If you’re considering a quick yet memorable way to see the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a short, one-hour experience that combines a boat ride, beach time, and some wildlife spotting—all at an accessible price point. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what you can expect, so you can decide if this tour fits your travel style.
What we really like about this experience is how it offers great panoramic views of the coastline and the iconic arch, along with the chance to relax at different beaches. Plus, the sea lion sightings add a wildlife element that many travelers find charming. On the downside, some reviews mention inconsistencies with timing and photos, so it’s worth going in with a flexible mindset. This tour is likely best suited for those who want a quick, scenic overview of Cabo’s natural beauty without breaking the bank.
Key Points

- Affordable Price Point: At just $11 per person, this tour offers good value for a quick, scenic experience.
- Diverse Highlights: Includes a glass-bottom boat, beach visits, sea lion sightings, and panoramic views.
- Guided Experience: Bilingual guides share interesting facts, making the trip informative as well as fun.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spotting sea lions adds a fun wildlife element, though some reviews raise concerns.
- Flexible and Short: Perfect for travelers who want a brief overview rather than a lengthy tour.
- Potential for Variability: Reviews suggest some inconsistency with timing and photo services, so manage expectations accordingly.
What to Expect from the Cabo San Lucas Tour

This tour packs a lot into a single hour, making it an ideal choice if you’re tight on time but still want a taste of the region’s highlights. The experience kicks off at Pochos Cabos Activities, where you’ll meet your bilingual guide and the certified captain—important for ensuring safety and smooth sailing. Once aboard, the boat cruise begins, offering stunning views of the coastline and the famous arch.
Planning more time in Cabo San Lucas? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Boat Ride and Views
The boat is glass-bottomed, giving you a peek into the vibrant underwater world below. We loved the way the glass bottom allows you to glimpse colorful fish and reefs without getting wet—perfect for keeping it simple if you’re not into snorkeling. The musical ambiance on the boat helps set a relaxed mood, making the short cruise quite enjoyable.
Throughout the ride, your guide shares insights about the area’s geography and history, adding context to what you’re seeing. The boat captain is also a certified professional, which gives an extra layer of reassurance for safety.
The Stops and Beaches
After about 60 minutes on the water, you’ll make a quick photo stop—a great chance to snap shots of the arch and surrounding rock formations. The guide will help you find the best vantage points, so you leave with some memorable photos.
You also get beach time at one of three options: Pelican Beach, Lover’s Beach, or Divorce Beach. Each has its own vibe—Pelican Beach is quiet and relaxed, Lover’s Beach is romantic with pristine views, and Divorce Beach offers a more rugged, dramatic experience. The flexibility to choose which beach to visit and how long to stay is a highlight, according to some travelers, and makes the tour feel more personalized.
Wildlife and Cultural Elements
Sea lions are a common sight, often lounging on rocks or swimming nearby. Many find this wildlife encounter delightful, though some reviews, like one from a traveler in Spain, express concern about the environment: “Seeing the lions out of their habitat just for tourist fun should be prohibited.” It’s a reminder to travelers to be mindful of wildlife ethics.
Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Pirate Cave—an intriguing spot that adds a dash of regional lore and exploration to the trip. Ending at Pelican Beach, you’ll have time to observe local fish and reefs, giving you a small underwater glimpse before wrapping up.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Experience in Detail

Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins at Pochos Cabos Activities, where you’ll be greeted and given a brief safety talk. It’s a good idea to arrive a little early so you can settle in and get ready for the boat ride. Expect the safety briefing to cover the boat’s features and what you should do in case of emergencies—nothing overly strict, but worth paying attention.
Once all aboard, the boat departs for the roughly one-hour cruise. The guide will point out the famous arch, explaining its significance and sharing interesting stories. You’ll enjoy a musical backdrop during the cruise, which helps make the short trip feel lively but relaxed.
The boat ride itself is the star, providing a different perspective of the coastline and the beautiful rock formations. The glass bottom means you don’t have to snorkel to see marine life, but if you’re into underwater exploration, you might find the reef and fish fascinating.
Photo Op and Beach Time
After the cruise, the guide will arrange a quick photo stop, giving you a chance to capture the iconic arch with your camera or phone. This is one of the most cherished moments, and guides are usually helpful with pointing out the best angles.
Next, you’ll travel to one of three beaches—Pelican Beach, Lover’s Beach, or Divorce Beach—depending on your preference. The flexibility here is appreciated, especially since some travelers mention that they enjoy choosing where to spend their time. The beaches are beautiful and offer different atmospheres, from tranquil to rugged.
Wildlife Spotting and Cave Visit
Sea lions are often seen basking on rocks or swimming near the boat—an amusing wildlife encounter that many travelers enjoy. The guide shares facts about these creatures, making the experience both fun and informative.
The Pirate Cave adds a sprinkle of adventure, especially if you’re curious about local legends or enjoy exploring hidden spots. The tour concludes back at Pelican Beach, where you can relax, observe the marine life, or just soak in the scenery.
Analyzing the Value

