Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel Pickup!

If you’re considering a boat tour in Cabo San Lucas, the chance to see the famous El Arco and surrounding rock formations from the water is a must. One of the more talked-about options is the tour on the world’s first clear boat, which promises unobstructed views of marine life, coral reefs, and Cabo’s stunning coastline. Based on reviews and available details, we’ll give you a clear picture of what to expect, what’s worth your time, and what you might want to keep in mind.

Two things we really like about this experience are: first, the unique transparency of the boat, which offers full panoramic views of marine life and the rock formations from every angle; second, the knowledgeable guides and professional captain, who provide insightful commentary and help you get the most out of your brief but memorable ride. A possible drawback is the short duration—at about 50 minutes, it’s a quick trip that may leave some craving more time exploring.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a cost-effective, fun, and photo-friendly way to see Cabo’s iconic sights, especially if you’re short on time or looking for a family-friendly activity that’s both safe and engaging.

Key Points

• Unique experience on the world’s first transparent boat, offering unobstructed views.
• Short duration makes it ideal for a quick sightseeing break.
• Expert guides provide interesting insights into marine life and rock formations.
• Affordable price at around $21 per person, offering good value for the views.
• Photo opportunities are abundant, with options to purchase pictures afterward.
• Some reviews highlight issues with communication and pickup arrangements.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Off: Convenient Hotel Pickup and Departure

The tour begins with a hotel pickup option, which is a real plus if you prefer not to worry about transportation. Alternatively, you can check in 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time if you’re on your own. This flexibility is helpful, especially in a destination like Cabo where transportation logistics can be tricky. The tour is offered at several times during the day, including 9:40 am, 11:40 am, 1:40 pm, 3:40 pm, and 5:20 pm, giving you some flexibility to fit it into your schedule.

The Boat: A Marvel of Design

The highlight of this tour is the insanely cool, 100% transparent boat—the first of its kind. It’s designed to give panoramic views of marine life, coral reefs, and the rock formations without the obstruction of traditional boat walls. Many reviews mention that the boat is well-maintained and that safety equipment is provided, including lifejackets, which is reassuring when you’re on the water with family or kids.

The certified captain expertly navigates the waters, ensuring safety and providing commentary. Your guide and photographer will accompany you, explaining the marine life and rock formations you encounter, which adds an educational element to the fun. With a total tour time of approximately 50 minutes, it’s a quick but rundown of Cabo’s most famous sights.

The Stops: Iconic Sights from the Water

The itinerary includes several key stops, each lasting around 2 minutes, allowing for quick but impactful views and photo opportunities:

• El Arco de Cabo San Lucas: The tour’s centerpiece. From the boat, you’ll get to see this iconic natural arch up close. The clear boat amplifies the experience, making it feel like you’re floating right through the rock formation. One reviewer called it “the most popular experience,” emphasizing its significance.

• Medano Beach & Playa de los Amantes: Both spots offer stunning coastlines and scenic rock formations. The tour presents a chance to see these beaches from a unique perspective, with some reviews praising the breathtaking views of tropical fish and reefs visible through the glass bottom.

• Divorce Beach & Love Beach: Named for their contrasting personalities, these beaches are visually striking. Some users pointed out how the rock formations and water clarity made for great photo moments, despite the brief stops.

• Parroquia San Lucas: While primarily a local landmark, the boat tour offers a chance to see it from the water, adding a cultural touch to the scenic experience.

• Mt. Solmar & Pelican Rock: These spots are perfect for wildlife sightings—sea lions, tropical fish, and colorful coral reefs. Several reviews highlight how close the marine life feels, thanks to the transparent boat.

• Marina Cabo San Lucas & Santa Maria Beach: Additional stops for photo ops and to enjoy the Sea of Cortez and Pacific meeting point. These offer more natural beauty and a sense of adventure.

• Cabo San Lucas Beach & Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas: Final stops that promise stunning vistas and sightings of tropical fish and sea lions.

The Guide and Photography

One of the best parts of this tour, according to travelers, is the knowledgeable guide and photographer. They provide detailed explanations of marine life and rock formations, making the trip both fun and educational. Several reviews mention that the guide is funny, engaging, and attentive, often taking photos of everyone, which can be purchased afterward.

The Photos and Extras

While the tour includes photos available for purchase, many travelers find them a worthwhile souvenir. The value of these photos depends on how much you want to capture your experience—some reviews suggest that the images come out well, especially with the natural beauty surrounding you.

Price and Overall Value

At around $21.17 per person, this tour is priced to be quite accessible. When you factor in the quality of the views, the unique transparent boat, and the professional guiding, it offers good value, especially for those seeking a quick, scenic overview of Cabo. An optional round-trip transportation for $10 is available, which might be a good investment if you prefer a hassle-free experience.

Authentic Traveler Insights

While many reviews are positive, some travelers faced issues with communication and pickup arrangements. One reviewer mentioned a lack of clarity about the meeting point, leading to confusion. Others expressed frustration over the refusal of refunds if weather conditions are bad or if they choose to cancel less than 24 hours in advance.

However, several guests praised the professionalism of the guides, the breathtaking views, and the value for money. For instance, one reviewer called the experience “nothing like I’ve seen in Cabo before,” thanks to the full panoramic views offered by the transparent boat.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a cost-effective, short but visually stunning outing. It’s perfect if you love photo opportunities and want to see Cabo’s signature rock formations from a unique perspective. Adventure seekers who enjoy marine life and scenic vistas without dedicating hours to sightseeing will find this quick trip quite satisfying.

However, if you’re looking for an extended tour with multiple stops or a comprehensive exploration of Cabo’s beaches and coastline, this might feel a little too brief. And if precise logistics are important to you, be aware of possible communication hiccups, especially around pickups.

Final Recommendations

This Clear Boat Tour offers a refreshing twist on traditional Cabo boat trips. Its affordable price point and spectacular views make it a compelling choice for travelers who want a memorable photo opportunity and a fun, educational experience on the water. The professional guides and safe, glass-bottom design ensure you’ll be comfortable and engaged.

This tour is ideal for those with limited time or budget who still want a highlight reel of Cabo’s best sights. Be prepared for the short duration and possible logistical issues—but if you’re in the right frame of mind, you’ll likely find it well worth the price.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour price?
No, transportation is not included but can be added for $10 per traveler if you send a message 24 hours prior to your tour.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring your camera or smartphone for photos, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps some water if you tend to get thirsty on the water.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 50 minutes, including the stops and commentary.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, the guides are described as professional, engaging, and informative, providing explanations about marine life and rock formations.

Is the boat safe?
Absolutely. The boat is insured and equipped with safety gear including lifejackets. The captain is certified, ensuring a safe ride.

Can I purchase photos afterward?
Yes, photos taken during the tour are available for purchase, often considered a good value by many guests.

To sum it up, the Cabo San Lucas Glass-Bottom Boat Tour presents a fun, photo-rich way to see some of the area’s most iconic sights without a hefty price tag or lengthy commitment. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick highlight tour with a dash of marine adventure. While it may not satisfy travelers seeking a full-day exploration, it offers a memorable burst of Cabo’s natural beauty and marine wonders—all from the comfort of the world’s first transparent boat.