Los Cabos 2 Bays Kayak & Snorkel at Santa Maria & Chileno Bay
Back at the ship by about 11:05 am, 3 h 55 min before the last tender. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 2 h 55 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip anchors in Cabo San Lucas45 min to get a tender and reach the pier
- 8:45 amLeave the pierThis tour meets at the pier
- 8:55 amEarliest tour startTour runs 2 h. Latest sensible start: 11:50 am.
- 10:55 amTour ends10 min back to the pier
- 11:05 amBack at the tender pier3 h 55 min before the last tender
- 3:30 pmAll aboardLast tender usually leaves about 3:00 pm
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
Our verdict
This tour fits a typical Cabo San Lucas call (8:00 am–3:30 pm). It runs 2 h; ashore by 8:45 am, you can start by 8:55 am and be back at the gangway around 11:05 am — 2 h 55 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.
Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 12:35 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.
The operator picks up at the cruise port (it is on their pickup list), so the trip to the start point is part of the tour. We allow 10 min to walk off and find the pickup; look for the ground-transportation area outside Cabo San Lucas Marina tender pier.
Among the 397 Cabo San Lucas shore excursions we track, this is one of the shorter ones (the median runs 2 h 45 min); 86% of them fit a typical call. Cabo San Lucas is a tender port: we add 45 minutes to get ashore and keep you back 30 minutes before all aboard for the last tender.
Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Cabo San Lucas call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.
About this tour
Although located only a short distance apart, Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay offer noticeably different marine environments. Santa Maria's horseshoe-shaped cove provides natural protection from prevailing swell, while Chileno Bay is known for its extensive rocky reef habitat. Traveling between the two by kayak offers a perspective of the coastline unavailable from shore, while snorkeling reveals the underwater ecosystems that make the Sea of Cortez one of the world's most celebrated marine environments. Experiencing both bays in a single outing provides a broader appreciation of the coastal diversity found along the Los Cabos shoreline.
Max 12 per group English, Spanish
What's included
- Wetsuits available upon request
- Certified bilingual guide throughout the experience
- Tandem kayak, paddle, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, beach chairs, and umbrella
- Bottled water and light snacks
- Complimentary round-trip transportation from selected areas in an air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Towels
Itinerary
- 1Santa Maria BeachPaddle along the Sea of Cortez coastline between both protected bays while enjoying volcanic cliffs, turquoise water, and scenic marine landscapes. Approx. paddle time: 40–50 minutes total depending on ocean conditions
- 2Chileno Bay Los CabosArrive at Chileno Bay for guided snorkeling in one of the most protected reef areas in Los Cabos. Snorkeling is done directly from the beach and shoreline reef areas — no boats involved. Approx. time: 30–40 minutes Admission included
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
This activity starts directly from Santa Maria Beach. If you prefer to arrive directly at the beach, please let us know in advance so we can provide your exact meeting time.
This activity starts directly from Santa Maria Beach. If you prefer to arrive directly at the beach, please let us know in advance so we can provide your exact meeting time.
From the cruise pier
Meets at the pier
Allow 45 min to tender ashore first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
- 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 experience begins directly from the beach
- Wetsuits available upon request during winter months in XL, LG, M, and SM
- Maximum combined weight on tandem kayaks is 195 kg / 425 lbs
- Kayaking requires basic fitness and comfort in the water
- Conditions between Santa Maria and Chileno Bay may vary daily. If crossing conditions are not ideal, the experience may remain within one protected bay while still enjoying kayaking, snorkeling, and beach time. Partial refunds are not provided for ocean-condition route adjustments
- 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
Traveler reviews
Operated by High Tide Los Cabos. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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