In short
- Water taxis cost from $12 to $25 USD.
- Boats leave from the Marina or Medano Beach.
- Kayaking from Medano Beach takes 30 to 45 minutes.
In this article
Choosing how to get to El Arco Cabo San Lucas depends on your budget and schedule. You can grab a quick water taxi or book a longer guided tour.
Where do boats to the Cabo Arch depart from?
Most boats and water taxis leave from the Cabo San Lucas Marina or Medano Beach.
The main Marina handles most large catamaran and sunset cruise departures. Medano Beach is the launch point for kayaks, paddleboards, and smaller water taxis. The Arch is about 15 to 20 minutes away by standard boat ride from the Marina.
How much is a water taxi to the Cabo Arch?
Basic water taxis and glass-bottom boats cost from $12 to $25 USD per person.
These small open boats are known locally as pangas. They take 15 to 30 minutes to reach Land's End. Most operators will drop you off at Lover's Beach and pick you up a few hours later for the same price. Prices change depending on the operator.
Can you kayak to El Arco?
Yes, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Medano Beach for $20 to $40 USD.
Paddling to the arch takes 30 to 45 minutes. Guided kayak tours are highly recommended for safety. You must wear a life jacket at all times when riding in small open boats or kayaks.
Are guided boat tours to the Arch worth it?
Guided sunset cruises and sailing charters offer a longer 2- to 3-hour experience.
These larger tours generally cost between $40 and $150 USD. They often include open bars, snacks, and snorkeling equipment. Catamarans depart from the main Marina and provide a stable ride to the exact boundary of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez.
Do I need to book a glass-bottom boat?
Booking a glass-bottom boat gives you views of the marine life below as you travel.
Glass-bottom boats function like regular water taxis but feature transparent viewing panels. Some specialty tours use completely transparent boats. This is a popular option if you do not want to snorkel at Pelican Rock.
Can you walk to the Cabo Arch?
No, attempting to walk or climb to the arch over the rocky cliffs from the mainland is highly unsafe.
The land route is dangerous and discouraged. You must pay for a boat tour, panga, or kayak rental to reach the arch safely. Entering the arch structure directly in a small watercraft is also usually not permitted.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the boat ride to the Arch in Cabo?
The standard boat ride from the Cabo San Lucas Marina to the arch takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Is El Arco free to visit?
The arch itself is free to view, but you must pay for a boat or kayak to reach it.
Do I need to book an Arch glass-bottom boat tour in advance?
You can hire water taxis directly at the marina, but booking in advance guarantees your rate and departure time.
