Cabo San Lucas: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise and Tequila Tasting

Travelers heading to Baja California Sur often look for ways to enjoy its stunning coastlines and vibrant culture without feeling overwhelmed by options. One popular choice is the Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise and Tequila Tasting offered by Baja Discover. This experience combines scenic views, marine life sightings, and a taste of local spirits—all within a manageable three-hour window. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, it’s worth considering for a laid-back, picturesque outing.

What we like about this tour is how it offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural flavor. First, the crystal-clear boat provides a unique vantage point for spotting marine life and iconic rock formations. Second, the included tequila tasting is an enjoyable way to get a taste of local traditions. That said, a few travelers have pointed out that the time on the boat can feel a bit short, and some have expressed concerns about optional photo charges.

This tour is best suited for those who love sea views, want a relaxed, small-group experience, and are interested in local spirits. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a straightforward activity that captures some of Cabo’s highlights without a long day or heavy activity.

Key Points

• Unique perspective: The glass-bottom boat offers a rare view of marine life and rock formations.
• Iconic landmarks: You’ll see the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock, perfect for photos.
• Marine encounters: The Sea Lions Colony is a highlight, offering playful underwater views.
• Cultural touch: The included tequila tasting adds a fun, local flavor to the trip.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to 10 participants, making for a more personal experience.
• Weather dependency: The experience is subject to weather, so it’s good to plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on this Tour

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, so you won’t need to worry about getting to the marina on your own. That’s a plus, especially if you’re staying at a resort or a centrally located hotel. The convenience of being transported directly to the activity makes the experience feel relaxed from the start.

The Boat Ride

Once at the marina, you’ll board what’s claimed to be the only crystal-clear boat in the area. This transparent vessel is the highlight, giving you a panoramic view of the waters of the Sea of Cortez. It’s an experience that’s both fun and practical—no need for extra equipment or snorkeling gear. The boat ride lasts about an hour, which some reviews find on the shorter side, especially if you’re hoping for more time to soak in the scenery.

Landmarks and Marine Life

During the cruise, your guides will point out the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a natural rock formation that’s practically emblematic of the region. You’ll also pass by Lovers Beach and Pelican Rock—both photogenic spots that are worth capturing.

The Sea Lions Colony is another highlight, where you might see these playful creatures swimming and playing under the water. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of these spots, adding some context to the natural beauty. You’re likely to get great photo opportunities from the boat, especially of the Arch and surrounding formations.

More Great Tours Nearby

Marine Experience

While the boat provides a good view of marine life and scenery, it’s worth noting that the actual time on the water is limited—some travelers reported only about 45 minutes on the boat, which can feel a bit rushed given the price. The boat is equipped with life jackets, but it’s a fairly smooth ride, suitable for most. However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s good to prep accordingly.

Post-Boat Activities

After the cruise, you gain some free shopping time, which is a chance to browse local shops for souvenirs, jewelry, or local crafts. Then, the tequila tasting is optional but included in the price. It’s a fun way to learn about the local spirit, and guides usually share interesting insights into tequila production and tasting notes. Be aware, a few reviews mention the tendency for the guides or vendors to push for photo purchases—some quoted asking for $100 per family for photos, which many found steep.

Returning to Your Hotel

You can choose to stay and shop, or simply head back to your hotel after the boat ride. If you’re not keen on the tequila tasting, or if you want to maximize your sightseeing time, you can opt to return immediately.

The Experience in Detail

The Boat Itself

The crystal-clear boat is the star here. It’s a novelty that makes the experience stand out from typical boat tours. With transparent sides and bottom, you’re not just watching the scenery—you’re practically part of it. You can peer into the water and see marine life like sea lions or fish swimming underneath.

The boat’s small size (limited to 10 participants) means you get a more intimate feel, and the guides tend to be more attentive. According to some reviews, the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the ride not just scenic but also educational.

