Chileno Bay
Marine Reserve
Chileno Bay is widely regarded as the premier snorkeling and swimming destination in all of Los Cabos. Located approximately 45 minutes east of Cabo San Lucas Marina on the Sea of Cortez side of the Baja Peninsula, this protected bay offers conditions that are simply unmatched along this stretch of coastline: calm, shallow water, exceptional clarity, and a marine ecosystem that benefits from decades of protection as a designated reserve.
The bay takes its name from Chilean miners who camped here in the 19th century during the Baja silver rush. Today, the only extraction happening at Chileno Bay is sensory — the sight of sea turtles gliding through crystal water, the texture of coral and rock formations under your fins, the silence of being submerged in a place that feels almost entirely untouched by modernity. The reserve designation means commercial fishing is prohibited here, and that protection is visible in the sheer density and variety of marine life.
Unlike Santa Maria Bay, which requires a short swim from the anchor point to the best snorkel sites, Chileno Bay has a gentle sandy bottom that extends almost to the waterline in places. This makes it particularly accessible for families with young children, for guests who prefer to wade in gradually, and for swimmers of all levels. The underwater visibility on a clear day can exceed 25 meters, and the water temperature sits between 22°C and 28°C (72°F–82°F) throughout the year.
Marine life in
a protected sanctuary
Chileno Bay's protected status means the marine life here is notably less disturbed than at comparable sites that lack reserve designation. Sea turtles — primarily Pacific green turtles and hawksbill turtles — are a near-certain sighting. They feed on sea grass in the shallows and are generally unhurried in the presence of respectful snorkelers. Spotted eagle rays cruise through the bay periodically, their wingspans sometimes exceeding two meters. Schools of surgeonfish, parrotfish, damselfish, and the occasional squadron of yellow-fin jacks add movement and color at every depth.
The rock formations at the bay's edges support moray eels, octopus, lobster, and a variety of invertebrates that make the crevice habitat as interesting as the open water. For guests interested in underwater photography, Chileno Bay offers the best conditions in Los Cabos: consistent visibility, calm water, and cooperative subjects.
Family-friendly conditions: Chileno Bay's gently sloping sandy bottom and calm, sheltered water make it the most accessible marine environment in Los Cabos for families with children. Young snorkelers and confident non-swimmers can stand or float comfortably while observing fish in just a meter or two of water. Our crew is attentive to guests of all ages throughout the visit.
Combining Chileno Bay
with the best of Los Cabos
Chileno Bay works beautifully as the centerpiece of a longer charter day that also takes in Santa Maria Bay, Lover's Beach, and El Arco. Departing from Cabo San Lucas Marina in the morning, a full-day charter can cruise east to Chileno Bay, spend an hour or two snorkeling and swimming, then work back west with stops at Santa Maria Bay and Lover's Beach before returning via Land's End for the sunset. This itinerary covers the definitive highlights of the Los Cabos coastline in a single day and is among the most popular routes our captains run.
Alternatively, Chileno Bay can anchor a half-day charter on its own — an afternoon charter that departs mid-morning, reaches the bay at peak visibility conditions, and returns to the marina in early afternoon. Contact our team to discuss the itinerary that works best for your group, and we'll recommend the right yacht from our fleet for the number of guests and the experience you're looking for.
