Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas

Exploring the Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas

If you’re considering a glass-bottom boat ride in Cabo San Lucas, you’re looking at a relaxed way to see some of the most famous sights and natural beauty of the area. From the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas to Lovers Beach and the Sealion Colony, this tour promises a chance to gaze at stunning landscapes from a different perspective.

We like that it’s a short, affordable outing—only about 45 minutes—and that it offers a chance to get close to the landmarks with a small group, often resulting in a more personal experience. Plus, the option to stop at Divorce Beach for some solo exploration adds a nice touch of flexibility.

However, a few things to keep in mind include the limited content for those hoping for a more in-depth tour, and some guests have found the viewings on the glass bottom to be underwhelming. If you’re mainly in Cabo to check off the must-see sights without much fuss, this could be a good fit. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a straightforward boat ride paired with scenic views rather than a detailed educational experience.

This tour works best if you’re looking for a quick, easy sightseeing option and don’t mind the possibility of a smaller, less detailed encounter with the area.

Key Points

• Short and affordable at only $25 per person, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Small group size means more attention from your captain and a more intimate experience.
• Includes a stop at Divorce Beach, giving you a chance for some free time on your own.
• Wildlife viewing is part of the experience, with opportunities to see fish, rays, and sea lions.
• Limited depth of information about the sights might leave those wanting more feeling a bit shortchanged.
• Timing flexibility helps fit the tour into various schedules, but be punctual because the boat runs on a schedule.

What to Expect From the Tour

The tour begins at the marina in Cabo San Lucas, where you’ll meet your guide and hop aboard a small boat with a maximum of 15 travelers. The overall duration is about 45 minutes, which means it’s a quick trip but enough to see the main landmarks.

The Route & Key Stops

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
This is the star of the show—the famous Arch that everyone pictures when they think of Cabo. The boat takes you close enough to marvel at the natural rock formation, and you’ll see Lover’s Beach, Pelican’s Rock, and the Sea Lion Colony. Several reviews mention that the views of the arch are “good to get near,” but some felt the view through the glass bottom was lacking in substance—more of a visual peek than a detailed look.

Stop 2: Divorce Beach
This stop on the Pacific side lets you step onto Divorce Beach for some free time. The beach is accessible and offers some scenic moments, but note that the tour stops here for about 15 minutes, so plan accordingly. One reviewer highlighted that you can stay as long as you want, but remember to catch the last boat back if you plan to leave.

Wildlife & Ecosystem

While on the water, you’ll observe fish, rays, and sea lions, which adds a fun wildlife element to the experience. One reviewer remarked on the guide’s knowledge about the local ecosystem, which can enhance your appreciation of the scenery and marine life.

The Experience & Overall Value

The guided boat cruise includes lifejackets for safety, and the boat ride itself is described as clean and professional. The small group size means your captain can get you closer to the rocks, which is a definite perk if you’re into getting a bit more up-close.

At $25, this tour is priced to be accessible, especially considering it includes a guided experience and some wildlife viewing. Still, the limited duration and scope mean it’s more of a highlight reel than a deep dive into Cabo’s marine life or geology.

Some reviews express disappointment in the glass-bottom viewings—they say there’s “not much to see in the glass bottom”—which might make it less appealing if you’re expecting a detailed underwater experience. If you’re hoping for spectacular views through the glass or a broader educational experience, you might find this tour somewhat lacking.

Practical Details & Tips

The tour starts at a dock in the marina and ends at the same point, making it convenient. You should book several days in advance (about 8 days on average), which suggests it’s a popular choice but not necessarily a must-book months ahead.

The price includes all the essentials: lifejackets and a guided cruise. There’s also a small dock fee of $1 USD per person, which is typical but worth keeping in mind.

Timing is flexible, with several departure times available, so you can pick a slot that fits your overall Cabo itinerary. Just be punctual—reviews mention that arriving late might mean missing out, especially if the beach is closed or if you’re the only one scheduled for that time.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This boat tour is ideal if you’re after a quick, inexpensive way to see the main sights of Cabo San Lucas without a lot of hassle. It’s good for travelers who enjoy a relaxed scenic cruise with some wildlife spotting and don’t mind the limited depth of the glass bottom viewing.

It also suits those who prefer small group tours, since you’ll often be on a boat with just a handful of other travelers. If your main goal is to check off the iconic Arch and spend a bit of time at Lover’s and Divorce Beaches, this is a straightforward option.

However, if you’re looking for a more educational or immersive experience, or spectacular underwater views through the glass bottom, you might want to consider other options or tours with more comprehensive content.

Final Thoughts

This Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour offers a neat snapshot of Cabo’s highlights, especially if you’re short on time or budget. The views of the Arch and the chance to see local wildlife make it a nice, lighthearted activity. Plus, the small group setting gives you a more personal feel, and the flexibility of multiple departure times helps fit into busy schedules.

That said, the limited scope and somewhat underwhelming glass bottom views mean it’s more of a visual tour than an in-depth exploration. If you love boat rides, iconic landmarks, and a casual vibe, you’ll likely enjoy it. But if you’re craving detailed info or spectacular underwater sights, you might want to do some research into other options.

Think of this tour as a simple, scenic outing—good for a relaxed day in Cabo, especially if you’re happy with a brief glimpse of the famous landmarks and a bit of wildlife.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Since the tour is generally a short boat ride with minimal physical activity, it can be suitable for children, especially if they’re comfortable on boats. However, always check if your kid is okay with small boat trips and glass-bottom views.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers a guided boat cruise and lifejackets. The tour fee does not include the $1 USD dock fee, which is payable at the dock.

Can I cancel the tour if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick activity that fits well into a busy day of sightseeing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the same dock in the marina in Cabo San Lucas, which is convenient and centrally located.

Will I get a lot of information during the tour?
While the guide provides some commentary, reviews suggest it’s not very detailed. Expect more focus on sightseeing rather than in-depth explanations.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. If you want to explore Divorce Beach, bring your beach gear and some water—just be sure to catch the last boat back!

If you’re after a simple, scenic boat ride to see the iconic Cabo landmarks and are okay with a brief, straightforward experience, this tour could be just right. But if you want a more immersive or detailed encounter, you might want to explore alternative options.