Explore Los Cabos City Tour, Glass-Bottom Boat Ride, Lunch and Shopping!

If you’re planning a visit to Cabo San Lucas and want to make the most of your time, this combined tour offers a balanced taste of everything—stunning scenery, cultural insights, and fun activities. While it’s not a private VIP experience, it’s a well-rounded way to see some of the best sights without breaking the bank. This tour offers a full day of entertainment and discovery for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

What we really like about this experience is the variety it offers: you get a scenic boat ride, a city tour of both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, plus a visit to a glass-blowing factory. Plus, with included lunch and hotel transfers, it simplifies planning. One consideration we’d mention is that it can be a long day with a lot of driving and multiple stops—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full schedule. If you’re eager to see a lot in one day and enjoy some authentic local art and scenery, this tour is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Wide-ranging experiences combining boat rides, city tours, and artisan visits
• Great value with all activities, transportation, and lunch included
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience and provide local insights
• Stunning scenery of Land’s End, Lover’s Beach, and the Sea of Cortez
• Flexibility for shopping and free time at the end of the day
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness and an interest in cultural sights

What the Tour Offers: An In-Depth Look

A Balanced Itinerary for a Full Day in Los Cabos

This tour packs a lot into approximately six hours. Starting at 9:00 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel, making it easy to begin without any fuss. Your journey first takes you to the vibrant Cabo San Lucas area, where the highlight is undoubtedly the glass-bottom boat ride. Expect about three hours of touring that includes zooming past the iconic Land’s End rock formations and stopping at Lover’s Beach and the Sea Lion’s Colony. The boat captain is praised for being friendly and informative, making the water segment both scenic and educational.

From the boat, the views are truly spectacular. The Sea of Cortez displays its vibrant colors, and you’ll get close enough to see the famous Arch up close—an image that’s just as breathtaking in real life as in photos. Several reviews mention how the boat ride is the “best” part of the day, with guests enjoying the chance to see local wildlife and the impressive rock formations that define Cabo’s coastline.

Discovering Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo

After the water adventure, the tour continues with a guided drive through both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo—two contrasting towns. Cabo is lively, with its bustling marina, hotels, and nightlife, while San Jose del Cabo offers a more relaxed, traditional Mexican atmosphere. Our impressions align with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides who share local stories and highlight key landmarks, making each stop informative without feeling rushed.

While some reviews note that the city stops are brief and mostly focused on shopping, others suggest that the guide’s commentary helps fill in the gaps about the area’s history and culture. You might find, as some travelers have, that the city drive feels more like a quick highlight reel rather than an in-depth city tour, but the purpose here is to give you a taste of each location.

Glass-Blowing Factory and Artisan Art

One of the most memorable parts of the tour is the visit to a glass-blowing factory. Here, artisans craft beautiful pieces right in front of you, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional Mexican craftsmanship. Several travelers rave about the talented glassmakers and reasonable prices for souvenirs. It’s a genuine artisan experience that feels authentic and personal, rather than a commercial stop.

Lunch and Shopping: Balancing Relaxation and Shopping

Lunch is included if you opt for the meal package, and reviews suggest that it’s “very good” and offers enough variety. However, some travelers have found the experience with the meal ordering process a bit confusing, particularly when opting out of the preset menu. As one reviewer mentioned, they were asked to pay in cash and did not receive individual invoices—so it’s wise to carry some cash just in case.

After lunch, you’ll have free time for shopping and exploring at your own pace. This is a highlight for many, offering the chance to purchase local jewelry, souvenirs, or enjoy some chocolate tasting. The jewelery store stops are sometimes viewed as less essential, but the tequila tasting is consistently praised as a fun, educational highlight.

The Boat Ride: A Crowd Favorite

Guests frequently call the boat ride to El Arco the “best” part of the tour. The captain’s friendly attitude and the scenic beauty make it a highlight. Notable reviews mention seeing whales in the distance and enjoying the impressive rock formations. The Sea Lions and Lover’s Beach are picturesque and memorable, reinforcing Cabo’s reputation as a top natural spectacle.

Guides and Group Size

Most travelers agree that guides make a difference. They are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share local information. The tour is limited to around 30 participants, which helps keep the experience personable and manageable. This size strikes a good balance—large enough for social interaction, but small enough for meaningful commentary.

Analyzing the Value: Price and Experience

At $105 per person, this tour represents reasonable value, especially considering the all-inclusive nature—activities, transportation, and lunch. The price gets you a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of arranging individual tickets or transportation. Guests who appreciate efficient itineraries and diverse experiences often find it worth the cost.

That said, some reviews point out that the tour is quite long and includes a lot of driving, which may not suit travelers eager for more city exploration or those with limited mobility. The tour’s structure favors those who enjoy a packed schedule and want to see many highlights without the stress of planning each activity separately.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring cash for optional purchases and the lunch if you skip the preset menu.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around at stops, especially at the glass-blowing factory.
• Prepare for a full day—bring water, sun protection, and a hat.
• Photography opportunities are great at Land’s End, Lover’s Beach, and during the boat ride, so don’t forget your camera.
• Book early—this tour is popular, often booked 31 days in advance on average.
• Expect some shopping at the jewelry stores and tequila tasting, but also enjoy the cultural and scenic stops.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to Los Cabos. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenery, culture, and artisan crafts without needing to plan each detail. Families, couples, or solo travelers with moderate physical fitness will find it manageable and rewarding. However, if you prefer a slower-paced, in-depth city tour or are traveling with mobility concerns, you might want to select something more tailored.

The Explore Los Cabos City Tour, Glass-Bottom Boat Ride, Lunch and Shopping provides a practical, engaging way to experience the highlights of this vibrant region. It offers a good balance of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and fun activities for a fair price, especially considering that everything—from transportation to lunch—is included. The quality of guides and the stunning views make it a memorable experience that many travelers cherish.

While it’s a full, sometimes tiring day, it’s also a day packed with authentic moments—whether marveling at Land’s End, watching artisans craft glass, or sampling local tequila. It’s best suited for those who want a diverse, convenient overview of Los Cabos, especially if they’re eager to see the main sights without the hassle of organizing individual excursions.

If you’re looking for an approachable, value-packed way to get a sense of Cabo’s natural beauty, lively towns, and artisan culture all in one go, this tour is certainly worth considering.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 9:00 am, with hotel pickups arranged by the tour company.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel is included, making it a hassle-free experience.

How long is the total tour?
Approximately six hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
All activities, transportation, guide services, bottled water, and one meal if you select the lunch option.

Are there any optional costs?
Yes, alcoholic drinks are available for purchase; souvenirs and additional shopping are at your expense.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, but travelers should have a moderate fitness level, as it involves some walking and boat rides.

Can I opt out of the included lunch?
Yes, but some reviews suggest that opting out may involve paying separately and dealing with cash payments, so be prepared.

What are the main highlights of the boat ride?
Expect to see Land’s End, Lover’s Beach, the Sea Lions, and possibly whales in season, all from a comfortable glass-bottom boat.

How is the shopping experience?
It’s a good opportunity to browse local jewelry, chocolates, and tequila, but some feel it leans toward souvenir shopping rather than city exploration.

Is the tour worth the cost?
Most reviews suggest yes, especially considering the variety of activities and ease of planning. It offers good value for those wanting a comprehensive Los Cabos experience in one day.