How to Visit El Arco in Cabo San Lucas (Land’s End Guide)

El Arco — the Arch at Land’s End — is the symbol of Los Cabos. This granite rock formation marks the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. You cannot walk to it, so here is everything you need to know about how to visit, what else you will see nearby and the best time to go.

How to get to El Arco

El Arco can only be reached by water. You have three options:

• Water taxi from Médano Beach or the marina: quick and inexpensive, usually shared and with limited time.
• Glass-bottom boat: a short shared tour with a view of the reef below.
• Private yacht: the most comfortable way, with your own schedule, time to swim and the option to see it at sunset. See our private yacht charters.

What you will see on the way

• Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor): the beach next to the Arch, facing the calm Sea of Cortez.
• Divorce Beach: the Pacific side — spectacular, but not for swimming.
• The sea lion colony: sea lions resting on the rocks near the Arch.
• Pelican Rock: a classic snorkeling spot full of tropical fish.
• Neptune’s Finger and the cliffs of Land’s End.

Can you land at Lover’s Beach?

Water taxis and some boats can drop you on the Sea of Cortez side of Lover’s Beach when conditions allow. Swim only on that side — the Pacific side has strong waves and currents. Read more in our guide to swimmable beaches.

Local tip: The Arch changes with the tide and the light. Late afternoon gives you warm colors on the rock, and at low tide you can sometimes see sand under the arch.

Best time to visit El Arco

• Morning: calmer water and fewer boats — best for snorkeling at Pelican Rock.
• Sunset: the most beautiful light and the best photos. Our sunset cruises are timed for it.
• Winter (mid-December to mid-April): a chance to see humpback whales on the same trip.

How long do you need?

The classic route — marina, Lover’s Beach, sea lions, El Arco and back — takes about 2 hours on a private yacht. With 4 hours you can add swimming and snorkeling in a calm bay such as Santa María or Chileno.