See Cabo’s seabed without getting wet. I like the transparent glass-bottom boat for crisp views of the Sea of Cortez, and I really enjoyed the sea lions colony right by the Arch, where you can watch them cruise and pop up. The one thing to watch is timing: even though the tour is listed as 3 hours, the actual time on the boat can feel short, and the photo part can be a bit sales-heavy.

Pickup is from your hotel, then you roll into the marina, hop aboard, and start cruising with life jackets on. The tour runs with a live guide in English or Spanish, and it’s a small group limited to 10 people. One guide name that has come up is Nora, and that same group-calm energy shows up in good tours here.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Glass-bottom views over the Sea of Cortez: you’re looking down while the scenery goes by, perfect for photos.
• Iconic Cabo landmarks in one loop: the Arch, Lovers Beach, Pelican’s Rock, and the end-of-the-earth viewpoint.
• Sea lions colony right by the action: you can watch them underwater instead of just spotting them from shore.
• Pacific Ocean side viewpoints: great angles toward Cabo’s resort coast.
• Included tequila tasting plus shopping time: optional tasting, with time to browse afterward.
• Expect a possible photo pitch: ask how pictures are handled and what it costs before you say yes.

Glass-bottom cruising in Cabo: what you really get

This is the kind of tour where the main event is the water. You’re on a transparent boat heading out over the Sea of Cortez, and the clear hull is meant to help you see marine life below. In plain terms: you spend the trip not just looking at Cabo from the surface, but also watching what’s moving under you.

I also like that the route hits Cabo’s most photographed natural shapes. You’ll pass the famous Arch, and you’ll also go by rock formations like Lovers Beach and Pelican’s Rock. That means you get lots of chances for wide shots, not just one quick photo stop.

The sea lions colony is the other big reason this tour works. Instead of waiting for a random moment when an animal surfaces, you’re positioned near the colony as part of the cruise route. When the lights hit the water just right, it’s genuinely fun to track them through the clear sections.

From hotel pickup to the marina: how the 3 hours feel

The tour starts with hotel pickup, then it’s straight to the marina. Once you’re there, you’ll board your transparent boat with life jackets provided. The experience is built for a smooth, easy pace, so you’re not figuring out logistics or transfers on your own.

The most important timing detail is how long you’re actually on the boat. The tour is listed as 3 hours overall, but at least one booking experience described the time on the water as shorter than expected. If you’re the type who cares a lot about boat time, this is the first thing to set your expectations on.

Because it’s a small group (limited to 10), you also get less pushing and shuffling than you would on bigger tours. That matters when you’re trying to line up for clear views down into the water.

The Sea of Cortez loop: Arch, Lovers Beach, and Pelican’s Rock

Your cruising route is designed around the headline views that define Cabo San Lucas. You’ll pass the Arch, and you’ll also glide by Lovers Beach and Pelican’s Rock. These aren’t random scenic stops. They’re the signature geography people come here for, and seeing them from the water makes them feel larger and more real than photos on land.

You’ll also head past the point known as the end of the earth. That part of the route is more about the feeling of reaching the edge of the map than any single “must-see” landmark. Still, it gives you a nice mental marker for how far the cruise has gone.

And yes, this is where the transparent boat matters most. If you want to photograph both the coastline shapes and what’s below, the glass-bottom design helps you do both in the same moment. It’s a simple idea, but it changes how you take pictures.

Practical tip: plan to shoot a mix of angles. Get a few wide shots as the boat passes each rock formation, then switch to downward framing when you see clearer water.

Sea lions colony near the Arch: how to watch them well

The sea lions colony is near the Arch area, so you’ll go into it as part of the same main sightseeing stretch. The goal here is watching sea lions playing under the water, not just spotting them from the top.

If you’re serious about this stop, bring patience. Animals don’t do scheduled performances, even when you’re in the right place. But the fact that you’re there as a dedicated part of the route helps your chances—this isn’t a quick drive-by.

What I like about this piece of the tour is the “watching” angle. You’re not relying on a single surface moment. Instead, you can track movement through the clear hull area as they swim and surface.

Also, keep your eye on where other passengers are looking. When the water calms down and animals move into clearer visibility, the whole group tends to notice at once.

Pacific side views: Cabo’s resort coastline from the water

After the main Sea of Cortez segment, you’ll shift to the Pacific Ocean side. This section is about views—especially toward the best resorts in Cabo. The coastline on the Pacific side has a different feel than the Arch area, so you’re not just repeating the same scenery.

This is a good part of the tour if you prefer photo moments with a big backdrop. Even without “hands-on” activities, the views can still be rewarding, especially when the light is good.

