Cabo’s Original Clear Boat Tour: See all of the tourist locations

The unusual part of this Cabo boat ride is right under your seat: the boat is clear from top to bottom, so you can watch the water and fish beneath you as the crew heads toward the Arch. It’s a short trip, but it gives you a fresh angle on Cabo’s best-known rocks and shoreline.

I like two things in particular: the clear hull makes the ride itself part of the sightseeing, and the route packs the Arch, Pelican Rock, Land’s End and both beaches into a compact outing. Guides and captains such as Juan, Luis, José and Lorena have been praised for keeping the trip informative and fun, though the crew changes.

One thing to weigh is the photo stop. The crew may take posed pictures with its own camera to sell afterward, and some visitors feel that takes too much time. Bring your phone, and be ready to speak up politely if you would rather focus on the scenery.

• A clear view below: This is a fully clear boat, not a conventional boat with a glass viewing panel in the floor.
• A compact Cabo circuit: Expect the Arch, Pelican Rock, Divorce Beach, Playa de los Amantes, Land’s End and Cabo Bay.
• A small group: The tour is capped at 12 people, which keeps the boat to a manageable size.
• Bring your own camera: Phone photos are welcome, while professional photos are available for an extra fee.
• Plan for a short ride: The outing lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, and some riders wish it were longer.
• Know the practical limits: Transportation is not included, and boarding may be difficult if you have impaired mobility.

A clear boat changes the view

Cabo’s rock formations are familiar from postcards, but this outing adds another reason to look around: the water below the boat. The hull is fully clear, giving you a view through the boat as you move around the bay. That is the central appeal, and it is different from a traditional glass-bottom boat, where only a viewing section is transparent.

The ride is guided, not simply a trip out to the Arch and back. A certified guide points out landmarks and marine life, while the captain handles the route. Fish and sea lions are among the sights you may see, with pelicans around Pelican Rock. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the clear hull makes even a glimpse below the surface part of the experience.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That small cap can make it easier to see and hear than a crowded excursion, though your view will still depend on where you sit and how the group is arranged. If you are traveling alone, ask about seating when you check in rather than assuming every seat offers the same view.

From the marina to the Arch

The trip begins at Envatours CaboMarina, at local 15 and 16 in Cabo San Lucas Marina. You return to the same meeting point after the ride. There is no transportation included, so arrange your own way to the marina and check your confirmation carefully for the actual departure time.

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is the headline stop. The boat pauses nearby for about 10 minutes, giving you time to take in the landmark and photograph it from the water. This is the place most people come to see, and the boat view gives you a close perspective without needing to arrange a separate trip.

The photo-taking can also shape how the stop feels. Crew members sometimes take posed pictures with their own camera, which are offered for purchase after the ride. Some people appreciate having a set of group photos; others would rather spend that time looking at the rocks or taking their own pictures. Your phone is welcome, so bring it charged and ready.

Pelican Rock and life below the hull

Pelican Rock gets a shorter stop, about five minutes, but it is a good place to scan the water and the rocks. The area is known for colorful fish, sea lions and pelicans. You may see fish through the clear boat as the crew moves around the site, though visibility and wildlife sightings depend on conditions.

This stop helps explain why the boat design matters. On an ordinary sightseeing boat, you would mostly look outward at the coastline. Here, you can look down as well, adding a second view to the same short ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual precautions before boarding. One rider specifically advised doing so, and a boat moving on open water can be uncomfortable for some people.

The crew’s commentary can add useful context to the scenery. Past guides have included Juan, Luis, José, Lorena and Alex, with captains such as Miguel and Mikey. Those names are examples, not a promise of who will lead your trip, but the crew’s explanations and friendly manner are among the most consistently praised parts of the experience.

Two very different beaches

The boat passes Divorce Beach, on the Pacific side of Land’s End. Its waves and cliffs give it a more dramatic look than the calmer waters on the other side of the peninsula. The planned stop is about five minutes, so expect a view from the boat rather than a long stretch of time to explore on shore.

Next comes Playa de los Amantes, also called Lover’s Beach, where the Pacific and Sea of Cortez meet. The beach is described as calm and beautiful, offering a sharp contrast with the exposed Pacific side. Seeing both beaches in one outing helps you understand how quickly the feel of the coastline changes around Land’s End.

