Crystal Clear Boat Tour in Los Cabos

When it comes to exploring the iconic sights of Cabo San Lucas, a glass-bottom boat tour promises a unique perspective—combining scenic vistas with underwater views, all wrapped in a relaxed boatride. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, a careful look at reviews, itinerary details, and the experience offered gives us a clear picture of what travelers can expect.

What we love about this experience is the close-up views of famous landmarks like El Arco, the opportunity to see beneath the water’s surface through a transparent boat, and the free tequila tasting that adds a fun local touch. It’s also noteworthy that the marina location is near downtown Cabo, making it easy to combine with shopping or other sightseeing.

A potential caveat is that some reviews mention short durations and inconsistent experiences with timing and guides**. So, if you’re looking for a lengthy, immersive day, this might not be it. However, if you’re after a quick, scenic highlight with a dash of local flavor, this tour fits the bill.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a light, fun activity with great photo opportunities and are happy to keep expectations realistic regarding duration and depth of exploration.

Good To Know

• Stunning views of Cabo’s iconic landmarks like El Arco and Lovers Beach
• Unique perspective with a glass-bottom boat showing underwater scenery
• Convenient location near downtown Cabo San Lucas for easy exploration afterward
• Includes tequila tasting for a fun, local experience
• Short tour duration of approximately 1-2 hours makes it perfect for a quick sightseeing fix
• Group size limited to 12 for a more intimate experience

What Is the Crystal Clear Boat Tour?

This tour offers a 1 to 2-hour cruise along the waters of Cabo San Lucas, featuring a crystal-clear, glass-bottom boat that provides views both above and beneath the waterline. It’s a good option for those who want a snapshot of the area’s most famous sights without dedicating an entire day.

The tour is operated by CalypsoTrip and includes transportation options such as pickup, which eases logistics, especially for travelers staying near the marina or downtown. The tour’s price stands at $60 per person, a reasonable deal considering the included tequila tasting, bottled water, and the novelty of the transparent boat.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

Your first stop features the iconic rock formation known as El Arco, a must-see for visitors. The tour promises a close-up view of the famous arch, with potential sightings of the sea lion colony and Lovers Beach.

Many reviews highlight how the photos taken here are a major highlight, with one guest noting they loved the opportunity to snap shots in front of the arch. The admission fee of $5 for the natural protected area is a minor extra, but worth it for the scenery.

Stop 2: Medano Beach

After the iconic photo ops, the tour offers time near Medano Beach or in downtown Cabo. Here, you can enjoy some free time for shopping, relaxing, or exploring.

Reviews mention that this segment can be shorter than expected, with one guest noting they felt the tour tried to shorten their time at this stop. Others appreciated the opportunity to explore the vibrant marina scene, see luxury yachts (including Will Smith’s yacht), and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Stop 3: Marina Cabo San Lucas

The last segment invites you to wander the marina, soak in the sights, and perhaps grab a bite or drink. The free time here is a nice way to conclude the tour, especially if you want to browse boutiques or watch the bustling activity.

While some reviews pointed out discrepancies in timing—with one guest mentioning they had to spend extra hours trying to stick to the original plan—others found this a good way to cap off a fun trip.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
• Bottled water
• Tequila tasting
• The transparent boat experience
• Life jackets and safety gear

Not Included:

• Food and additional drinks
• The $5 fee for the natural protected area at El Arco

The tequila tasting is a notable perk, often praised by guests who enjoyed authentic flavors and appreciated the fun, relaxed atmosphere. The Bottled water is refreshing, especially in the warm coastal climate.

Transportation and Group Size

Most travelers will find the pickup service convenient, especially since the marina is close to downtown. The tour is quite intimate, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, which helps foster a friendly, less crowded vibe.

The boat ride itself lasts around 45 minutes, so it’s a brisk trip that balances sightseeing with relaxation. The group size allows for more personalized service, and guides are generally well-reviewed for their knowledge and friendliness.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights

A reviewer named Justyna appreciated the friendly staff and the amazing views, though she wished there was an option to swim during the tour. Others, like Carlos, loved the opportunity to see Will Smith’s yacht, emphasizing the fun of spotting luxury vessels during the cruise.

Conversely, some guests, like Jiayi and Nylka, pointed out disappointments—notably, miscommunications about timing and shortened stops. One reviewer was left at the hotel lobby after a no-show pickup, highlighting the importance of confirming arrangements.

Despite these hiccups, many found the guided commentary informative, with some guests noting that the guide was engaging. The photos taken after the tour have been recommended for their quality, especially if you’re interested in capturing memories of Cabo’s landmarks.

Pricing and Value

At $60 per person, this tour offers a decent value for the experience, especially considering the unique glass-bottom boat ride and tequila tasting. It’s not a long, all-day affair, but it covers the essentials of Cabo’s most famous sights with photo opportunities and fun.

Some reviews suggest that booking through different providers, like Envatour, might offer slightly cheaper options, but the convenience of this tour’s inclusions and pickup service balances that out.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, scenic overview of Cabo’s highlights. It also appeals to those looking for a light, fun activity that combines sightseeing with the chance to taste local tequila.

If you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly outing with good photo ops and a chance to see the iconic arch from a different angle, this tour fits nicely. However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth exploration or swimming opportunities, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The Crystal Clear Boat Tour in Los Cabos offers a compact, visually stunning experience that balances sightseeing, photo opportunities, and a splash of local flavor with tequila tasting. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a short but memorable activity that captures the essence of Cabo’s most famous landmarks.

While some reviews mention timing issues and limited stops, most agree that the views and unique boat design make it worthwhile. The small group size and friendly guides add to the overall charm, making it a fun, manageable excursion.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, quick adventure with plenty of photo ops and a taste of Mexico’s spirit, this tour is worth considering. Just keep in mind that it’s more of a snapshot of Cabo’s highlights than an exhaustive exploration—and that’s perfectly fine.

FAQs

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, transportation is offered, including pickup options, making it easy to access the marina without extra hassle.

How long does the boat ride last?
The boat itself lasts around 45 minutes, with the entire tour approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the stops and timing.

What is the maximum group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 12, which helps create a more intimate experience.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and additional drinks are not included, but bottled water and tequila tastings are part of the package.

How much does the natural protected area fee cost?
The fee at El Arco is $5 per person, payable on-site.

Can I swim during this tour?
The tour does not include swimming, and some reviews suggest guests wish there was an option to swim or extend stop durations.

Is this suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but always check with the provider if you have specific mobility concerns; the tour is generally family-friendly.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. A little cash for tips or extra snacks can also come in handy.

This glass-bottom boat tour offers a charming, affordable way to see Cabo’s top sights from a unique perspective—perfect for a quick, scenic getaway.