El Arco de Cabo San Lucas (Land's End)
Rating
Family of 4
$60-$80 total for glass-bottom boat tour ($15-20/person).
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
3 and up
About
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas is the most iconic landmark in all of Los Cabos — a towering granite arch that marks the exact point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez at the very tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Accessible only by boat, visiting El Arco is one of those bucket-list family experiences that lives up to the hype.
Most families reach the arch by glass-bottom boat from the Cabo San Lucas Marina (about a 30-minute round trip) or by water taxi from Medano Beach. Both options give you stunning views of the coastline, the famous sea lion colony that lounges on the surrounding rocks, and — if you're lucky — dolphins or whales swimming nearby. Glass-bottom boats let younger kids peer down at tropical fish without getting wet, which is a huge plus for families with toddlers or kids who aren't confident swimmers.
The area around Land's End includes two beaches: Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor) on the calm Sea of Cortez side, where families can swim and snorkel in protected waters, and Divorce Beach on the Pacific side, which is beautiful to look at but far too dangerous for swimming due to powerful rip currents. Many families arrange a water taxi drop-off at Lover's Beach, spend an hour or two exploring, then catch a ride back.
During whale season from December through April, the waters around El Arco become a highway for migrating humpback and gray whales, and sightings from tour boats are common. Whether you visit at sunrise when the golden light hits the arch perfectly, or at sunset when the sky turns pink and orange behind it, El Arco delivers that rare combination of natural beauty and genuine kid excitement that makes a family vacation memorable.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Early morning for calmer seas and fewer crowds. Sunset cruises are magical but book ahead.
Wait Times
10-20 minutes for water taxi at marina
Nearby Food
Medano Beach has dozens of beachfront restaurants including The Office on the Beach for feet-in-the-sand tacos and Baja Brewing Company near the marina for craft beer and burgers.
Why Kids Love It
El Arco is one of those sights that genuinely wows kids. The massive granite arch towers three stories above the water where the Pacific Ocean crashes into the Sea of Cortez, and as your boat approaches, kids will be glued to the side pointing at barking sea lions lounging on the rocks. On a glass-bottom boat, they can peer down and watch tropical fish darting underneath.
The whole experience feels like a real adventure — riding a boat out to the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, seeing waves crash through a natural stone arch, and spotting pelicans diving for fish. If you take a water taxi and stop at Lover's Beach, kids can explore tide pools and hunt for shells. During whale season (December through April), there's a real chance of spotting humpback or gray whales breaching in the distance, which is absolutely unforgettable for any age.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Take the first boat out around 8-9 AM for the calmest water and best photo lighting
- Water taxis from Medano Beach cost roughly $15/person round trip and let you stop at Lover's Beach
- Glass-bottom boats depart from the marina and are the most budget-friendly option at ~$15/person
- Bring motion sickness remedies for kids prone to seasickness — the boat ride is short but can be choppy
- During whale season (Dec-Apr), ask your boat captain to swing by whale watching areas on the return trip
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- Hat and sunglasses for the boat ride
- Waterproof phone case or GoPro
- Cash for water taxi and tips
- Light jacket — it gets breezy on the water
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$60-$80 total for glass-bottom boat tour ($15-20/person).
Water taxi ~$15/person round trip.
Tips to Save
- Take a water taxi from Medano Beach instead of booking a formal tour — it's half the price and drops you at Lover's Beach with views of the Arch.
- Glass-bottom boats from the marina are the cheapest option at around $15 per person.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Boat tours 8AM-5PM
- Monday
- Boat tours 8AM-5PM
- Sunday
- Boat tours 8AM-5PM
- Tuesday
- Boat tours 8AM-5PM
- Saturday
- Boat tours 8AM-5PM
- Thursday
- Boat tours 8AM-5PM
- Wednesday
- Boat tours 8AM-5PM