Cabo San Lucas Tour & Glass Bottom Boat to the Arch

Exploring the Cabo San Lucas Tour & Glass Bottom Boat to the Arch

Cabo San Lucas offers a stunning mix of natural beauty and lively city vibes, and this tour aims to showcase both. While not a single, seamless experience, it provides a combination of scenic views, cultural insights, and fun activities—all bundled into approximately 2.5 hours. With an average rating of 4 out of 5 from three reviews, it’s a solid choice for those who want to see the highlights without breaking the bank.

What we love about this experience is the variety it offers: a boat trip to the iconic Arch, city sightseeing, tequila tasting, and even some shopping. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics straightforward, and the small group size means less crowding and more personalized attention. That said, one downside is that some parts of the tour—like the city drive—may feel a bit rushed or superficial, especially if you’re expecting a detailed historical narrative. It’s best suited for first-time visitors wanting a quick overview and fun photos, or travelers with a loose schedule eager to tick off multiple sites in one go.

Good To Know

• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off streamline the experience.
• Variety of activities: From boat rides to tequila tasting and shopping, there’s plenty packed in.
• Small group feel: With a maximum of 12 travelers, it’s intimate and personalized.
• Value for price: The inclusion of tastings and lunch (per reviews) adds to the overall worth.
• Authentic moments: Guides and staff are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Some parts feel rushed: Expect a quick overview rather than an in-depth tour.

What to Expect from the Cabo San Lucas & Glass Bottom Boat Tour

This tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in San Jose del Cabo, making it hassle-free for travelers staying nearby. The first stop is a land-based tour of Cabo San Lucas, where you’ll see landmarks such as Medano Beach and the bustling marina. The guide will point out key spots, giving you a taste of the city’s vibe—though some reviews suggest that the city tour is brief and not overly detailed.

Next, you’ll hop aboard a glass-bottom boat for about 30 minutes, riding along Cabo’s famous Land’s End. The boat will glide past Pelican’s Rock, Lover’s Beach, and Neptune’s Finger—some of Cabo’s most photogenic spots. Reviewers mention that the boat ride and guide are enjoyable, with one noting that they were the only two on the boat, which made it feel more exclusive.

The highlight? The Cabo Arch, where you’ll get a perfect photo op of this iconic natural formation. The boat’s transparent bottom allows you to glimpse marine life below, a feature that appeals to families and underwater photography buffs alike.

Following the boat ride, the tour includes a tequila tasting session—a key feature praised by many. As one reviewer states, “The staff was incredible and they make the pedaling fun and keep the travelers happy and smiling,” highlighting the engaging and lively atmosphere. Expect expert-guided tastings of local spirits that showcase the region’s famous agave.

The tour wraps up with some shopping time at the marina, giving you an opportunity to pick up souvenirs or local crafts. This segment offers a relaxed chance to browse at your own pace before the return journey.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Land Tour of Cabo San Lucas

The tour begins with a 30-minute drive through downtown Cabo. You’ll see the lively Medano Beach entrance and get a snapshot of the area’s atmosphere. While this part offers some photo opportunities and a taste of local life, reviewers suggest it’s more of a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

Land’s End & Marine Highlights

The 30-minute boat ride along Land’s End is memorable, especially for first-timers. Passengers will see Pelican’s Rock, Lover’s Beach, and Neptune’s Finger—each with its own charm. The boat is transparent at the bottom, allowing for some underwater views that make this segment enjoyable for families and nature lovers.

One reviewer mentions, “The boat ride and the guide were great! We were the only ones on the boat, 2 people,” which indicates that sometimes the tour can feel very exclusive, especially in low season.

Tequila Tasting

The 30-minute tequila tasting is often highlighted as a fun, educational segment. Guides tend to be knowledgeable, and the tasting is designed to introduce you to regional spirits, enhancing your appreciation of Mexico’s famous libation. Some reviews mention that the tasting is free and accessible to all, which adds value.

