Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco)
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
A signature landmark of Los Cabos, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas—known locally as simply “El Arco” or “the Arch”—is a limestone arch carved by time, tide, and wind. The natural attraction runs down to the water’s edge at Land’s End, the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas (which itself is at the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula) and into the Sea of Cortez. From a distance, the rock formation looks like a dragon; up close, the arch frames sky, sea, and sand for prime photos.
Because El Arco is a natural formation that’s accessible only by water, the only way to get close to it is by boat. A number of tours leaving from the Cabo San Lucas marina offer different ways to see the arch. Adventurous travelers can opt for a kayaking and snorkeling tour—or parasail over it! Those looking to relax with friends can sail by it on a catamaran or sailboat, or take an evening cruise that includes dinner and drinks.
A tour combining a stop at El Arco with different activities—such as a snorkeling tour, a Cabo San Lucas shopping trip, or a tequila tasting—is a great way to sample a variety of what the Cabo San Lucas area has to offer.
Chartering a private boat is another option for seeing the sights.
A glass-bottom boat or kayak enables visitors to see the Sea of Cortez marine life in its natural habitat.
A sunset cruise is a wonderful way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing on land.
El Arco is at the tip of Land’s End, the spit of land running east of Downtown Cabo San Lucas and the marina. It's accessible only by boat, whether on a tour, independently, or via boat taxi.
The tropical climate of Los Cabos makes El Arco delightful to explore year-round, but keep in mind that the area is at its busiest around winter (between November and April) and its rainiest in late summer.
Those interested in marine life will enjoy a scuba or snorkeling tour around El Arco. Glass-bottom kayak tours go past colonies of sea lions and plenty of tropical fish on the way to Pelican Rock and Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor). Larger glass-bottom boat tours offer more about the history of Los Cabos as passengers enjoy sweeping views of Pelican Rock, El Arco, and Land’s End—where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
El Arco can be reached by boat from the dock in Cabo San Lucas and other departure points such as Medano Beach. Various trips depart for El Arco from both spots, including small speedboat rides, glass-bottom boat trips, private yachts, and convenient water taxis.
No, you cannot walk to El Arco. El Arco is a rock formation located at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. While there are several nearby beaches, you can only truly admire the Arch of Cabo San Lucas from the water.
El Arco is likely millions of years old, and would have formed at the same time as the Baja Peninsula itself.
No, but you can visit Lover's Beach or Divorce Beach, both of which are a short paddle from El Arco. Both beaches are only accessible by boat, however, so many tours combine a visit to the sandy shores with a detour to admire El Arco from the water.
Most boat tours from Cabo San Lucas to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco) last anywhere from about 45 minutes to an hour. Tours aboard glass-bottom boats are a great option to see marine life, while sunset cruises—which typically take about two hours—are a hit with photographers.
You can walk through the Arch in Cabo San Lucas during a special event that only takes place every few years. At this time, sand accumulates under the arch and the tide recedes enough that visitors can walk through it. (You still need to take a boat to get to the arch).
The best time of day to visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas is just before sunset, particularly if you want to take photos of the sun as it sets behind it. However, if you’re more interested in seeing sea life, come early in the day to avoid the crowds.
The only way to get to the Arch in Cabo is by watercraft. There are all sorts of water tours that make getting to the rock a breeze, from relaxed boat trips that take visitors from the marina to the arch and back again to kayaking and snorkeling tours.
No, you cannot see El Arco from the beach. Instead, you’ll need to hop aboard a boat and make your way out to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Group tours are the most economical option, but you can also take a private water taxi out to the rock formation.
Yes, you can paddleboard to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, but it’s a good idea to go with a guide. Stand-up paddleboard tours not only help keep you safe, but they also generally include equipment like paddleboards, life jackets, and even extras, such as wet suits and snorkeling gear.
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