Cabo San Lucas: Arch Boat Tour, Sea Lions & Beach Stop Option

Summary

El Arco boat ride, sea lions barking, wild beaches and rocky stories

You’ll ride out from Cabo San Lucas by boat with a local guide toward El Arco, snap photos of sea lions lounging on rocks, hear stories behind Lover’s Beach, and maybe hop off for some sand time if you want. Bring your own snacks—there’s plenty of space—and leave with salty hair and a memory that lingers longer than expected.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped onto the little boat at the marina in Cabo San Lucas — not too crowded, just enough room to stretch out a bit. Our guide, Miguel, handed out life jackets (mine was a bit salty from the last trip — kind of liked that). The engine started up and we headed straight toward El Arco. I could smell sunscreen and salt water mixing in the air. There’s this moment when you see the Arch for real — not just on postcards — and it’s way bigger than I thought. We slowed down so everyone could take photos (Miguel joked he’s seen more phones than fish out here), and honestly I just wanted to sit there for a second and watch the waves crash through that opening.

On the way, we passed by Playa del Amor — Lover’s Beach. Miguel told us how it got its name (something about two seas meeting but also lovers meeting… he winked at an older couple in front who laughed). You can actually get dropped off there if you want — or at Balconcito or Pelicano Beach, depending on what you feel like. The water was clear enough to see fish darting under us, and then suddenly there were these sea lions sprawled over the rocks. They barked so loud I jumped a little — didn’t expect them to be so noisy or so close. It smelled like wet fur and ocean.

I tried to say “Pelicano” in Spanish and probably butchered it; Miguel grinned anyway. There are all these weird rock shapes too — one looked like a finger pointing up (Neptune’s Finger), another someone said looked like Scooby Doo but I still don’t really see it. You can bring your own snacks on board, which is nice because I had some fruit from the market earlier that morning. If you want to stay at one of those beaches after, they’ll tell you exactly when to catch the boat back (I think it was 1:15, 3:15 or 4:15?).

I still think about that view through El Arco — light bouncing off the water, pelicans circling above. It’s not fancy or anything but something about being right where two oceans meet sticks with you for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cabo San Lucas Arch and Beaches

• Remove life jackets and take photos
• Listen to guide explain beach name

Top questions

How long does the Cabo San Lucas Arch tour last?

The duration depends on whether you choose to stay at one of the beaches; return boats are scheduled at 1:15pm, 3:15pm, or 4:15pm.

Can I get off at Lover's Beach during the tour?

Yes, weather permitting you can be dropped off at Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) or other nearby beaches like Balconcito or Pelicano.

Are life jackets provided on this Cabo Arch boat tour?

Yes, life jackets are included for all passengers during the tour.

Is food included on this Cabo San Lucas Arch group tour?

No food is provided but you're welcome to bring your own snacks or drinks onboard.

Will we see sea lions near El Arco?

Yes, you'll pass by a colony of sea lions resting on rocks close to El Arco during the tour.

Are there photographers on board?

Yes, trained photographers are available but you're also free to take your own photos.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes all fees and taxes plus use of a life jacket throughout the boat ride; you're free to bring your own food and drinks aboard for extra comfort before choosing whether to hop off at one of several beaches with flexible return times back to Cabo San Lucas marina.