Kayaking in Cabo San Lucas: 7 tours you have to take
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Kayaking in Cabo is so much fun!
Cabo boasts a spectacular coastline with wide sandy beaches and rocky outcrops making it a scenic place for kayaking. Besides the Cabo arch, which is a favorite spot for kayaking enthusiasts, the area has plenty of bays and golden sand beaches where you can have a fantastic experience without dealing with crowds.
Whether you choose a kayaking tour with snorkeling or kayak and paddle board tour, you will have the best time for your life!
I recommend a glass bottom kayak to see the spectacular marine animals of the Sea of Cortez.
The French naturalist Jacques Yves Cousteau nicknamed Cabo “A World Aquarium,” because of the incredible amount of biodiversity in it, including dolphins🐬orcas, sea lions 🦭and even whales 🐋
Although spotting a whale is not likely while you are in a clear kayak – except from the distance, you can easily spot smaller animals like dolphins, turtles and sea lions.
If you aren’t sure which tour to book in Cabo, you can’t go wrong with kayaking – it’s easy enough so that everyone can do it, and it’s a lot of fun – you get to enjoy Cabo’s stunning coast and spot cool marine animals.
How do I know all this? 🤔
I’ve kayaked in Cabo, and had a blast! While there are many tours in Cabo to choose from, kayaking should be on top of your bucket list.
But why should you trust me on this? It’s a good question, and here’s a quick answer.
I frequently visit Cabo and I’ve travelled all over Baja. I’ve also been to 15 states in Mexico and kayaked in several places like Bacalar, Michoacán and Isla Holbox.
In this article, I put together a list of the best kayaking tours in Cabo, so that you can book the top-rated adventures that have been vetted by fellow travelers and have the most stellar reviews.
Best glass bottom kayak tours in Cabo
1. Kayak to the Cabo Arch, Lovers Beach and enjoy snorkel – badge of excellence ⭐️
Kayaking to the Cabo Arch is a one-of-a-kind adventure, which should be experienced by all Cabo visitors. Although many tourists take a boat ride to see the arch, paddling on the waters of the Sea of Cortez offers an entirely different perspective.
This top rated kayaking tour begins before the sunrise so you can watch the first rays of sun light up Cabo’s most famous landmark. It’s a perfect time before the waves pick up and the area gets busy with boats, which is not ideal for kayaking.
As you paddle around, you can spot wildlife and some fish, later snorkel in the reef of Pelican Rock – a fun experience not available on other tours.
PRO TIP: I recommend brining your GO PRO camera on a tour, so you can capture your adventure, as you swim alongside the colorful fish.
What’s included:
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Snorkeling equipment
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pictures in front of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
What’s not included:
Gratuities
Wonderful experience, great guides and plenty of activity to keep us busy and learn a little about the area.
Allison T
2. Los Cabos Arch and Lovers Beach Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak
There’s no better way to explore the coastline of Cabo than by a glass bottom kayak.
Before the tour begins, your bilingual guide will provide a safety briefing, and once it’s finished, you will paddle to El Arco past Playa del Amor and colonies of playful sea lions which use Cabo’s craggy rocks as their rest area.
Don’t forget to look down occasionally, as you might spot colorful fish just below your kayak. The tour culminates with a snorkeling session near Pelican Rock.
You can choose from a morning and afternoon departure and request a complimentary transport from your hotel or cruise ship, which is included in the tour.
What’s included:
- Professional guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Snorkeling equipment
- Water and granola bars
- Tandem kayak
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
This tour was amazing! Such beautiful sites, we saw a lot of seals, pelicans and very gorgeous fish. Our tour guys, Marco and Emilio were super friendly, helpful and full of interesting information. Lizette C
3. Cabo Glass Bottom Kayak Tour and Snorkel at Two Bays
One of my favorite kayaking tours in Cabo, this excursion offers a chance to explore two bays: Santa Maria and Chileno, both of which offer some of the best conditions for swimming 🏊♀️ kayaking 🚣🏻♀️ and snorkeling 🤿
The tour starts at Santa Maria Beach from where you will paddle to Chileno Bay, one of the best places for snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas, which is always teeming with marine life.
The tour includes a tandem kayak, which is perfect if you are traveling with friends and family. Even if you go on a tour by yourself, you will have the best time of your life.
Snorkeling at two bays is also a fantastic experience, as you get to see all the incredible biodiversity and swim alongside the colorful tropical fish 🐠 Before the tour is over, you will have time to relax at the beach and catch some sun ☀️ before heading back.
What’s included:
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Snorkeling equipment
- Bottled and granola bars
- Tandem kayak
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Beautiful day kayaking to the snorkeling beach, spotting whales on the way. The snorkeling was fabulous with a wide variety of fish. Hotel pickup and drop off went smoothly. Would definitely recommend this excursion and would do it again.
teresa H
Best private kayaking tours in Cabo
4. Private Los Cabos Arch & Playa del Amor tour by glass bottom kayak
Group tours are fun, but if you want to enjoy the undivided attention of your guide, a private kayaking tour to Playa del Amor and El Arco is a better option.
Unlike group tours, where you have to paddle fast enough to keep up with the rest of the group, this private excursion gives you a chance to paddle around at your pace, while enjoying the magnificent views around you.
