El Arco Cabo San Lucas
Iconic rock formation at the tip of Baja, where two seas meet. A must-see natural wonder of Cabo.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
El Arco Cabo San Lucas
Best Time
Magical light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic rock formation at the tip of Baja, where two seas meet. A must-see natural wonder of Cabo.
"This place is magical, got to see jumping rays and sea lions. It was beyond romantic!"
Negotiate Boat Tour Prices
Prices for boat tours can vary. Don't hesitate to negotiate, especially for glass-bottom boats from the marina. :moneybag:
Clear Boat for Unique Views
Experience El Arco from a clear boat for an underwater perspective of marine life. :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

El Arco (The Arch)
Southern tip of the Baja Peninsula
Iconic natural rock formation where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. A must-see landmark!

Lover's Beach & Divorce Beach
Adjacent to El Arco
Two distinct beaches separated by a rocky outcrop, offering unique coastal views and swimming opportunities.

Sea Lion Colony
Near El Arco
Observe playful sea lions basking on the rocks and swimming in the clear waters. A lively natural spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Tour Wisely
Timing is Everything for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Negotiate Boat Tour Prices
Prices for boat tours can vary. Don't hesitate to negotiate, especially for glass-bottom boats from the marina. :moneybag:
Clear Boat for Unique Views
Experience El Arco from a clear boat for an underwater perspective of marine life. :fish:
Golden Hour Photography
Visit during golden hour for the best lighting and stunning photos of the Arch. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Beach Visits
Many tours include stops at Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing. :beachwithumbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
Negotiate Boat Tour Prices
Prices for boat tours can vary. Don't hesitate to negotiate, especially for glass-bottom boats from the marina. :moneybag:
Clear Boat for Unique Views
Experience El Arco from a clear boat for an underwater perspective of marine life. :fish:
Golden Hour Photography
Visit during golden hour for the best lighting and stunning photos of the Arch. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Beach Visits
Many tours include stops at Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing. :beachwithumbrella:
Choose Your Tour Type
Options range from party boats to quiet sunset cruises. Pick one that suits your vibe. :champagne_glass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise El Arco as a highlight of their Cabo trip, marveling at its natural beauty and the unique experience of seeing it from the water. Many enjoyed the diverse boat tour options, from clear boats to sunset cruises, and the chance to spot marine life. Some noted that tour prices can vary, and choosing the right excursion is key to a memorable visit.
"We had the best time exploring this place. This was certainly a highlight of our trip here. We did the private boat trip, and the tour guide was very knowledgeable about this area and surrounding area as well. The boat was equipped with life vests and the boat seemed new and clean. Would and recommend going for this experience. You’ll enjoy your time here!"
mahesh nandwani
"Simply amazing, especially at sunset! Fish jumping everywhere. Pick your tour carefully through. Booze cruise party? Quiet dinner cruise? Lots of options here."
Tad Rockwell
"This place is magical
Got to see jumping rays and sea lions
It was beyond romantic... if you have the option, GO!
Did a sunset cruise with Eco Cat catamaran and was not disappointed at all!
It was probably a sight and night I will never ever forget!"
Kimberly Mathis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From San José del Cabo Airport (SJD), you can take a bus (Ruta del Desierto) to Cabo San Lucas for a budget-friendly option. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but more expensive.
Once in Cabo San Lucas, head to the marina to catch a boat tour to El Arco.While you can see El Arco from a distance from some mainland viewpoints, a boat tour is highly recommended to get up close and appreciate its grandeur.
For getting around Cabo San Lucas itself, walking is feasible for areas near the marina. For longer distances, local buses or taxis are available. Uber is also an option.
Yes, local buses run frequently within Cabo San Lucas and can take you to the marina area, which is the departure point for most El Arco tours.
The marina in Cabo San Lucas is bustling with tour operators. You'll find numerous options for boat trips to El Arco readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary significantly. Shared boat tours can range from around 300 pesos, while private tours or specialized excursions like clear boat tours might cost more. It's advisable to compare prices and negotiate.
While you can often book tours on the spot at the marina, booking in advance, especially for popular sunset cruises or private tours, can secure your spot and potentially a better price.
Boat tours to El Arco typically operate throughout the day, from morning until sunset. Sunset cruises are particularly popular and should be booked ahead.
Yes, you can choose from various tours including glass-bottom boats, clear kayaks, speedboats, catamarans, and sunset dinner cruises.
There is no direct entrance fee to see El Arco itself, as it's a natural formation. However, you will need to pay for a boat tour or water taxi to get close to it.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, the hour before sunset, offers the most spectacular lighting for photographs of El Arco. The warm, soft light enhances the rock formations and the surrounding water.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of El Arco and the surrounding coastline. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
Absolutely! Most boat tours provide excellent vantage points for photography. Clear boat tours offer unique perspectives of marine life below.
Yes, sea lions are often visible near El Arco and provide great photo opportunities. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas due to proximity to marine life and boat traffic. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
Besides viewing El Arco, you can visit Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach, swim, snorkel, and observe sea lions and other marine life.
Yes, Lover's Beach is generally safe for swimming, but conditions can vary. Divorce Beach, on the Pacific side, often has stronger currents and is not recommended for swimming.
You might see sea lions, various fish, and possibly jumping rays or dolphins depending on the season and luck.
Facilities are typically limited to what's available on the boat tours or at the marina. Some beaches might have basic amenities.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your electronics.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Boat Tours to El Arco
Prices can vary significantly, and some travelers suggest negotiating fares, especially for shorter trips. Look for tours that include stops at Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach, as these offer distinct coastal scenery and opportunities for swimming. Sunset cruises are particularly popular for their romantic ambiance and stunning views as the sun dips below the horizon. Ensure your chosen tour provides life vests and seems well-maintained for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Capturing El Arco's Beauty: Photography Tips
When on a boat tour, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the full scale of El Arco and its surroundings. A polarizing filter can be beneficial for reducing glare on the water's surface, allowing for clearer shots of the marine life below. For those on clear boat tours, be prepared to capture unique underwater shots of the diverse marine ecosystem. Remember to protect your camera gear from sea spray by using a waterproof bag.
Beyond the Arch: Beaches and Wildlife
The waters around El Arco are teeming with marine life. Keep an eye out for playful sea lions that often bask on the rocks near the arch. Depending on the season, you might also spot jumping rays, dolphins, or a variety of fish. Some tours even mention seeing historical filming locations, like the site of the original 'Planet of the Apes' movie.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit