Cabo San Lucas: Glass Bottom Boat Tour to El Arco & Beach Stop

Summary

El Arco by glass bottom boat pelicans sea lions pirate’s cave

You’ll ride a glass bottom boat across Cabo San Lucas Bay with a local guide, passing Pelican Rock and sea lions before reaching El Arco itself. There’s an option to get dropped off at one of three beaches if you want more time by the water. It’s relaxed, friendly, and full of small moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s Land’s End right there,” our captain said, pointing through the salt-speckled glass at the tip of Baja California. I’d seen photos of El Arco before — who hasn’t if you’ve Googled Cabo San Lucas? — but seeing it rise out of the water like that, all jagged and sun-bleached, felt different. The boat rocked gently as we left the marina, pelicans swooping low enough that one nearly grazed my hat. Someone behind me laughed — I think her name was Ana — and for a second it felt like we were all just kids on a field trip.

The glass bottom part is kind of hypnotic. Fish darting under us, flashes of silver and yellow, and every so often you catch your own reflection mixed in. Our guide — Roger, or maybe it was Jorge? — pointed out Lover’s Beach and then the pirate’s cave (he winked when he said it). The air smelled briny and warm, with that hint of sunscreen everyone brings to the bay. I tried to ask about the sea lions in Spanish but butchered it; Roger grinned anyway and answered in English. They barked from their rock like they owned the place.

You get a choice at the end: stay on board or hop off at one of three beaches (if weather’s good). We didn’t plan ahead for extra pesos so just stayed on, which honestly was fine — watching people wade ashore with their sandals in hand made me smile. On the way back, I leaned over the rail and let my fingers trail in the water. The sun was higher now, glinting off everything. I still think about that view around El Arco; it’s hard to explain why it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas

• Board glass bottom boat
• Explore Cabo San Lucas Bay
• Pass Pelican Rock and Lover's Beach
• See sea lions colony and pirate's cave
• View the Pacific window
• Arrive at the Arch of Cabo San Lucas
• Option to disembark on beach (extra cost)
• Return to marina

Top questions

How long does the glass bottom boat tour to El Arco take?

The duration isn’t specified, but return times from beach drop-off options are 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:15 p.m.

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

You can choose to be dropped off at one of three beaches (weather permitting), for an extra cost paid when boarding.

Is there a restroom on board during the Cabo San Lucas bay tour?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board.

Are service animals allowed on this Cabo San Lucas boat tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is this shared tour suitable for infants or people with health concerns?

Infants must sit on an adult's lap; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What marine life might I see during this day trip to El Arco?

You may see fish through the glass bottom, pelicans flying nearby, and a colony of sea lions.

What’s included

Your day includes a shared glass bottom boat ride through Cabo San Lucas Bay with a local guide narrating stops like Pelican Rock and Pirate's Cave; there’s a restroom on board for comfort, plus an option (for an extra fee) to get dropped off at one of three beaches depending on weather conditions before returning at set times.