Los Cabos Arch and Playa del Amor Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak

If you’re eyeing a tour that combines adventure, scenery, and a little bit of ocean magic, the Los Cabos Arch and Playa del Amor Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak is worth considering. While I haven’t personally paddled these waters, a good look at the reviews, itinerary, and features suggests this experience offers a memorable way to explore some of the area’s most iconic sights.

What really draws me to this tour are two standout features: the knowledgeable guides who make all the difference, and the opportunity to see marine life up close through snorkeling and the glass-bottom kayak. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that ocean conditions can sometimes impact the route—favoring mornings for calmer seas.

This kind of adventure suits travelers who love being active but also appreciate the beauty of nature from the water. Families with kids over six, water lovers, or anyone wanting a comprehensive yet laid-back way to see Los Cabos’ coastline would find this particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Expert guides enhance the experience, offering safety, knowledge, and fun storytelling.
• Snorkeling and kayaking together give a dynamic way to explore the marine environment.
• The tour covers several iconic spots, including El Arco, Playa del Amor, and Pelican Rock.
• Condensed 3-hour duration, including transportation, makes it a manageable half-day activity.
• Weather can influence the route, but the company offers flexible rescheduling or refunds for poor conditions.
• Good value for the price, considering the guided experience, equipment, and transportation included.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This tour isn’t just a boat ride — it’s a chance to get your hands wet, see colorful fish and sea lions, and admire the natural beauty of Cabo San Lucas from a unique perspective. Being on a glass-bottom kayak means you’re constantly aware of what’s beneath you, adding a layer of excitement that a standard boat tour might lack. The added snorkeling around Pelican Rock is another bonus, especially praised for its vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and even manta rays as some reviews mention.

Travelers consistently mention the skill and friendliness of the guides, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. One reviewer raved about guides Luis and Marco Polo, highlighting their knowledge and attention to safety, which is reassuring if you’re new to kayaking or snorkeling. Many reviews also point out how guides go above and beyond — from helping with gear to capturing great photos.

The value here is notable. At $95 per person, you get not only the water activities but also round-trip transportation from your hotel or cruise ship pier, which simplifies logistics and makes it easier to relax and enjoy.

What to Expect: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Meeting and Departure

Your adventure begins with a pickup at your hotel or cruise ship pier, depending on your arrangements, with air-conditioned transport to Medano Beach. This pre-tour phase is key to setting the tone — expect punctual, friendly service that gets you excited for the day ahead.

The Iconic El Arco and Cruz de la Baja

Once at the beach, you’ll listen to a safety briefing and get familiar with your equipment. The guide will teach you basic paddling techniques, which is helpful whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a beginner. From there, you’ll hop into your glass-bottom kayak, ready to follow your guide toward the famous El Arco — the striking rock formation that marks where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

As you paddle, you’ll pass by other notable landmarks, including Playa de los Amantes and Divorce Beach—each with their own story and character. Many reviews mention how the guides share insights about these spots, making the experience both scenic and educational.

Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Views

Expect to see a colony of sea lions lounging on the rocks — a lazy but lively sight that adds a bit of local charm. Seabirds, pelicans, and other marine birds soar overhead, creating a lively soundtrack to your paddling. If luck is on your side, you may spot manta rays, sea turtles, and schools of colorful fish.

One reviewer shared that their guide fed the fish to attract them closer, making snorkeling at Pelican Rock a highlight. The visibility in the water often impresses visitors, with vibrant fish and marine creatures surrounding you as you snorkel just off Pelican Rock.

Playas and Snorkeling

Your guide will steer the kayak to Playa del Amor, a stunning, secluded beach accessible only by water — perfect for a moment of peace and picture-taking. Here, you’ll dock your kayak and gear up for snorkeling, exploring the underwater world of lobsters, angelfish, and stingrays.

Snorkeling is often praised for its clarity and marine diversity, with reviews mentioning the joy of floating amidst the colorful fish, rays, and even the chance to see a manta ray jumping out of the water. Many travelers note they wish they had more time to linger, but the tour balances activity with relaxation.

