The Arch Tour on a Clear Boat from Cabo San Lucas

If you’re heading to Cabo San Lucas and looking for a laid-back but memorable way to see the famous El Arco and surrounding sights, this clear boat tour might just be worth considering. It’s a small-group adventure that offers a different perspective—literally—by cruising in a boat with a transparent bottom. Perfect for those who love a touch of novelty and want a chance to see marine life up close without diving in.

What we really like about this tour is how accessible and straightforward it is: it’s affordable at $45 per person, and it provides a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with a maximum of 14 guests. Plus, the fact that it offers the chance to see colorful fish beneath the water while cruising along makes it quite unique. On the flip side, the short 45-minute duration and the small size of the boat might not satisfy those seeking an in-depth exploration or larger group vibe.

This experience works best for travelers who want a quick, scenic tour with lots of highlights packed into a short time. If you’re keen on spectacular views, love marine life, and prefer a calm, guided trip rather than a boisterous party, this could be a good fit. It’s also suitable if you’re traveling with friends or family who appreciate a more relaxed pace and smaller crowds.

Key Points

• Unique Glass-Bottom Experience: You’ll cruise in a boat that’s partly transparent, giving you a live view of the fish and water below.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: Stops include The Arch, Sea Lion Colony, Pirates’ Cave, Pelican Beach, and Lovers’ Beach, offering a well-rounded tour of Cabo’s coastline.
• Informative Guides: Tour guides are bilingual and keen to share details about the area, making the experience informative and engaging.
• Short and Sweet: At around 45 minutes, this tour is perfect if you’re short on time but want a quick, scenic outing.
• Cost-Effective: For $45, you get a memorable adventure with included dock fees and a small-group setting.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 14 people, which means a more personalized experience, though it’s not a private tour.

The Experience: What to Expect

Starting Point and Check-In

Your adventure begins at the Envatours CaboMarina office, where you’ll need to check in about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. The actual boat departs from Dock P, so plan your arrival accordingly. Keep in mind that the check-in location is separate from the dock, and arriving late means you might miss out, as rescheduling isn’t guaranteed without a penalty.

The Boat and Tour Duration

Once aboard, you’ll be cruising in a small but comfortable boat designed to give you that “standing on water” feeling thanks to its transparent bottom. The 45-minute ride is just enough time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. The boat is maintained with safety as a priority, and the small size (maximum 14 passengers) helps keep things cozy and manageable.

The Highlights of the Route

As you sail, your guide will point out key attractions such as The Arch (El Arco)—the iconic rock formation that’s a must-see—and the Sea Lion Colony. The views are mostly from the water, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the rugged coastline and the famous rocks.

You’ll also pass by Pirates’ Cave and Pelican Beach, along with Lovers’ Beach and Divorce Beach, giving you a rounded look at Cabo’s scenic shoreline. Some reviews mention that the boat doesn’t get quite as close to the rocks as larger tour boats, but that’s a tradeoff for the more intimate experience and the novelty of the clear boat.

Marine Life and Visuals

The transparent bottom lets you see colorful fish swimming underneath as you cruise, which is a highlight for many travelers. Our sources love the way this adds a layer of excitement, especially for those who appreciate marine life but prefer not to snorkel or dive.

Guides and Commentary

The guides are bilingual and knowledgeable, eager to share details about the area’s history and geography. Reviewers mention guides like Michelle, Nora, and Juan who bring energy and humor, making the trip more engaging. However, some travelers noted that the boat’s maintenance was a bit of a concern, with one reviewer saying they couldn’t get as close to the rocks as other boats, possibly due to safety or care considerations.

Additional Details

You are allowed to bring one drink per person, but it cannot be in a glass, which makes sense for safety reasons. Photos taken by the boat’s photographer are available at extra cost, which can be convenient if you want some keepsakes but might be pricey. To keep things smooth, there’s also a $16 USD no-show penalty if you cancel late or miss the tour without notice.

Value for Money

At $45, this tour offers a solid value for a quick, scenic ride with marine life views, especially considering the small group size and inclusion of dock fees. It’s not a deep dive or full-day adventure, but it’s perfect for those who want an easy, fun introduction to Cabo’s coastline.

The reviews reflect that most travelers found it enjoyable, with some highlighting the guides’ friendliness and the boat’s cleanliness. That said, a few mentioned that the boat’s maintenance might impact how close they could get to certain sights, which is worth considering if you’re expecting an up-close experience.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book early—the tour is usually booked about 30 days in advance and fills up quickly.
• Arrive 30 minutes early at the Envatours office for check-in to avoid missing the boat.
• Check the weather forecast—since the tour is weather-dependent, poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling.
• Bring your camera but remember that photos by the boat’s photographer are extra.
• Limit your drinks to one per person and no glasses for safety.
• Dress comfortably and wear sun protection, as you’ll be out in the open on the water.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideally suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic experience with a fun twist—seeing marine life through a clear hull. It’s great for people short on time but eager to tick off the iconic El Arco and nearby sights in a relaxed setting. Families with older children, couples, or groups of friends will likely enjoy the intimacy and the views. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping, extensive tour, though, you might want to consider larger or more active options.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour requires you to check in at the Envatours office first; there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off.

How long is the tour?
The actual boat ride lasts about 45 minutes, enough to see the main sights and marine life without feeling rushed.

Can I bring my own drinks?
You can bring one drink per person, but it must not be in a glass container, and alcohol consumption is limited to one beverage per person.

What if I miss my tour?
Missing the tour without notice results in no refund. Rescheduling is possible with a $16 USD fee if spots are available, but late arrivals are generally not accommodated.

Is this a private tour?
No, it’s a shared experience with up to 14 guests. If you want privacy, you’ll need to look for a private charter.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

All in all, this clear boat tour isn’t the longest or most luxurious, but it’s a simple, fun way to see Cabo’s famous landmarks and marine life in a relaxed setting. It’s best suited for travelers who value a unique perspective and don’t mind a small-group vibe. Just remember to arrive on time, check the weather, and keep expectations realistic—this isn’t a grand adventure, but it’s a charming way to add some memorable views to your Cabo trip.