The azure blue water around Cabo San Lucas beckons. Water activities are varied, from water skiing to kayaking, to snorkeling or scuba diving. The nutrient-rich warm water of the Sea of Cortez is a marine sanctuary and natural habitat to different species of fish--triggerfish, anglefish, goatfish, parrotfish, and more.
At Los Cabos shores there is no shortage of snorkel spots for snorklers delight. There were many snorkel tours to choose from, and we decided on the Surf Rider Adventures suggested by the concierge desk at The Pueblo Bonito Rose. A short taxi ride to the marina took us to the Surf Rider dock, where we began the four-hour snorkeling and sightseeing tour. There was the pre-requisite picture taking in front of the boat before we hopped on board to the beat of salsa music, and an endless supply of pina colada. The friendly "Captain" started the tour at Lands End, where we got a glimpse of Lover’s Beach. He skillfully navigated the spectacular rocky outcroppings of El Arco for a very fantastic close encounter with the sea lion colony basking under the sun, and taking pleasure in all the attention they get from tourist boats badgering their territory. We had a picturesque vista of the fabulous hotels on Playa Medano and an eyes view of the luxury resorts and golf courses along the Corridor as we headed for a quick look of the beautiful moon-shaped Santa Maria bay.
Our snorkeling destination was the Playa Chileno located on the Corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Playa Chileno Bay was a spectacular wide cove with fairly flat white sand beach shallow for many yards from the shore and crystalline blue water that's ideal for diving, swimming, and best of all snorkeling. There was a reef on one side of the cove extending about a half mile out. Surf Rider anchored in the middle of the beautiful bay. We were outfitted with snorkel gears, and after a brief dive instructions we were ready and anxious to explore. With our flippers and gears, we dove, headed closer to the reef for a closer encounter with marine life. There was an abundance of underwater show and colorful tropical fish. When my seven-year-old tired of snorkeling we headed back to the boat, where he delighted in feeding schools of fish hovering next to the vessel.
Tour included: mask, fins, snorkel, life jacket, certified guide service, lunch (chicken teriyaki and meat kabob), snacks (potato chips, pastries, and fresh fruit), and beverages (pina colada, margarita, purified water, sodas). The tour was a family adventure. Although the crew were very attentive and made sure everyone had plenty to drink (the pina coladas were delicious and not watered down), they were not careless, loud, or rowdy. Tour times: 9am – 1pm price is about $50 US per person. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen and camera.