Can you walk to El Arco from the beach?

No. El Arco sits in the water at Land's End — boat access only. The closest land viewpoint is Lover's Beach (also boat-only) or the marina lookout.

How much is an El Arco boat tour?

Glass-bottom tours run $15–25 USD per person for 45 minutes including the sea lion colony. Private water taxis run $40–60 USD per group. Sunset cruises with drinks run $60–120 USD.

Is the El Arco hole open to walk through?

Only briefly at extreme low tides — and only the beach inside is exposed, not walking access. Most of the year the arch is fully in the water. Boats approach but do not pass through due to currents and rock.

Los Cabos · Land's End

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas — The 2026 Honest Guide

By Mr. Playas · Updated March 2026

El Arco is the natural granite arch at the tip of the Baja peninsula where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. It is the single most photographed landmark in Baja California Sur and the centerpiece of every Cabo boat tour. You cannot reach it by land. You cannot walk through it. You can get within meters by boat — and that is the way to see it.

Quick answer

What's the cheapest way to see El Arco?

A glass-bottom boat tour from the Cabo San Lucas marina — $15–25 USD per person for 45 minutes that covers El Arco, the sea lion colony, and Lover's Beach. Boats depart every 30 minutes from morning to sunset.

Ways to See El Arco

Glass-bottom boat tour — $15–25 USD, 45 min, the standard option.
Private water taxi — $40–60 USD per group, flexible schedule.
Sunset cruise — $60–120 USD, includes drinks and circles El Arco at golden hour.
Snorkel tour — $50–80 USD, stops at El Arco, Pelican Rock, and Chileno Bay.
Stand-up paddleboard — for experienced paddlers only; currents around El Arco are strong.

The Sea Lion Colony

Just beyond El Arco, dozens of California sea lions live year-round on the rocks. Boats slow within 20 meters for photos. They bark, sleep, and occasionally swim near the boats. Do not feed them. Do not enter the water near them — they are wild and territorial.

Book an El Arco Boat Tour

Glass-bottom and sunset cruise tours to El Arco, the sea lion colony, and Lover's Beach. Marina pickup, gear and snacks included on most tours.

Browse El Arco tours on Viator

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Pair the boat tour with Lover's Beach or take the glass-bottom boat tour that hits both in one ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of day to photograph El Arco?

Sunset for color (the arch glows orange against the Pacific) and 8–10 AM for crisp light without crowds. Midday is harsh and the marina is busiest.

Can you snorkel near El Arco?

Yes at Pelican Rock and Lover's Beach, both adjacent. Currents directly under the arch are too strong to snorkel.

Is El Arco worth a special trip?

If you are in Cabo, yes — it's a 45-minute boat ride for ~$20 USD that includes Lover's Beach and the sea lions. Almost everyone leaves Cabo with the photo.