REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas Arch Boat Tour and Snorkeling at Pelican Rock
Book on Viator →Operated by Best Cabo Tours, LLC · Bookable on Viator
Snorkel Cabo’s icons without the big crowds. This small-group boat-and-snorkel outing strings together the Arch at Land’s End plus two swimmable beaches, then finishes at Pelican Rock for marine-life time with equipment included.
I like the max 10 travelers setup because it feels calmer and more personal on the water. I also love the simple flow: El Arco for that classic postcard view, then beach time and snorkeling at Pelican Rock. The one thing to consider is conditions—when the tide and water are rough, the rock approach and snorkeling can be less comfortable.
This is a flexible tour too, with departures throughout the day so you can match it to your Cabo plans. And since the safety and snorkel gear are provided, you’re not stuck packing a full water-sports kit for a quick stop.
In This Review
- Quick Highlights You’ll Notice
- Why This Small-Group Cabo Boat Ride Feels Different
- Meeting Point, Timing, and What the 2-Hour Window Means
- Divorce Beach and Lovers Beach: Two Photos, One Coastline
- Practical note
- El Arco at Land’s End: How to Get the Best Views
- Quick tip
- Pelican Rock Snorkeling: Fish, Rocks, and the Real Comfort Check
- A small strategy that helps
- Sea Lion Colony and the Sea of Cortez Cruise: Why the Boat Time Matters
- What’s Included (and What You’ll Want to Bring)
- Language reality check
- Price and Value: Is $89.10 a Good Deal?
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)
- Should You Book This Cabo Arch + Pelican Rock Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Cabo San Lucas Arch boat tour with snorkeling?
- Is snorkel equipment included?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Quick Highlights You’ll Notice

- Max 10 travelers keeps the boat ride from feeling crowded
- El Arco (Land’s End) is built into the route, with Pacific/Sea of Cortez views
- Divorce Beach and Lovers Beach give you classic Cabo beach scenery with shorter time pressure
- Pelican Rock snorkeling includes equipment, so you can focus on the water
- Sea lion colony and Sea of Cortez cruising add wildlife and ocean scenery beyond just beaches
Why This Small-Group Cabo Boat Ride Feels Different

Cabo can turn into a conveyor belt. This tour doesn’t. With a cap of 10 people, you get a more human pace—less waiting, fewer bodies, and more chance to actually enjoy the sights instead of just moving past them.
The route is also built around big visual wins. You’re not just doing one “look and leave” stop. You cruise along the coast, hit Land’s End landmarks, then shift to water fun at Pelican Rock.
And yes, I love the fact that snorkeling setup is handled for you. You bring yourself, and the tour provides the safety and snorkel equipment, so you’re not hunting for gear in town at the last minute.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
Meeting Point, Timing, and What the 2-Hour Window Means
The tour starts at the Swordfish landmark (V3JQ+592), Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas and returns to the same meeting point. That matters because you can build your day around it without guessing where you’ll end up.
It’s listed at about 2 hours, but time on the water can vary depending on sea conditions and how the day goes. In the real world, you might feel like you’re back quickly, especially if the schedule is tight or the snorkeling slot is shorter due to safety and water conditions.
If you’re trying to protect plans later in the day, give yourself breathing room. Rough water can shorten beach or snorkeling time, and that can affect how long you get at Pelican Rock.
Divorce Beach and Lovers Beach: Two Photos, One Coastline

Your coastal sightseeing starts with Divorce Beach (Playa del Divorcio). It’s a quieter stretch of clean white sand on the Pacific coast, and it’s located a short walk from the more famous Lovers Beach. The connection is what makes this stop fun: the two beaches share a dramatic setting with water that looks sharp and blue in good weather.
At Divorce Beach, you’re typically on the clock for about 10 minutes. That’s short, but it’s long enough to grab photos, stretch out, and take in the contrast between golden sand and deep water. It’s not a long hangout stop—think quick beauty, not a full beach day.
Next you go to Playa de los Amantes (Lovers Beach / Playa del Amor), about 30 minutes. This beach sits between jagged granite rock formations, which is part of why the water looks extra clear and bright. It’s also one of the places where Cabo feels most postcard-real: turquoise tones, rocky frames, and that “how is this a real place?” feeling.
Practical note
If your priority is lounging, know that this tour is more “see and enjoy” than “rent a beach towel and disappear for hours.” Still, the lineup gives you variety without wasting your whole day.
El Arco at Land’s End: How to Get the Best Views

The star moment is El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the limestone arch at the southern tip where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. It’s sculpted by wind, tide, and erosion over time, which is why it looks so crisp and dramatic against open water.
You’ll spend about 10 minutes here. That brief stop can still be satisfying because the arch is iconic and views are built into the coastal angle from the water.
What to expect: the arch is best when the sea is calm enough to give you a clean horizon line. On wobbly days, you can still see it, but photos won’t look as sharp, and your own comfort will matter more.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas
Quick tip
Wear grippy sandals or water shoes if you’re planning to move around a bit. Even when the stop is short, Cabo can be slippery—especially when the tide is doing its thing.
Pelican Rock Snorkeling: Fish, Rocks, and the Real Comfort Check

