Glass Boat Tour in The Arch

Experience the Beauty of Cabo San Lucas from a Glass Bottom Boat

If you’re visiting Cabo San Lucas and eager to see its famous landmarks and marine life without spending hours on a boat, the Glass Boat Tour in The Arch offers a compact, scenic 45-minute ride. For $70 per person, this tour takes you through Médano Bay, past the breathtaking El Arco, and along the coast to Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach. The tour’s small group size—up to eight travelers—means you can enjoy a more intimate experience, and the mobile ticket makes planning easy.

What we love about this tour? First, the inside view of the marine world through the glass bottom, giving you a glimpse of tropical fish like Mexican Hogfish, Goatfish, and Angelfish without getting wet. Second, the opportunity to see Los Cabos’s most iconic landmarks from the water, including the towering El Arco and the famous beaches shared by two seas.

One thing to consider? The review from Vicky_d highlights a major drawback—an overbooking or reservation mishap that led to a bad experience. So, it’s wise to confirm your booking early and ensure your reservation is verified to avoid surprises. This tour suits travelers who value quick, scenic glimpses of Cabo’s highlights and aren’t seeking a lengthy or heavily involved activity. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, or those with limited time.

Key Points

• Stunning views of Land’s End and El Arco from the water.
• Underwater marine life visible through the glass bottom, ideal for non-swimmers.
• Short, 45-minute cruise suited for a quick introduction to Cabo’s coastline.
• Small group size (up to 8 travelers), promoting a more personal experience.
• Includes safety equipment, but transportation and other extras are not included.
• Seasonal whale sightings possible during certain times, adding extra excitement.

A Detailed Look at the Glass Boat Tour in Cabo

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at the P Dock in Cabo’s Marina, a central location easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. The experience is designed for convenience, with a mobile ticket that streamlines check-in. It’s an intimate setup—max eight travelers—making it easier for guides to provide a more personalized commentary, though the overall experience depends heavily on weather and other factors.

What to Expect During the Tour

This 45-minute adventure is essentially a quick, scenic cruise that balances sightseeing and marine observation. You’ll board a glass bottom boat equipped with safety gear, ready to glide through Médano Bay. The boat passes near El Arco—the iconic rock formation that’s the symbol of Cabo—and then heads toward the beaches and the Land’s End area.

The Main Attractions

• El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: The natural rock arch that juts out into the sea, often photographed as the quintessential Cabo image. We loved the way the boat allows you to appreciate its scale and grandeur close-up, without the hassle of larger tour boats.

• Land’s End: The rugged coastline featuring dramatic rock formations and sea cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop for photos and memorable views.

• Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach: These two beaches are famously situated side-by-side but separated by the rocky Land’s End. You can get off the boat for a quick walk or sunbathe, appreciating the unique fact that these beaches are said to share two seas—the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.

• Marine Life Viewing: Underneath the boat, the glass bottom reveals tropical fish such as Goatfish, Sergeant Major, Angelfish, Balloon Fish, and more. While not a snorkeling tour, it’s a great way to see marine biodiversity from a dry, comfortable seat.

The Marine Experience: What Travelers Say

Many travelers appreciate the up-close marine views. We loved the fact that this isn’t just a sightseeing cruise—you’re also getting a glimpse of underwater life without getting wet. It’s perfect for kids, older travelers, or anyone who prefers a relaxed pace.

However, some reviews, like one from Vicky_d, point out potential frustrations—reservation mix-ups and overcharging issues. She described her experience as “horrible” due to a lack of reservation record and poor communication. This underscores the importance of confirming your booking beforehand and possibly choosing reputable operators.

Additional Considerations

The tour does not include transportation, an important detail if you’re relying on taxis or public transit. There’s also a small dock fee of $2 USD per person, which isn’t included in the ticket price, and tipping is optional but customary.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $70 per person, the price aligns with the experience. For the price, you get approximately 45 minutes of scenic cruising, with the chance to photograph iconic landmarks and glimpse marine life. While not a comprehensive tour, it offers good value for those short on time or seeking an easy introduction to Cabo.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for a short, scenic adventure with a focus on iconic sights and marine observation. It’s especially appealing for families, first-timers, or those with limited mobility who prefer not to snorkel or do longer boat rides. If your priority is stunning views and a relaxed pace, you’ll likely enjoy this tour.

Those wanting a more in-depth marine experience or a larger group setting might consider other options. Also, if you’re concerned about reservations or potential overbooking, double-check your booking and communicate directly with the provider.

Final Thoughts

The Glass Boat Tour in The Arch offers a compact yet impactful look at Cabo’s most famous features. Its highlight is undoubtedly the view of the iconic El Arco and Land’s End, coupled with a chance to see vibrant marine life from the comfort of the boat’s glass bottom. It’s a lovely way to capture classic Cabo scenery, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a calm, intimate experience.

Despite some mixed reviews about booking reliability, most travelers find the tour’s scenery and convenience outweigh the risks. This tour is a solid choice for those wanting a simple, beautiful glimpse of Cabo’s natural wonders without fuss.

Who Should Book This?

If you’re visiting Cabo with family or friends and want a low-effort, high-visual-impact activity, this tour fits perfectly. It’s also ideal if you’re curious about marine life but don’t want to snorkel. However, if you’re concerned about booking reliability, give yourself some extra time to confirm your reservation. This tour offers a memorable, scenic snapshot of Cabo’s coastline with excellent photo opportunities and a relaxed vibe.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own to the meeting point at P Dock in Cabo’s Marina.

How long does the tour last?
The ride itself takes about 45 minutes, making it a quick but scenic trip.

What sights will I see?
You’ll see El Arco, Land’s End, Lover’s Beach, Divorce Beach, and the marine life beneath the glass bottom.

Can I walk on the beaches during the tour?
Yes, you can get off the boat briefly at Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach to walk or relax.

Is the marine life viewable all year?
Yes, most tropical fish are visible from the boat, though whale sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

Are children allowed?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the small boat size makes it suitable for families.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your camera. No snorkeling gear is necessary since marine life is viewed from the boat.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included in the ticket price.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. Poor weather may lead to cancellation, in which case you can reschedule or get a full refund.

How do I book?
You can book in advance—most bookings are made about 16 days ahead—and ensure your reservation is confirmed directly with the provider.

In summary, this glass bottom boat tour offers a convenient, scenic, and family-friendly way to see Cabo’s landmarks and marine life. While it has its booking pitfalls, when all goes smoothly, it provides a memorable snapshot of the area’s natural beauty.