Treasure Hunt Snorkeling Lunch Cruise from Cabo San Lucas

The best part of this outing is the mix of pirate-ship fun and Cabo scenery. You sail across San Lucas Bay, stop for a swim and snorkel, then return to the deck for burritos, rum grog, cocktails, music, and games. I like the easy family appeal and the fact that lunch, drinks, gear, and a restroom are all included. The main tradeoff is that this is a large, lively boat trip, not a quiet reef expedition.

I also like the strong value at $99 per person, especially if you plan to enjoy the open bar. Families with children from 4 to 12 have found plenty to do, while adults can focus on the views and drinks. Snorkeling time can be short and crowded, and the life jackets are traditional bulky types rather than inflatable models, so comfort in the water may be an issue for some people.

Key points to know

• The pirate ship is the main attraction: Expect music, games, drinks, and a playful party mood rather than a serious sailing lesson.
• Snorkeling is part of the trip, not the whole focus: The water stop may last about 20 minutes, with conditions and crowding affecting what you see.
• The Arch makes a memorable backdrop: Cabo’s famous rock formation is included in the route, though the exact snorkeling spot can vary.
• Lunch is simple and filling: Guacamole, chips, salads, chicken and beef burritos, sausage, and pasta salad are served onboard.
• The open bar adds real value: Beer, vodka, tequila, sodas, cocktails, juice, and rum grog are included.
• Plan your own way to the marina: Transportation is not included, and a $5 dock and protected-area fee is extra.

A Pirate Ship View of San Lucas Bay

This is a half-day party cruise with a snorkeling stop, not a dedicated marine-life tour. That distinction matters. You get Cabo’s most famous coastal views, a themed boat, a meal, drinks, and entertainment in one package, but the snorkeling itself is only one part of the program.

The boat sails from Cabo San Lucas Marina at 12:30 p.m. and returns to the same meeting point after roughly three and a half hours. You will spend much of the outing on deck, where the crew keeps the mood moving with music and interactive games. If you enjoy a social boat ride, that rhythm works well. If you want peace and quiet, a small group, or time to study fish and reefs, this is probably not the right match.

The pirate theme is more about the ship, costumes, music, and playful atmosphere than a full story-driven performance. Daytime departures focus on games and entertainment. Do not book this expecting a narrated history of Cabo or pirate legends throughout the trip.

Still, the theme gives the outing a clear personality. A standard sightseeing boat can feel like a transfer across the water. A pirate ship gives children something to watch for and gives adults an easy reason to relax with a drink.

The Arch and Cabo’s Coastal Views

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the signature sight on this route. The rock formation marks the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, and it is one of the most recognizable views in Los Cabos. Seeing it from the water gives you a better sense of its scale than seeing it from shore.

The route also includes Cabo San Lucas Beach. Depending on sea conditions and the day’s operating plan, the boat may anchor near the Arch or use a nearby beach area for the water stop. One account of the trip places the snorkeling at Playa Chileno, with about 20 minutes in the water. That is useful to know because the advertised setting may sound like a reef stop right beside the Arch, while the actual anchorage can vary.

Bring your camera, but protect it from spray. The most scenic moments come before and after the water stop, when you can look back toward Cabo’s rock formations and beaches. You will want to keep your phone nearby, but not loose on the deck.

The bay is also a good place to watch how the mood of Cabo changes from the marina outward. Near the dock, you have boats, restaurants, and resort activity. Farther out, the view opens to rock, sand, and blue water. You do not need a long lecture to appreciate it.

What the Snorkeling Stop Is Really Like

Snorkeling is included, and equipment is provided. The crew anchors the boat near a beach or coastal area, then you enter the water for a short look below the surface. The description promises colorful corals and tropical fish, but you should keep expectations sensible.

This is a group activity from a large boat, with a maximum of 200 people. That number affects everything: how quickly people enter the water, how much room you have around the boat, and how peaceful the stop feels. One candid account described the snorkeling as crowded and lasting roughly 20 minutes. That is a short window, so have your mask fitted and listen closely when the crew gives instructions.

You may see fish near the boat or beach area, but this is not the same as a small-boat trip built around a protected reef. Conditions, visibility, and the number of people in the water will shape the experience. If you are mainly booking for marine life, choose a specialist snorkeling excursion instead.

The supplied life jackets are not inflatable models. One larger-bodied participant found the fit uncomfortable in the water but still enjoyed the overall outing. If you have fit concerns, ask the crew for the best available size before entering the water. A comfortable fit matters more than looking pirate-ready.

The water stop will suit confident swimmers and families who want a quick swim with equipment included. Children and less confident swimmers should follow the crew’s instructions closely. The boat has a restroom, which is useful before and after the stop, but the water activity remains the part that requires the most personal judgment.

Lunch on the Return to the Deck

The meal is straightforward Mexican-style boat food. You start with guacamole, chips, and salads, followed by chicken and beef burritos with sausage and pasta salad. This is practical food for a half-day outing: easy to serve, easy to eat, and filling after time in the water.

The food has received strong praise, but supplies can be limited. One person noted that guacamole had run out before they received any. If guacamole is important to you, take some when it is offered rather than assuming it will remain available for the whole meal.

