REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Whale Watching & Arch Catamaran Cruise in Cabo San Lucas
Book on Viator →Operated by Go n Travel in Cabo · Bookable on Viator
Cabo’s arch looks better from the water. This 2-hour sunset trimaran ride is built around three big Cabo photo moments: Lovers’ Beach, a local sea lion colony, and the famous Cabo Arch. I also like the comfort setup: a restroom-equipped boat with both open-air space and shaded areas, plus an unlimited open bar that keeps the trip relaxed. The one catch to consider is that this isn’t really a nonstop party cruise, so if you want loud, club-style energy the whole time, you may find the onboard vibe calmer than you expect.
From check-in to the ride back, the experience is designed to feel easy. You’ll cruise with a fun music playlist, get chances for photos along the way, and return without feeling rushed—sunset comes first. I’ll be honest: there’s an add-on taco dinner for $10 more, but if you’re hungry, you’ll want to plan how you’ll handle food beyond the included drinks.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go
- What This 2-Hour Cabo Trimaran Cruise Feels Like
- The Sights: Lovers’ Beach, Sea Lions, and the Cabo Arch
- Deck Comfort: Open Air Views Plus Shaded Places (and Bathrooms)
- Open Bar Reality: Unlimited Drinks Without Constant Getting Up
- Music, Photo Stops, and the Overall Vibe
- Departure Times: Sunset Cruise vs the 1:00 PM Snorkel Option
- Where You Meet EcoCat and What to Expect Before You Go
- Taco Dinner Add-On: Worth It or Better to Eat Before
- The One Potential Problem Spot: Music Expectations and On-Board Handling
- Who This Cruise Is Best For
- Value Check: What You’re Really Paying For
- Should You Book This Whale Watching & Arch Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the cruise?
- Does this tour include an open bar?
- Are refreshments included besides alcohol?
- What areas does the cruise focus on?
- Are restrooms available on the boat?
- Is transportation included?
- Where do I meet for this tour?
- Do I need a printed ticket?
- Is confirmation provided at booking?
- What are the departure times?
Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go

- Two decks worth choosing: open-air spots for views plus shaded areas to cool down
- Restrooms on board: down-below bathrooms mean you do not have to skip comfort for the sake of scenery
- Unlimited open bar: bottled water, sodas, and juices are included, and the bar stays flowing
- The Cabo Arch payoff: you’re not just passing it from far away—you’re cruising alongside it for good angles
- Sea life stop is built in: you’ll see Cabo’s sea lion colony during the route, not just the rocks and coastline
What This 2-Hour Cabo Trimaran Cruise Feels Like

This cruise is the kind of Cabo experience that hits the sweet spot: you get iconic views without needing to plot your own route, and you can relax the whole time instead of rushing around town. The boat is a trimaran—stable and comfortable—so you can actually enjoy the scenery rather than spending the trip bracing yourself.
The timing also matters. The ride is about 2 hours, and it’s paced for sightseeing plus sunset. In practice, that means you spend enough time near the most famous coastlines to feel like you saw them, but you’re still back in time to keep the evening going.
One thing I like about this format is that it’s a shared cruise. That usually translates into a better flow: you check in, join the group, and the crew focuses on running the boat and keeping everyone comfortable. Based on how the crew operates onboard (especially around drinks and where people can sit), the trip is designed for an easy-going group experience rather than a rigid, lecture-heavy one.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
The Sights: Lovers’ Beach, Sea Lions, and the Cabo Arch

The headline view is the Cabo Arch. From the water, it’s dramatic in a way you do not get from postcards, because you see the rock formations in context—how the coastline curves and how the arch sits against the open sea. This is where you’ll want your phone ready. If you’re bringing a camera, bring it close to where you’ll be standing or sitting, not stowed away like you’re saving it for a museum.
Then there’s Lovers’ Beach. It’s one of those Cabo landmarks that makes sense the second you see it from the boat: you understand why the coastline is such a magnet for people and why sunset views in Cabo always feel special. Even if you’re not planning to swim there, seeing it from the water gives you the right perspective.
The cruise also includes the local sea lion colony. This is a big deal for anyone who likes wildlife, because sea lions are active and visible without the long wait that some offshore wildlife tours can require. You’re not stuck staring at water for hours hoping something happens—this route already points you toward a known sea life area.
And because the coastline is the real star, you’ll also pass other ocean-side rock formations. That means even if you miss one perfect shot, there’s usually another angle a few minutes later.
Deck Comfort: Open Air Views Plus Shaded Places (and Bathrooms)

