Cabo San Lucas City Tour And Arch Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Discover the Best of Cabo San Lucas on a Half-Day Tour for $59

The Cabo San Lucas City Tour and Arch Glass Bottom Boat Ride offers an engaging way to explore both land and sea in this vibrant Mexican destination. Priced at $59 per person and lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours, this tour combines a guided downtown tour with a cruise to El Arco aboard a glass-bottom boat. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, it provides a convenient and affordable way to experience some of Cabo’s top sights.

This small-group experience is capped at 14 travelers, ensuring personalized service and more attention from guides like Jesus, Tony, Miguel, and others praised for their knowledge and friendliness. While the boat ride offers excellent views of Lands End and marine life through the glass-bottom, it is worth noting that the boat is not entirely glass, and some stops focus heavily on shopping and souvenirs. This tour suits those seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing, local culture, and a scenic boat ride without a hefty price tag.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $59 inclusive of pickup and bottled water
• Half-day tour lasting 3 to 4 hours with a small group capped at 14 travelers
• Guided city tour with stops in downtown Cabo and tourist spots
• Glass-bottom boat ride to see El Arco and marine life
• Visit to a glass blowing studio and shopping opportunities in town
• Highly praised guides known for their knowledge and friendly approach

Excursion Itinerary: From Land to Sea at Lands End

This tour begins with a 40-minute boat ride to El Arco, the iconic Land’s End formation at the Cabo San Lucas bay. The glass-bottom vessel allows views of underwater marine life and the rock formations where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Although the boat isn’t fully glass, it still provides clear views and memorable sights of the coastal scenery.

Following the boat ride, the tour proceeds to a guided exploration of Cabo San Lucas downtown. This segment lasts about 2 hours and includes visits to popular tourist areas, where guides like Tony and Miguel share interesting stories and facts about local culture and history. The downtown stops feature boutique shopping and visits to a glass blowing studio, where artisans create vases and turtles right in front of visitors.

El Arco: The Iconic Natural Landmark

The highlight of the boat ride is reaching El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, a natural stone formation that marks the meeting point of the Pacific and Sea of Cortez. The 40-minute cruise provides close-up views of this famous landmark, along with photo opportunities of the surrounding scenery and marine life.

While the admission ticket to the arch itself is not included in the tour price, the boat ride offers an excellent visual experience, especially for those wanting to see the arch up close without the need for a longer cruise or additional costs.

Downtown Cabo San Lucas: A Mix of Culture and Shopping

After the boat ride, guides lead you through Cabo’s lively downtown. Expect a tour of scenic spots, local art galleries, and famous spots in the town square. The guides are praised for their knowledge about Los Cabos, making the exploration engaging and informative.

The free two-hour window allows guests to browse boutiques, buy souvenirs, or visit a local glass blowing studio. Many visitors enjoy observing artisans crafting jewelry, vases, and turtles, and some say the tequila tasting at nearby stores adds a fun element, although this is part of a separate stop.

The Glass-Bottom Boat Experience: Marine Views and Scenic Beauty

The glass-bottom boat ride to Lands End is a key highlight of the tour. While some reviews mention that the glass is not very large or perfectly clear, visitors still find the experience worthwhile. The guide, such as Captain Miguel, narrates interesting facts about the rock formations and marine species visible beneath the boat.

Passengers can feed fish under the guidance of the crew and enjoy views of the coastline that are more intimate than a port-side view. This cruise is a relaxing way to see El Arco and learn about the area’s geology and sea life.

Local Glass Blowing Studio: Artisans at Work

An integral part of this tour is the visit to a local glass blowing studio. Here, artisans demonstrate how they craft vases, turtles, and jewelry in front of guests. The captivating process offers insight into regional craftsmanship and is a favorite highlight for many.

Visitors appreciate the skill and artistry involved in glass blowing, and some choose to purchase handmade souvenirs directly from the studio, making it a memorable shopping stop.

Shopping and Tequila Tasting in Cabo Downtown

The free time in the town square allows guests to explore shops selling local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. The tour includes a stop at a jewelry or merchandise store, where guests can sample tequila and learn about its production.

Some reviews note that most city stops are somewhat focused on shopping, which may feel limiting for those seeking more diverse attractions. The tequila tasting provides an interactive experience, although it is part of the shopping stops rather than a dedicated activity.

Practical Details: Transport, Group Size, and Inclusions

The tour departs from your hotel via an air-conditioned vehicle, making comfort a priority. The group size is limited to a maximum of 28 travelers, with many tours operating with much smaller groups of 14 for a more personalized experience.

Included amenities are bottled water and hotel pickup and drop-off, while a $1 dock entry fee is not included in the price. The tour offers confirmation upon booking and is suitable for most travelers, including those looking for a budget-friendly experience.

Honest Insights From Reviews: Strengths and Limitations

Reviewers consistently praise guides like Jesus, Tony, and Miguel for their knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to help. The boat ride often receives positive comments, especially about the views and marine life, though some mention that the glass isn’t entirely clear.

A few reviews highlight that most stops tend to focus heavily on shopping, including jewelry, tequila, and glass stores, which might not appeal to all visitors. Others note that the scenic viewpoints are somewhat limited, and the boat is not a fully glass-bottom vessel.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Cabo Experience for the Budget-Conscious

This small-group tour offers great value for those eager to see El Arco, explore Cabo’s downtown, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise. The personalized guides and multifaceted stops make it a practical choice for travelers who want diverse experiences in a half-day.

While the city stops may lean toward shopping, the boat ride and glass blowing studio are notable highlights. This tour is best suited for visitors seeking affordable, efficient sightseeing with a mix of culture, scenery, and art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient for guests staying in Cabo San Lucas.

Is the boat entirely made of glass?
No, the boat has a glass bottom but is not fully glass. Some reviews mention that the glass is small and not very clear.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes stops at glass studios and souvenir shops, where you can purchase jewelry, glassware, and local crafts.

How long is the boat ride to El Arco?
The boat ride lasts about 40 minutes and offers viewing of the arch and marine life.

What is the group size?
The tour typically operates with a maximum of 28 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
Yes, it is generally suitable for most healthy travelers, but those with mobility issues should consider accessibility at stops.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $59 per person, which includes transportation, bottled water, and guided exploration.

What is not included in the price?
The $1 dock entry fee and admission to the arch are not included. The tequila tasting and shopping are additional activities.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.