Tour the Arch, Land’s End and more in Cabo’s original Clear Boat

Exploring Cabo’s Coastline in Style: A Review of the Official Clear Boat Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas, a boat ride in the azure Sea of Cortez is nearly mandatory. The official Clear Boat tour promises to showcase some of the most recognizable sights — like the famous El Arco (the Arch), Pelican Rock, and the nearby beaches — all from the comfort of a glass-bottom vessel. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, we’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your vacation.

What we really like about this tour is its small-group size, limited to just 12 travelers, which tends to make the experience more intimate and less rushed. Plus, the stunning views through the glass bottom give you a peek beneath the water’s surface without getting wet — perfect for photos and sightseeing alike. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the tour doesn’t include stops at the beaches themselves, which can be a bit misleading if you’re expecting to stay on Lover’s Beach or Divorce Beach for long periods. That said, the tour’s focus on the major landmarks makes it a great choice for those who want a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Cabo’s coastal highlights. If you’re someone who loves iconic scenery and efficient sightseeing, this tour ticks many boxes.

This adventure suits travelers who enjoy short, scenic excursions and want to maximize their time in Cabo without spending hours on the water. It’s particularly good for those traveling with family, couples, or anyone eager to get the classic Cabo photo shots with minimal fuss. If beach lounging is your top priority, you might want to consider combining this trip with a separate water taxi visit to the beaches afterward.

Key Points

• Small-Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers for a more personalized feel.
• Iconic Landmarks: See the Arch, Pelican Rock, and Land’s End up close and from a unique perspective.
• Clear Bottom Viewing: A boat with glass panels allows water-viewing without getting wet.
• Flexible Beach Time: Option to stay at beaches after the tour by catching a water taxi.
• Price Point: $49 per person, offering good value for a quick, scenic cruise.
• Tour Duration: Approximately 45 minutes, perfect for a quick sightseeing break.
• Safety & Convenience: Includes safety gear, a certified guide, and a mobile ticket for ease.
• Photo Opportunities: Bring your phone or camera to capture the stunning scenery — professional photos are available at extra cost.
• Note on Expectations: The tour emphasizes sightseeing, not beach access, so plan accordingly.

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary and What It Actually Means for You

The tour starts at the CaboMarina, a convenient spot downtown, where a friendly guide welcomes you onboard a full glass-bottom boat. The boat itself is a standout feature. Its transparent panels allow you to marvel at the vibrant marine life swimming beneath your feet — a fascinating feature that many reviews praise. One traveler mentioned, “Seeing the fishes swim under the clear boat was incredible,” which wonderfully captures the appeal of the glass-bottom design.

The first stop is El Arco, the iconic limestone formation at Land’s End, which is arguably the most photographed natural feature in Cabo. The guide will point out the surrounding rocky formations and share a few tidbits about their formation — though, notably, the boat cannot get close enough to touch the rock, keeping a respectful distance for safety and preservation reasons. Still, the views are spectacular, and you’ll want to have your camera ready.

Next, Pelican Rock offers a similar visual feast. It’s a favorite for underwater viewing due to its prominent location and marine activity. Passengers often comment on the ease of snapping photos through the glass as schools of fish swim underneath.

The highlight for many is the trip to Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach. While the boat doesn’t dock at these beaches, you are given the option to hire a water taxi afterward if you want to spend more time on the sand. One review mentions, “Ask at check-in about taking a water taxi to stay as long as you want on the beach,” which is an important tip. Without this, you simply get a glimpse of the beaches from the water.

The tour concludes back at the marina, leaving enough time for a quick lunch or additional sightseeing. The total duration is around 45 minutes, making it a perfect snippet of Cabo’s highlights without a full-day commitment.

What Reviewers Say: Praise and Criticism

The majority of feedback is positive, highlighting knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. A traveler named Larissa called it “one of my favorite excursions,” adding that it’s “the best way to see the Arch.” Several reviewers appreciated the value for money, noting that the price of $49 is quite reasonable for the experience.

However, some reviews point out misunderstandings or disappointments. Jeffrey from February 2023 noted that “the description on Viator is not accurate,” specifically about beach visits. He pointed out that the tour only includes the 45-minute water ride, and you would need to pay extra for a water taxi to go to Lover’s Beach. This is an essential detail — the tour does not include beach access as part of the package.

