Scuba Diving

Cabo San Lucas gives you a fine underwater introduction in a compact morning outing. You’ll pass the Arch and sea lion colony by boat, then spend time below the surface at sites such as Pelican Rock and Land’s End, where rays, turtles, moray eels, and schools of fish may appear.

I like the small groups of up to eight and the strong record of guides such as Silvia, Ryan, Eduardo, Felipe, and Larue. I also like having morning and afternoon options, though this particular schedule begins at 7:30 am. The main caution is the cost of equipment: the information provided is unclear about whether gear use is included, and one customer paid an additional $35.

Key points at a glance

• Sea lions and the Arch come first: The boat ride includes a short look at Cabo’s signature rock formation and local sea lion colony.
• Certified guests have several sites: Pelican Rock, Land’s End, the Lundenberg shipwreck, Santa Maria, and Chileno may be used according to conditions and certification.
• Beginners can participate: The crew can introduce you to scuba, so you do not need certification for the beginner option.
• Small boats matter: The maximum group size is eight, a more personal setup than a large commercial boat.
• Wildlife is a real possibility: Past outings have included spotted rays, eagle rays, turtles, manta rays, moray eels, sea slugs, and many fish.
• Check the final price: Marine park fees, captain, PADI professional, boat, water, and snacks are included, but equipment charges and GoPro photos may cost extra.

Starting at 7:30 am beside Cabo’s marina

You meet Cabo Trek at Hotel Tesoro, on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, at 7:30 am. The activity lasts about four hours and returns to the same meeting point, which makes it easy to fit into a day that includes lunch, sightseeing, or a later appointment.

After check-in, the crew takes you toward the boat. Before heading to the underwater sites, you receive a short introduction to the local Marine Park. This is useful context rather than filler. Cabo’s waters are not just a backdrop for a boat ride, and knowing the protected setting helps you understand why the crew controls where and how you enter the water.

The boat ride also includes a stop at the Arch and the sea lion colony. These are quick sightseeing moments, not separate shore excursions, but they add plenty to the morning. You get one of Cabo’s classic views above the surface before shifting your attention below it.

The boat, captain, PADI professional, bottled water, snacks, and local Marine Park fees are listed as included. Hotel transportation is not included, so plan your own way to Hotel Tesoro. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the information does not specify a hotel shuttle or a particular transit route.

Choosing between certified and beginner sessions

If you hold a current certification, the crew may take you to Pelican Rock and Land’s End in the Marine Park, or toward the Corridor and its bays at Santa Maria and Chileno. The final choice depends on your certification, conditions, and the day’s operating plan.

Pelican Rock and Land’s End give you the most recognizable Cabo setting. Land’s End is the rocky end of the Baja peninsula, where the Pacific and Sea of Cortez meet. The underwater scenery can be especially appealing here, and one outing included the Lundenberg shipwreck near Land’s End.

The Corridor option offers a different feel. Santa Maria and Chileno are beautiful bays, and the more sheltered setting may suit a day when the crew chooses a calmer route. The supplied details do not promise a particular site, so you should treat the named locations as possible destinations rather than fixed stops.

If you are not certified, Cabo Trek can introduce you to scuba. That makes this more than a sightseeing boat trip, but it also means you should approach the experience with realistic expectations. A beginner session is an introduction, not a substitute for a full certification course.

The basic requirement is moderate physical fitness. You should be comfortable following water instructions, using scuba equipment, and managing a boat-based activity. Evidence of certification is required from anyone taking part in the certified option.

What you may see below the surface

Cabo’s marine life is the reason to book this activity, but nature never works from a script. The strongest sightings reported from these outings include sea lions above water, spotted rays, eagle rays, sea turtles, manta rays, moray eels, sea slugs, and a wide variety of fish.

One especially memorable combination included whales visible from the boat or waterline and eagle rays below. That kind of day is possible, but it should not be treated as a guarantee. Weather, visibility, season, site choice, and animal behavior all shape the experience.

The stated visibility can reach up to 60 feet, or 18 meters, in summer and fall. That is a useful seasonal detail if you care about clear water and underwater photography. It does not mean every summer or fall session will have 60-foot visibility, but it indicates when conditions may be at their best.

The wildlife list also explains why a good guide matters. Silvia was praised for clear communication and for helping a guest feel safe underwater. Ryan was singled out for making the outing memorable, while Larue received strong praise for leading the group. Eduardo and Felipe also guided highly enjoyable sessions.

Those names cannot guarantee who will lead your trip. Still, the pattern is encouraging: the human side of the activity is one of its main strengths. In scuba, calm instructions and clear signals matter more than a polished sales pitch.

Two tanks, a small boat, and a more personal pace

This is a two-tank trip, so you get two separate underwater sessions rather than one short dip. The exact length of each session is not provided, and the total activity lasts about four hours including check-in, boat travel, sightseeing, preparation, and returns.

The maximum group size is eight. That number matters. A small boat generally means less waiting for equipment checks, easier communication with the guide, and a better chance of receiving personal attention. During low season, one outing had only a father and son aboard, allowing them to get out before larger commercial boats.

You should not assume every departure will be that quiet. Eight is the maximum, not a promise of a private trip. Still, the group limit is a good reason to consider Cabo Trek if you prefer a personal outing over a large operation.

Morning and afternoon departures are available in the general schedule, but the supplied meeting information lists a 7:30 am start. Confirm the departure time shown for your booking, especially if you have plans later in the day.

