Two Hours at Lands End: A Private Trip to El Arco and Snorkeling in Cabo
For all ages! • 2 Hours • Explore Famous Views!
You leave the marina with the town still yawning behind you — yachts and morning fishermen stacked like sleeping birds — and the ocean already pulling at the bow. The captain slips the ropes and the city shrinks into a palette of roofs and palm shadows. Ahead, the peninsula pinches the horizon into a single, wind-sculpted silhouette: the Arch. Up close it is less a postcard and more a weathered gate, a band of stone that dares the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez to meet it on their own terms. On the El Arco Y Snorkeling Private Tour - Two Hours, that gate is yours to approach.
Trail Wisdom
Check sea conditions before you go
Ask the crew about swell and currents; they choose landing spots and snorkel sites based on safety and visibility.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect marine life and your skin; apply before boarding for best effect.
Wear water shoes
Be ready for wet beach landings where you step from boat to sand; shoes protect feet from rocks.
Hydrate and bite-size snacks
Even two hours in sun and salt will dehydrate you; drink beforehand and use included water.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Pirate's Cave viewpoint (sea-accessible)
- •Small tide pools near Pelican Rock at low tide
Wildlife
California sea lion, Parrotfish
Conservation Note
Operators encourage reef-safe products and require guests to pack out trash; local regulations protect many marine areas around Land's End.
El Arco is a granite formation carved by wind and surf over millennia and has long been a navigation landmark for mariners in the Sea of Cortez.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Whale watching (late season), Calmer early mornings
Challenges: Occasional spring winds, Variable water temperatures
Spring offers cool mornings and the tail end of whale season; mornings are usually calm for clear snorkeling.
summer
Best for: Warmer water for snorkeling, Lush marine visibility
Challenges: Higher temperatures and sun intensity, Occasional afternoon storms
Summer brings the warmest seawater and vibrant fish life but stronger sun and occasional short storms.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds, Calm seas and pleasant temperatures
Challenges: Transition weather in early fall, Possible increased swell after storms
Fall is a sweet spot: quieter marinas, comfortable air, and generally calm conditions for shorter charters.
winter
Best for: Dramatic light and silhouettes, Peak whale-migration viewing
Challenges: Cooler water temperatures, Potential choppy seas on windy days
Winter brings whale activity and great light for photography, but expect cooler water and variable sea states.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects both your skin and the marine ecosystem while exposed on deck and in the water.
Lightweight towelEssential
For drying off after a swim and for comfort on the return leg.
Water shoesEssential
Protect feet during wet beach landings and when walking on rocks or sand.
Small dry bag
Keeps phone, ID, and a camera dry while you snorkel or move around the boat.
Common Questions
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at D Dock, Marina, 23479 Cabo San Lucas; arrive 25 minutes before departure.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes; masks and fins are provided and tailored at pickup to ensure a proper fit.
Can we go ashore at Lover's Beach?
Yes, but landings depend on weather and the captain's judgment; beaches have no piers so expect wet entry.
Are lifejackets provided for children?
Lifejackets are provided for children ages two and up; parents should bring a lifejacket for infants under two.
Can we schedule this as a sunset cruise?
Yes; there is an option to take the Arch tour then continue toward the Pacific for sunset depending on availability.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are subject to weather conditions; the crew will advise alternatives or reschedule if safety is a concern.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen (protects reefs and skin); Water shoes (for beach landings); Towel (dry off after snorkeling); Small dry bag (protect valuables)
Did You Know
El Arco marks the approximate meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, making it a unique ecological crossroads.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive at the marina 25 minutes early; bring dollars or cards for tips and extras; check morning sea forecasts for calmer conditions; notify operator of mobility issues before booking
Local Flavor
After your trip, head to The Office on the Beach for seafood and a cerveza with your feet in the sand, or find authentic tacos at a downtown taqueria. For a lively nightcap, Cabo Wabo Cantina mixes live music with local flavor, while Los Tres Gallos offers classic Baja cuisine in a quieter courtyard setting.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Los Cabos Intl (SJD) ~45 minutes drive to marina; Meeting point: D Dock, Cabo San Lucas Marina; Driving distance from town center: under 10 minutes; Cell service: generally good in marina, limited at remote coves; Permits: none required for private charters
Sustainability Note
This tour operates in sensitive marine habitats; guests are asked to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching marine life, and pack out any trash to reduce impacts on shorelines and reefs.
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