Clear Boat with City Tour

If you’re considering a day out in Cabo San Lucas that combines a unique boat experience with some local shopping and tequila tasting, this tour might catch your eye. It’s presented as a small-group adventure, which usually hints at a more personal touch, and it’s set at a reasonable price—around $75 per person. While it’s not perfect, it offers some genuinely memorable moments, especially if you love waterside views and a touch of local flavor.

What we really like about this tour is the stunning see-through boat ride that promises unobstructed views into the water. Plus, the chance to explore Downtown Cabo and sample tequila gives a nice balance of scenic and cultural experiences. That said, a possible downside is that the tour’s structure is quite fixed, and it doesn’t include a beach stop—something that might matter if you’re hoping for a longer, more relaxed beach experience.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded taste of Cabo—beautiful vistas, a taste of local shopping, and fun with a small group. If you’re okay with the itinerary being somewhat tight and the focus being on sightseeing rather than lounging, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Unparalleled views with a see-through boat ride that keeps you connected to the water.
• Small group size (up to 12 travelers), which means more personalized service.
• Includes a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and tequila tasting, combining different local highlights.
• Convenient pickup from select hotels makes starting the day hassle-free.
• Price point of $75 offers decent value for the variety packed into around four hours.
• Some reviews mention that certain parts of the tour, like the beach stop, might be skipped or not as inclusive as hoped.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Each Stop

The 45-Minute Water Adventure: Lovers Beach and the Arch

The highlight of this tour is definitely the see-through boat ride around Land’s End, lasting about 45 minutes. You’ll glide past Lovers Beach, the Sea Lions Colony, and the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas. This part is particularly good for photos—or just soaking in those incredible views. The transparent bottom of the boat means you get constant visual access to the aquatic life below, which many find fascinating. One review even mentioned, “You can see so many beautiful fish,” which is a nice bonus if you enjoy marine life.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers found the boat ride to be the only truly included part of the tour—others felt they didn’t get as much beach time as they expected. The description clearly says the boat ride is 45 minutes long, and no beach stop is guaranteed during this segment, so if you’re dreaming of lounging on the sand, it might not fully deliver.

Downtown Cabo and Shopping: Tequila Tasting and Local Markets

After the water adventure, the tour moves to Downtown Cabo, where you’ll have about two hours and 15 minutes to explore. The itinerary includes a visit to the Marina and a local Flea Market, where you can pick up souvenirs and enjoy some relaxed shopping. It’s a good way to stretch your legs after the boat, and you’ll get tips from the guide on where to go, which makes browsing easier.

A favorite part for many is the tequila tasting; it’s usually offered at a local store and is free of charge. This gives a taste of Mexico’s famous spirit, often with some interesting explanations from the guides about its production. One guest praised their guide for being “very informative,” which adds value to this stop. Remember, the tasting is quite casual, so don’t expect a formal tequila tour—just a fun sample session.

Final Stop: Lovers Beach (Weather Permitting)

The last major part is a chance to visit Lovers Beach again, with the option to jump off the boat and explore on foot if conditions are right. The San Andres Cove, a protected area, can be a nice spot to cool off with a swim. Although this stop is only about an hour, it can be quite scenic and relaxing, especially if the weather is cooperating. Several reviews mention that the guides are attentive and make sure everyone gets a good view or an opportunity to dip in the water.

However, some travelers noted that beach access is weather-dependent, and if sea conditions aren’t suitable, this part of the tour might be skipped or cut short. It’s worth keeping in mind if beaches are your main goal.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes some essentials like air-conditioned transportation from select hotels and bottled water—small but useful touches for comfort. The port fee of $5 per person is additional, so keep that in mind when budgeting. The total cost feels reasonable considering the combination of activities, although some may find it a tad pricey if their main focus is just the boat ride.

While the boat ride and the Lovers Beach stop are included, remember that the beach stop isn’t guaranteed, so if you’re hoping for more lounging time, you might need to look elsewhere. The tequila tasting and shopping are free, adding to the overall value.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

The reviews tell a mixed but mostly positive story. Many travelers rave about the friendly guides and stunning views. One reviewer said, “Our guide and captain were great. He took great pictures,” highlighting the personal touch. Others appreciated the informative tour guides who made the experience more engaging.

On the flip side, there’s a notable review where a guest felt disappointed because they only experienced part of the tour they expected. “Beware! Only got 2/3 of the tour,” was their comment, but this was due to a misunderstanding about the beach stop, which isn’t explicitly included in this trip. It’s a reminder to always read the itinerary closely.

Some reviews mention that the tour can be a bit fixed in timing, and rescheduling isn’t an option. This is typical for shared tours, so if you’re looking for flexibility, it’s worth considering.

Transportation and Timing

Starting at 9:30 am, the tour kicks off with hotel pickup if your hotel is in the right area. The duration is about 4 hours, which is compact but packed with sights. The transportation is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable even in the Mexican heat. Guides are punctual and knowledgeable, adding to the smoothness of the experience.

While most travelers seem satisfied with the timing, some have expressed a desire for a slightly longer beach or free time component. As it stands, the schedule is quite structured, so if you prefer unscheduled beach lounging, this might not be your best fit.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a fun mix of water views, shopping, and local spirit tasting at a fair price. The see-through boat ride is a real highlight—especially for those who love unique perspectives on marine life and iconic landmarks like the Arch of Cabo. The small-group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd, and the guides seem to know their stuff.

The main drawback is that the beach stop isn’t guaranteed and the tour’s structure is somewhat rigid. If you’re after a relaxed, full-day beach experience, you’ll want to supplement this tour with other activities. But if you’re looking for a balanced, visually stunning introduction to Cabo with some cultural flavor, this experience hits the mark.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy short, engaging excursions and don’t mind a structured schedule. It’s especially appealing to those who want a combination of scenic views and local tastes without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Yes, the boat is described as not cramped, and it has shade to keep the sun off. The see-through bottom adds a fun element for viewers.

Can I expect a beach stop during the tour?
The tour includes a stop at Lovers Beach, but this is weather-dependent. If sea conditions are poor, the beach stop might be skipped, and the tour may focus on other parts.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, with key stops at Lovers Beach, downtown shopping, and tequila tasting.

Are meals included?
No, meals aren’t included. The tour provides bottled water but no food.

How many people typically participate?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, making it more intimate than larger group tours.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a swimsuit if you plan to swim, and any personal items you might need for walking or shopping.

This Clear Boat with City Tour in Cabo San Lucas offers a memorable glimpse into the area’s natural beauty and local culture, with some caveats about the fixed schedule and limited beach access. It’s a great pick for curious travelers eager to combine scenic views with cultural experiences without a hefty price tag.