Cabo sun can be intense. What I really appreciate is that you’re not forced to choose between heat and views. The boat has both open-air deck space and shaded areas, so you can rotate depending on how the light and temperature feel.
A huge plus for longer sightseeing cruises is the restroom setup. This one is restroom-equipped, and there are bathrooms down below deck. That changes the whole comfort level of a two-hour cruise. You can stay out on deck for the best views without doing that awkward math of whether you can wait until you’re back.
Seating also seems designed for real use, not just standing around. In particular, people can recline on front netting, and there’s space inside or outside to grab a seat when you want a break from the sun.
If you’re the type who likes to move during a cruise—first one side for the arch angles, then another for sunset reflection—this layout helps. You’re not trapped.
Open Bar Reality: Unlimited Drinks Without Constant Getting Up

This cruise includes an unlimited open bar, plus bottled water and soft drinks (sodas and juices). That matters because it removes the stress of figuring out what you’ll drink and when. You can focus on the route and the sights.
The crew also comes around with drinks, which means you’re not stuck waiting at a bar station. One review specifically called out that the staff was attentive and helped keep drinks flowing without making people go back and forth.
There’s also a music playlist onboard. The sound level seems to depend on the moment of the trip. One important detail: the experience is not meant to be a loud party cruise the whole time. During the main portion, the goal is to keep things comfortable for watching and enjoying the scenery. If there’s music on the way back, it’s described as light.
So think of it as a fun cruise with music, not a nightclub on the water.
Music, Photo Stops, and the Overall Vibe

A good sunset cruise does two things at once: it keeps the mood upbeat and it respects the moment when the light turns gold. This one leans toward the scenic side. The music playlist adds energy, and the ride is described as fun and entertaining, but the atmosphere still lets you enjoy the views.
Photo opportunities are part of the cruise flow. You’ll have moments to capture the arch and coastline, and you don’t need to rely on someone chasing you around with a camera to get your pictures. In fact, one reviewer contrasted this with other boats that had more aggressive photo-selling.
That said, there can still be a photo package available onboard. The key practical point: if you want to stay in control of spending, treat any photo upsell as optional.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Cabo San Lucas
Departure Times: Sunset Cruise vs the 1:00 PM Snorkel Option

EcoCat runs multiple sailings from the same style of operation. The info you have here notes that 5:00 pm is the sunset cruise, while 1:00 pm is a snorkel cruise adventure. They’re described as part of the same general set of offerings, just at different times.
If you want the classic Cabo moment—golden light, arch views, and a slow cruise back—pick the 5:00 pm sailing. If you want water time and visibility for snorkeling, the 1:00 pm option is the better fit.
If you’re unsure which one matches your energy, think about what you want most:
- Sunset cruise = scenery and atmosphere
- Snorkel cruise = water time (more active, less about the evening vibe)
Where You Meet EcoCat and What to Expect Before You Go

You start at EcoCat Catamaran Tours, located at Blvd Marina Loc F 13, 14 y 15, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.
Check-in is part of the deal: you need to arrive and check in at the EcoCat office inside the EcoBar Restaurant in the Marina, in front of the Tesoro/Wyndham Resort and next to Baja Cantina. You also need to check in 30 minutes before departure.
The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated return. And since pickup is listed as offered, it’s worth confirming the exact pickup situation when you book, because transportation is also listed as not included. Bottom line: plan for meeting at the marina unless your booking confirms pickup for your stop.
You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent at booking.
Taco Dinner Add-On: Worth It or Better to Eat Before