Returning to the Starting Point

After snorkeling, you’ll paddle around Playa del Amor, taking in the dramatic coastline and sea-sculpted rocks. A light snack is typically offered, providing a nice recharge before paddling back to Medano Beach. The return trip offers more opportunities for photos and reflection on what you’ve just experienced.

Final Drop-Off and End of Tour

Your adventure concludes with transportation back to your hotel or cruise ship pier, completing a well-rounded, scenic, and active excursion.

Group Size and Atmosphere

This tour keeps groups small — capped at 15 travelers — which helps ensure a more personalized experience. Many reviews highlight the friendly, professional guides like Javier, Emilio, and Juan Luis, who are praised for their knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm. From feeding fish to helping with photos, their attentiveness makes a difference.

The overall vibe is relaxed but engaging. The company recommends the 9 am trip when seas tend to be calmer, and many reviewers agree that the early morning offers the best conditions for paddling and snorkeling.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts about 3 hours, including transportation, which makes it suitable for those wanting a half-day adventure without overcommitting. It’s accessible for most travelers, with a minimum age of 6 and a maximum weight of 195kg (around 430 lbs). Participants should bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a camera — especially if you want to capture the marine life or scenic vistas.

While the tour generally goes smoothly, weather conditions can influence the route. If the sea is too rough or winds are high, the guide might adjust the plan or reschedule for safety. The company offers full refunds or alternative dates if weather cancels the trip, which adds confidence to booking.

Transportation is included and optional, so if you prefer to explore independently, you can skip the pickup. Just note that the meeting point is at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina.

Value for Money

At $95 per person, this tour provides a rich blend of adventure, scenery, and wildlife viewing. What sets it apart is the guided approach, which ensures safety and educational insights, making it more than just a paddle and snorkel. The inclusion of bottled water, granola bars, and transportation adds to the convenience, especially after a morning of activity.

Compare that to the cost of a boat trip or a day pass at a water park — this offers a more intimate, nature-focused experience that many find well worth the price.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy being on the water and want a more immersive, guided adventure. It’s perfect if you’re interested in wildlife, scenic views, and don’t mind a bit of paddling. Families with children over 6 will find it manageable and fun, especially given the attentive guides.

If ocean conditions are calm, you’ll get the most out of it, but even if the weather isn’t perfect, the company’s flexible policies help mitigate disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel or cruise ship pier is included and recommended for convenience.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a beach towel, sandals, a camera, and possibly a dry bag if you want to keep valuables safe while snorkeling.

Is this suitable for children?
Participants must be at least 6 years old, and the tour is designed to be family-friendly. Always check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather or sea conditions make it unsafe to paddle or snorkel, the company will reschedule or issue a full refund.

How long is the tour?
The whole experience lasts about 3 hours, including pickup, transfer, and the water activities.

Can I choose a different departure time?
Yes, you can select between morning and afternoon departures, though the 9 am trip is highly recommended for calmer seas.

Are guides experienced?
Absolutely. Reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, attentiveness, and friendliness — including those with surf backgrounds who know the water well.

What is the group size?
Groups are capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal, relaxed experience.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, and many reviews mention how good the visibility and marine life were.

Can I do this if I don’t kayak often?
Yes, guides will teach you the basics beforehand. The activity is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a scenic, active way to experience the beauty of Los Cabos, this Glass Bottom Kayak and Snorkeling Tour offers a well-balanced mix of nature, wildlife, and stunning views. The guided approach not only makes it safer but also more enriching, especially with knowledgeable guides who genuinely seem to care about your experience.

While ocean conditions can sometimes influence how far you paddle, the flexibility and good value of this tour make it worth the investment. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to see the iconic landmarks like El Arco from a close, personal perspective, while also enjoying underwater encounters with vibrant marine life.

For anyone looking for a day that combines activity, scenery, and a touch of adventure — all in a manageable 3-hour window — this tour ticks all the boxes. Just remember to go in the morning if you can — calmer seas tend to create the most picturesque, safe paddling conditions.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget your camera!