The captain is part of the included service, and the crew has included captains named Freddy and Adrian on past outings. Their role is more than steering. Boat handling, timing, and getting the group to and from the water safely are important parts of a two-tank trip.

The price and the equipment question

The listed price is $149 per person. That includes the boat, captain, PADI professional, bottled water, snacks, and Marine Park fees. For a four-hour outing with two underwater sessions and a small group limit, that can be a fair price if all necessary scuba equipment is included.

Here is the point you need to clarify before paying. The details say that all necessary gear is provided, but the inclusion list also says scuba equipment use is not included. One customer reported paying $35 to rent equipment. Because these statements conflict, ask Cabo Trek directly if the $149 price includes the regulator, tank, wetsuit, mask, fins, and other required equipment for your booking.

This is not a minor detail. An extra $35 changes the total cost, especially for two people. It also affects the comparison with other Cabo operators, since a lower headline price may not be lower after equipment rental.

GoPro rental is not included. Underwater photos may be available, but they carry an extra charge. One customer was quoted $50, then offered a $40 volunteer price, but later saw the full amount plus 16 percent IVA charged to a credit card. Cabo Trek acknowledged the mistake and offered a refund of the difference.

My practical advice is simple: confirm every add-on before the boat leaves, including equipment, camera use, taxes, and payment totals. Keep a receipt or written price if a special rate is offered. The photo issue was described as a billing error, not a problem with the underwater experience, but it is still worth avoiding on vacation.

How the itinerary feels from start to finish

The morning begins at Cabo Trek’s Hotel Tesoro office, where you check in and receive information about the Marine Park. From there, you go to the boat and pass the Arch and sea lion colony.

Next comes the boat ride to the selected site. Certified participants may visit Pelican Rock, Land’s End, or the Corridor bays. Beginners receive an introduction suited to discovering scuba for the first time.

You then complete the first underwater session, return to the boat, and prepare for the second. Water and snacks are included, though the information does not give a detailed meal service. After the second session, the boat returns to the meeting point at Hotel Tesoro.

The route is appealing because it combines three experiences in one morning: Cabo scenery, marine wildlife, and hands-on scuba. The tradeoff is that the schedule is compact. You should not expect a full-day expedition with long surface intervals, multiple distant locations, or extensive shore time.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would recommend this for a first scuba experience, couples, families with appropriate fitness and age eligibility, and certified participants who want a short outing near Cabo San Lucas. The small group size is especially attractive if you dislike crowded boats.

It also suits certified scuba guests who want recognizable Cabo sites without committing an entire day. Pelican Rock, Land’s End, Santa Maria, and Chileno offer enough variety to make the route interesting, even though the final sites are not fixed.

This may not suit you if you need hotel pickup, want a private boat, or require a guaranteed site or animal sighting. It may also be a poor fit if you are uncomfortable with moderate physical activity or want every expense included with no price uncertainty.

Bring your T-shirt and shoe sizes when booking, since the operator requests them. Certification evidence is required for certified participants, and at least two people must book together. Confirmation is sent at booking.

Weather, cancellation, and planning details

The outing depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations and changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The activity is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. You should arrive prepared for a boat outing rather than expecting hotel transport, since pickup and drop-off are not included.

Should you book Cabo Trek?

I would book this if you want a compact, small-group scuba outing with professional guidance and a good chance to see Cabo’s marine life. The strongest reasons are the eight-person maximum, the two-tank format, the Arch and sea lion stop, and the experienced guides, including Silvia, Ryan, Larue, Eduardo, and Felipe.

I would not book without first confirming equipment costs. The $149 price looks reasonable, but the conflicting information about gear can create an unwelcome extra charge. Ask for the complete per-person total, including equipment, taxes, and any camera purchase.

For certified guests, this offers a practical way to visit Pelican Rock, Land’s End, or the Corridor without giving up a whole day. For beginners, it provides a guided first step into scuba, with the important reminder that weather and wildlife remain beyond anyone’s control.

FAQ

Where does the scuba activity begin?

You meet Cabo Trek at Hotel Tesoro, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 20, Local A, Centro, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

What time does the listed activity begin?

The provided start time is 7:30 am. Morning and afternoon departure options are available in the general schedule, so confirm the time attached to your booking.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours.

Does the activity include two underwater sessions?

Yes. It is described as a two-tank scuba trip.

Do I need scuba certification?

Certification is required for participants taking part in a certified scuba session. Beginners can participate in an introductory option.

What certification proof is required?

You must provide evidence of scuba certification if you want to participate in the certified option.

What locations might certified participants visit?

Possible locations include Pelican Rock, Land’s End, the Corridor, Santa Maria, and Chileno. One past itinerary also included the Lundenberg shipwreck near Land’s End.

What is included in the price?

The listed inclusions are the boat, captain, PADI professional guide, bottled water, snacks, and local Marine Park fees.

Is scuba equipment included?

The provided details conflict. They say necessary gear is provided but also state that scuba equipment use is not included. Confirm the equipment charge before booking. One customer reported paying $35 for equipment rental.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are not included, and the activity ends back at the Hotel Tesoro meeting point.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity allows a maximum of eight participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

What happens if weather cancels the activity?

You are offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.

Is there a minimum booking requirement?

Yes. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Is GoPro rental included?

No. GoPro camera rental is not included and may cost extra.