Los Cabos Arch and Playa del Amor Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak

This Los Cabos Arch and Playa del Amor Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak offers an engaging way to explore some of the most stunning natural sights in Cabo San Lucas. For $95 per person, participants enjoy a 3-hour experience that combines kayaking, snorkeling, and scenic views, all led by experienced guides. The tour departs from Medano Beach, with round-trip air-conditioned transportation included from hotels and cruise ship piers, making logistics straightforward.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its balance of adventure and comfort. The guides are praised for their attentiveness and knowledge, ensuring safety and fun on the water. It’s suitable for most ages, with a minimum age of 6 years, and the maximum weight limit of 195 kg (425 lbs) on tandem kayaks. This experience is a great choice for those looking for a well-organized, immersive activity that highlights Cabo’s famous landmarks.

While weather can influence the route—sometimes limiting paddling to the iconic El Arco—the tour adapts by offering additional snorkeling and scenic views. Travelers should be prepared with beach gear, sunscreen, and a camera. This tour combines beautiful scenery, wildlife encounters, and friendly guides to create a memorable ocean adventure.

Key Points

• Price: $95 per person, with all gear and transport included
• Duration: About 3 hours, from pickup to return
• Highlights: Kayaking past El Arco, snorkeling at Pelican Rock, and visiting Playa del Amor
• Guides: Praised for their expertise, safety focus, and friendliness
• Best time to go: Morning trips are recommended for calmer waters and fewer waves
• Age/Weight: Suitable for ages 6+, with a max weight of 195 kg

Starting Point and Transportation

This tour begins at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 853 in Cabo San Lucas, near the marina. Included round-trip transportation from most hotels and cruise ship docks makes it easy to access without extra planning. The pickup is air-conditioned, and timing is coordinated based on your accommodation location, with pickups starting about 90 minutes before the tour.

The meeting point at Medano Beach is a popular spot, offering a scenic launch point for the water activities. The tour ends back at the same location, simplifying the logistics for travelers. The activity is designed to be accessible and convenient, catering to a range of travelers seeking a hassle-free ocean adventure.

Exploring the Iconic El Arco

The El Arco formation is the highlight of this tour. Known as Lands End, this rugged collection of rocks protrudes from the ocean, where the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet. The guides explain the area’s geology and ecology, enriching the experience.

Depending on ocean conditions, paddling to the Arch might be limited, but the guides are adept at adjusting the itinerary. When paddling is possible, you’ll glide past Lands End, soaking in dramatic views and observing seabirds nesting on the rocks. The pass-by offers excellent photo opportunities, especially with the iconic arch framing the ocean backdrop.

Encountering Marine Life at Pelican Rock

Pelican Rock is famous as one of Cabo’s top snorkeling spots. The tour stops here for about 50 minutes, giving guests the chance to slip into snorkeling gear and explore underwater. Expect to see colorful tropical fish, lobsters, angelfish, and possibly puffers and stingrays.

The snorkel gear is provided, and the visibility is typically quite good, making it easier to spot the marine creatures. Guides often bring fish food, attracting a variety of fish and marine life close to the rocks, which enhances the snorkeling experience.

Visiting Playa del Amor

The Playa del Amor, or Lover’s Beach, is an isolated stretch of sand accessible only by water. The tour allows paddling past this romantic and secluded beach, offering views of sea-sculpted boulders and the surrounding natural beauty.

After snorkeling at Pelican Rock, there’s time to relax and enjoy a light snack on the kayak, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The guides share insights about the area’s geology and ecology, enhancing the appreciation of this remarkable landscape.

The Role of Expert Guides

Guides like Marco, Luis, Maury, Javier, José, Emilio, and Michael are highlighted for their knowledge, friendliness, and safety-consciousness. They are experienced in handling different water conditions, and their attentiveness makes the tour suitable for families and novice paddlers.

Several reviews mention guides bringing fish food, helping guests see mantas, rays, and a variety of fish. These guides excel at sharing stories and local facts, adding depth to the experience. Their patience and support, especially for kids or those with disabilities, are frequently praised.

Water Conditions and Pacing

The tour is scheduled at 9 am for calmer waters, with less wind and fewer waves, leading to more favorable paddling conditions. However, if ocean conditions are rough, the tour adjusts by focusing more on snorkeling and scenic views rather than paddling to the Arch.

Weather unpredictability can lead to route modifications or cancellations, but the full refund policy offers peace of mind. Participants should be prepared with beach essentials like towels, sunscreen, hats, and cameras, as there are no locker facilities at the beach.

What’s Included and What’s Not

All necessary equipment—including glass-bottom kayaks and snorkel gear—is provided, along with bottled water and granola bars for energy. The professional guides ensure safety and offer commentary during the trip.

Transportation from hotels and the marina is included, but alcohol and personal expenses are not. The tour operates on a small-group basis with a maximum of 15 travelers, which contributes to a more personalized experience.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

Participants must be at least 6 years old and capable of paddling a kayak. The maximum weight on tandem kayaks is 195 kg. The activity involves some physical effort, but guides are attentive to individual needs, making it suitable for most moderate fitness levels.

Those with mobility concerns should consider the minimal walking involved and the availability of assistance from guides. No specific accessibility features are listed, but the tour aims to be inclusive within safety limits.

Weather and Safety Precautions

Weather plays a significant role in the tour’s success. Strong winds or high swell can limit paddling distance, but snorkeling and scenic viewing are always options. If conditions are unsafe, the tour company offers to reschedule or provide a full refund.

Safety briefings are standard before paddling, and life jackets are provided. The guides’ attention to safety and their local ocean knowledge ensure a secure experience throughout.

Comparing the Tour to Other Cabo Experiences

This kayak and snorkeling activity stands out for its combination of active water sports and scenic sightseeing. Unlike boat tours, it offers a more intimate experience with marine life and coastal landmarks.

The small group size and highly praised guides, such as Pedro, Javier, and Marco, enhance the overall quality. While the activity might be challenging for some, the flexibility and adaptability of the guides make it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Final Considerations

The Los Cabos Arch and Playa del Amor Tour by Glass Bottom Kayak is a highly rated experience with an average 5.0-star rating from over 1,200 reviews. Its value lies in the detailed guidance, scenic stops, and the chance to see marine life up close.

The $95 price point includes all gear, transport, and a professional guide, making it a cost-effective way to explore Cabo’s natural beauty. For those who enjoy water activities and wildlife, this tour offers a thrilling, well-organized adventure that captures the essence of Los Cabos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and older can participate, provided they can paddle and wear the provided life jackets. The guides are experienced in working with families and make safety a priority.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should bring a beach towel, sandals, hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Since there are no lockers, personal belongings should be kept in the transportation.

Can the route change due to weather?
Yes, ocean conditions like wind, swell, or jellyfish can lead to route modifications or cancellations. The tour offers full refunds or rescheduling options if weather safety cannot be assured.

What makes this tour stand out from other Cabo excursions?
Its combination of kayaking, snorkeling, and scenic views, led by highly praised guides in small groups, provides a personalized and engaging experience of Cabo’s landmarks and marine life.

Is the snorkeling good at Pelican Rock?
Absolutely. The site is known for good visibility and abundant marine life, including colorful fish, rays, and lobsters. The guides enhance this experience by feeding the fish to attract more wildlife.