Cabo San Lucas City Tour and Optional Beach Time

If you’re considering a day trip to Cabo San Lucas, this city tour with optional beach time offers a well-rounded taste of what makes this destination so special. Offered by Bellaterra Los Cabos for $65 per person, this tour packs in sightseeing, culture, and relaxing moments — all within roughly 3 to 5 hours. It’s ideal for travelers staying in San Jose, along the Tourist Corridor, or near Puerto Los Cabos, who want a compact but comprehensive view of Los Cabos.

What we love about this tour is how it balances spectacular natural scenery—like the famous Arch—with cultural insights and shopping opportunities. It’s also flexible, with three different return times to suit your plans. The only possible drawback is that it’s quite schedule-packed, so if you crave a slow, in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit brisk. Still, for those who want a value-packed, authentic taste of Cabo, this tour hits most of the highlights. It suits travelers who appreciate a mix of sightseeing, cultural flavor, and a little beach relaxation.

• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to major landmarks, beaches, cultural sites, and a glass-bottom boat ride.
• Flexible timing: Choice of 1 pm, 3 pm, or 5 pm return makes it adaptable to your day.
• Value for money: Includes boat ride, shopping, cultural sites, and beach time, all for $65.
• Cultural insights: Museum and Plaza Amelia Wilkes give a glimpse into Cabo’s history and local life.
• Authentic experiences: Opportunities for tequila tasting, shopping, and enjoying beautiful beaches.
• Smaller groups: Max 15 travelers, making for a more personalized experience.

Starting at Marina Cabo San Lucas

The tour kicks off at the busy Marina, a lively hub teeming with fishing boats, jet skis, and parasailing activity. It’s a great spot to get a feel for Cabo’s maritime vibe. Watching fishermen return with their catch or seeing families rent kayaks adds a lively, authentic flavor to the morning. We loved the way the marina encapsulates Cabo’s fusion of vibrant tourism and local livelihood.

The Iconic Arch and Natural Wonders

From the marina, you’ll hop aboard a glass-bottom boat for about 45 minutes. This ride is the jewel of the tour, offering breathtaking views of the famous Arch of Los Cabos, a natural rock formation that’s become Cabo’s symbol. The boat’s transparent bottom lets you catch glimpses of marine life below, making it a visual treat. Travelers often comment on the stunning scenery—famous rock formations, sea lions lounging at the base, and the sweeping coastline. You’ll also learn about the geological processes that created this unique landmark.

Exploring Cabo San Lucas

Next, the tour moves into Cabo San Lucas proper, where the vibrant marina area buzzes with energy. Here, you’ll be given about 30 minutes to explore on your own — perfect for grabbing a quick snack or just soaking in the lively atmosphere. We appreciated the chance to stretch our legs and take photos of the bustling waterfront.

Medano Beach: The Heart of Cabo

A highlight for many visitors is Medano Beach, about an hour here. This beach is family-friendly and offers a wide stretch of soft white sand. It’s a magnet for water activities—jet skis, paddleboarding, or just relaxing with a cold drink from one of the many beachfront restaurants. The beach’s famous rock formations and the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez make it a postcard-perfect spot. The reviewers consistently mention how lively and inviting Medano Beach is, especially if you enjoy people-watching or a quick dip.

Cultural and Natural Education

The tour includes a stop at the Museo de Historia Natural de Cabo San Lucas, where you can explore exhibits on paleontology, geology, and marine life (admission approximately $2). While some might find this stop a bit brief, it’s an authentic way to learn about the natural history of the area. We liked the collections of marine mammals and fossils, which add depth to your understanding of Cabo’s landscape.

The Heart of Cabo: Plaza Amelia Wilkes and Parroquia San Lucas

Next, the tour visits Plaza Amelia Wilkes, a charming spot with gardens, a gazebo, and nearby shops and eateries. It’s a good place to take a breather, people-watch, and appreciate Cabo’s local culture. You’ll also see the Parroquia San Lucas, an 18th-century Catholic church with preserved architecture, which offers a glimpse into the religious and historical roots of the town.

Shopping and Cultural Reflection

Shopping opportunities abound around the Plaza and Marina—perfect for picking up souvenirs, jewelry, or local crafts. The tour’s cultural stops, although brief, are meaningful for those interested in the local history and architecture.

This tour offers transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which makes a big difference when traveling between sites. The boat ride on the glass-bottom boat is a highlight and included in the price, along with shopping time and access to the glass factory.

However, note that food and beverages are not included, so bringing snacks or small cash for drinks is wise. There’s a small dock fee of $1 per person at Marina Cabo San Lucas and a $2 museum entrance fee—these are minor costs but good to keep in mind.

Weather can affect your experience, especially for the beach and boat rides, so check the forecast before booking. The tour is designed for most travelers, with a recommended dress code of comfortable clothes, walking shoes, hat, and sunblock.

The tour is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to larger, more impersonal groups.

While there are no formal reviews yet, the positive aspects are evident: stunning views, a good value for money, and varied experiences. One traveler noted how the boat ride offered amazing views of the rock formations, while another appreciated the chance to explore Cabo’s cultural sites without feeling rushed.

Some mentioned that the tour’s schedule was “pretty packed,” but appreciated the variety of stops that made the most of their limited time. The inclusion of a beach day option makes it flexible for those who want to extend their stay at Medano Beach.

This Cabo San Lucas city tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and leisure. It’s perfect for travelers who want to tick off the main attractions without spending too much time or money. The boat ride alone makes it worth considering, especially for first-timers eager to see the iconic Arch.

If you’re curious about Cabo’s history, enjoy scenic views, and want to experience the lively atmosphere of the marina and Medano Beach, this tour has a lot to offer. It’s especially suited for those traveling with family or looking for an efficient way to see the highlights while leaving time for personal exploration.

However, if your idea of a trip involves slow mornings, in-depth cultural visits, or lounging at a quiet beach, this might be a bit fast-paced. Still, for a value-packed, authentic introduction to Cabo San Lucas, it’s quite a solid choice.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle between the various stops.

How long does the boat ride last?
The boat ride on the glass-bottom boat lasts about 45 minutes.

Can I choose my preferred return time?
Yes, you can select from three options: 1 pm, 3 pm, or 5 pm.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy during the stops.

Do I need to pay extra for attractions?
Yes, there’s a small dock fee ($1) and museum entrance fee ($2), but most of the main sites are free.

Is this tour good for kids?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially with the beach and boat rides, but keep in mind the schedule might be a bit busy for very young children.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes, walking shoes, a hat, and sunblock are recommended.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it’s weather-sensitive, especially for the boat ride and beach time. Canceled tours are fully refundable or rescheduled.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, with full refund, if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

To sum it up, this tour offers a practical, engaging snapshot of Cabo San Lucas, combining scenic boat rides, cultural stops, and beach relaxation. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a taste of everything in a single outing—all at an accessible price point.