Los Cabos: Kayak to The Arch & Snorkel + Transport & Photos

Discover the Magic of Kayaking to Cabo’s Iconic Arch and Snorkeling at Pelican Rock

If you’re looking for a hands-on, authentic way to see Cabo San Lucas’s most famous sights, this kayaking and snorkeling tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and expert-guided insights. We’ve reviewed this experience based on multiple travelers’ feedback and our own understanding of what makes a good day on the water in Baja California Sur.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s the only tour in Cabo that allows you to sunrise paddle — a unique opportunity to enjoy the calm of early morning. Second, the fully inclusive setup means no surprises—everything from kayaks to photos is covered, making it a good value. The only caveat? The 2.5-hour duration is brisk, so if you’re interested in a leisurely day or a longer experience, you might want to consider other options.

This tour is perfect for active travelers who appreciate a mix of scenic beauty, small-group attention, and an interactive approach to exploring Cabo’s coastline. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid crowded boat tours and prefer a more personal, immersive experience.

Key Points

• Unique Sunrise Experience: The only tour offering early morning kayaking in Cabo, perfect for quiet, breathtaking views.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Kayaks, snorkeling gear, photos, transport, and snacks are included, so no hidden costs.
• Expert Guides: Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories and help with snorkeling or spotting sea lions.
• Authentic Sights & Sounds: Close-up views of the Arch, Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach, and Pelican Rock, far better than just viewing from a boat.
• Family & Group Friendly: Flexible, patient guides make this accessible for families with young children and groups of friends.
• Good Value: For $91, you get a well-rounded 2.5-hour adventure packed with highlights and memorable photo opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cabo’s Waterway: A Practical Overview

This tour offers a well-paced itinerary, starting with a convenient hotel pickup—either in San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas—allowing you to relax and focus on the experience ahead. The van ride, about 30 minutes, takes you to Playa Empacadora, a peaceful launching point that’s less crowded than other beaches. From there, a brief safety briefing prepares you for the adventure, emphasizing both safety and fun.

Kayaking to the Arch: An Up-Close View

The core of this experience is paddling towards Cabo’s most photographed landmark, the Arch. The Hobie kayaks are described as very stable, ideal for beginners or those nervous about balancing on the water. As you paddle along the shoreline, your guides—fluent in both Spanish and English—share stories about the rock formations, beaches, and local wildlife.

When you arrive at the Arch, you’ll have a chance to sit back, take photos, and observe the sea lions lounging on the rocks. This up-close view offers a far richer perspective than a boat tour, letting you see the details of the natural rock formation and the surrounding water activity.

Stop at Lovers Beach & Divorce Beach

On the way back, the group stops at Lovers Beach for a walk and some spectacular Pacific Ocean views. The short stroll allows you to appreciate the contrast between the tranquil Lover’s Beach and the powerful waves of Divorce Beach, a spot that’s perfect for quick photos or just soaking in the wild ocean energy. Travelers consistently mention how these stops offer scenic, Instagram-worthy moments combined with opportunities for a quick snack or simply to breathe in the salty air.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock

The tour’s snorkeling stop at Pelican Rock is highly praised, with guides helping identify the underwater diversity—a highlight for many. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the reef is described as one of the best in Los Cabos. Reviewers have appreciated guides’ patience, especially when helping nervous snorkelers or children. One guest noted, “The guides took extra care with my friend who was nervous, even holding her hand until she was comfortable.”

The reef offers a chance to see vibrant fish and perhaps some interesting sea creatures, all while floating in clear, warm water. This stop is a definite highlight for those eager to combine light physical activity with awe-inspiring underwater vistas.

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Return and Relaxation

After snorkeling, you’ll kayak back to Playa Empacadora for the final leg of the trip, with ample time to reflect on the day. The tour concludes with transportation back to your hotel or Airbnb, making logistics one less thing to worry about.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup & Transfer: Starting from either San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas, the 30-minute van ride is a smooth, comfortable start that sets the tone for a hassle-free experience. This service is inclusive, and you’ll receive a message beforehand to confirm your pickup details.

Safety Briefing at Cannery Beach: This short session ensures everyone understands how to paddle safely, use the gear properly, and what to do if they encounter any issues. It’s a quick but important step, especially for first-time kayakers.

Kayaking to the Arch: Expect a guided paddle lasting about 40 minutes, during which your guides will point out natural features and share interesting facts. The focus here is on enjoying the scenery, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Lovers Beach & Divorce Beach: About 20 minutes are spent here, walking along the shore to appreciate the striking contrast between the two beaches. This stop also offers a chance to enjoy scenic views, take more photos, or simply relax.

Snorkeling at Pelican Rock: Approximately 30 minutes are dedicated to snorkeling, which can be a highlight or a relaxing float depending on your energy level. Guides are attentive, helping everyone get comfortable with gear and spotting marine life.

Return Paddle & Final Drop-off: The last kayaking stretch takes around 15 minutes, ending back at Playa Empacadora. The concluding van ride returns you to your hotel or Airbnb, completing the 2.5-hour adventure.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Review scores of 4.9 out of 5 are impressive, and the comments reveal why. Many travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides who make the experience informative and fun—“Luis and Pacho were great tour guides,” one reviewer wrote. Others praise the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see Cabo from a perspective that’s both active and intimate.

Snorkelers especially appreciate the patience and support from guides, noting that even nervous participants, like one woman who was coached on breathing, left with newfound confidence. Several reviews mention the photos, which are included, allowing travelers to relive the day without the hassle of taking their own.

Families with kids also find this tour accommodating, with guides flexible and caring. One parent shared, “They made the tour fun and safe, and took lots of great photos of us kayaking near the Arch.”

Practical Details & Value Analysis

This tour costs $91 per person, which is a fair price considering the comprehensive experience—transport, gear, expert guiding, and photos. The 2.5-hour duration is enough to get a meaningful taste of Cabo’s coastline without feeling rushed or exhausted. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more active, engaging way to see the sights rather than just a boat cruise.

The inclusive nature—snacks, water, gear, photos—adds value, especially if you’re trying to keep costs predictable. The small group size, emphasized by guides’ attentiveness, makes it suitable for those who prefer a less crowded, more personalized adventure.

Transportation is timely, with pickup and drop-off arranged to minimize hassle. However, travelers should be punctual; the company allows only a 10-minute wait after pickup time. It’s advisable to be ready at your pickup location a few minutes early.

Restrictions: The tour is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health issues like high blood pressure, heart, or back problems. This is due to the physical nature of kayaking and snorkeling.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This kayaking and snorkeling trip offers a fantastic way to see Cabo’s natural beauty in an active, engaging manner. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy being outdoors, want to avoid the crowds on boat tours, and appreciate guided insights into the local environment. The small group size and well-organized logistics make it feel personal, while the inclusion of photos and snacks add extra value.

If you’re looking for a memorable, authentic experience that combines adventure with scenic wonder, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially good for active families, couples, or solo travelers eager to connect with Cabo’s stunning coastline in a natural, unhurried way.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at either San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas, scheduled via prior message.

What should I bring? Bring sunglasses, a towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, quick-dry clothing, a hat, and swimwear for snorkeling. Avoid large bags or luggage.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s suitable for children over 6 years old. It’s not recommended for younger kids or those with certain health issues.

How long is the kayaking? The paddling to the Arch lasts about 40 minutes, with additional time at stops and during snorkeling.

Are photos included? Yes, professional pictures taken at the Arch are included in the tour price.

What if I don’t know how to kayak or snorkel? The guides are very attentive and will help you feel comfortable with both activities, including coaching for nervous snorkelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I’m unsure about the weather? The tour operates in most weather conditions, but if the weather is unsafe, a full refund is available.

How physically demanding is this tour? It involves paddling and snorkeling, but guides take care to accommodate different skill levels and comfort.

What makes this tour better than others? Its small group size, early sunrise option, expert guides, and inclusive photos make it a standout experience.

In essence, this tour offers a highly engaging, scenic, and memorable way to experience Cabo’s natural beauty. It’s especially suited for active travelers, families, and anyone eager to get close to the iconic landmarks and marine life of this spectacular region.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby