Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel Pickup!

If you’re considering a Cabo San Lucas boat experience that promises close-up views of the famous Arch and marine life, a transparent boat tour might catch your eye. We’ve taken a good look at one of the more popular options—the Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel Pickup—to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What immediately stands out about this experience are two things: it’s the only glass boat in the world, offering a 360-degree view of the surroundings, and it’s quite budget-friendly at just over $21 per person. That’s a pretty tempting price for the kind of sights you’ll get, especially if you love being on the water with a good guide pointing out marine life and rock formations.

However, a possible consideration is the short duration, just about 50 minutes, which might feel a bit rushed given the number of stops. And with only a few reviews rating it around 3.5 out of 5, it’s clear that while many travelers enjoy the views, some have had issues with organization or communication.

This tour is best suited for those who want a quick, scenic overview of Cabo’s highlights and don’t mind a group setting. If you’re after a relaxed, in-depth experience or planning a family trip with young kids, you might want to explore other options or combine this with a more comprehensive tour.

Key Points

• Unique Glass Boat Experience: The tour offers the world’s first completely transparent boat, providing incredible, unblocked views.
• Affordable Price Point: At just over $21, it delivers a good value for those wanting to see major sights without breaking the bank.
• Expert Guides and Photos: Includes a certified captain and a tour guide/photographer who explains marine life and rock formations.
• Short but Sight-Filled: Lasts approximately 50 minutes, covering multiple iconic locations around Cabo.
• Mixed Reviews on Organization: Some travelers faced issues with pickup or communication, so be prepared for possible hiccups.
• Additional Cost Options: Transportation can be added for $10, and photos are available for purchase.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s main draw is the crystal-clear boat, a real highlight for anyone eager to see Cabo’s sights from a perspective that’s rarely available. The boat features lifejackets and safety equipment, managed by a certified guide. The tour also includes detailed explanations of marine life and rock formations, which makes the experience educational as well as scenic.

However, tips and professional photos are not included in the price, and if you want to avoid the hassle of public transportation or organizing your own ride, you can opt for round-trip transportation for an additional $10 per person. Just send a message 24 hours before to arrange it.

The Itinerary in Detail

This tour packs in a lot in roughly an hour, with each stop lasting just a couple of minutes. Here’s what you’ll likely see:

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

The tour kicks off with the star attraction, the famous Arch, seen from the unique vantage point of a completely transparent boat. Expect to get close enough to marvel at the rock formations and spot tropical fish and reefs underneath.

Stop 2: Medano Beach

From the water, you’ll get a great view of Medano Beach, one of Cabo’s most popular beaches. It’s a quick pass, but the scenery from the boat makes it memorable.

Stop 3: Playa de los Amantes

This beach is known for its stunning location between rock formations and its proximity to the Beach of Love and Divorce. You’ll get a glimpse of the natural beauty that draws so many visitors.

Stops 4-6: Love Beach, Divorce Beach, and San Lucas Parish

These stops highlight Cabo’s famous beaches and the iconic Parroquia San Lucas church. While brief, these moments allow you to take in the landscape, and the guide may share interesting stories about each site.

Stops 7-9: Marine and Beach Views

From Playa el Chileno to Cabo’s Marina, the tour offers multiple opportunities to see marine life, Pelican Rock, and the Sea of Cortez. The glass bottom aspect means you’ll likely see sea lions, tropical fish, and coral reefs beneath you.

Stops 10-12: Santa Maria Beach, Cabo Beaches, and Pelican Rock

The final stops give a rundown of Cabo’s marine environment and beaches, including the chance to snap some photos of Pelican Rock—a favorite among visitors.

The Experience: What It Feels Like

We loved the visual aspect of the clear boat—there’s nothing quite like floating over reefs and marine life with an unobstructed view. The guide and captain are knowledgeable, offering insightful commentary about each site, which adds depth to the quick stops.

That said, some reviews mention organizational issues. For example, one reviewer said, “I had such a great experience with this tour! Everything was right on time and very well organized,” while another shared frustration over pickup mishaps and bad communication. It seems that the experience can vary depending on the day and staff.

The short duration means this isn’t a comprehensive tour but rather a quick highlight reel. If you’re a fan of photo opportunities, the tour’s photos for purchase might be appealing, especially since the views are truly spectacular.

The Practical Side: Logistics and Cost

At just over $21, this tour is quite affordable, especially considering it includes a certified guide and the unique transparent boat ride. Adding transportation for $10 can be a good option if you prefer not to find your way to the port on your own; just remember to book in advance by messaging 24 hours prior.

Timing is flexible, with multiple departure options at 9:40 am, 11:40 am, 1:40 pm, 3:40 pm, and 5:20 pm. Keep an eye out for the check-in instructions—arrive at least 20 minutes early if you’re on your own.

While the experience is short, many travelers find it good value, especially for the views and the novelty of the glass boat. However, if you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed pace or in-depth exploration, this might not be the best fit.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

From actual reviews, you’ll see a mix of praise and caution. One traveler said, “No Title—I had such a great experience,” highlighting the well-organized, timely nature of the tour. Conversely, another lamented, “Don’t book this tour, they will take your money and you will not get a refund,” which points to the importance of clear communication and understanding the cancellation policy.

Another reviewer appreciated the professionalism of the crew and the beautiful photos they took, noting, “Our host, Yael, and captain Kareem were fabulous,” which suggests that friendly, knowledgeable staff can really elevate the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits those who want a quick snapshot of Cabo’s most famous sites, particularly if you’re on a tight schedule or traveling on a budget. It’s ideal for photo enthusiasts eager to capture unique marine and rock formations from a completely clear vessel. It’s also a good pick if you appreciate a guided experience with educational commentary.

However, travelers seeking a longer, more immersive adventure or traveling with young children might want to consider other options. Its short duration and group setting mean it’s more suited for those content with a highlight reel rather than a full-day tour.

The Sum Up

The Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel Pickup offers an innovative way to see Cabo’s most iconic locations. For a budget-friendly price, you get the novelty of a completely transparent boat, along with educational insights from a certified guide. The views of the Arch, marine life, and beaches are truly spectacular, especially when seen from beneath the water.

While the short duration and potential organization issues might not suit everyone, many travelers find that the visual impact and value make this a worthwhile experience. It’s particularly appealing for those wanting a quick, scenic overview and some photo opportunities without committing to a longer tour.

If you’re comfortable with a group experience and want to enjoy Cabo’s highlights from a new perspective, this tour could be a fun addition to your trip. Just keep in mind the reviews about communication and timing, and plan accordingly.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour price?
No, transportation is not included, but you can add round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van for $10 by sending a message 24 hours before your tour.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes, covering multiple key sights.

Can I buy photos of the tour?
Yes, photos taken during the tour are available for purchase afterward.

Do I need to arrive early?
Yes, if you’re traveling on your own, it’s recommended to check in 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What are the departure times?
Tours depart at 9:40 am, 11:40 am, 1:40 pm, 3:40 pm, and 5:20 pm.

Is the boat safe?
Yes, the boat is insured and equipped with lifejackets and safety gear, operated by a certified captain.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed for children, the short, scenic nature makes it suitable for most age groups, but always check with the provider if you have very young children.

What is the price per person?
The base price is about $21.17 per person.

What sites will I see?
Expect to see the Arch, Reef formations, beaches like Love and Divorce, and marine life such as tropical fish and sea lions.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included and are at your discretion.

This transparent boat tour in Cabo offers a quick, visually stunning adventure for those who want to tick some boxes and capture some great photos. While it may not be perfect for everyone, it’s certainly a memorable way to enjoy Cabo’s natural beauty from a fresh perspective.