Los Cabos: El Arco Clear Boat, Tequila & San Jose Day Tour

Summary

El Arco views clear boat ride tequila tasting old town stroll

You’ll start your day in Los Cabos with sea air on your face before gliding over tropical fish in a clear-bottom boat near El Arco (if you choose). Taste local tequila and chocolate, watch glassblowers shape molten art, then wander San Jose del Cabo’s shaded plazas at your own pace. It’s not just sightseeing—it feels personal, especially with small groups and pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the glare off the water at Marina Cabo San Lucas — too bright for 9am, but somehow it fit. Our guide, Jorge, handed out bottled water and made a joke about sunscreen that I didn’t fully catch (my Spanish is hopeless). The optional clear boat was right there, bobbing against the dock. I hesitated — boats aren’t really my thing — but everyone else was excited so I went for it. You can see straight through to the fish below; it’s weirdly hypnotic. We passed Pelican Rock and then El Arco itself — that famous arch you see on every postcard. There were sea lions barking somewhere off to the left and a salty wind that stuck to my skin. I got sand in my sock somehow. Still not sure how.

Back on land, we crammed into an air-conditioned van (thank god) and drove along the Tourist Corridor toward San Jose del Cabo. The road winds past beaches like Palmilla and Santa Maria — white sand, turquoise water, all of it just out of reach from behind glass. We stopped at a glass blowing factory where you could feel the heat hit your face as soon as you stepped inside. One guy shaped molten glass into something that looked like a cactus; he winked when I tried to guess what it was (I was wrong). After that, Jorge pointed out Sierra de la Laguna in the distance — he said it’s one of only two places supplying fresh water here.

San Jose del Cabo felt slower than Cabo San Lucas — more shade under the jacaranda trees near Plaza Mijares, less noise somehow even with kids playing soccer nearby. We ducked into the old mission church for a minute (Parroquia San José), cool stone underfoot and a faint smell of incense lingering from morning mass. Lunch wasn’t included but there were plenty of little spots around the square serving tacos or ceviche; I picked one at random and ended up with shrimp that tasted like they’d come straight from the Sea of Cortez.

Before heading back we tried tequila (smooth enough that even my friend who hates tequila didn’t make a face) and sampled Mexican chocolate and candy — sweet, gritty, nothing like Hershey’s. Someone asked Jorge if he ever gets tired of these tours; he just grinned and shrugged. Honestly? I still think about that view through the bottom of the boat sometimes when I’m bored at work. So yeah… if you’re in Los Cabos and want a day trip with some real variety (and hotel pickup), this one covers more than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Los Cabos boat tour and town visit

• Depart from Marina Cabo San Lucas
• Optional clear boat tour in Bay of Cabo San Lucas
• Pass by Pedregal community
• See Cannery Beaches and Medano Beach
• View Mt. Solmar and Pelican Rock
• Pass Lovers' Beach and Magical Cave
• Pass Neptune's Finger and El Arco
• Return from boat tour
• Drive along Tourist Corridor
• Pass Cabo del Sol Golf Club and Santa Maria Bay
• Pass Chileno Bay and La Sierra La Laguna
• Pass Cabo Real Golf Course and Palmilla Beach
• Pass Playa Acapulquito and Playa Hotelera
• Pass San Jose Estuary and Bird Sanctuary
• Visit San Jose del Cabo main square Plaza Mijares
• Visit Parroquia de San Jose church
• Lunch and shopping in San Jose del Cabo

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Los Cabos day tour?

Yes, pickup is included from most Los Cabos hotels or cruise terminals.

Do I have to do the clear boat ride?

No, it's optional and costs extra ($39 USD per person).

What attractions are visited during this day trip?

You’ll see El Arco by boat (optional), visit a glass blowing factory, drive along scenic beaches, explore San Jose del Cabo’s main square and mission church.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time to buy food in San Jose del Cabo.

How long does this Los Cabos tour last?

The total duration is about 6 hours including transfers.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; strollers are allowed.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but some walking is involved.

What should I bring for the clear boat ride?

You’ll need socks or go barefoot—no shoes allowed—and bring cash for payment.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from most Los Cabos hotels or cruise terminals, bottled water throughout the journey, entry to a local glass blowing factory with demonstrations, guided tastings of Mexican tequila plus traditional chocolate and candy samples—all led by an English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van. Free photos are also provided except during the optional clear boat ride near El Arco.