Make your way through crystal clear waters of the Sea of Cortez as get to see the sunbathing sea lions, marine birds, and iconic views of the Baja Peninsula. The tour ends with a snorkeling session near Pelican Rock.
What’s included:
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Bottled water and snacks
- Private transportation
- Tandem kayak
- Private guide
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
Our guide Hugo was amazing! He took very good care of us, checking on how we were doing, giving us time to rest, let us go at our own pace, and bring extremely informative. I highly recommend this excursion.
A Trip Advisor Reviewer
5. Private glass bottom kayak and snorkel at two bays
This fun, kayaking tour of Chileno Bay begins at Santa Maria Beach, surrounded by spectacular desert cliffs and lush greenery. The tour includes tandem kayaks so you can explore tide pools and snorkel in calm, shallow waters.
The tour picks you up at your hotel, and you travel to your destination in air conditioned vehicle. The adventure includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water and granola bars, so you can stay hydrated throughout the morning.
What’s included:
- Tandem kayak
- Bottled water and granola bars
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel
- Private guide
- Snorkeling equipment
What’s not included:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Morey and Emilio were amazing!! We had so much fun, they were knowledge and always had our safety in mind. Kayaking wad a work out and felt great. Snokling is beautiful. I highly recommend this tour so fun!
Best snorkeling and kayaking tours in Cabo
6. Snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddle
If you want to add a paddle board or sea scooter to your kayaking experience – don’t miss this tour!
Snorkeling and swimming in the shimmering waters of Cabo San Lucas is a fun way to experience one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico 🏝️Cruise to a secluded cove on a paddle board or kayak. Spot dolphins, whales and manta rays as your cruise past Los Arcos and Lovers Beach.
And, when you get hungry, enjoy fresh home-style salsas 🥙 quesadillas or tacos 🌮 Morning or afternoon departures are available.
What’s included:
- Paddle boards
- Sea scooters
- Kayaks
- Snorkeling equipment
- Snacks
- Homemade Mexican food
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- $10 per person round-trip transportation fee
- Towels
We just had a good time. Fun crew. Nice sightseeing. Lucky enough to observe some close encounter with whales and with a sea turtle.
Jean Martin B
7. Kayaking tour with snorkeling in Cabo
Explore Cabo San Lucas Bay on this 3-hour morning kayak tour in a clear fiberglass kayak.
Paddle to the Cabo Arch and Sea Lion Colony alongside your guide and later snorkel near Pelican Rock. You can choose from several morning departure times, but the earliest tours are always better if you want to see wildlife 🐋
What’s included:
- Local taxes
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Life jacket
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayak
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
So fun! Tio Sports is worth booking your trip with. Our guide was very observant and took good care of us. The snorkeling was great for sure! Charitie
Kayak rentals Cabo San Lucas
You can find kayak rentals on many swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas that boast calm waters perfect for paddling around. Medano Beach and Chileno Beach have kayak rentals starting around $30 an hour.
Kayak rentals in Cabo San Lucas: FAQ’s
Can you kayak to the arch in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, you can kayak to the arch in Cabo San Lucas, but you need to book a guided tour because kayaking to the arch is not possible on your own.
Can you kayak to Lovers Beach Cabo?
Yes, you can kayak to Lovers Beach in Cabo. Some kayaking tours in Cabo include a stop at Lovers Beach where you can take a quick break and enjoy spectacular views.
Is it true you can’t swim in Cabo?
Many beaches in Cabo are not swimmable due to dangerous rip currents that can pull in even good swimmers. While Cabo’s Pacific beaches are considered dangerous, there are several beaches in the Cabo tourist corridor where you can jump in the water.
Are there dolphins in Cabo?
Cabo is home to Pacific bottlenose dolphins which you can spot right off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Cabo San Lucas?
Swimming in the Pacific Ocean in Cabo is not safe because of dangerous undertows, rip currents and big waves. Many beaches on the Pacific side have signs warning visitors against wading near the shore break or getting in the water.
When can you swim with the whale sharks in Cabo San Lucas?
From October through May, Baja California Sur is visited by a large migration of whale sharks. They usually gather in the shallow, nutrient-rich waters of La Paz, creating the perfect environment to enjoy snorkeling with them.
Is the water rough in Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo’s Pacific beaches are known for their big waves and rough water, while some beaches along the Sea of Cortez have more mild conditions. Always exercise caution even on swimmable beaches in Cabo which can have different swimming conditions depending on the weather.
Are you allowed to swim in the water in Cabo San Lucas?
Only certain Cabo beaches are safe for swimming, and you should always check the weather report and water conditions before getting in the water. Even swimmable beaches in Cabo can have a red flag sometimes, which means you should stay on the shore.
Kayaking in Cabo San Lucas: final word
That’s a wrap! I hope you found the right kayaking tour, and will enjoy your adventure. There are many places in Cabo where you can enjoy kayaking, including Medano Beach, Santa Maria Beach and the famous arch. While some Cabo beaches have kayak rentals, you can also book a guided kayaking tour if you want to have a more comprehensive experience and visit places that you can’t reach on your own.
