Arch and Lovers Beach Boat Tour with Snorkeling Los Cabos

Land's End and the sea lion colony

Land's End is the rocky tip of the Baja California peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet, and it is the reason most people come on a Cabo San Lucas boat tour. The cliffs are weathered granite, and a colony of California sea lions lives at the base of the rocks that bask, bark and slide off the stones as the boat passes. Visitors often search for a Cabo sea lion colony tour, and this trip brings you close enough to watch them without disturbing them.

Your guide explains the geology and the history of the area, including why the point mattered to sailors, and points out pelicans and other seabirds along the cliffs. The boat moves slowly here so there is time for photographs from the deck, and the commentary lasts around half an hour.

The Arch and Lovers Beach

The Arch, El Arco, is the most photographed landmark in Los Cabos. Whether you take an Arch of Cabo San Lucas tour by boat or kayak, the best view comes from the water because you see the opening against the sea and the open ocean beyond. On this trip the boat stops at the Arch for photographs and then continues past Lovers Beach, a small stretch of sand between rock walls that can only be reached by sea.

Many travellers ask how to get to Lovers Beach; a boat tour is an easy way to see it. The calm Sea of Cortez side is good for swimming, while the Pacific side, nicknamed Divorce Beach, has strong waves and is for viewing only. Your guide explains where you can swim and for how long, and caves such as Pirate Cave and Window Cave are pointed out.

Snorkelling at Pelican Rock

Pelican Rock is a rocky outcrop near Lovers Beach and one of the best-known snorkelling spots in Cabo San Lucas. The water is usually calm and clear, and the rocks shelter tropical fish in a style that gives the spot its nickname, the natural aquarium. Snorkelling at Pelican Rock is a good choice for beginners, because the area is protected from the main swell and you stay close to the boat.

Plan on about an hour in the water. Snorkelling equipment and a life jacket are provided, and the guide stays nearby to help with masks and fins. Water is warmest from late spring to autumn, and visibility is best on calm days, which is why many people prefer the morning departure. After the snorkelling you swim back to the boat and cruise to the marina.

Practical visit: marina, times and what to bring

The trip leaves from the marina area of Cabo San Lucas, and you ride a short water taxi to the boat. Meet at the point shown on your voucher; hotel pickup is not included, so plan to arrive by taxi or on foot. Departures are offered in the morning and around midday, and the whole outing lasts about two hours.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and swimwear, plus a change of clothes if you wish to stay dry. Photos are not included, so bring a waterproof phone case or camera. Is the Arch and Lovers Beach tour worth it? For most visitors it is the most efficient way to see Land's End in a short time, with a swim included.