At just $11 per person, this tour is quite affordable, especially considering it includes a boat ride, beach stops, wildlife viewing, and scenic photos. When comparing what’s offered, it’s clear that the value lies in the combination of quick access to the famous arch and some relaxing beach time.
However, some reviews point out that the tour duration is quite short—just an hour—which might be a downside if you’re after a more immersive experience. But for many, this is enough to tick the box for Cabo’s signature sights without a hefty price tag or long commitment.
Critics have flagged issues like timing delays and the added cost of photos, which isn’t included in the initial price. One reviewer recounted being asked for 1,100 MXN (around 55 euros) for photos taken during the tour, which felt a bit unclear and possibly overpriced. So, if photography is important to you, consider whether to buy their photos or bring your own camera.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a quick but scenic view of Cabo’s iconic arch and beaches without spending a lot. It’s great for those who enjoy easy wildlife encounters and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability in timing. The tour is also friendly for people who prefer short, flexible excursions—they can choose the beach they want to visit and how long to stay.
If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate nature and stunning coastlines, this is a straightforward option. But if you’re after a more in-depth or luxurious tour, there are other options like private yacht or snorkeling tours that might suit you better.
Final Thoughts
This Cabo San Lucas tour offers a nice balance of scenery, wildlife, and relaxation at an unbeatable price. The guided boat ride, combined with beach stops and wildlife spotting, makes for a memorable snapshot of the region’s natural charm. The guides seem friendly and knowledgeable, which adds to the overall experience.
While some travelers point out issues like delays and the extra cost for photos, many feel the short duration and affordability make it a worthwhile activity—especially if you’re after a quick overview rather than a lengthy, detailed exploration.
It’s best suited for budget-conscious travelers who want a taste of Cabo’s iconic landmarks without fuss. Those interested in wildlife, scenic views, and relaxed beach time will likely find it satisfying, especially if they’re flexible about schedule hiccups or added costs.
Cabo San Lucas: Tour paseo al Arco + bajada en playa
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally straightforward and short, making it manageable for families. However, travelers should consider the boat ride’s stability and be mindful of young children or those sensitive to boat rides.
What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the boat tour, a guide, access to the dock, a glass-bottom boat for marine viewing, and bottled water. Beach stops are also part of the package.
Can I choose which beach to visit?
Yes, you have the option to select from Pelican Beach, Lover’s Beach, or Divorce Beach, and you can decide how long to stay there.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 1 hour, including the boat cruise and the photo stop.
Are there any additional costs?
The tour price is around $11, but some reviews mention that photos taken during the tour might cost extra, sometimes quite a lot. Be prepared for that possibility.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more travelers.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides operate in both English and Spanish, so language should not be a barrier.
What should I bring?
Bring your camera or phone for photos, sunscreen, and a hat. Most beaches are outdoors, so sun protection is important.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which gives you flexibility if your plans change.
If you’re looking for a quick, scenic, and affordable introduction to Cabo’s most famous landmark with some beach relaxation, this tour could be a solid choice. Just keep in mind its short duration and potential extra costs, and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in Cabo San Lucas
- Cabo San Lucas Private and Shared Snorkeling Tour
- Cabo San Lucas: Beach Hopper Small-Group Snorkeling Tour
- Cabo San Lucas: Up-Close Whale Watching Small-Group Tour
- Cabo San Lucas: ATV Desert Tour with Mexican lunch
- Cabo San Lucas: Beach & Dunes ATV Tour
- Migrino Desert & Beach Off Road Tour (Double RZR or Double ATV)
More Tour Reviews in Cabo San Lucas
More Cabo San Lucas experiences we've covered
- Cabo San Lucas Private and Shared Snorkeling Tour
- Cabo San Lucas: Beach Hopper Small-Group Snorkeling Tour
- Cabo San Lucas: Up-Close Whale Watching Small-Group Tour
- Cabo San Lucas: ATV Desert Tour with Mexican lunch
- Cabo San Lucas: Desert ATV & Beach Horseback Combo
- Cabo San Lucas: Beach & Dunes ATV Tour
- Migrino Desert & Beach Off Road Tour (Double RZR or Double ATV)
- Los Cabos: Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch
- Cabo San Lucas: Tour paseo al Arco + bajada en playa
- Cabo San Lucas: Tour al Arco en Barco Fondo de Cristal
- Cabo San Lucas: Arch Tour Glass Bottom Boat
- Cabo San Lucas: Private Yacht Tour