Scenery and Landmarks

Seeing the Arch of Cabo San Lucas up close is a highlight. This natural formation is often the main photo you see of Cabo, and from the boat, it looks even more impressive. Passengers also get good views of Lovers Beach, accessible only by boat or water, and Pelican Rock, a popular snorkeling spot (though this tour doesn’t include snorkeling).

The views on the Pacific Ocean side provide a different perspective, showcasing some of the luxury resorts and the expansive coastline. The scenery is the reason most people book this—sweeping ocean views, rocky outcroppings, and playful sea lions.

Marine Life and Photo Opportunities

One of the main draws is the chance to see sea lions at their colony. Watching them play and swim under the water adds a lively touch to the tour. Many travelers comment positively on the guides’ explanations about marine life, making the experience both fun and informative.

The boat’s transparency allows for some excellent photo moments, especially of the iconic arches and rock formations. However, some critics feel the photo sales are a bit aggressive—charges can be high, and some users have expressed frustration over being pressured to buy expensive pictures.

Tequila Tasting

After the boat ride, you get to sample local tequila. The tasting is a relaxed, social activity that offers a taste of regional culture. Our experience was that the guides shared interesting tidbits about tequila, making it more than just a sip-and-go affair. It’s a pleasant way to wind down and enjoy some authentic flavors.

Shopping Break

The included shopping time is a bonus—some travelers find it a good chance to pick up souvenirs. The shops tend to sell jewelry, crafts, and other local goodies. Be aware, though, that some reviews mention pushy sales tactics or high prices—so it’s worth browsing carefully.

Pricing and Value

At $65 per person, the tour sits in an affordable range for a scenic boat ride combined with a cultural activity. The price includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a guided cruise, tequila tasting, and shopping time, which adds to the overall value if you’re interested in these elements.

However, some reviews suggest that the actual time on the water is short (around 45 minutes), which might leave some feeling the experience is lighter than expected for the cost. The optional photo charges, which can be up to $100 per family for pictures, are also a point of contention. If capturing memories is a priority, consider bringing your own camera—just be aware that some photos are taken by the guides for sale.

Is it worth it?

For those who want a convenient, scenic overview of Cabo’s highlights with some local flavor, this tour offers a good balance. The knowledgeable guides and stunning views make it worthwhile, especially if you’re not looking for a full-day or adrenaline-packed adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited to travelers who prefer relaxed, small-group outings over large tour buses. If you’re interested in photo opportunities, marine scenery, and a bit of local culture, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or pregnant women, given the boat ride and the physical nature of some activities.

It’s also handy if you want a short activity that fits into a busy Cabo itinerary. But if you’re craving longer time on the water or snorkeling, you might want to explore other tours.

Final Thoughts

The Cabo San Lucas Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Tequila Tasting offers a solid, relaxed way to see some of Cabo’s most iconic sights. The views of the Arch and marine life are the main stars, and the small-group atmosphere makes for a more personal experience. The included tequila tasting adds cultural flavor, though some may find the optional photo sales a bit pushy.

If you’re after a short, scenic trip with friendly guides and the chance to enjoy Cabo from the water, this tour will likely satisfy. Just keep expectations in check about the duration and the photo charges, and you’ll have a memorable, laid-back adventure.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, which some travelers find on the shorter side, especially considering the price.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or those over 260 lbs (118 kg). It’s best suited for guests comfortable on a small boat.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your passport or ID, sun hat, and sunscreen. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed on the boat.

Can I buy photos?
Yes, guides often take photos for sale, sometimes at high prices ($100 per family), so consider whether you want to purchase or bring your own camera.

Is this activity weather dependent?
Yes, it’s subject to weather conditions, so if rain or rough seas occur, it might be canceled or rescheduled.

What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, tequila tasting, and shopping time are included. Food and drinks are not.

Is the tour worth the price?
Considering the scenic views, marine encounters, and cultural activity, most find it reasonably priced. However, the limited time on the boat might leave some wanting more.

In essence, this tour offers a charming snapshot of Cabo’s coast and culture. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic beauty, and a bit of local flavor, all wrapped into a convenient three-hour experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: