Updated 3.31.2025

If you’re heading to Baja and want to pack in an epic, easy-access adventure, snorkeling in Cabo should be at the top of your list. The warm, clear waters of the Sea of Cortez (aka the Gulf of California) are brimming with marine life, making it one of the best places on the planet to explore beneath the surface—even if you’re brand new to snorkeling. All you need are basic swimming skills, some curiosity, and a mask to dive into this underwater wonderland.

Cabo—short for Los Cabos—is the jumping-off point for most travelers, made up of the two southernmost towns on the Baja Peninsula: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. It’s where most visitors land and stay, but if you’re up for venturing a little farther, there are some rad, less-crowded coastal towns nearby that offer a more laid-back, authentic vibe and even better access to nature.

We spent weeks road-tripping through Baja Sur in our RV, chasing warm sun, salty air, and the best snorkeling spots we could find. Once we heard about the region’s incredible biodiversity—and the inspiring conservation efforts happening here—we were all in. The Gulf of California has even been called the “world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau for its unreal marine ecosystem. We had to see it for ourselves.

TLDR: So Where’s the Best Snorkeling in Baja?

We talked to locals, outfitters, and fellow travelers to get the beta on the best snorkeling. The same spots kept coming up again and again—places known for calm coves, thriving reefs, and close encounters with tropical fish, sea turtles, and more. These are the go-to zones for snorkeling near Cabo: Cabo Pulmo, La Ventana, La Paz, and Los Cabos. Each one offers a unique underwater experience, whether you’re swimming with sea lions or drifting over vibrant coral.

#1 Place for Snorkeling in Cabo – Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is about a 2-hour drive from Los Cabos and is one of the best snorkeling spots in the region, home to a uber-successful marine reserve with coral reefs, massive schools of fish and sea turtles—plus, from October to May, it’s common to see migrating humpback whales (sometimes with babies!) cruising through its protected waters. This spot is great for year-round snorkeling.

#2 Spot for Snorkeling near Cabo – La Paz

La Paz is about a 2-hour drive from Los Cabos and is a top snorkeling destination thanks to its winter whale shark snorkeling and easy access to Espiritu Santo Island, home to lively coral reefs and playful sea lions. From November to March, whale sharks dominate the scene in La Paz, a seaside town also situated on the Sea of Cortez with a special bay that serves as feeding grounds for these gentle giants in winter. La Paz is about a 2-hour drive from Los Cabos and is one of the few places in the world (and one of the best managed!) where you can swim and snorkel with whale sharks.

#3 Spot for Snorkeling near Cabo – La Ventana

La Ventana is a little over 2 hours drive from Los Cabos and is a hidden gem for snorkeling, as most visitors here are kiteboarders drawn by the El Norte wind. But La Ventana has crystal-clear waters on non-windy days, rocky reefs teeming with marine life, and easy access to offshore spots for snorkeling right off the beach. La Ventana has phenomenal snorkeling year-round.

#4 Spot for Snorkeling in Cabo – Cabo San Lucas

You don’t actually have to leave Los Cabos to snorkel, either. Cabo San Lucas is one of the 2 Los Cabos towns, and definitely holds its own with regards to snorkeling adventures right off its coast. Cabo San Lucas offers fantastic snorkeling in spots like Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay, which boast calm, clear waters, bustling coral reefs, and abundant marine life—plus, from October to May, you might encounter migrating whales on your boat ride to snorkeling spots!

Best Cabo Snorkeling Spots – More Details

Cabo Pulmo Marine Reserve

If you are looking for the best snorkeling on the Baja Sur Peninsula, Cabo Pulmo is your place.  It’s just 60 miles north of Los Cabos and is well known for it’s protected National Marine Park and incredible sea life. We booked an unforgettable and very reasonably priced snorkeling trip with Cabo Pulmo Watersports, and in 2.5 hours we visited 4 different areas of the reef and marine reserve and spotted a ridiculous amount of sea life.  Sea turtles, magnificent schools of fish, sea lions, whales and more.  All snorkel gear and wet suits provided (wetsuits typically only needed in winter months).  Plus, you can feel good about booking this eco-friendly trip that is benefiting the ecosystem, marine life and local communities.  For more details on Cabo Pulmo snorkeling, check out our Cabo Pulmo snorkeling adventure and recommendations for booking your own!

