Pelican Rock
A vibrant underwater paradise and scenic cove, Pelican Rock offers incredible snorkeling and a tranquil escape via water taxi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Pelican Rock
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant underwater paradise and scenic cove, Pelican Rock offers incredible snorkeling and a tranquil escape via water taxi.
"Do NOT miss Pelican Rock when visiting Cabo San Lucas! Gorgeous beach and awesome snorkeling!"
🤿 Snorkel Gear
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, though rentals are often available.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to spend a few hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Snorkeling
Surrounding waters
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with hundreds of fish. A must-do for marine life enthusiasts!
Scenic Cove
Small beach
A beautiful, secluded cove perfect for a relaxing swim away from typical beach crowds.
Hidden Sea Cave
Behind rocky outcropping
Discover a stunning sea cave, a hidden gem for the adventurous explorer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Water Taxi Wisdom
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤿 Snorkel Gear
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, though rentals are often available.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to spend a few hours.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The scenery and marine life are incredibly photogenic.
💰 Water Taxi Costs
Water taxis are a cheap and quick way to get there. Confirm round-trip arrangements.
Dive down with the fish. Cabo San Lucas, Pelican Rock
Tips
from all over the internet
🤿 Snorkel Gear
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, though rentals are often available.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to spend a few hours.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The scenery and marine life are incredibly photogenic.
💰 Water Taxi Costs
Water taxis are a cheap and quick way to get there. Confirm round-trip arrangements.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pelican Rock for its fantastic snorkeling, clear waters, and abundant marine life. The easy water taxi access and the beautiful, less crowded cove are major highlights. Some note that parking can be a hassle, and the rock itself is more of a natural attraction than a place with amenities.
"Pelican Rock and the surrounding water is simply fantastic, especially if you want to snorkel or dive. The rocks provide a bit of an enclosure for you to be able to swim easily. The species of fish you will find are plentiful and you will not miss out seeing hundreds of fish literally.
Easy water taxi ride over and well worth it. By far one of the best areas to swim in the ocean, especially if you aren’t looking for the typical Beach with vendors.
Do NOT miss Pelican Rock when visiting Cabo San Lucas!"
Vincent McLeod IV
"Gorgeous beach and awesome snorkeling! Cheap 5 min ride on a water taxi to get there and they come back to pick you up when your ready. Soft sand, crystal blue water and AMAZING views! 10/10!"
kacee west
"A memorable first boat experience for our three-year-old to Pelican Rock! A perfect length short excursion for young kids to leave from the shore to see the arches."
Pamela Chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Pelican Rock is by taking a water taxi from the marina in Cabo San Lucas. The ride is short and affordable.
Parking can be difficult to find and is often paid. It's recommended to arrive early or consider alternative transportation if possible.
Pelican Rock is accessible primarily by water taxi. Driving directly to the rock is not an option.
The water taxi ride to Pelican Rock is very short, typically only about 5 minutes.
Yes, many boat tours in Cabo San Lucas include a stop at Pelican Rock, often as part of a larger excursion to see the Arch.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance tickets for Pelican Rock itself. You pay for the water taxi or boat tour to get there.
Pelican Rock is accessible during daylight hours. Water taxis and tours operate throughout the day.
No, there is no admission fee for snorkeling. You only pay for your transportation to the site.
While you can often find water taxis readily available at the marina, booking in advance might be possible for specific times or group arrangements.
Water taxi prices can vary, but they are generally considered cheap and affordable for the short ride. Confirm the price before departing.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a plentiful variety of fish species, with hundreds visible in the clear waters.
Yes, Pelican Rock is highly recommended for snorkeling due to its clear waters and abundant marine life.
Pelican Rock is a natural rock formation and cove, so there are no dedicated facilities like restrooms or food vendors. It's best to come prepared.
Yes, the calm waters and short excursion make it a memorable experience for young children.
Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, plenty of water, and your camera. Snorkel gear is also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the rock formations, the clear blue water, marine life while snorkeling, and the surrounding coastline.
Be mindful of waves and slippery surfaces when taking photos near the water's edge.
Absolutely! If you have an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case, the snorkeling here offers fantastic opportunities for underwater photography.
Mornings often offer calmer waters and softer light, ideal for both landscape and underwater shots.
The water taxi ride itself offers great perspectives, and once you're at the cove, explore the rocky areas for unique angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Consider bringing a child-friendly life vest for added security in the water. The easy access and relatively short duration make it ideal for shorter attention spans.
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Bring your own high-quality snorkel gear for the best experience. Consider visiting in the morning when the water is often calmer and visibility is at its peak. Don't forget an underwater camera to capture the incredible sights!
📸 Photography Buffs
The clear waters also provide excellent conditions for capturing vibrant underwater shots of marine life if you have the right equipment. Recommendations: Experiment with different angles from the water taxi and the rocky shores. The sea cave offers a unique and dramatic subject. Early morning light often provides the best conditions for photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling and Marine Life
Pro Tip: While water taxis can arrange for return trips, consider bringing your own snorkel gear to ensure a comfortable and familiar fit. The clarity of the water here is exceptional, offering a fantastic chance to observe the underwater world up close.
Beyond the fish, the vibrant coral and rock formations themselves add to the visual appeal of the underwater landscape. It's a truly captivating environment that showcases the rich biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez.
Access and Transportation
However, a common point of advice from travelers is regarding parking. Finding free parking near the marina can be a significant challenge, and paid lots are often the most practical solution. Arriving early in the day can increase your chances of securing a parking spot, reducing pre-trip stress.
For those looking for a more comprehensive experience, various boat tours also include Pelican Rock as a stop. These tours often combine visits to other iconic Cabo landmarks, such as the Arch, offering a broader taste of the coastline.
Exploring the Cove and Sea Cave
For the more adventurous, a hidden gem awaits just behind a rocky outcropping at the end of the cove: a magnificent sea cave. Discovering this natural wonder is a rewarding experience for those willing to explore a bit further. The cave offers a unique perspective and a sense of discovery, making it a memorable part of the visit.
Traveler Insight: Be mindful of the tides and wave action when exploring the rocky areas around the sea cave. Safety should always be the priority, especially when navigating uneven terrain.
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