The tour information includes admission to the beaches, but it does not specify a beach landing or time spent on shore. Treat this as a boat sightseeing trip unless your confirmation makes a landing clear. The appeal is the changing coastline and the chance to see the beaches from the water, not a beach day.

How much you see in under an hour

The listed stops add up to about 25 minutes: roughly 10 minutes at the Arch and five minutes each at Pelican Rock and the two beaches. The full tour lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, leaving the rest of the time for moving between landmarks and viewing the bay, Sea of Cortez and Land’s End.

That makes this a good orientation ride, not a leisurely cruise. You will get a quick look at several Cabo landmarks in one compact circuit, but you should not expect long pauses at each stop. Some people wish the tour lasted closer to two hours. If you want a slow ride with ample time for wildlife watching, this may feel rushed.

The itinerary also means the trip is not just an Arch photo run. You see several different sides of the peninsula, with rock formations, beaches and marine life sharing the hour. For a first visit, or for a short window between other plans, that range is useful. For a full day on the water, choose a longer excursion.

Photos, seating and comfort

Bring your phone. The tour specifically invites you to take your own pictures, and the Arch, rock formations and beaches offer plenty of chances. A crew member may also photograph passengers with a separate camera, with professional pictures available for an additional fee. The price and purchase terms are not specified, so ask before the ride if you want to know what those photos will cost.

The difference between a helpful photo stop and an irritating one comes down to how much time it takes. Some riders have enjoyed the posed pictures and bought them; others felt that the crew spent too long photographing each group and cut into the sightseeing. If that is not for you, say early that you prefer to take your own pictures. Be courteous, but clear.

The boat can suit families, including young children, and one family brought children aged two and four who enjoyed the ride. Still, young children should be supervised closely on a small boat, and the tour’s safety equipment is provided. If someone in your party has impaired mobility, note that getting in and out may involve a high step over the side. A helper may be able to assist, but the boat is not described as accessible.

Is $44.10 a fair price?

At $44.10 per person, this is a fairly focused purchase: a guided boat circuit, a small group of up to 12, safety equipment and the unusual clear hull. The price also buys access to a route that takes in the Arch, Pelican Rock, both beaches, Land’s End and Cabo Bay in less than an hour. If you want a quick, distinctive look at the coast, that is a sensible return for the time and money.

It is less compelling if you measure value by time on the water. The ride is short, and the photo-taking may take a share of the stop time. Professional pictures cost extra, so the listed fare does not necessarily cover the photos you might be offered after the trip. You can avoid that added expense by taking your own pictures.

The group size and clear boat are the main reasons to choose this over a basic sightseeing ride. If you only want a standard view of the Arch, you may find another boat trip does the job. If seeing the water through the hull sounds like part of the fun, the extra novelty helps justify the fare.

Practical details before you go

The activity is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour ends back at the marina meeting point. Because there has been confusion between check-in and departure times, confirm the departure time in your own booking details and avoid treating a stated check-in time as the boat’s departure.

Transportation is not included. The marina is near public transportation, but you will need to get there independently. The tour is open to most people, and service animals are allowed. The activity depends on good weather; if poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Those terms matter if your Cabo plans are still shifting, so check the local start time before making a last-minute change.

Should you book this clear boat tour?

Book it if you want a short, lively way to see Cabo’s most recognizable coastal sights, and if watching fish through a clear hull sounds more interesting than riding in a standard boat. The Arch, Pelican Rock, sea lions and contrasting beaches make a good sampler, while the small group and personable guides can make the hour feel relaxed.

Skip it if you want a long cruise, substantial time on the beaches or a trip with no sales pitch for photos. Bring your phone, check the departure time, and plan for the high step into the boat if mobility is a concern. For a first look at Land’s End, this is a fun and unusual outing; just go for the scenery and the clear view, not a full day at sea.

FAQ

How long does the clear boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $44.10 per person.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It starts at Envatours CaboMarina, local 15 and 16 in Cabo San Lucas Marina, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. Transportation is not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Can I take my own photos?

Yes. You are encouraged to bring your phone and take your own pictures. Professional photos may also be available for an additional fee.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.