Los Cabos: Glass Bottom Kayak Tour to Arch & Playa del Amor

Summary

Kayak to El Arco, snorkel Pelican Rock, see sea lions up close

You’ll paddle out from Cabo San Lucas in a glass bottom kayak with a local guide, spotting sea lions at El Arco and snorkeling among bright fish near Pelican Rock. Feel salt spray on your face, maybe laugh at your own paddling skills—and end up with sandy toes and memories that linger longer than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever get that close to a sea lion, honestly. The morning started with me fumbling with my sunscreen at the marina in Cabo San Lucas, trying not to look too nervous about the glass bottom kayak (I’m not exactly a pro). Our guide, Luis, had this way of making everyone relax—he joked about how he once fell in right there by the beach. We pushed off just as the sun was warming up, the water still cool enough that my feet went numb for a minute. There’s something weirdly calming about seeing fish dart under your kayak, like you’re floating over an aquarium that forgot it was supposed to have walls.

We paddled out toward El Arco—the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas—and I kept getting distracted by pelicans crash-diving for breakfast. At one point Luis pointed out a cluster of sea lions sprawled across the rocks. They were louder than I expected, barking and flopping around like they owned the place (which, I guess they do). The air smelled salty and sharp; every so often you’d catch a whiff of something fishy when the breeze shifted. It felt like we were right at the edge of two worlds—the Pacific on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other. I still think about that view sometimes.

After we tied up near Pelican Rock, Luis handed out snorkels and masks. I hesitated—cold water isn’t really my thing—but I’m glad I went in. Schools of little yellow fish zipped past my mask, and if you held still long enough you could hear nothing but your own breathing and distant waves thumping against Divorce Beach (the name made me laugh). We tried to land at Playa del Amor but the waves were having none of it that day; Luis shrugged and said it’s always up to the ocean here. Nobody seemed disappointed—we just floated for a while, letting salt dry on our skin before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak and snorkel at Cabo landmarks

• Depart for kayak tour
• Pass Pelican Rock snorkeling area
• Kayak to El Arco rock formations
• Observe sea lions colony
• Take a break and snorkel near El Arco
• Visit Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach)
• Return from tour

Top questions

How long does the Los Cabos glass bottom kayak tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 hours including round-trip transportation from your hotel or meeting point.

Is snorkeling included on this day trip to El Arco?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided and there’s time to snorkel near Pelican Rock during the tour.

Can children join the glass bottom kayak tour?

Yes, children aged 6 and older can participate as long as they share a tandem kayak with an adult.

Is hotel pickup included in this Los Cabos kayak experience?

Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off from designated hotels or marina locations are included.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If wind or waves make it unsafe, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund; sometimes locations may change for safety.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No previous kayaking experience is required; guides will give instructions before setting out.

Are there lockers for personal belongings?

No lockers are available at the beach but you can safely leave items in the transportation provided.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Los Cabos (if you want it), all snorkeling equipment, bottled water and granola bars for energy along the way, use of a glass bottom kayak with paddles, plus guidance from a local expert who knows these waters inside out before dropping you back where you started.