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Chileno and Santa Maria are free public beaches on the Tourist Corridor about 3.2 km apart, roughly 20 minutes by car from the Cabo San Lucas marina, per Cabo Tour Guides.
| Santa Maria Bay | Chileno Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Highway marker | Km 12.5 | Km 14.5 |
| Shape | Sheltered horseshoe cove | Wider bay, bigger reef |
| Facilities | Parking, path, no restaurant | Parking, restrooms, showers, lifeguards |
| Boat traffic | More (cruises anchor here) | Less |
| Pick it if | You want the calmest cove | You only visit one bay |
Sources: Cabo Tour Guides, CaboSanLucas.net, Mr Playas.
Going on your own
- Arrive before 10 a.m. for shade and parking at Chileno, per Mr Playas.
- Pack lunch, water and shade. Neither beach has a restaurant.
- Bring your own gear or rent at Chileno. Morning visibility is best at Santa Maria, per Visit Los Cabos.
- Check the swell. High swell can cloud the water, bring Portuguese man o' war and close a bay.
Snorkel tours
Beach tours give about 2 hours of guided snorkeling across both bays without a boat. Boat cruises leave the marina, pass the Arch and the sea lions, and anchor off Santa Maria for 45 minutes to an hour. Cabo Tour Guides lists seven tours from about $80 to $125, and every one refunds fully if canceled for weather.
Book a snorkel trip
Boat and beach snorkel tours, many with gear, drinks and hotel pickup.
Want to snorkel from your room? Chileno Bay Auberge and Montage sit right on these bays. See Corridor resorts →
