Los Cabos: Arch Boat Tour, Glass Art & San Jose Lunch

Summary

Boat ride to the Arch, glass blowing and chocolate in San Jose del Cabo

You’ll ride a fast boat out to Cabo’s famous Arch, watch local artisans blow glass at The Glass Factory, sample rich chocolate in San Jose del Cabo, stroll its plaza and church, then sit down for a real Mexican lunch—with handmade tortillas and tequila tasting before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the inflatable boat just as the sun started to glare off the water—kind of blinding but in that way that makes you squint and grin. The captain, Arturo, shouted something about sea lions and sure enough, there they were—barking and flopping around on the rocks near the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. I got salt spray on my face (my hair felt crunchy for hours after) but honestly, I didn’t care. It’s wild being that close to such a weirdly shaped rock everyone talks about. People were snapping photos but I mostly just watched pelicans dive-bombing into the surf.

After we climbed back onto land—legs still wobbly from the boat—we piled into a van for the city tour part. Our guide, Marisol, was this whirlwind of stories; she pointed out hotels along the coast and then took us straight to The Glass Factory. Inside it smelled like warm sand and burnt sugar (not unpleasant), and we watched a guy shape molten glass into something delicate while his friend teased him in Spanish. I tried to say “beautiful” in Spanish—Marisol laughed and corrected me gently. It’s louder than you’d think in there, with all that clinking.

San Jose del Cabo was slower somehow. We wandered through quiet streets toward a chocolate shop where they handed out tiny pieces—dark, almost bitter—and talked about cacao’s history here. There was this old man outside selling woven bracelets; he nodded at me when I passed by with my chocolate sample. The main square had kids chasing pigeons and someone strumming guitar under a tree. After poking around the church (the doors creaked so loud), we ended up at lunch—a plate of chicken mole with handmade tortillas so soft they barely held together. Someone poured tequila shots for us (I only managed half). I still think about that meal sometimes when I smell corn tortillas cooking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Los Cabos boat tour and city visit

• Boat ride to Arch of Cabo San Lucas
• See sea lion colony and cruise bay
• Drive to San Jose del Cabo
• Visit glass-blowing factory
• Explore chocolate-making store
• Walk downtown and visit plaza
• Tour local mission and government buildings
• Enjoy typical Mexican lunch with tequila

Top questions

How long does this Los Cabos city tour last?

The guided city and cruise tour lasts approximately 6 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this Los Cabos tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included before the tour start time.

What sights are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas by boat, The Glass Factory, downtown San Jose del Cabo including its main square and church, plus a chocolate factory.

Is lunch provided on this Los Cabos city tour?

Yes, an authentic Mexican lunch with handmade tortillas is included.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request.

Will there be free time for shopping or photos?

Yes, you’ll have free time in San Jose del Cabo for photos or souvenir shopping.

Does this tour include a tequila tasting?

Yes, tequila tasting is part of the lunch experience at the end of your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup before departure, a fast boat cruise to see the Arch of Cabo San Lucas and sea lions up close, guided visits to The Glass Factory and a chocolate-making store in San Jose del Cabo, free time to explore downtown and its plaza or shop for souvenirs, plus an authentic Mexican lunch with handmade tortillas and tequila tasting before returning by air-conditioned vehicle.