Do not expect a restaurant-style lunch with several choices. You are eating on a moving boat, with the focus split between food, drinks, scenery, and entertainment. The burritos and salads fit that setting well.

Lunch is also part of the $99 value. If you paid separately for a meal, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a bay cruise, the total would rise quickly. The food is not the sole reason to book, but it helps make the package feel complete.

The Open Bar and Party Mood

The open bar is one of the strongest parts of the package. Included drinks cover beer, vodka, tequila, sodas, juice, cocktails, and rum grog. Accounts of the outing repeatedly praise the generous drinks and attentive service from the crew.

The bar changes the feel of the trip. This is less a quiet sail with a snack and more a moving afternoon party. Music stays lively, and the crew uses games to keep people involved. Adults who want to sit back with a drink have that option, while families can join the lighter activities.

You should pace yourself. The cruise lasts about three and a half hours, and the combination of sun, sea air, swimming, and alcohol can catch up with you. Drink water when available, eat lunch, and use sunscreen. The open bar is valuable only if you enjoy it responsibly.

The drinks also help explain why the price can work for some people and not for others. If you do not drink alcohol and care mainly about snorkeling, $99 may feel high for a large-group trip. If you want lunch, an open bar, entertainment, and a scenic cruise in one afternoon, the price is more reasonable.

How the Large Boat Affects the Experience

The maximum capacity is 200 people. That is an important detail, not a footnote. A boat this size can create energy and make the entertainment feel lively, but it also means lines, shared space, and a busier water stop.

You should think of the cruise as a social event. The crew has more people to serve, the snorkeling area may feel crowded, and the most popular deck spots can go quickly. Arrive ready for a group outing rather than expecting personal attention at every moment.

The upside is that the group size suits families and mixed-age parties. Children can join games, adults can have drinks, and nobody needs to create their own entertainment. The boat’s size also gives the crew room to offer a meal, bar, restroom, and snorkeling equipment in one package.

The downside is the loss of intimacy. If your ideal day on the water means silence, a private guide, and long stretches watching fish, select a smaller excursion. If your ideal day means music, drinks, and a little ocean adventure, the crowd may be part of the fun.

Who Will Get the Most From This Cruise

I would recommend this outing most strongly to families, couples, and groups of friends who want a simple afternoon with several activities built in. Children have games and a pirate ship to explore, while adults have drinks, music, lunch, and Cabo views.

It also suits anyone who wants to avoid planning several separate bookings. You do not need to arrange a restaurant lunch, rent snorkeling gear, or find a second boat for the bay views. The package handles the basics in one trip.

You may want to choose something else if you have a serious interest in snorkeling. The stop is brief, the group is large, and the location may be a beach area rather than a coral reef beside the Arch. You should also reconsider if you dislike loud music, organized games, or a party atmosphere.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, but the operator does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must make your own way to Cabo Legend Tours at Muelle del Cabo in the marina.

Making Sense of the $99 Price

At $99, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Cabo. The value depends on how many included features you will actually use.

The fare covers the cruise, lunch, snorkeling equipment, an open bar, onboard entertainment, and a restroom. It also includes the convenience of returning to the same marina meeting point. For an adult who will enjoy several drinks and lunch, the package can be good value.

For a non-drinker who mainly wants a few minutes of snorkeling, the calculation changes. A smaller snorkeling trip may offer more water time and personal space, even if it costs more. You are paying here for the full social package, not just the mask and fins.

Remember the extra $5 per person dock and protected-area fee. Transportation to and from the marina is also separate. These are modest additions, but they belong in your budget.

The strong overall rating and 90 percent recommendation fit the tour’s character: the boat, crew, music, drinks, and family appeal earn the most praise. The snorkeling is the part that deserves the most caution.

Practical Details Before You Go

Book ahead if your dates are fixed. This experience is often reserved about 25 days in advance, which suggests that popular travel periods can fill early.

The meeting point is Cabo Legend Tours at Muelle del Cabo 0, El Medano Ejidal, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S. The start time is 12:30 p.m., and the cruise ends back at the same place.

Wear a swimsuit and bring sun protection. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a secure phone case will make the afternoon easier. You should also bring a light cover-up for the boat ride and dry clothes for after snorkeling.

Confirmation is issued when you book. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window, cancellations and changes are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.

Should You Book the Treasure Hunt Cruise?

Book it if you want a fun, all-in-one Cabo afternoon with a pirate ship, open bar, lunch, music, games, and a quick snorkeling stop. It is especially well suited to families and groups who value easy entertainment more than a quiet or highly focused water excursion.

Skip it if your priority is uncrowded snorkeling, a long time in the water, or a small boat with personal guiding. You should also consider another option if traditional life jackets may be uncomfortable for you.

For most people, the smart way to judge this trip is to picture the boat first and the snorkeling second. If that sounds right, $99 is a fair price for the package. If you picture reef fish first, spend your money on a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the Treasure Hunt Snorkeling Lunch Cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 12:30 p.m.

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is Cabo Legend Tours at Muelle del Cabo 0, El Medano Ejidal, Marina, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

What food is served?

The meal includes guacamole, chips, salads, chicken and beef burritos, sausage, and pasta salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes beer, vodka, tequila, sodas, cocktails, juice, and rum grog.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.