La Ventana – Snorkeling & Adventure Mecca

If you’re looking to venture a little farther, spend a bit more time snorkeling, and check out other world-class outdoor activities like mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking and more, head to La Ventana.   We explored many snorkeling spots on our 6-hour snorkeling trip with a delicious lunch with Baja Wild.  Depending on what is in the bay that day, there may be opportunities to see whales, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, orcas, sea lions, and much more.  All snorkel gear provided.  Check out our La Ventana snorkeling adventure and how to plan and book your own. Another extraordinary adventure – reserve your trip online on TripOutside!

La Paz – Whale Sharks & Espiritu Santo

A driving factor of Mexico’s whale shark conservation success (and the fact that they keep coming back every year) is that swimming with whale sharks in La Paz is a highly regulated activity to protect both the animals and the snorkelers. If you’re already in the La Paz area, you can book a conservation-minded adventure with a local marine biologist on board to learn all about these magnificent spotted giants while you snorkel beside them. If you’re staying in the Los Cabos area, you can choose a full day tour with transportation to La Paz and combine snorkeling with the biggest fish in the world with a stop in the quaint town of Todos Santos.

Los Cabos Snorkeling

If you don’t have much time or would rather not venture so far, there’s still plenty of incredible snorkeling right in Los Cabos. Cabo snorkeling tours will bring you to some of the best snorkeling in the area.  Charter a private luxury catamaran to take you to Cabo landmarks like The Arch, stop at secluded beaches and enjoy snorkeling above lively reefs and paddleboarding in the calm bay. Charters are available for up to 40 people! Whether you’re looking to swim alongside colorful fish in shallow reefs or dive deeper to explore sunken treasures, Cabo San Lucas has it all. Santa Maria and Chileno Bay are particularly good snorkeling spots, and local experts swear by Pelican Rock. It’s a bit more of a secret gem, known for its teeming schools of fish and occasionally, sightings of majestic sea turtles.

Join a private or group snorkeling tour in Cabo San Lucas, where you’ll explore the famous Cabo San Lucas Bay, passing through well-known sites, such as Lovers Beach, Pelican Rock, the Pirate’s Cave, and the Pacific Window, while admiring the marine fauna of Baja California Sur. Some tours also take you to El Arco for a traditional tour of the arch, Cabo’s Famous landmark.

Snorkeling from the Beach in Cabo

If boat tours aren’t your jam, you’ve still got plenty of options. Cabo has a few standout beaches where you can snorkel straight from the shore – no boat required. Two of the best spots for DIY snorkeling are Playa Santa Maria and Chileno Bay, both tucked into protected coves with calm, crystal-clear water and plenty of marine life just a short swim from shore. They are both located along the Tourist Corridor, the scenic stretch of highway between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, just a short distance from each other. You could even visit both in one day!

These beaches are super beginner-friendly and great for families or anyone who wants to take it easy. You’ll find on-site gear rentals at both spots, including snorkel sets, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and beach chairs with umbrellas, so you can make a full day of it. For the best snorkeling, head to the rocks on the right side of the both beaches, which provide calmer waters and the best opportunities for marine life. Pack a lunch – both beaches have resorts lining the shore, but many of the amenities are for guests only.

Pro tip: Get there early (7:30-8am) to score parking and beat the crowds, especially on weekends.

Map of Best Snorkeling Near Cabo

Our Final Take on Cabo Snorkeling

Whether you choose Cabo Pulmo, La Ventana, or Cabo San Lucas during your Cabo adventure, you will be delighted by the underwater world of the Gulf of California.  For the best snorkeling and diving in a Marine Reserve (think HUGE fish!), head to Cabo Pulmo’s enchanting coast.  If you want to combine snorkeling with other adventures like biking, wind sports and hiking, then check out La Ventana.  If you want to stay close by, check out Cabo San Lucas’ snorkeling adventures or head to Chileno Bay or Playa Santa Maria.

With each snorkeling excursion, you’ll not only witness the beauty of Baja’s coastal treasures but also become part of the ongoing conservation efforts to protect these precious ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at their wonders.

Snorkeling Dos and Don’ts

• Do observe marine life from a distance, without getting too close
• Do bring a reusable water bottle – there’s too much plastic in our oceans already!
• Do follow Leave No Trace principles
• Do look for tour operators that promote Leave No Trace by not providing plastic water bottles, respecting wildlife, and not allowing participants to touch, feed or chase
• Don’t ever feed any wildlife or marine life – human food is not good for them, plus they may become dependent on humans and not find food themselves
• Don’t ever touch any wildlife or marine life – they are very sensitive and a human touch is not only terrifying but could make them sick or even kill them
• Don’t touch coral – it’s very sensitive and it can cause irreparable harm
• Don’t ever chase a wild animal or sea life, if they swim away please let them be

Cabo Snorkeling FAQs