Los Cabos Deluxe City Tour: San Jose, San Lucas and The Arch

Discover the Best of Los Cabos with the Deluxe City Tour

If you’re heading to Los Cabos and love a bit of variety packed into a manageable six hours, this Deluxe City Tour is worth considering. For $107.10 per person, you get a well-rounded taste of both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, with highlights like the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a glass-blowing demonstration, a scenic boat ride, and a traditional Mexican lunch. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a good balance of cultural insight, stunning visuals, and fun activities.

Two things we particularly like about this experience: First, the combination of land and sea gives a truly comprehensive view of the area—you’re not just stuck on a bus, but out on the water and walking through authentic towns. Second, the expert guides seem to make all the difference, sharing stories, guiding tasting experiences, and making each stop engaging.

One consideration is the timing of stops, especially the limited time at San José del Cabo’s Plaza Mijares, which some travelers find a bit rushed. If you prefer leisurely browsing or shopping time, you might want to allocate extra time on your own.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of sights, tastes, and culture, especially those wanting a guided overview without the hassle of planning multiple outings. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or anyone seeking a snapshot of Los Cabos’ most iconic spots.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Combines land, water, and cultural highlights.
• Great value: Multiple activities and tastings included in the price.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides enhance the experience.
• Flexible itinerary: Includes scenic boat ride, shopping, and local cuisine.
• Good for all: Suitable for most travelers, including cruise ship visitors.
• Weather dependent: Tours require good weather, and some stops may be rushed.

An In-Depth Look at the Los Cabos Deluxe City Tour

What’s Included and Why It Matters

This tour, offered by Gray Line Los Cabos, costs $107.10, which covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, lunch and a drink, bottled water, tequila tasting, and a boat ride to see the Arch. When you add up what you get—scenic views, cultural insights, and local flavors—it’s a solid deal for a full six hours of activity.

Reviews highlight that the pickup is punctual and the logistics are smooth, making it easy to relax from the start. As one visitor noted, “We appreciated how the company sent us reminders one week and one day prior,” which helps a lot in busy vacation planning.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: The Glass Factory

Right at the beginning, you visit a glass-blowing factory, where artisans demonstrate their craft. Travelers often find this fascinating—watching colorful glass pieces take shape is visually captivating, and it offers a rare glimpse into local craftsmanship. Many mention the “nice experience” and the “incredible pieces for purchase,” which might tempt you to buy a keepsake, though it’s good to keep in mind the shop’s sales strategies, as some reviews suggest.

Stop 2: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas

The famous Arch is the star of the show. You’ll take a boat ride (covered by your tour, but dock fees are at your own expense—around $5 USD) to see this stunning natural rock formation. You’ll get great photos and a chance to marvel at this iconic landmark. Review quotes describe it as “an unforgettable photo spot,” and “the guide and boat captain made the adventure shine,” implying the boat ride is both scenic and fun.

Stop 3: Cabo San Lucas Beach and Bay Views

From the boat, you’ll enjoy views of Medano Beach, the marina, hotels, and restaurants along the bay. One reviewer remarked, “the boat ride was not spectacular but the guide was hilarious,” which suggests the experience is more about the fun of being on the water than just the scenery. Still, many find the fish swimming below the boat to be a delightful surprise.

Stop 4: San José del Cabo

The charming historic town features Plaza Mijares and the old Mission, providing a taste of authentic Mexican town life. While some visitors felt the 20-minute stop was “not enough time” to fully explore or shop, others appreciated the laid-back vibe and local atmosphere. It’s a good introduction, especially for those interested in artsy, quieter settings.

Optional: Lunch at Jazmin’s Restaurant

A highlight for many is the included lunch at Jazmin’s in San José, praised for delicious food and many meal choices. One reviewer called it a “first-rate” meal with a “fixed menu,” and even included a margarita! It’s a relaxed setting after a morning of sightseeing, offering a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual atmosphere.

What Travelers Say

The reviews consistently praise the guides, with many mentioning how Lenny and Luis made the trip engaging and fun. “Our guide Lois was very knowledgeable,” said one, highlighting the importance of good storytelling. The boat ride, glass factory, and tequila tasting are also top-rated, with many appreciating the informative and humorous guides who add personality to the day.

Some criticisms focus on the bus quality and driving style—a bit warm and cramped for some, with one review mentioning poor driving in San Jose. Also, there’s a recurring note that some stops, like jewelry shops or shopping in San Jose, may feel more like sales opportunities than pure sightseeing.

The Value for Your Money

Compared to booking separate activities, this tour offers a cohesive experience at a reasonable price. You get transportation, guidance, multiple activities, and tastings, which would likely cost more if booked independently. Plus, the hotel pickup simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying in a resort or cruise passenger.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy diverse activities in a single day—from scenic boat trips to cultural visits and local dining. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided storytelling and want a balanced overview of Los Cabos. Those seeking leisurely shopping or extra time in San Jose might find the schedule a little tight, but most reviews suggest it’s a well-organized, fun-filled day.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a value-packed overview that touches on the highlights of Los Cabos—its iconic Arch, charming San José del Cabo, and local culture—this tour delivers. The combination of scenic boat rides, artisan demonstrations, and tasty Mexican food offers a well-rounded snapshot suitable for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

The guides seem to make a genuine difference, making the experience engaging and informative, which is often what makes or breaks these kinds of tours. While the schedule is a bit packed and some stops might feel rushed, the overall experience scores very high among previous travelers.

For families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a comprehensive taste of Los Cabos without the stress of planning, this tour hits the right notes. Just be prepared for a full day and wear comfortable shoes for walking around San Jose or exploring the shops.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most Los Cabos hotels are included for pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start your day without extra hassle.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to see the Arch lasts about 40 minutes, providing ample time to admire the rock formations and enjoy the water.

What’s included in the lunch?
You’ll enjoy a meal at a local restaurant with a fixed menu, plus one drink—either lemonade, soda, or beer.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
Yes, an MXN 100 dock fee (around $5 USD) per person is payable at check-in. Additional drinks at lunch are extra.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, stops at the glass factory and jewelry shops provide opportunities to purchase unique local crafts and jewelry, although some reviews mention sales tactics.

Is the tour suitable if I’m on a cruise ship?
Absolutely. The tour offers pick-up from cruise ship hotels, and you’ll need to provide your ship’s name and docking times when booking.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual shoes are recommended, especially for the brief walk in San José del Cabo. Light clothing and sun protection are advisable for the boat ride and outdoor stops.

In essence, this Los Cabos Deluxe City Tour offers a balanced, engaging, and good-value way to see the area’s highlights in a single day. It’s especially suited for those eager to experience the best of both land and sea with expert guides leading the way.