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

Exploring Los Cabos becomes a memorable adventure with the Los Cabos Deluxe City Tour offered by Gray Line Los Cabos. Priced at $107.10 per person, this approximately 6-hour guided experience combines land and sea activities, making it ideal for those wanting a rundown of the area. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a visit to a traditional glass-blowing factory, a boat trip to see The Arch, tequila tasting, and a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. With a high recommendation rate of 93% and a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from 247 reviews, this tour balances engaging activities with cultural insights, making it a popular choice.

While the pace is packed, travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, shopping, and sampling local flavors. Some stops, like shopping at jewelry stores, may feel less essential, but the overall experience delivers a rich taste of Los Cabos’ sights and flavors. This tour suits visitors looking for a varied and well-organized experience that blends natural beauty, history, and culture.

Key Points

• Includes both land and boat activities, providing diverse ways to explore Los Cabos.
• Highlights the Arch of Cabo San Lucas with a clearboat ride to see the famous rock formation.
• Visits a glass-blowing factory to see artisans at work and purchase unique pieces.
• Offers a tequila tasting session along with a lunch in San José del Cabo.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics straightforward.
• Dock fees of $5 USD or 100 MXN are payable at check-in.

Visiting the Iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas by Boat

The tour features a dedicated boat trip to see The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the area’s signature rock formation. This 40-minute clearboat ride offers spectacular views of the Lands End and surrounding rock formations. The ride is led by a knowledgeable guide who points out key features and ensures travelers get memorable photos of this natural wonder. Dock fees are at your own expense, but the boat experience is a highlight for many.

The boat ride provides an enjoyable outdoor activity, with abundant fish visible beneath the boat’s glass bottom, adding a lively touch to the experience. This segment delivers both stunning scenery and a chance to relax on the water, making it a favorite among participants.

Exploring San José del Cabo’s Historic Plaza and Mission

After the boat trip, the tour visits Plaza Mijares in San José del Cabo, a recently renovated main square located in the historic district. Here, the old Mission building and charming surroundings invite leisurely exploration. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, offering time for photographs and simple sightseeing. Reviews note that this is a beautiful and artsy town with a laid-back vibe that appeals to visitors seeking a quieter side of Los Cabos.

While some appreciate the short stop, others mention that more time would be welcome to enjoy the local shops and ambiance fully. Still, this visit provides a nice contrast to the busier Cabo San Lucas.

Witnessing Glass-Blowing Art at a Traditional Factory

The first stop of the tour is a glass factory, where artisans demonstrate the craft of glass blowing. Visitors observe the process firsthand and admire the intricate pieces displayed for sale. The 30-minute visit is free and offers a hands-on glimpse of local craftsmanship.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the demonstrations and the opportunity to purchase colorful, light-filled glass pieces. The experience appeals to those interested in artistic crafts or seeking a unique souvenir.

Cabo San Lucas Beach and Marina from the Water

The 40-minute boat segment also includes views of Medano Beach, the Marina, and the surrounding hotels and restaurants lining the bay. This part of the tour emphasizes the scenic beauty of Cabo San Lucas from the water, with plenty of photo opportunities. The guide provides insights into the area’s geography and landmarks, enriching the experience.

While some reviews mention that the glass bottom boat tour is not overly spectacular, most find it enjoyable and appreciate the hilarious guide, making the ride lively and fun.

Tasting Mexico: Tequila and Lunch at Jazmin’s

A key highlight is the tequila tasting, where guests learn about the spirit’s different varieties without any pressure to purchase. The tasting is informative and complemented by beer or soda options. This experience is noted for its top-notch quality and friendly presentation.

Following the tasting, the tour includes a lunch at Jazmin’s, a well-rated local restaurant. The meal offers a fixed menu with various choices, and a margarita is included in the experience. Many reviews praise the delicious food and generous portions, making this stop worthwhile.

Shopping and Jewelry Stops: Noteworthy but Optional

The tour includes a jewelry shop stop, where visitors can view pearl and jewelry collections. Some guests mention winning a pearl in a raffle, and others note that sales pitches can be intense. While the shop visits are optional, they are part of the overall experience and may feel unnecessary for those less interested in shopping.

Additional shops are also available, with some guests feeling that more time in San José del Cabo could improve the experience.

Guide Expertise and Tour Organization

Multiple reviews praise guides for their knowledge, humor, and helpfulness. Guides like Lois, Luis Aguilar, and Lenny are highlighted for making the tour engaging and informative. The bus driver is generally viewed as competent, although some mention driving styles that could be smoother.

The organization of the tour is generally smooth, with prompt pickups and clear communication. Many mention the well-planned itinerary and efficient pacing, although some wish for more time at key stops.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs at 8:00 am from most Los Cabos hotels, with complimentary pickup and drop-off included. For cruise ship passengers, arrangements are made from a nearby hotel, with additional details provided upon reconfirmation. It is essential to pay a dock fee of $5 USD or 100 MXN at check-in.

Guests are advised to wear casual and comfortable shoes because of the walking involved. The tour can accommodate most travelers, including service animals, and is suitable for those with moderate physical mobility.

Final Thoughts on the Los Cabos Deluxe City Tour

This 6-hour guided experience offers a balanced mix of scenic boat rides, cultural visits, and local tastes. The pricing of $107.10 includes lunch, tequila tasting, and transportation, making it a valuable option for visitors seeking a rundown of Los Cabos.

While some stops like shopping might feel less essential to certain travelers, the guide’s expertise, stunning views, and variety of activities provide a satisfying day. The high review scores reflect consistent quality and enjoyment, with most participants appreciating the friendly guides and well-organized schedule.

Ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a diverse, engaging tour that covers the highlights of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, this tour delivers a full and satisfying day in Mexico’s spectacular coastline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from most Los Cabos hotels, making access straightforward.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 8:00 am.

Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, lunch at Jazmin’s and one drink (lemonade, soda, or beer) are included in the price.

Do I need to pay additional fees?
Yes, a dock fee of $5 USD or 100 MXN per person is payable at check-in.

Can I participate if I am arriving from a cruise ship?
Yes, arrangements are made from a nearby hotel, and additional details are provided upon booking.

What stops are part of the tour?
Stops include a glass-blowing factory, Cabo San Lucas Bay, The Arch, San José del Cabo Plaza, and a jewelry shop.

Is the boat ride safe and enjoyable?
Yes, the clearboat ride is led by experienced guides and offers beautiful views, with some guests noting fish swimming beneath.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, guides like Lois, Luis, and Lenny are praised for their expertise, humor, and helpfulness.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual shoes are recommended, as there is walking involved during stops.

Can I buy souvenirs on the tour?
Yes, the glass factory and jewelry shop offer souvenirs, but shopping is optional.

How do reviews rate this tour overall?
It holds a 4.7 out of 5 stars from 247 reviews, with most guests expressing satisfaction with the activities, guides, and overall organization.