Clear Boat Tour in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas’s Clear Boat Tour: An Authentic Look at the Sea of Cortez

A 3-hour journey exploring the stunning waters around Cabo San Lucas on a glass-bottomed boat offers a chance to see some of Mexico’s most iconic sights—Lands End, the Sea Lion Colony, and Medano Beach—up close and from a unique perspective. For $60 per person, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo, making this a convenient option for travelers who prefer a hassle-free experience.

What we particularly like about this tour is the way it combines scenic views with educational moments, thanks to knowledgeable guides who point out the marine life beneath your feet. The possibility of spotting sea lions, schools of fish, and pelicans makes it feel like an underwater adventure even while staying dry. Plus, the included stops at Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach allow for some memorable photo moments and a taste of the local coastline.

A downside to consider is the timing and logistical quirks—for example, one review mentions a late pick-up, which can put a slight damper on your day. Also, the tour’s small group size (max 14 travelers) means you’ll receive more personalized attention, but it also requires booking well in advance, often about six days beforehand, to secure your spot.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love scenic boat rides with a focus on marine life and iconic landmarks. It’s ideal if you want a combination of sightseeing, light adventure, and cultural touches like tequila tasting or souvenir shopping. If you’re after a relaxed yet engaging experience, this tour hits many of those marks.

• Highlights include the famous Lands End, Sea Lion Colony, and Medano Beach.
• Inclusions: Bottled water, hotel pickup, and a glass-bottomed boat ride.
• Duration: Around 3 hours, with a flexible schedule that allows for sightseeing and shopping.
• Small groups make for a more intimate experience but require advance booking.
• Reviews praise the guides and boat cleanliness, with some noting occasional delays.
• Additional activities like shopping and tequila tasting add cultural flavor.

If you’re headed to Cabo San Lucas and eager to see its famed coastline without the hassle of complicated logistics, this clear boat tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to do so. The experience is centered around a glass-bottomed vessel that allows you to see beneath the surface without getting wet—an especially appealing feature if you’re traveling with family or prefer a relaxed pace.

What’s Included and What to Expect

You’ll pay $60 per person, which, in our opinion, offers decent value considering the multiple stops, guided commentary, and convenience of hotel pickup. The tour begins with hotel pickup in air-conditioned vehicles, which helps set a comfortable tone for your day. Once at the marina, the boat awaits, ready to cruise the waters as your guides share insights into the region’s geological marvels and marine inhabitants.

Bottled water is provided, ensuring you stay hydrated, especially in the warm sun. The boat itself is described as clean and well-maintained, with a transparent bottom that offers a glimpse of the marine life beneath. The small group size (up to 14 travelers) means you won’t be lost in a crowd and can ask questions or enjoy a more personalized experience.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

Your first stop is the famous Arch, a natural rock formation that marks the boundary of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. This iconic photo-worthy site is visited for about 10 minutes, giving you a chance to snap pictures and marvel at the geological forces that created it. The admission ticket is included, so no worries about extra charges.

Lands End and Surroundings

Next, you’ll cruise over to Lands End, the southernmost point of the Baja Peninsula. Here, you’ll get a close-up view of the Sea Lion Colony—a highlight especially praised by travelers for the up-close wildlife viewing. One reviewer mentioned, “We saw seals and pelicans, which made it a very nice adventure.” It’s a great moment to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach

The tour’s stops at Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach give you a chance to see two contrasting coastlines—one calm and perfect for swimming, the other more rugged and wild. The connection between the two across the bay offers a beautiful backdrop for photos, and guides often provide interesting stories about local legends and the area’s geology.

Medano Beach and Cabo San Lucas Marina Views

Exiting the marina, you’ll get stunning views of Medano Beach, a lively stretch popular with travelers and locals alike. This is also your opportunity to observe the bustling marina, with its shops and boats, adding to the vibrant feel of Cabo San Lucas.

Sea Lion Colony and Local Wildlife

A brief stop in front of the Sea Lion Colony is often highlighted in reviews. Visitors enjoy watching these mammals nuzzle and lounge on their rocks, getting some excellent photo opportunities. One reviewer called it a “nature stop,” emphasizing its authentic wildlife encounter.

Free Shopping and Optional Tasting

The tour concludes with free time in Cabo San Lucas—around 45 minutes—where you can explore the marina’s shops, pick up souvenirs, or check out the local flea market. For those interested, an optional tequila tasting offers a cultural flavor, where guides explain the process of making tequila and help you taste different varieties—an appreciated addition that makes this trip more than just sightseeing.

Authentic Reviews and Authentic Experiences

One recent reviewer exclaimed, “Captain Manual & Johnathan were very entertaining. We saw schools of fish through the bottom of the boat and seals and pelicans,” which underscores how guides add value through their knowledge and enthusiasm. Others appreciated the cleanliness of the boat and the beautiful views—both critical for a memorable experience.

However, one traveler noted, “They arrived late to pick us up from our hotel,” reminding us that logistics can sometimes be unpredictable. It’s advisable to allow some buffer time when planning your day.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, visually stunning tour without getting into complicated excursions or lengthy commitments. Its small group size ensures more individual attention, and the inclusion of marine wildlife sightings makes it engaging for nature lovers.

The price of $60 is reasonable, especially considering the water, transportation, and guided commentary. It’s a good value for those who seek a light but authentic experience of Cabo’s most iconic sights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy scenic boat rides, wildlife viewing, and iconic landmarks like Lands End, this tour will satisfy you. Travelers who love learning from guides about marine life and local geography** will appreciate the educational aspect. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a comfortable, hassle-free way to explore the coastline with some cultural stops thrown in.

For the cost, the Clear Boat Tour provides a well-rounded experience of Cabo San Lucas’s most famous features. The stunning scenery, marine life sightings, and small group intimacy make it a solid choice for those wanting a taste of Baja’s natural beauty without the fuss.

While there can be minor delays or logistical hiccups, the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, combined with the beautiful views and the unique perspective of the marine ecosystem, make this a worthwhile outing.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxing, scenic adventure with opportunities for photo ops and wildlife encounters. If you’re visiting Cabo for the first time and love seeing iconic landmarks from the water, this tour offers a convenient and enjoyable introduction to the region’s natural wonders.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup from Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is included, making it easy to start your adventure without extra planning.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs approximately 3 hours, with stops, sightseeing, and optional shopping or tasting.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 14 travelers, offering a more intimate experience and personalized attention from guides.

Are there any extra costs?
There’s a $5 port fee per person that’s payable on the day of the tour; other than that, most activities and stops are included.

Can I see marine life from the boat?
Yes, the glass-bottom feature allows you to see schools of fish, sea lions, and pelicans, making it a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Absolutely, the relaxed pace and marine viewing make it an excellent choice for families with children.

What about weather cancellations?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Whether you’re a first-timer eager to see Cabo’s highlights or someone who simply enjoys a peaceful boat ride, this Clear Boat Tour offers an engaging, scenic, and authentic glimpse into Baja’s coastline. It balances the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural touches, making it a worthwhile addition to your Cabo itinerary.