The Arch: Tours and Guided Visits

Los Cabos is probably most famous for its striking and iconic rock formation — the Arch. Having formed over millions of years from constant erosion from the sea, the Arch is the culminating point of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico.

Situated where the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California meet, the Arch is a natural haven with abundant life.

On a tour to the Arch from Los Cabos, you can experience its beauty through adventures such as snorkeling, kayaking and boat tours.

Here's all you need to know about the Arch, one of the most exhilarating sightseeing tours in Los Cabos.

Where is the Arch located?

The Arch, or El Arco, is a stunning natural formation located at the endpoint of the Baja California peninsula in Los Cabos. You can only reach it from the water — by traveling with a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, among others.

What are the best things to see at the Arch?

While the Arch itself is a sight to behold and the main landmark of Los Cabos, it is surrounded by stunning beaches, rock formations and wildlife.

Land’s End

Land’s End constitutes the many formations and beaches that make up this southern section of the Baja California peninsula.

Separating the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, Land’s End is best viewed and only accessible from the water.

Lover’s Beach

Lover’s Beach, or Playa del Amor, is one of Los Cabos’ most stunning and secluded beaches that can only be accessed from the water.

Take a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard here to swim and relax on its sands. It’s also a good jumping-off point for snorkeling in the waters, and safer to swim in than Divorce Beach, its counterpart on the peninsula.

Pelican Rock

Pelican Rock is another of Los Cabos’ fascinating rock formations, and is one of the best places for snorkeling.

You can only reach the rock by boat or another form of transport. In these waters, encounter kaleidoscopic marine life, including corals, tropical fish and potentially even rays and turtles.

What are the best tours to visit the Arch?

Since the Arch is located at the end of the peninsula in Cabo San Lucas, the only way to get there is by traveling over water. This gives you multiple exciting tour options for visiting, whether it's by joining a boat ride or kayaking there yourself.

Glass bottom boat tour to the Arch

If you’re short on time but wishing to see the best of Los Cabos, you can join a 45-minute boat tour to the Arch. The boat has a glass bottom, ensuring you can see some of the marine life up close.

On your journey, you’ll pass by the colony of sea lions that live here, the popular Lover’s Beach, and unique Pirate’s Cave and Pelican Rock.

During the short trip, your captain will be able to provide insightful information about the region and ecosystem and answer any questions you may have.

Lifejackets are included, and your tour will start and end at a predetermined meeting point.

Kayaking and snorkeling tour to the Arch

To reach the Arch, you can hop aboard a kayak and make your own way to the landmark.

Before heading out, you’ll be briefed on safety and the best techniques for your kayaking excursion. You will also be provided with a lifejacket and equipment for snorkeling.

Depending on your tour, you may sail towards the Arch, and either stop at Lover’s Beach or Pelican Rock to snorkel. From Lover’s Beach, you can snorkel beneath Neptune’s Finger, another notable rock formation in the area.

You can either meet your guide at the meeting point or opt for pickup and drop-off. The entire excursion can take approximately 3 hours.

Whale-watching tour to the Arch

You can get up close and personal with the marine life of Los Cabos on a whale-watching tour.

Join a guide on a high-speed inflatable boat and enjoy a photographic expedition capturing your sights of humpback whales. You may even be lucky enough to see one breach by the Arch.

Your guide will provide you with valuable and insightful information about these marine giants, and you’ll even have the opportunity to listen to them communicate underwater using hydrophone technology.

You may also have the chance to do some dolphin watching along the way. You can be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation as part of the 2-hour tour.

Stand-up paddleboarding tour to the Arch

For a unique experience getting up close to the environment, you can join a stand-up paddleboarding tour. If you don’t know how to paddleboard, a guide will teach you and lead the way to the Arch while you admire the features of the peninsula.

With provided snorkeling equipment, you can hit the water at Pelican Rock for a deeper dive into the marine world. Pass by Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach, and paddle up close to the rock formations.

You can choose to meet at the meeting point or the option of pickup and drop-off for this 3-hour tour.

Private boat tour to the Arch

For a more personal and luxurious experience, you can opt to join a private boat tour to the Arch and within the bay of Cabo San Lucas.

Aboard a tritoon, you will pass the unique rock formations, sea lion colony and Lover’s Beach where you will have the chance to stop for a swim and snorkel. Alternatively, you can stop at Medano Beach.

Your guide will provide you with more information about your journey, snorkeling gear and beverages. You may also be picked up from and dropped off at your accommodation.

What are the prices of the Arch tours?

A glass-bottom boat tour to the Arch can start at approximately US$30 per person.

A kayaking and snorkeling tour to the Arch can start at approximately US$80 per person.

A whale-watching tour to the Arch can start at approximately US$90 per person.

A stand-up paddleboarding tour can start at approximately US$100 per person.

A private tour of the bay, including the Arch, can start at approximately US$460 for a group of four people.

Many tours with pickup and drop-off options also include complimentary water and snacks.

Where do Arch tours start?

Tours to the Arch typically start at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 106 as the meeting place, which is the main jumping-off point for water tours on the peninsula.

If you prefer, many tours will also offer pickup from and drop-off at your accommodation in Cabo San Lucas.

When is the best time to visit the Arch?

The best time to visit the Arch would be in the morning when it is less windy and there are fewer crowds. An afternoon excursion may still be equally enjoyable in the sunny weather.

Travel tips

• Pack your swimming costume and a towel, as you will most certainly be getting wet on your tour to the Arch.
• You will be exposed to the sun during this tour, so ensure you pack a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Bring along a waterproof camera or phone to capture the stunning sights of the Arch — some tours may offer dry bags to protect smaller valuables on your excursion.