Los Cabos Deluxe City Tour: San Jose, San Lucas and The Arch

A Practical Look at the Los Cabos Deluxe City Tour: San Jose, San Lucas, and The Arch

If you’re considering a day exploring Los Cabos, this tour promises a mix of nature, culture, and fun, all packed into about six hours. It’s offered by Gray Line Los Cabos, a reputable operator with solid reviews, and it combines land adventures with a boat trip—an excellent way to see the area from different angles.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances iconic sights with local flavor. You get a behind-the-scenes look at glass-blowing artisans, a chance to sample tequila, and a scenic boat ride to the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Plus, it includes a delicious lunch and hotel pickup, making for a convenient experience.

On the flip side, some travelers have noted that the itinerary can feel a bit crowded—there are multiple stops, including shopping, which might not appeal to everyone. Also, keep in mind that dock fees are extra, so budget about $5 USD more. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a little variety—mixing scenic views, cultural insights, and light shopping—in a single day.

Key Points

• Diverse experiences: combines land, water, cultural, and culinary highlights
• Good value for money: includes lunch, drinks, and a boat ride at the price of just over $100
• Expert guides: highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• Flexible logistics: hotel pickup and drop-off simplify the day
• Some stops feel rushed, especially in San José del Cabo
• Extra costs: dock fee (around $5 USD) payable at check-in

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point: The Glass Factory

The journey begins with a visit to a glass-blowing factory, where you can watch artisans craft colorful pieces right before your eyes. It’s a short stop—about 30 minutes—but one that many find worthwhile. As one traveler put it, “The glass blowing demonstration was informative with many incredible pieces for purchase.” It’s a chance to see craftsmanship firsthand, plus maybe pick up a souvenir. Folks often appreciate the visual appeal and the opportunity to learn about this traditional art.

The Iconic El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

Next, you move onto the famous Arch, the symbol of Los Cabos. This natural rock formation juts out of the water, creating a striking silhouette—especially at sunrise or sunset. But here, you’ll experience it from a boat ride—the highlight for many. The tour includes a clear boat that glides around the Lands End area, giving you a close-up view of the Arch and the rugged coastline. As one reviewer noted, “The boat ride was fantastic, with abundant fish swimming right at our feet.”

This water perspective is the best chance to see the formation in all its glory without hiking or high fees. Expect about 40 minutes here, which is enough for photos and a good look at the rocks.

San Lucas Beach and Marina

The boat ride also gives a sweeping view of Medano Beach, lined with hotels, restaurants, and activity operators. It’s a lively area, perfect for snapping photos of the bustling bay. You might see watersports, boats, and the vibrant life of Cabo San Lucas from the water—making this stop a visual treat.

San José del Cabo: Historic Charm and Cultural Flavors

Next, the tour takes you to San José del Cabo, a quieter, artsy town with a charming plaza and the historic Mission. You’ll spend about 20 minutes in the main square, which has been recently renovated, according to reviews. It’s a great spot to soak in the local vibe, browse shops, or just enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Many reviewers praise the guides here; one noted, “Our guide shared a lot of history and current events happening in Los Cabos,” making this part both educational and enjoyable. However, some felt that 30 minutes isn’t enough time to truly explore this picturesque town, especially if you want to stroll or visit local shops.

Lunch at Jazmin’s

After the San José stop, the group heads for a lunch at Jazmin’s, a well-rated local restaurant. It’s included in the tour price, with a choice of meals and a drink—either lemonade, soda, or beer. Travelers have described the meal as “delicious” and “first-rate”. One even mentioned that the lunch exceeded expectations.

Optional: Shopping and Additional Stops

In some reviews, travelers mention stops at jewelry shops and souvenir stores, which can feel a little sales-heavy. One guest won a pearl from an oyster during a jewelry shop raffle, though they also noted that “it was a sales strategy,” and considered the jewelry shop stop somewhat unnecessary.

Be aware that additional purchases are entirely up to you, and there’s no pressure—though the jewelry shop staff may be persuasive.

