Cabo San Lucas: Paddleboard & Snorkel Tour at El Arco

Summary

El Arco paddleboard adventure with snorkeling at Pelican Rock

You’ll paddleboard from Cabo San Lucas right up to El Arco with a local guide who keeps things relaxed (and funny). There’s time to snorkel at Pelican Rock among schools of tropical fish, plus plenty of chances to spot sea lions sunbathing on the rocks. Hotel pickup is included so you can just show up ready for saltwater and sunshine.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our guide, Carla, grinning as she handed me a paddle and said, “Don’t worry, everyone falls in at least once.” She wasn’t kidding — I managed to wobble about ten meters before my knees gave out and I splashed right into the water. The sea felt warmer than I expected, almost silky against my skin. There were a couple of locals laughing nearby, hauling fishing nets up onto the sand. One of them waved and shouted something about “buena suerte” — good luck — which made me laugh. I needed it.

Paddleboarding toward El Arco was slower than I thought it would be. The sun was already climbing but not too harsh yet, and every now and then a pelican would swoop so close you could hear its wings cut through the air. Carla kept pointing out little things — like how the rocks changed color where the salt dried, or how you could sometimes spot sea lions lounging on the lower ledges (we did see them, barking and flopping around like they owned the place). It’s wild how close you get to those famous arches; I could actually smell the salt crusting on the rocks when we drifted near.

After that we stopped at Pelican Rock for snorkeling. I’m not great with masks but once I got used to breathing through that plastic tube, it was worth it — schools of yellow fish darting around my legs, flashes of blue here and there. Someone in our group swore they saw a ray but honestly I was too busy trying not to swallow seawater. You know that feeling when you surface and everything’s bright and your heart’s pounding a bit? That stuck with me all day.

We finished by paddling past Playa del Amor — Lover’s Beach — which looked almost empty except for two couples taking selfies on the sand. Carla joked about Divorce Beach being just around the corner (“It’s true!” she said), which made us all laugh again. By then my arms were noodles but it felt good in that tired way. On the ride back to town (they include pickup, thank god), I kept thinking about how salty my lips tasted and how quiet everything seemed after being out on the water for hours. Still think about that view under El Arco sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paddleboarding and snorkeling tour

• Travel to El Arco
• Stand up paddleboard near El Arco
• Observe sea lions at the Arch
• Snorkel at Pelican Rock
• See tropical fish underwater
• Visit Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach)
• View Divorce Beach if weather permits
• Return from tour

Top questions

How long does the Cabo San Lucas paddleboard & snorkel tour last?

The activity lasts 3 hours including round-trip transportation from your hotel or accommodation.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cabo San Lucas paddleboard tour?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do I need previous experience for stand up paddleboarding at El Arco?

No previous experience is needed; guides will teach you how to paddleboard safely even if you’re new.

Where do we snorkel during this Cabo San Lucas SUP tour?

You’ll snorkel near Pelican Rock where there are many tropical fish and marine life.

What should I bring for this Cabo San Lucas paddleboard & snorkel trip?

Bring a beach towel, sandals, hat, sunscreen, camera, and wear swimwear suitable for water activities.

Are there age restrictions for this tour?

Participants must be at least 6 years old to join this activity.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If weather is poor (wind or waves), your tour may be rescheduled or fully refunded if canceled by organizers.

Is lunch provided during this Cabo San Lucas SUP & snorkel experience?

No lunch is provided but bottled water and granola bars are included during your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and granola bars for snacks, all necessary snorkeling equipment, plus guidance from professional local guides who start everything right from the beach—no boats involved—before dropping you off back at your accommodation when it’s over.