Shopping & Final Moments

Finally, a 30-minute window for shopping at the marina allows for some leisure. You can browse local stalls or pick up souvenirs, making this a relaxed end to your trip.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The small group size means more personal attention and less crowded feeling.
• The hotel pickup and drop-off make this an easy, stress-free outing.
• The diverse activities—city sightseeing, boat ride, tequila tasting, shopping—cater to a broad range of interests.
• The professional guides are often praised for their friendliness and insights, enhancing the experience.
• The value is good considering the included tastings and activities, especially when you factor in the convenience.

Cons:

• The city tour can be brief and may not satisfy travelers looking for historical or cultural depth.
• Some parts of the tour, like the city drive, may feel rushed or superficial, especially if you’re expecting a comprehensive explanation.
• The cost of $65 per person might seem steep if you’re primarily interested in the boat or the tequila tasting alone; but for the full package, it’s a reasonable price.

Authentic Experiences from Review Insights

One reviewer, ho2kinzie, notes that “The boat ride and the guide were great! We were the only ones on the boat,” which suggests that sometimes this can feel very exclusive—ideal for couples or small groups. However, they also mention that “the tour of the city and tequila tasting was horrible,” implying that the city component might not live up to expectations for everyone.

Another reviewer, Earl B, remarks, “Second time to Todos Santos and by far the best,” and “The staff is incredible and they make the pedaling fun,” highlighting the engaging atmosphere created by the guides. Earl’s comments reinforce that the experience can be highly enjoyable, especially if the staff keeps the energy lively.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book in advance: The tour is usually booked about a week ahead, indicating popularity. Early booking ensures you secure a spot and helps plan your trip.
• Choose your time: You can select either a morning or afternoon departure, so consider your overall itinerary and when you’d prefer to do water activities versus city sightseeing.
• Bring essentials: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera are must-haves for the outdoor segments.
• Expect some downtime: The shopping segment provides a relaxed end, but don’t expect a lengthy tour of the city—it’s more of a quick overview with photo stops.
• Consider the boat ride: If underwater views or marine life are a priority, the glass-bottom boat is a highlight.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a quick, fun introduction to Cabo San Lucas. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a snapshot of iconic sights without a full-day commitment. Families and couples will enjoy the boat ride, especially with the transparent bottom revealing marine life. The inclusion of tequila tasting makes it a lively cultural experience, particularly if you’re curious about local spirits.

However, if you’re after an in-depth city tour or historical commentary, this might not fully satisfy. It’s best suited for those looking for a well-rounded, casual outing that combines sightseeing, a bit of adventure, and social fun.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it very convenient for travelers staying in San Jose del Cabo.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you a good mix of activities without taking up an entire day.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers a professional guide, boat ride, tequila tasting, shopping time, city tour, bottled water, and hotel transfers. Lunch is not included but is available as an optional extra.

Are there any hidden costs?
There’s a dock fee of $5 USD per person payable on-site. The tequila tasting is included, and the price covers most activities, so no surprises there.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the boat ride and light sightseeing are generally family-friendly, especially if kids enjoy boat trips and outdoor activities.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy if done at least 24 hours in advance. Weather cancellations are also covered, with options for rescheduling or refunds.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour caps at 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and attentive guides.

Final Thoughts

This Cabo San Lucas tour blends scenic views, cultural tastings, and relaxed sightseeing into a compact package that appeals to many travelers. The small group size and hotel pickup add to its convenience, making it an easy choice for those wanting a mix of fun activities without the hassle of organizing multiple transfers or navigate the city alone.

The glass-bottom boat ride to the Arch is definitely a highlight, offering memorable photo opportunities and a chance to marvel at one of Cabo’s most iconic landmarks. The tequila tasting adds a lively touch, especially when led by guides who are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

While the city tour portion may feel limited or superficial for some, it still offers a quick taste of Cabo’s atmosphere and key sights. The shopping stop is a relaxed way to end the tour, allowing you to pick up souvenirs or simply soak in the marina ambiance.

This experience offers a practical mix of sightseeing, culture, and fun, making it well suited for first-time visitors or those with limited time seeking a taste of everything Cabo has to offer.