Pelican Rock is where you shift from sightseeing to water time. This is the snorkeling stop, with about 20 minutes scheduled for the Pelican Rock experience.
In calmer water, this can be a standout. The rock formation creates a natural backdrop for wildlife and photos, and the area can be packed with colorful fish when conditions cooperate. The whole point is simple: you get a structured snorkel setup, then you’re in the water close to the rock and reef zone.
Now the honest part: Pelican Rock is also a place where comfort depends on the water. In some conditions, the tide can be rough and walking on rocks can be uncomfortable. One thing I’d do before you go is plan for the possibility of uneven footing. Bring or wear water shoes if you have them.
Also, manage expectations about space. Some snorkeling areas are more protected and roped-off than “open ocean.” If your goal is long, open-water swim time, you might find the protected zone feels limiting. If your goal is seeing fish up close without a huge expedition, you’ll likely appreciate it.
A small strategy that helps
If you’re not a strong swimmer, this can still work well because the plan includes time where you can stay near the beach/rock area while others go out. That balance is why this tour can feel good for families and mixed-skill groups.
Sea Lion Colony and the Sea of Cortez Cruise: Why the Boat Time Matters

A major value of this outing is that it’s not only beach time and one snorkel stop. You also cruise through the Sea of Cortez, and the tour includes sightseeing beyond the beaches—specifically a sea lion colony stop and more coastal rock scenery.
That’s important for you because it turns the tour into a “Cabo sampler.” Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, you still get wildlife scenery and coast views.
It also helps the overall pacing. The boat ride between stops is part of the experience, not just transportation. On a day with strong visibility, that cruise gives you a nicer sense of the coastline’s scale—how far apart the landmarks are and how dramatic the rock formations look from the water.
What’s Included (and What You’ll Want to Bring)

Here’s what you don’t have to worry about: snorkel equipment and safety gear are included. That single detail removes a big headache. You can travel lighter and spend your energy on enjoying the water and sights.
You’ll also want to plan for food and drinks. The tour notes that you can bring a cooler full of your favorite food & drinks, and it supplies ice and cooler. If you like having snacks ready during beach time, this is a big plus.
Beyond that, bring the basics you’ll appreciate in Cabo: sun protection, and footwear that works on rocks. If the water is rough, it’s also smarter to keep loose items secure and avoid anything you hate losing.
Language reality check
English is listed as the offered language, but Cabo tours can be a mix in practice. I’ve seen staff guide names like Vicente, Leo, Carlos, Jose, and Indio mentioned in connection with this kind of experience. If your Spanish is limited, still go in with patience and a friendly tone—clear simple questions work best.
Price and Value: Is $89.10 a Good Deal?

At $89.10 per person, this sits in the “solid value” category for a Cabo half-day-style combination. The reason is the bundle: a boat route that includes El Arco, multiple beaches, and a snorkeling slot at Pelican Rock, plus snorkel gear included.
If you’ve ever tried to piece together Cabo water time yourself, you know how fast costs add up. Here, you’re paying for transportation, time management, and equipment in one price.
So where does the value depend on you? It depends on conditions. If the water is rough, your snorkeling and beach time can feel compressed. If conditions are good, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth because you’ll actually enjoy both the scenery stops and the water time.
If you’re trying to maximize value, look at your personal priorities. This tour is best when you want:
- landmark cruising and iconic photos
- a short, gear-provided snorkeling experience
- beach time without a full-day commitment
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)
This is a good match if you want the Cabo “greatest hits” in one go. It’s especially friendly for families or groups where not everyone wants the same intensity of snorkeling. I like that the plan can let non-swimmers or cautious swimmers stay closer to the rock and beach area while others snorkel.
It’s also a good fit for people who care about small-group energy. If you hate feeling herded on tours, this size helps.
Who might reconsider? If you want long open-water snorkeling routes, this may feel too close-in or too short. If you’re someone who hates rocky walking, plan for the possibility of an uncomfortable landing when conditions are rough.
Should You Book This Cabo Arch + Pelican Rock Tour?
I’d book this if your must-dos include El Arco and you want real snorkeling time without doing the gear hunt yourself. The small-group size and the “beaches + arch + Pelican Rock” structure make it a practical way to see Cabo’s coastline efficiently.
I’d hesitate if your only goal is a long, easy snorkeling session. Pelican Rock can be great, but it’s also weather-dependent. If you’re going on a day when the sea is rough, expect the experience to tilt toward sightseeing and shorter water time.
My bottom-line take: this is a smart choice for first-time Cabo visitors who want iconic coastline views and a straightforward snorkel experience—especially if you’re okay with water conditions shaping how long you spend in the waves.
FAQ
How long is the Cabo San Lucas Arch boat tour with snorkeling?
It’s listed at about 2 hours (approx.).
Is snorkel equipment included?
Yes. Safety and snorkel equipment are included, so you don’t need to pack your own gear.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Swordfish landmark in Centro, Marina (V3JQ+592) and ends back at the same meeting point.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers.
Is the tour offered in English?
English is listed as the offered language.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Changes within 24 hours of the start time aren’t refunded.




































