Cabo San Lucas: Arch Boat Tour & Beach Drop Off Options

Summary

El Arco up close by boat, sea lions barking, glass bottom peeks

You’ll ride out from Cabo San Lucas marina with a local captain, spotting fish through the glass bottom window as you circle El Arco and pass barking sea lions. There’s time to hop off at Lover’s Beach if tides allow, or just soak up stories and salty air onboard. It’s quick but leaves you wanting more of that wild Baja coastline.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t realize how blue the water would be until we pulled away from the marina in Cabo San Lucas — it’s that kind of blue you see on postcards but never expect in real life. Our captain (he called himself “El Capitan” with this big grin) welcomed everyone in Spanish and English, mixing jokes with little facts about the rocks around Land’s End. The engine hummed under us and I kept glancing down through the rectangle glass window at these flickering fish — not sure what kind, but bright yellow stripes. Someone said they saw a pufferfish? I missed it. Next time I’ll sit closer to the glass, maybe.

We drifted past the Arch — El Arco — and honestly, it’s bigger than I thought. Pelicans circled overhead and there was this salty wind that made my hair stick everywhere. The sea lions were just sprawled out on the rocks like they owned the place (they probably do). One barked so loud that a little kid near me jumped and then started giggling uncontrollably. Our guide pointed out Pirate’s Cave too; he told a story about old smugglers hiding there but I was half-distracted by the way sunlight hit the water, all sparkly and sharp. Kind of mesmerizing.

We stopped at Lover’s Beach for anyone who wanted to get off and swim — though today, they checked first if it was open because sometimes high tide closes it for safety. Some folks stayed on board; I hopped off for a bit and sank my toes into sand that felt almost powdery. There was this faint scent of sunscreen everywhere (and maybe shrimp tacos from someone’s bag?). When we got back on, El Capitan joked about “Nemo y sus amigos” swimming below us — he even tried to point out one through the glass but I think my sunglasses were too smudged to see properly.

The whole thing was just 45 minutes but somehow it felt longer in a good way — maybe because everyone was chatting or just quietly staring at those wild rock formations jutting out of nowhere. I still think about that view back toward Cabo with all those boats bobbing around like toys. If you’re looking for a quick day trip in Cabo San Lucas with a local guide (and some actual sea lion gossip), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Land’s End highlights

• Board boat in Cabo San Lucas
• See El Arco (the Arch)
• Visit Sea Lions Colony
• View Lover’s and Divorce Beach
• Spot Nemo and friends swimming
• Enjoy live commentary onboard
• Complete 45-minute tour

Top questions

How long is the Cabo San Lucas Arch boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes from departure to return.

Does the tour include a stop at Lover’s Beach?

You can be dropped off at Lover's Beach if it's open; access depends on tide conditions for safety.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup or drop-off is not included; you meet at Dock #1 in Cabo marina.

Are life jackets provided during the tour?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all passengers onboard.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Yes, cruise ship passengers are welcome; timing can be coordinated based on ship schedules.

Is there commentary during the tour?

Yes, your bilingual guide shares live commentary about sights along the route.

What animals might we see on this boat tour?

You’ll likely spot sea lions at their colony and various fish through the glass bottom window.

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

The meeting point is Dock #1 by the dolphin center in Cabo San Lucas marina near surfboards circle; details sent before your date.

What’s included

Your outing includes a 45-minute boat ride around Land’s End with live bilingual commentary from your captain or guide, stops to view El Arco and nearby beaches, use of life jackets for everyone onboard, all taxes and fees covered (no dock fees), plus an option for drop-off and pick-up at Lover's Beach when open for swimming—just meet at Dock #1 before your chosen departure time.