Famous Arch tour with Glass Bottom Boat.

If you’re planning a visit to Cabo San Lucas, this Famous Arch tour with a glass-bottom boat is often recommended as a fun, affordable way to see some of the area’s most iconic sights. It’s a quick 45-minute cruise that promises picture-perfect views of El Arco, Pelican Rock, and other landmarks, all from the comfort of a small, personal boat. We’ve looked into what makes this tour popular, and what travelers can expect — and, as with most things, it’s a mix of delightful moments and a few considerations.

What we particularly like about this experience is the value for money—at just $25 per person, it offers a surprisingly comprehensive glimpse of Cabo’s scenic bay. Plus, the small group size often means a more intimate and relaxed experience, and the ability to view underwater life through the glass bottom adds an extra layer of fascination — especially if marine wildlife is your thing.

A possible drawback is the limited view from the small windows on the glass-bottom boat, which some may find less impressive than they’d hoped. Also, the tour’s short duration means you won’t have time to explore at each stop, but if you’re after a quick snapshot tour rather than a full-day adventure, this fits the bill perfectly.

This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking a quick, fun, and scenic introduction to Cabo’s famous landmarks. It’s ideal for families, first-time visitors, or those on a tight schedule who still want to enjoy the area’s highlights without spending a fortune or committing to a long day.

Key Points

• Affordable experience with solid value at $25 per person.
• Small boat size offers a more personalized and relaxed journey.
• Stunning views of Cabo’s iconic landmarks like The Arch and Lovers Beach.
• Underwater viewing via glass-bottom windows reveals marine life without getting wet.
• Optional stop at Divorce Beach allows for swimming and sunbathing.
• Flexible scheduling throughout the day makes planning easier.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Convenience

The tour begins at P.º de La Marina Lotes 37 y 38 in Cabo San Lucas. This central location near public transportation makes it fairly easy to reach, especially if you’re staying in the downtown area. No hotel pickups are included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the marina, which can add a bit of planning for those staying outside the immediate vicinity.

Duration and Group Size

Clocking in at roughly 45 minutes, this tour is a quick jaunt around the bay. Most trips are comfortably small, with a maximum of 16 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and prevents overcrowding. Several reviews mention that during some trips, they ended up being the only passengers — making the whole thing feel very exclusive.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour’s route is well-choreographed to maximize sightseeing:

• Lover’s Beach: Known for its gentle sands and scenic backdrop, it’s a classic photo spot. The boat stops here, allowing you to take pictures, and some tours offer an optional swim or sunbathe.
• Cabo San Lucas Arch (El Arco): The star attraction. This natural rock formation is one of Mexico’s most recognizable landmarks, and the views from the boat are spectacular.
• Neptune’s Finger & Pelican Rock: These are smaller, but notable formations that add to the rugged charm of the bay. Pelican Rock is also a favorite snorkel spot for many.
• Divorce Beach: Available as an optional stop for swimming and relaxing, although some reviews note the limited viewing windows on the boat make underwater views less dramatic from inside.

Marine Life and Underwater Views

The boat features glass-bottom windows designed to give a peek at marine creatures below. Many reviewers, like Julie and Sunshine, appreciated the chance to see colorful fish and stingrays without getting into the water. However, some, like Bhoopendra, noted that the windows are relatively small and divided, which slightly diminishes the underwater perspective but still offers a fun experience.

Guides and Crew

The reviews universally praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides. Antonio, Jermel, and Felipe, in particular, received high marks for their entertaining and informative commentary. They’re often credited with making the trip memorable, whether by sharing fun facts, pointing out marine life, or taking photos.

Price and Value

At $25, this tour is on the low end for Cabo activities, but it manages to deliver a fair amount of sightseeing. The reviews highlight that most travelers found it great value, especially given the short time commitment and small group size. Additional costs, like the dock fee, are paid directly to the marina and are separate from the tour price.

What Could Be Improved?

Some travelers expressed disappointment about the limited or inconsistent views from the glass bottom. One review mentioned that the boat only had small windows and that the hull wasn’t fully glass, which can be a letdown if underwater viewing is the main goal. Others noted that during rough seas, the experience can be less enjoyable, particularly in the evening when waves tend to be higher.

The Experience of Other Travelers

Many reviews praise the friendly captain and crew, with comments about the entertaining guides who make the trip fun and informative. One person mentioned witnessing a wedding in front of The Arch, which underscores the tour’s popularity as a scenic backdrop for special moments.

Conversely, a few reviews mention bad weather cancellations or miscommunications, emphasizing the importance of checking the weather forecast and confirming your booking. The tour’s cancellation policy offers full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, which helps mitigate these risks.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re after a quick, affordable, and scenic boat ride that hits the key sights of Cabo, this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly good for families with kids, first-timers, or anyone looking for a relaxed, low-pressure experience. The small group size and friendly guides make it more personal and less touristy than larger, crowded boats.

However, if underwater view quality is your top priority, or if you prefer a longer, more in-depth adventure, you might find this tour somewhat limited. Similarly, travelers who seek comprehensive snorkeling or multiple stops may want to consider other options.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For its price, this boat tour packs in spectacular scenery, friendly service, and the chance to see Cabo’s famous landmarks up close, all within a short time frame. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic introduction to the bay, with the added bonus of marine viewing through the glass bottom.

Travelers who love photo opportunities, want to avoid lengthy excursions, or simply want to enjoy a personalized experience will find this tour to be a smart choice. It’s also great for those who want a cost-effective way to tick off some of Cabo’s most iconic sights without sacrificing quality.

In short, this tour offers a nice slice of Cabo’s natural beauty and fun in a manageable, affordable package. Just be prepared for a short ride, limited underwater visibility, and the chance of weather cancellations — but for many, those are minor trade-offs for a memorable trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the meeting point is at the marina, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to P.º de La Marina.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise is approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick but sweet sightseeing option.

Can I swim at Divorce Beach?
Yes, there is free time to swim and sunbathe here if you choose to hop off the boat.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Child rates apply when sharing with two paying adults.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, camera, and possibly a towel if you plan to swim.

Is the boat fully glass-bottom?
Not entirely; the hull has small, divided windows designed for safety, so underwater views are limited but still worthwhile.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling will be offered.

How many people are on each boat?
Most trips are small, with a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Whether you’re after iconic photo ops or just want a relaxing boat ride with some marine glimpses, this Famous Arch tour with Glass Bottom Boat offers a good blend of value, scenery, and fun. It’s a straightforward way to tick off Cabo’s must-see sights without breaking the bank or taking up your whole day.