Cabo San Lucas: Kayak to the Arch & Snorkel Pelican Rock

Paddle to Cabo's Arch, then drop into one of Los Cabos' best reefs

You paddle from Empacadora Beach to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, stop at Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach, then snorkel the Pelican Rock reef. The tour includes all kayaking and snorkel gear, bottled water, a granola bar, and transportation. Small groups mean your guide can actually talk to you instead of shouting over a motor. Plan on four to five hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak to Cabo San Lucas Arch and Snorkel

• Start at Empacadora beach
• Paddle to Cabo San Lucas Arch
• Observe sea lion colony and take photos
• Return and stop at Lovers Beach
• Take water and snack break
• Walk to view Divorce Beach
• Paddle to Pelican Rock
• Snorkel at Pelican Rock reef
• Return to Empacadora beach

The experience

What happens if you paddle out from Empacadora Beach on a morning when the water is still? You get to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas on your own terms: no tour boat engine, no crowd at the railings, just you and the kayak and the rock formations rising out of the water. The guides keep groups small, which means they actually notice when you're trying to frame a photo or when you want to know why the sea lions are hanging around that particular outcrop. They know the stories (the geology, the tides, what lives where), and they're not rushing through them.

After you've spent time at the Arch, the paddle back takes you to Lovers Beach, where you stop for water and a granola bar and walk over to Divorce Beach to feel the Pacific swell hit the sand. It's a different energy than the calm side. Then you're back in the kayak heading to Pelican Rock, where the snorkel happens. The reef there is one of the better ones in Los Cabos. You get the equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) included, and the guides can point out what you're looking at if you want that, or you can just float and watch. The whole thing takes about four to five hours from start to finish, and you're back at Empacadora by early afternoon.

The kayaks are stable enough that you don't spend the day gripping the sides. Safety gear comes with it. If you're traveling with someone, tandem kayaks work for two people up to about 193 kilograms combined. An air-conditioned vehicle is part of the setup too, which matters when you're wet and the sun is high. Bring sunscreen. The guides won't remind you, and the water reflects everything.

What’s included

Use of a stable kayak with all safety equipment, snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel), bottled water, a granola bar, air-conditioned vehicle transportation, and photos taken at the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Your guide leads the paddle from Empacadora Beach to the Arch, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock reef, sharing information about the rock formations, sea lion colony, and marine life along the way.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00 and 09:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by True Baja

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Arch and snorkel without renting a boat yourself or navigating the timing: the small-group format and included gear mean you show up and paddle, while the guide handles the route and the reef identification.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the best time of day to do this kayak tour?

Early morning is calmer water and fewer boats. Tours typically depart in the morning from Empacadora Beach.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The kayaks are stable and designed for all fitness levels. Guides provide instruction and safety equipment.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Life jackets and snorkel gear are included. You can stay in the kayak or snorkel in shallow water near Pelican Rock with the guide nearby.

How long is the paddle to the Arch?

The full tour is about four to five hours, including paddling, stops at Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach, and snorkeling at Pelican Rock.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours may be rescheduled or canceled in rough conditions. Confirm with the operator the day before.

Can I bring my own camera?

Yes. The tour includes photos in front of the Arch, and you can bring a waterproof camera or phone case for snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

No. A granola bar and bottled water are provided. Bring additional snacks or plan lunch after the tour.