Swimming and snorkeling
The two headlands block most of the swell, so on a normal morning the water in the middle of the cove is calm enough for kids. Snorkel along the rocks on either side for reef fish; the bay is a protected marine area, which is why the fish are so tame. Visit Los Cabos calls it one of the corridor's safe swimming coves, and it kept its Blue Flag with an A+ rating in December 2025.
It's still the open sea. A swimmer died here in June 2025, a child was swept by waves in April 2026, and jellyfish show up in late summer. Obey the flag, stay out when it's red, and don't snorkel alone.
What to expect when you arrive
Santa María is simple: a parking lot, a path down and a beach. Don't count on food or rentals, so bring everything. By late morning snorkel boats from Cabo San Lucas arrive, and weekends are busy with local families. Arrive by 9 a.m. for the best of it.
If you'd rather go by boat, our Santa María and Chileno snorkeling page covers the tours. For lunch afterward, Mezcal at Montage overlooks the bay.
Getting to Santa María Beach from Villa 1
About 14 km east of Villa 1 on Highway 1, 20 to 25 minutes. Take the signed turnoff around km 12 on the ocean side, park in the dirt lot and walk a few minutes down to the sand. Snorkel boats from the marina also anchor in the bay, which is an easy way to go without a car.
What to bring
- Your own snorkel gear
- Water, snacks and shade
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water shoes for the rocky edges