One downside to keep in mind: if you feel like you want a deeper marine-life experience, you might wish there was more extended time on the water. But for a 3-hour outing that focuses on landmarks plus sea lions, the mix makes sense.

Tequila tasting and shopping time: what’s included, what’s optional

You’ll have free shopping time after the boat ride. Shopping is included in the overall experience, but it doesn’t mean you have to buy anything. It’s a straightforward chance to look around while you’re already set up to be on the marina side.

A tequila tasting is also included in the tour price, but it’s described as optional. That means you can skip it if you’d rather keep the day moving or save your appetite and energy for something else. If you do go for it, keep it light. You’re still in the sun for hours and you’ll likely want to keep your head clear for the final stretch back.

Value note: tequila tasting can be a hit or miss depending on your expectations. Since food and drinks are not included, don’t assume you’ll be doing a full meal during the tasting. If you tend to get snacky, plan to eat before you go.

Price and value: is $70 fair for this kind of tour?

At $70 per person for about 3 hours, this tour is in the mid-range for Cabo activities, mainly because you’re paying for three things at once:

1) hotel pickup and drop-off

2) time on a transparent glass-bottom boat

3) the included tequila tasting (optional) plus life jackets

From a value standpoint, the transparency boat and the sea lions piece are the most “you can’t DIY this” parts. You’d have to find a similar boat experience and figure out how to reach the colony area yourself. Here, it’s packaged into one ride.

Where the value can dip is if your expectations about boat time are too high. If you end up feeling like you spent most of your total time not on the water, then the math feels less flattering. Another value question is the photo situation. If picture packages end up costing more than you anticipated, it can change the feeling of the price quickly.

If you like sightseeing plus a quick marine-life look-and-see, $70 can feel reasonable. If you want hours and hours of underwater viewing, you may feel you’re paying for a short window.

Practical tips: what to bring, and how to avoid photo surprises

Bring a passport or ID card. Bring sun hat and sunscreen. And keep in mind that this activity is subject to weather conditions, so be ready for the water to decide the schedule.

Also, don’t bring luggage or large bags. That restriction is there for comfort and space on the boat and at the marina.

Now, the photo part deserves your attention. One experience described the arch area as getting taken up for group photos and then the family was asked to pay a high amount for the pictures. Another described that the company took the photos for you so they could be sold, and that it wasn’t always easy to take your own. I can’t promise this is how every departure runs, but it’s enough of a pattern that you should plan.

Here’s what to do:

• Ask early what’s included about photos and whether you can take your own pictures freely.
• If there’s a photo package, ask the price before the photo moment.
• If you’re traveling with family, clarify whether pricing is per person or per group.

If you handle that up front, you’ll keep the tour fun instead of turning it into a surprise expense.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want:

• strong Cabo landmark views (Arch and nearby rock formations)
• a chance to see sea lions under the water
• a relaxed, short outing with hotel pickup and a small group

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with people who don’t want a complicated plan. Clear views through the boat and a guided route do a lot of the work for you.

It’s not a fit if you’re pregnant, have mobility impairments, or weigh over 260 lbs (118 kg). Those limits are listed as not suitable, and you should respect them.

If you’re the type who gets seasick easily, the data doesn’t mention special precautions, so you’ll want to use your own judgment based on your history with boats. And if you’re chasing a long, in-depth marine encounter, consider whether this format feels short for your style.

Should you book this Cabo glass-bottom cruise and tequila tasting?

I think it’s worth booking if you’re coming to Cabo for the highlights: the Arch, famous rock formations, and the chance to watch sea lions in their environment from a clear view. The crystal boat experience and the sea lions part are the core strengths, and when the lighting and water visibility cooperate, the pictures come out looking impressive.

I’d hold off or book with caution if your top priority is maximizing time on the water or if you’re very sensitive to photo upcharges. Set expectations for the length, and confirm the photo policy before you get swept into the moment.

If you want a clean, guided way to get iconic Cabo views plus an underwater look, this is a solid pick. Just go in knowing that $70 is paying for a short, well-organized loop—so you’ll enjoy it most when you’re there for the wow factor, not for hours and hours of underwater time.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The activity is listed as 3 hours. The exact time on the boat can vary based on the day’s flow and conditions.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $70 per person.

Does this include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is the tequila tasting included?

Yes, tequila tasting is included in the tour price, and it’s described as optional.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, plus a sun hat and sunscreen.

What items are not allowed?

Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is the tour time affected by weather?

Yes. The experience is subject to weather conditions.

Who isn’t it suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and people over 260 lbs (118 kg).

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