Another reviewer, Frank, expressed frustration when he was bumped from the tour last minute, which he attributes to government restrictions and capacity limits. While this is outside the control of the tour provider, it’s a reminder that Cabo’s capacity limits can impact your plans, especially during busy seasons or special circumstances.

In terms of guides, many mention Ulises and Alan as knowledgeable and friendly, with one reviewer praising Ulises as an “amazing tour guide and expert photographer,” adding a personal touch that elevates the experience.

Practical Details: Price, Duration, Group Size

At $49 per person, this tour offers good value, especially given the intimate nature of a small boat with only 12 passengers. The 45-minute duration is short but packed with highlights, ideal for travelers who prefer quick, scenic excursions over long boat rides. For those wanting a more relaxed or beach-oriented experience, the optional water taxi allows for customization.

You will find the tour operating most days, with bookings often made 9 days in advance, highlighting good demand. The meeting point is straightforward — in the marina’s central area — and the tour is accessible via public transportation or taxis.

Additional Considerations

While the tour includes safety gear and a certified guide, it’s a good idea to bring your phone or camera to capture the magnificent views. Professional photos are available for a fee if you prefer high-quality souvenirs. If you want to extend your adventure, transportation can be added for $20 per person, which can be worth considering if you’re unfamiliar with local options.

Weather can impact the experience, as some reviews note that windy days might prevent stopping at beaches or limit water clarity. The tour provider offers full refunds or rescheduling if cancellations occur due to weather, which adds a layer of peace of mind.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This small-group, scenic boat ride is best suited for travelers who want a quick overview of Cabo’s iconic coastlines and landmarks without a full-day commitment. It’s particularly good for those who love photography, thanks to the glass-bottom feature and the chance to capture the famous arch and marine life up close.

Family groups, couples celebrating special occasions, or solo travelers looking to tick off the must-see sights in a relaxed, intimate setting will find plenty to enjoy. Keep in mind that the trip does not include beach access, so beach lovers wanting to lounge for hours should plan to arrange a water taxi or visit later.

Those who appreciate informative guides and enjoy learning about the natural features they’re viewing will also find this tour rewarding. The price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking a memorable snapshot of Cabo.

The Bottom Line

If your main goal is to see Cabo’s best-known landmarks from a comfortable, glass-bottom vessel, this tour offers genuine value and a chance to snap some memorable photos. Its small size ensures a more personal experience, and the guided commentary adds context that enriches the sightseeing.

However, if you’re expecting full beach access or longer stops at Land’s End, you’ll need to plan separately. The tour’s emphasis on quick, scenic viewing makes it perfect for travelers who want to balance sightseeing with other activities.

This experience strikes a solid balance between affordability, quality, and convenience. It’s well-suited for those who want a packed 45-minute sightseeing session with a memorable marine view and a knowledgeable guide to direct your attention to Cabo’s natural wonders.

FAQ

Does the tour include stops at the beaches?
No, the tour does not include beach stops. You can ask at check-in about taking a water taxi afterward if you want to spend more time on Lover’s Beach or Divorce Beach.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick and scenic snapshot of Cabo’s coast.

Is the boat fully glass-bottomed?
Yes, the boat features a full glass bottom, which lets you see marine life and underwater formations without getting wet.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The tour caps at 12 travelers, creating a more intimate and less crowded experience.

What’s the price?
It costs $49 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the location, views, and small-group experience.

Can I get professional photos?
Yes, professional photos are available upon request for an additional fee. Bringing your own phone or camera is highly encouraged for instant photos.

What should I bring?
Bring your phone or camera for photos, and consider a hat or sunscreen for sunny days. Water and any personal items should be kept secure.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers can participate, so it’s generally family-friendly, especially since it’s a short ride and offers plenty of visual interest.

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

To sum it up, this small-group, scenic boat tour in Cabo offers a practical, enjoyable way to see some of the region’s most photogenic spots with minimal hassle. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager to capture stunning views and learn a bit about Cabo’s natural wonders without committing to a long or expensive trip. Just remember, it’s primarily a sightseeing cruise — if beach time is your top goal, plan for a subsequent water taxi or separate visit.