The Boat Ride to the Arch: A Highlight for Many

The boat ride is often singled out as a standout feature. The glass-bottom design offers an unobstructed view of the water and marine life, making it more engaging than a typical boat tour. It’s a relaxing way to see the rock formations and sea life, with some reviewers describing the experience as “fantastic” and “a highlight of the trip.”

The boat captain and guide are praised for their friendly demeanor and informative commentary, which adds a layer of fun and learning to the excursion. Expect to see fishes swimming at your feet, which surprises many.

Tequila Tasting and Cultural Insights

The tour includes a tequila tasting session—something that many travelers find both fun and educational. The presentation is informative, and there’s no pressure to buy afterwards, which puts many at ease. As one reviewer put it, “The tequila tasting was top-notch with a very informative presentation.”

Shopping and Additional Stops

Some travelers appreciated the stops at jewelry stores or souvenir shops; others felt they could skip them. The jewelry shop stop may include a raffle or sales pitch, which some find enjoyable, but others see as a sales tactic.

Final Highlights: San Jose del Cabo and Return

The last stop is San Jose del Cabo, a town with a more artsy, relaxed vibe. You’ll have a brief period to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the local atmosphere before heading back to your hotel. A few reviews express a desire for more time here, but for most, it’s a nice, leisurely conclusion to the day.

The Value and Practicalities

For around $107, this tour packs in a lot of value. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, tequila tasting, a boat trip, and guided visits to several key sights. The additional dock fee (~$5 USD) is the only extra cost to keep in mind.

The tour lasts about six hours, which is enough time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed. The group size is capped at 30, offering a comfortable experience without feeling cramped.

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making the experience more engaging. The transportation is modern and comfortable, though some reviews mention the bus being warm or crowded—so dress comfortably and be prepared for a lively group.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Los Cabos—covering main sights, cultural experiences, and a scenic boat ride—without the hassle of organizing multiple activities. It’s perfect for those who enjoy learning about local traditions, taking photos of iconic landmarks, and sampling tequila in a casual setting.

It also suits visitors with limited time who want to maximize their day, seeing both San Lucas and San José del Cabo without multiple bookings. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less commercialized experience, this tour might feel a bit busy.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour

The Los Cabos Deluxe City Tour offers a balanced and value-packed way to see some of the area’s most famous sights and enjoy a taste of local culture. Its highlights—the boat trip to the Arch, the glass factory, and lunch at Jazmin’s—are well-loved by participants, many of whom praise the knowledgeable guides and beautiful vistas.

This tour works best for first-time visitors wanting a broad introduction, groups with diverse interests, or anyone who appreciates combining scenic views with cultural stops. The inclusion of hotel pickup makes it convenient, especially if you’re staying in Los Cabos.

While some stops—like shopping—may feel a bit commercialized or rushed, the overall experience provides a solid, fun, and informative day that showcases the best of Los Cabos’ natural beauty and local charm.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from most Los Cabos hotels, making transportation easy and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s the cost of the tour?
The tour is priced at about $107.10 per person, which covers most activities, including lunch, tequila tasting, and the boat ride.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there’s a dock fee of approximately $5 USD per person payable at check-in. Extra drinks or souvenirs are at your own expense.

What are the main highlights?
The most praised parts are the boat trip to the Arch, the glass-blowing factory, lunch in San José, and the tequila tasting.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, cruise ship passengers can be picked up from nearby hotels, and the tour duration fits within typical port times. Just be sure to provide your ship details at booking.

Can I customize the stops?
The itinerary is set, but some reviews suggest that certain stops like shopping or San José could be more or less emphasized based on your interests.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Most travelers indicate that the tour is suitable for most ages, especially since it includes engaging sights and a scenic boat ride, but comfort depends on group size and personal preferences.

To sum it up, this tour offers a vivid, multi-faceted glimpse of Los Cabos, blending natural beauty, local craftsmanship, and coastal scenery. It’s especially appealing for those who want a well-rounded experience without stress, making it a practical choice for many visitors eager to see the highlights with expert guides.