Getting to The Arch in Los Cabos
The most straightforward and popular way to get to The Arch in Cabo San Lucas is by boat.
Options range from luxury yacht tours to private or shared boat excursions and unique glass-bottom boat tours that depart from Médano Beach or the Cabo Marina.
Further options for getting to the Arch are kayaking, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Cabo Arch
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, known locally as El Arco, is an iconic natural landmark in Los Cabos, the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.
This distinctive rock formation marks where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
There are ample transportation options to access the site. Near the Arch is the sea lion colony. There, you can see the sea lions in their natural habitat, swimming and sometimes resting. The smell near the colony is distinctive.
Due to its unique location, the Cabo Arch attracts numerous types of animals. Observing above The Arch, you will see the frigat birds. Below the Arch is a thriving habitat for aquatic animals.
Travel to the site is one of Cabo and Los Cabo’s popular activities and attractions.
Reaching El Arco can be an adventure, given its unique location and the surrounding beauty.
Here are five ways to get to The Arch:
Boat Tours to Cabo San Lucas Arch
The most popular and accessible way to visit The Arch is by taking a boat tour.
The most convenient way to the Arch is by boat. It is a 10-45-minute boat ride to the Arch.
Numerous companies in Cabo San Lucas offer a variety of boat tours, ranging from luxury yachts to glass-bottom boats, allowing you to choose according to your preference and budget.
These tours provide a close view of The Arch and often include stops for snorkeling and swimming near Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor).
Luxury Yacht Tours:
For those seeking a lavish experience, luxury yacht tours offer elegance and comfort. These tours often include gourmet meals, premium drinks, and personalized services, making for a memorable trip to The Arch.
Private Boat Tours
It is ideal for couples, families, or groups wanting privacy and flexibility. Private tours allow for a customizable itinerary, letting you decide how much time you spend at each location.
Shared Boat Tour
The most budget-friendly option, shared boat tours allow travelers to enjoy the sights with others. Options range from glass-bottom boats to sailing catamarans, and stops are often included for snorkeling or swimming.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Embarking on a glass-bottom boat tour to the Cabo San Lucas Arch offers a magical way to experience the area’s natural beauty from a unique perspective.
Glass-bottom boat Tours offer an immersive way to view the marine life and geological formations beneath the water line.
The transparent bottom of these boats allows passengers to gaze directly into the clear waters, observing the rich biodiversity and underwater landscapes that make this area unique.
- From Medano Beach: These tours depart from Medano Beach and provide a blend of exploration and convenience—easy access for tourists looking to combine a beach day with their adventure to The Arch.
- From the Cabo Marina: Alternatively, tours also leave from the Cabo Marina, catering to those who may be staying closer to the downtown area or seeking a quick and direct route to The Arch.
Glass-bottom boat tours attract families, nature lovers, and dry-land enthusiasts alike. They showcase the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean’s biodiversity and combine adventure with the safety of staying dry.
The boat’s clear bottom offers views of vibrant marine life, allowing passengers to get a direct look at underwater wonders. This view enhances the journey to The Arch, blending exploration with comfort.
Kayaking to get to the Arch via Lovers Beach
Kayaking to The Arch offers a unique and personal experience for the more adventurous.
You can rent a kayak or join a guided tour that will take you paddling through the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, offering a serene and intimate approach to this natural wonder. Kayaking is a great way to explore at your own pace, with opportunities to see marine life up close.
- Guided Tours: Perfect for beginners or those looking for local insights. Guided kayaking tours provide safety equipment and expert guidance, often including stops at points of interest around The Arch.
- Rental Only: For the more independent adventurer, renting a kayak allows for a self-guided experience. This option best suits those with kayaking experience and a good sense of direction.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to go to The Arch
Another peaceful and eco-friendly way to visit The Arch is by stand-up paddleboarding. This activity suits most fitness levels and provides a calm, immersive experience on the water.
You can rent equipment or join a guided SUP tour leading you along the coastline to The Arch, allowing for leisurely exploration and the chance to spot wildlife.
- Guided SUP Tours: These tours offer a structured experience with the guidance of an instructor, making it an excellent option for beginners or those looking for local insights into the best spots around The Arch.
- SUP Rental: For those with paddleboarding experience, renting a stand-up paddleboard offers the flexibility to explore at one’s own pace. This option suits adventurers who prefer a more solitary or customizable experience.
Jet Skiing to The Arch
Renting a jet ski provides a thrilling way to reach The Arch. It’s faster than a kayak, allowing you to explore the waters around Cabo San Lucas Bay. Jet ski rentals and guided tours are available from various locations along the beach. This option is perfect for those looking for adrenaline while taking in the sights.
- Guided Jet Ski Tours: A guided tour on a jet ski combines the thrill of speed with the assurance of following someone familiar with the best routes and points of interest around The Arch.
- Jet Ski Rental: For experienced riders, renting a jet ski offers the freedom to explore at one’s own pace. This option allows for personal adventure, though it requires knowledge of local boating regulations.
Parasailing
For a bird’s-eye view of The Arch, consider parasailing. At the same time, you won’t be able to land on or near The Arch. Parasailing offers unparalleled views of this magnificent structure, the surrounding beaches, and the ocean from above. It’s an exhilarating way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the area.
- Solo Parasailing: For an individual experience, solo parasailing lets adventurers enjoy views of The Arch and the surrounding waters from the air while tethered to a boat below.
- Tandem Parasailing: Ideal for couples or friends, tandem parasailing allows two people to share the experience side by side, offering a unique way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery together.
Swimming to the Arch
While swimming to The Arch from nearby beaches such as Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) is theoretically possible, it is strongly discouraged and can be extremely dangerous.
The waters around The Arch are known for their strong currents and unpredictable conditions, which can change rapidly, even catching experienced swimmers off guard.
The convergence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez creates a unique marine environment where currents can be powerful and treacherous.
Additionally, the area has heavy boat traffic, with many vessels of all sizes moving in and out of the area, increasing the risk of accidents.
There’s also a lack of lifeguard presence in the water. Meaning help may not be readily available in case of an emergency.
For these reasons, swimming to The Arch is considered unsafe and is not recommended, even for the most skilled swimmers.
It’s much safer and more enjoyable to view The Arch by partaking in one of the many guided tours available, which offer safe, close-up experiences of this magnificent natural landmark.
When visiting Los Cabos, you have got to go to The Arch and visit Lovers Beach on your way.
Each travel method caters to different preferences, budgets, and levels of adventure, ensuring that every traveler can enjoy The Arch in the way that best suits them.
Each method offers a different perspective and experience of The Arch in Cabo San Lucas.
Whether you prefer a leisurely boat ride, an adventurous paddle, or a panoramic view from above, there’s an option to suit every traveler’s taste.
