cabos! High Tide Los Cabos 🐠🌊☀️