One thing to know: there’s an optional taco dinner for $10 more, with chicken, pork, and fish tacos. This is not included in the base package.
Would I add it? That depends on how you like to travel:
- If you want one smooth, mostly planned evening, the taco add-on can help you avoid hunting for food right after the cruise.
- If you’d rather keep the night flexible, eat beforehand or plan dinner in town, especially if you like trying different places.
Since you’re on a sunset schedule, either option can work. Just don’t assume food is included unless you choose the add-on.
The One Potential Problem Spot: Music Expectations and On-Board Handling
Here’s the balance. Most comments emphasize great hosting, attentive drinks service, and a well-paced ride. Still, one story stood out about a staff member dropping a bank card into the ocean while the card owner was purchasing an onboard photo package.
That incident is obviously disruptive, and it should not happen. The provider’s response also clarified their intent around music volume, saying the experience avoids loud party energy during the main part of the trip so guests can enjoy the arch and sunset.
So the practical takeaway is simple:
- If you’re booking for a calm sunset vibe, this is generally aligned with how the experience is described.
- If you’re particular about onboard handling (money, cards, documents), keep valuables secured and minimize time spent at any purchase table.
Most cruises run smoothly, but you’d rather be proactive than have a bad moment ruin a great sunset.
Who This Cruise Is Best For
This is a strong match if you:
- Want iconic Cabo views without a complicated plan
- Like the idea of a relaxed shared cruise with drinks included
- Care about comfort features like shaded deck space and restrooms onboard
- Want a two-hour experience that doesn’t eat your whole afternoon
It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with people who don’t all want the same thing. Not everyone wants strenuous activity; on this boat, you can just sit, sip, and enjoy the coastline while everyone gets the same big landmarks.
You might consider a different cruise if:
- You’re chasing nonstop party energy and loud music the entire time
- You need more instruction-heavy sightseeing with continuous narration (this experience focuses more on the ride and views than long, detailed commentary, based on the style described)
- You’re the type who hates any photo or upsell options onboard, since there may be photo packaging available
Value Check: What You’re Really Paying For
You do not have the pricing details here, so I can’t tell you whether it’s the cheapest option. But you can still judge the value based on what’s included.
You get:
- Unlimited open bar
- Bottled water, sodas, and juices
- A comfortable trimaran setup with both shade and open-air areas
- Restrooms on board
- Time built around the Cabo Arch, Lovers’ Beach, and sea lion viewing
That’s a lot to pack into a two-hour window. The real value is not just the drinks—it’s removing hassle. When drinks are handled, seating is comfortable, and bathrooms exist, the whole trip feels lighter. You’re not constantly making decisions about food, schedules, or where to stand to get a view.
If you would normally spend money on drinks during a tour and pay for transport to and from the marina, the included bar becomes part of the value equation.
Should You Book This Whale Watching & Arch Cruise?
If you want the classic Cabo sunset feel with major viewpoints—especially the Cabo Arch—and you like the idea of an easy two-hour cruise with an unlimited open bar and comfort features, this is an excellent pick.
I’d especially recommend it if you:
- Hate complicated plans and want your time to feel smooth
- Appreciate comfort details like shade and onboard restrooms
- Enjoy wildlife viewing near known areas, like the sea lion colony
If you’re sensitive to music volume, go into it expecting a calmer sunset mood rather than constant club energy. And if you plan to buy anything onboard, keep your payment methods secure and watch your belongings closely.
Bottom line: this is a practical, scenic Cabo cruise with the kind of onboard comforts that make it worth your evening.
FAQ
How long is the cruise?
The whale watching & Arch catamaran cruise is approximately 2 hours.
Does this tour include an open bar?
Yes. The cruise includes unlimited open bar, plus bottled water, sodas, and juices.
Are refreshments included besides alcohol?
Yes. Bottled water, sodas, and juices are included.
What areas does the cruise focus on?
It’s designed to cover Lovers’ Beach, a local sea lion colony, and the Cabo arch, with photo opportunities along the way.
Are restrooms available on the boat?
Yes. The boat is described as restroom-equipped, with bathrooms down below deck.
Is transportation included?
Transportation is not included. Pickup is listed as offered, so you should confirm the exact pickup details when booking.
Where do I meet for this tour?
You meet at EcoCat Catamaran Tours, inside the EcoBar Restaurant in the Marina, in front of the Tesoro/Wyndham Resort, next to Baja Cantina. Everyone must check in at the EcoCat office 30 minutes before departure.
Do I need a printed ticket?
No. A mobile ticket is offered.
Is confirmation provided at booking?
Yes. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
What are the departure times?
The information provided notes 1:00 pm for the snorkel cruise adventure and 5:00 pm for the sunset cruise.
































